As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2022
File No. 033-05033
File No. 811-04642
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 | ☒ |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 91 | ☒ |
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Area Code and Telephone Number: (800) 367-5877
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Jennifer S. Fromm, Esq.
Vice President and Senior Counsel
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies of All Correspondence to:
David C. Mahaffey, Esq.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1666 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
| ☐ | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
| ☒ | on April 29, 2022 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 |
| ☐ | 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ | on or at such later date as the Commission shall order pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ | 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ | on _____________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
| ☐ | this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
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| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | | ||||||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.75 | % | | | | | | | 0.75 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | | | None | | | ||||
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.17 | % | | | | | | | 0.92 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement (a) | | | | | | (0.07) | % | | | | | | | (0.07) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement (a) | | | | | | 1.10 | % | | | | | | | 0.85 | % | | | |
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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| | | $112 |
| | | | | $365 | | | | | | | | $637 | | | | | | | | $1,414 | | | | |
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Class I
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| | | $87 |
| | | | | $286 | | | | | | | | $502 | | | | | | | | $1,125 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q4/2021: | | | 17.12% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q1/2020: | | | -22.92% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -5.02% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | | Since Inception Class I (4/30/13) | | | ||||||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 46.41 | % | | | | | | | 12.71 | % | | | | | | | 11.95 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | |
| | | Class I | | | | | | 46.87 | % | | | | | | | 13.00 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | 10.58 | % | | | |
| | | FTSE Nareit Equity REITs Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 43.24 | % | | | | | | | 10.75 | % | | | | | | | 11.38 | % | | | | | | | 9.26 | % | | | |
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1st $1 billion
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$1+ billion through $2 billion
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Over $2 billion
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0.75%
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0.70%
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0.65%
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1/1/21 to
12/31/21
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1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
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1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
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1/1/18 to
12/31/18
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1/1/17 to
12/31/17
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| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 17.71 | | | | | | 18.54 | | | | | | 16.40 | | | | | | 19.23 | | | | | | 20.31 | | |
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Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
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| | | | 0.17 | | | | | | 0.22 | | | | | | 0.30 | | | | | | 0.28 | | | | | | 0.25 | | |
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Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
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| | | | 8.01 | | | | | | (0.52) | | | | | | 4.20 | | | | | | (1.41) | | | | | | 0.92 | | |
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Total from Investment Operations
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| | | | 8.18 | | | | | | (0.30) | | | | | | 4.50 | | | | | | (1.13) | | | | | | 1.17 | | |
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Dividends from Net Investment Income
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| | | | (0.16) | | | | | | (0.20) | | | | | | (0.34) | | | | | | (0.30) | | | | | | (0.29) | | |
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Distributions from Net Realized Gains
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| | | | (0.41) | | | | | | (0.33) | | | | | | (2.02) | | | | | | (1.40) | | | | | | (1.96) | | |
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Total Distributions
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| | | | (0.57) | | | | | | (0.53) | | | | | | (2.36) | | | | | | (1.70) | | | | | | (2.25) | | |
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Change in Net Asset Value
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| | | | 7.61 | | | | | | (0.83) | | | | | | 2.14 | | | | | | (2.83) | | | | | | (1.08) | | |
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Net Asset Value, End of Period
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| | | $ | 25.32 | | | | | | 17.71 | | | | | | 18.54 | | | | | | 16.40 | | | | | | 19.23 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 46.41% | | | | | | (1.55) | | | | | | 27.42 | | | | | | (6.53) | | | | | | 5.97 | | |
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Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
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| | | $ | 111,162 | | | | | | 71,741 | | | | | | 77,044 | | | | | | 65,357 | | | | | | 77,564 | | |
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Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
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| | | | 1.10% | | | | | | 1.14(4) | | | | | | 1.16(4) | | | | | | 1.16 | | | | | | 1.16 | | |
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Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
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| | | | 1.17% | | | | | | 1.20 | | | | | | 1.20 | | | | | | 1.19 | | | | | | 1.21 | | |
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Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
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| | | | 0.77% | | | | | | 1.30 | | | | | | 1.57 | | | | | | 1.54 | | | | | | 1.24 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 16% | | | | | | 26 | | | | | | 44% | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | 24 | | |
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1/1/21 to
12/31/21
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1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
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1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
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1/1/18 to
12/31/18
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1/1/17 to
12/31/17
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| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 17.70 | | | | | | 18.51 | | | | | | 16.35 | | | | | | 19.19 | | | | | | 20.27 | | |
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Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
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| | | | 0.23 | | | | | | 0.34 | | | | | | 0.40 | | | | | | 0.34 | | | | | | 0.30 | | |
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Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
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| | | | 8.02 | | | | | | (0.60) | | | | | | 4.14 | | | | | | (1.43) | | | | | | 0.93 | | |
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Total from Investment Operations
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| | | | 8.25 | | | | | | (0.26) | | | | | | 4.54 | | | | | | (1.09) | | | | | | 1.23 | | |
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Dividends from Net Investment Income
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| | | | (0.23) | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.36) | | | | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.35) | | |
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Distributions from Net Realized Gains
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| | | | (0.41) | | | | | | (0.33) | | | | | | (2.02) | | | | | | (1.40) | | | | | | (1.96) | | |
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Total Distributions
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| | | | (0.64) | | | | | | (0.55) | | | | | | (2.38) | | | | | | (1.75) | | | | | | (2.31) | | |
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Change in Net Asset Value
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| | | | 7.61 | | | | | | (0.81) | | | | | | 2.16 | | | | | | (2.84) | | | | | | (1.08) | | |
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Net Asset Value, End of Period
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| | | $ | 25.31 | | | | | | 17.70 | | | | | | 18.51 | | | | | | 16.35 | | | | | | 19.19 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 46.87% | | | | | | (1.33) | | | | | | 27.78 | | | | | | (6.36) | | | | | | 6.25 | | |
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Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
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| | | $ | 8,321 | | | | | | 4,152 | | | | | | 2,173 | | | | | | 215 | | | | | | 207 | | |
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Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
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| | | | 0.85% | | | | | | 0.89(4) | | | | | | 0.91(4) | | | | | | 0.91 | | | | | | 0.91 | | |
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Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
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| | | | 0.92% | | | | | | 0.95 | | | | | | 0.95 | | | | | | 0.94 | | | | | | 0.96 | | |
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Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
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| | | | 1.04% | | | | | | 2.08 | | | | | | 2.04 | | | | | | 1.85 | | | | | | 1.49 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 16% | | | | | | 26 | | | | | | 44 | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | 24 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
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| | 8502 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
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| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | | | | Class A | | | ||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.69 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | |
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.14 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.08 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | (0.05) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | 1.03 | % | | | |
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Class A
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| | | $105 |
| | | | | $339 | | | | | | | | $591 | | | | | | | | $1,313 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 33.70% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q4/2018: | | | -18.49% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -13.49% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | ||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 12.14 | % | | | | | | | 24.35 | % | | | | | | | 18.15 | % | | | |
| | | Russell 1000® Growth Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 27.60 | % | | | | | | | 25.32 | % | | | | | | | 19.79 | % | | | |
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1st $250 million
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$250+ million through $500 million
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Over $500 million
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0.70%
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0.65%
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0.60%
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1/1/21 to
12/31/21
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1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
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1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
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1/1/18 to
12/31/18
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1/1/17 to
12/31/17
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| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 48.92 | | | | | | 34.44 | | | | | | 25.62 | | | | | | 31.40 | | | | | | 24.09 | | |
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Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
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| | | | (0.33) | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (0.08) | | | | | | (0.09) | | | | | | (0.05) | | |
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Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
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| | | | 6.12 | | | | | | 17.42 | | | | | | 10.22 | | | | | | (1.92) | | | | | | 8.75 | | |
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Total from Investment Operations
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| | | | 5.79 | | | | | | 17.20 | | | | | | 10.14 | | | | | | (2.01) | | | | | | 8.70 | | |
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Dividends from Net Investment Income
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| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Distributions from Net Realized Gains
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| | | | (5.55) | | | | | | (2.72) | | | | | | (1.32) | | | | | | (3.77) | | | | | | (1.39) | | |
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Total Distributions
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| | | | (5.55) | | | | | | (2.72) | | | | | | (1.32) | | | | | | (3.77) | | | | | | (1.39) | | |
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Change in Net Asset Value
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| | | | 0.24 | | | | | | 14.48 | | | | | | 8.82 | | | | | | (5.78) | | | | | | 7.31 | | |
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Net Asset Value, End of Period
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| | | $ | 49.16 | | | | | | 48.92 | | | | | | 34.44 | | | | | | 25.62 | | | | | | 31.40 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 12.14% | | | | | | 50.23 | | | | | | 39.87 | | | | | | (7.25) | | | | | | 36.07 | | |
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Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
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| | | $ | 316,332 | | | | | | 314,826 | | | | | | 232,834 | | | | | | 187,160 | | | | | | 224,253 | | |
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Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
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| | | | 1.03% | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.03 | | |
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Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
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| | | | 1.08% | | | | | | 1.10 | | | | | | 1.11 | | | | | | 1.11 | | | | | | 1.13 | | |
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Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
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| | | | (0.66)% | | | | | | (0.55) | | | | | | (0.24) | | | | | | (0.28) | | | | | | (0.16) | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 5% | | | | | | 7 | | | | | | 9% | | | | | | 15 | | | | | | 21 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8501 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
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| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | | | | Class A | | | ||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.70 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | |
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.12 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | (0.14) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement (a) | | | | | | 0.98 | % | | | |
| | | | | | | 1 Year
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| | | 3 Years
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| | | 5 Years
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| | | 10 Years
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| | | Class A
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| | | $100 |
| | | | | $342 | | | | | | | | $603 | | | | | | | | $1,351 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 20.09% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q1/2020: | | | -21.22% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -0.16% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | ||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 17.39 | % | | | | | | | 13.21 | % | | | | | | | 11.89 | % | | | |
| | | MSCI USA High Dividend Yield Index (net) (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 20.86 | % | | | | | | | 11.07 | % | | | | | | | 11.93 | % | | | |
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1st $250 million
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$250+ million through $500 million
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Over $500 million
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0.70%
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0.65%
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0.60%
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| | | | 1/1/21 to
12/31/21
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| | 1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| | 1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| | 1/1/18 to
12/31/18
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| | 1/1/17 to
12/31/17
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| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 11.54 | | | | | | 13.15 | | | | | | 10.34 | | | | | | 12.00 | | | | | | 11.97 | | |
| Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | | | | | 0.29 | | | | | | 0.19 | | | | | | 0.12 | | | | | | 0.11 | | | | | | 0.12 | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 1.69 | | | | | | 1.78 | | | | | | 2.84 | | | | | | (1.65) | | | | | | 2.58 | | |
Total from Investment Operations
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| | | | 1.98 | | | | | | 1.97 | | | | | | 2.96 | | | | | | (1.54) | | | | | | 2.70 | | |
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | (0.29) | | | | | | (0.23) | | | | | | (0.15) | | | | | | (0.12) | | | | | | (0.21) | | |
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
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| | | | (0.52) | | | | | | (3.35) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (2.39) | | |
Return of Capital
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.07) | | |
Total Distributions
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| | | | (0.81) | | | | | | (3.58) | | | | | | (0.15) | | | | | | (0.12) | | | | | | (2.67) | | |
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | 1.17 | | | | | | (1.61) | | | | | | 2.81 | | | | | | (1.66) | | | | | | 0.03 | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period
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| | | $ | 12.71 | | | | | | 11.54 | | | | | | 13.15 | | | | | | 10.34 | | | | | | 12.00 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 17.39% | | | | | | 14.91 | | | | | | 28.67 | | | | | | (12.86) | | | | | | 22.96 | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
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| | | $ | 102,591 | | | | | | 98,736 | | | | | | 97,185 | | | | | | 85,845 | | | | | | 111,386 | | |
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
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| | | | 0.98% | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | |
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 1.12% | | | | | | 1.15 | | | | | | 1.13 | | | | | | 1.14 | | | | | | 1.16 | | |
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | 2.32% | | | | | | 1.47 | | | | | | 1.00 | | | | | | 0.97 | | | | | | 0.96 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 23% | | | | | | 116(4) | | | | | | 27 | | | | | | 26 | | | | | | 241 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8503 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
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| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | | ||||||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.85 | % | | | | | | | 0.85 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | | | None | | | ||||
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.16 | % | | | | | | | 0.16 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.26 | % | | | | | | | 1.01 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | (0.12) | % | | | | | | | (0.12) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement | | | | | | 1.14 | % | | | | | | | 0.89 | % | | | |
| | | | | | |
1 Year
|
| | |
3 Years
|
| | |
5 Years
|
| | |
10 Years
|
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Class A
|
| | | $116 |
| | | | | $388 | | | | | | | | $680 | | | | | | | | $1,512 | | | | |
| | |
Class I
|
| | | $91 |
| | | | | $310 | | | | | | | | $546 | | | | | | | | $1,225 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 34.42% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q1/2020: | | | -17.34% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -15.34% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | | Since Inception Class I (4/30/13) | | | ||||||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 4.98 | % | | | | | | | 26.81 | % | | | | | | | 21.27 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | |
| | | Class I | | | | | | 5.21 | % | | | | | | | 27.12 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | 22.10 | % | | | |
| | | Russell 2000® Growth Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 2.83 | % | | | | | | | 14.53 | % | | | | | | | 14.14 | % | | | | | | | 13.11 | % | | | |
| | |
1st $1 billion
|
| | |
Over $1 billion
|
| |
| | |
0.85%
|
| | |
0.80%
|
| |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18
|
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17
|
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 40.14 | | | | | | 31.48 | | | | | | 26.70 | | | | | | 28.66 | | | | | | 21.61 | | |
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
|
| | | | (0.32) | | | | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.16) | | | | | | (0.03) | | | | | | (0.12) | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 2.26 | | | | | | 14.19 | | | | | | 10.00 | | | | | | 3.66 | | | | | | 8.93 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 1.94 | | | | | | 13.84 | | | | | | 9.84 | | | | | | 3.63 | | | | | | 8.81 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (5.91) | | | | | | (5.18) | | | | | | (5.06) | | | | | | (5.59) | | | | | | (1.76) | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (5.91) | | | | | | (5.18) | | | | | | (5.06) | | | | | | (5.59) | | | | | | (1.76) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (3.97) | | | | | | 8.66 | | | | | | 4.78 | | | | | | (1.96) | | | | | | 7.05 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 36.17 | | | | | | 40.14 | | | | | | 31.48 | | | | | | 26.70 | | | | | | 28.66 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 4.98% | | | | | | 44.64 | | | | | | 37.31 | | | | | | 11.66 | | | | | | 40.85 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 118,751 | | | | | | 126,411 | | | | | | 96,996 | | | | | | 80,309 | | | | | | 79,597 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net
Assets(3) |
| | | | 1.16%(4) | | | | | | 1.16 | | | | | | 1.19(4) | | | | | | 1.19 | | | | | | 1.19 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 1.26% | | | | | | 1.28 | | | | | | 1.28 | | | | | | 1.27 | | | | | | 1.30 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets |
| | | | (0.80)% | | | | | | (1.00) | | | | | | (0.49) | | | | | | (0.10) | | | | | | (0.49) | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 9% | | | | | | 17 | | | | | | 11 | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | 18 | | |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 41.49 | | | | | | 32.33 | | | | | | 27.25 | | | | | | 29.08 | | | | | | 21.86 | | |
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
|
| | | | (0.23) | | | | | | (0.27) | | | | | | (0.08) | | | | | | 0.04 | | | | | | (0.06) | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 2.33 | | | | | | 14.61 | | | | | | 10.22 | | | | | | 3.72 | | | | | | 9.04 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 2.10 | | | | | | 14.34 | | | | | | 10.14 | | | | | | 3.76 | | | | | | 8.98 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (5.91) | | | | | | (5.18) | | | | | | (5.06) | | | | | | (5.59) | | | | | | (1.76) | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (5.91) | | | | | | (5.18) | | | | | | (5.06) | | | | | | (5.59) | | | | | | (1.76) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (3.81) | | | | | | 9.16 | | | | | | 5.08 | | | | | | (1.83) | | | | | | 7.22 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 37.68 | | | | | | 41.49 | | | | | | 32.33 | | | | | | 27.25 | | | | | | 29.08 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 5.21% | | | | | | 45.02 | | | | | | 37.66 | | | | | | 11.95 | | | | | | 41.16 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 9,706 | | | | | | 10,616 | | | | | | 6,619 | | | | | | 3,665 | | | | | | 1,858 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 0.91%(4) | | | | | | 0.91 | | | | | | 0.94(4) | | | | | | 0.94 | | | | | | 0.94 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 1.01% | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.03 | | | | | | 1.05 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | (0.55)% | | | | | | (0.74) | | | | | | (0.25) | | | | | | 0.12 | | | | | | (0.24) | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 9% | | | | | | 17 | | | | | | 11 | | | | | | 20 | | | | | | 18 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8505 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.) | | | | Class A | | | ||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.90 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | |
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.16 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.31 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement (a) | | | | | | (0.21) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement (a) | | | | | | 1.10 | % | | | |
| | | | | | |
1 Year
|
| | |
3 Years
|
| | |
5 Years
|
| | |
10 Years
|
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Class A
|
| | | $112 |
| | | | | $395 | | | | | | | | $698 | | | | | | | | $1,561 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 28.89% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q1/2020: | | | -22.75% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -14.24% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | ||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 19.72 | % | | | | | | | 14.35 | % | | | | | | | 14.23 | % | | | |
| | | Russell 2000® Value Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 28.27 | % | | | | | | | 9.07 | % | | | | | | | 12.03 | % | | | |
| | |
1st $400 million
|
| | |
$400+ million to $1 billion
|
| | |
Over $1 billion
|
| |
| | |
0.90%
|
| | |
0.85%
|
| | |
0.80%
|
| |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 18.96 | | | | | | 15.78 | | | | | | 12.96 | | | | | | 17.36 | | | | | | 16.69 | | |
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
|
| | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 0.16 | | | | | | 0.11 | | | | | | 0.12 | | | | | | 0.05 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 3.68 | | | | | | 4.43 | | | | | | 3.08 | | | | | | (2.72) | | | | | | 3.23 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 3.71 | | | | | | 4.59 | | | | | | 3.19 | | | | | | (2.60) | | | | | | 3.28 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | (0.03) | | | | | | (0.18) | | | | | | (0.15) | | | | | | (0.15) | | | | | | (0.12) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (2.76) | | | | | | (1.23) | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | (1.65) | | | | | | (2.49) | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (2.79) | | | | | | (1.41) | | | | | | (0.37) | | | | | | (1.80) | | | | | | (2.61) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | 0.92 | | | | | | 3.18 | | | | | | 2.82 | | | | | | (4.40) | | | | | | 0.67 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 19.88 | | | | | | 18.96 | | | | | | 15.78 | | | | | | 12.96 | | | | | | 17.36 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 19.72% | | | | | | 29.65 | | | | | | 24.63 | | | | | | (15.88) | | | | | | 20.16 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 91,698 | | | | | | 88,445 | | | | | | 77,271 | | | | | | 69,861 | | | | | | 94,638 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net
Assets(3) |
| | | | 1.10% | | | | | | 1.10 | | | | | | 1.10 | | | | | | 1.19(4) | | | | | | 1.20 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 1.31% | | | | | | 1.34 | | | | | | 1.34 | | | | | | 1.33 | | | | | | 1.34 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets |
| | | | 0.13% | | | | | | 1.04 | | | | | | 0.73 | | | | | | 0.74 | | | | | | 0.26 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 11% | | | | | | 22 | | | | | | 8 | | | | | | 11 | | | | | | 20 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8506 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | | ||||||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.50 | % | | | | | | | 0.50 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | | | None | | | ||||
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.16 | % | | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | |
| | | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | | | | | | 0.01 | % | | | | | | | 0.01 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses(a) | | | | | | 0.92 | % | | | | | | | 0.68 | % | | | |
| | | | | | |
1 Year
|
| | |
3 Years
|
| | |
5 Years
|
| | |
10 Years
|
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Class A
|
| | | $94 |
| | | | | $293 | | | | | | | | $509 | | | | | | | | $1,131 | | | | |
| | |
Class I
|
| | | $69 |
| | | | | $218 | | | | | | | | $379 | | | | | | | | $847 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 9.67% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q1/2020: | | | -9.48% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -3.94% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | | Since Inception Class I (4/30/13) | | | ||||||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 1.07 | % | | | | | | | 4.32 | % | | | | | | | 4.77 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | |
| | | Class I | | | | | | 1.29 | % | | | | | | | 4.58 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | 3.73 | % | | | |
| | | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | -1.54 | % | | | | | | | 3.57 | % | | | | | | | 2.90 | % | | | | | | | 2.75 | % | | | |
| | |
1st $250 million
|
| | |
$250+ million through $500 million
|
| | |
Over $500 million
|
| |
| | |
0.50%
|
| | |
0.45%
|
| | |
0.40%
|
| |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 9.58 | | | | | | 9.28 | | | | | | 8.72 | | | | | | 9.34 | | | | | | 9.14 | | |
| Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | | | | | 0.29 | | | | | | 0.33 | | | | | | 0.37 | | | | | | 0.39 | | | | | | 0.41 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | (0.20) | | | | | | 0.28 | | | | | | 0.54 | | | | | | (0.64) | | | | | | 0.20 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 0.09 | | | | | | 0.61 | | | | | | 0.91 | | | | | | (0.25) | | | | | | 0.61 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | (0.27) | | | | | | (0.31) | | | | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.37) | | | | | | (0.41) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (0.27) | | | | | | (0.31) | | | | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.37) | | | | | | (0.41) | | |
| Payment From Affiliate | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | —(4) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (0.18) | | | | | | 0.30 | | | | | | 0.56 | | | | | | (0.62) | | | | | | 0.20 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 9.40 | | | | | | 9.58 | | | | | | 9.28 | | | | | | 8.72 | | | | | | 9.34 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 0.97% | | | | | | 6.64 | | | | | | 10.47(5) | | | | | | (2.66) | | | | | | 6.72 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 111,758 | | | | | | 118,363 | | | | | | 116,901 | | | | | | 115,379 | | | | | | 133,430 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 0.92%(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.94(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.94(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.93 | | | | | | 0.93 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 0.91% | | | | | | 0.93 | | | | | | 0.93 | | | | | | 0.93 | | | | | | 0.96 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | 3.00% | | | | | | 3.54 | | | | | | 3.98 | | | | | | 4.23 | | | | | | 4.35 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 64% | | | | | | 92 | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | 64 | | | | | | 62 | | |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 9.57 | | | | | | 9.27 | | | | | | 8.70 | | | | | | 9.32 | | | | | | 9.12 | | |
| Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | | | | | 0.31 | | | | | | 0.35 | | | | | | 0.39 | | | | | | 0.41 | | | | | | 0.43 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | (0.19) | | | | | | 0.28 | | | | | | 0.55 | | | | | | (0.63) | | | | | | 0.20 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 0.12 | | | | | | 0.63 | | | | | | 0.94 | | | | | | (0.22) | | | | | | 0.63 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | (0.30) | | | | | | (0.33) | | | | | | (0.37) | | | | | | (0.40) | | | | | | (0.43) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (0.30) | | | | | | (0.33) | | | | | | (0.37) | | | | | | (0.40) | | | | | | (0.43) | | |
| Payment From Affiliate | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | —(4) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (0.18) | | | | | | 0.30 | | | | | | 0.57 | | | | | | (0.62) | | | | | | 0.20 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 9.39 | | | | | | 9.57 | | | | | | 9.27 | | | | | | 8.70 | | | | | | 9.32 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 1.29% | | | | | | 6.78 | | | | | | 10.89(5) | | | | | | (2.41) | | | | | | 7.00 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 1,501 | | | | | | 552 | | | | | | 954 | | | | | | 706 | | | | | | 1,378 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 0.67%(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.69(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.69(6)(7) | | | | | | 0.68 | | | | | | 0.68 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 0.67% | | | | | | 0.69 | | | | | | 0.68 | | | | | | 0.68 | | | | | | 0.70 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | 3.21% | | | | | | 3.84 | | | | | | 4.22 | | | | | | 4.46 | | | | | | 4.54 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 64% | | | | | | 92 | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | 64 | | | | | | 62 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8504 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
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| | | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | | | | Class A | | | | Class I | | | ||||||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.75 | % | | | | | | | 0.75 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | | | None | | | ||||
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.16 | % | | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 1.16 | % | | | | | | | 0.92 | % | | | |
| | | Less: Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | (0.02) | % | | | | | | | (0.03) | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | 1.14 | % | | | | | | | 0.89 | % | | | |
| | | | | | |
1 Year
|
| | |
3 Years
|
| | |
5 Years
|
| | |
10 Years
|
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Class A
|
| | | $116 |
| | | | | $366 | | | | | | | | $636 | | | | | | | | $1,407 | | | | |
| | |
Class I
|
| | | $91 |
| | | | | $290 | | | | | | | | $506 | | | | | | | | $1,129 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 20.51% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q4/2018: | | | -18.36% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -9.72% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | | Since Inception Class I (4/30/13) | | | ||||||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 8.32 | % | | | | | | | 8.93 | % | | | | | | | 5.01 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | |
| | | Class I | | | | | | 8.67 | % | | | | | | | 9.20 | % | | | | | | | | — | | | | | | | 3.43 | % | | | |
| | | MSCI All Country World ex USA Index (net) (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 7.82 | % | | | | | | | 9.61 | % | | | | | | | 7.28 | % | | | | | | | 5.69 | % | | | |
| | |
1st $250 million
|
| | |
$250+ million through $500 million
|
| | |
Over $500 million
|
| |
| | |
0.75%
|
| | |
0.70%
|
| | |
0.65%
|
| |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 14.47 | | | | | | 11.86 | | | | | | 10.09 | | | | | | 12.50 | | | | | | 10.95 | | |
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
|
| | | | (0.03) | | | | | | (0.01) | | | | | | 0.12 | | | | | | 0.24 | | | | | | 0.15 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 1.21 | | | | | | 2.81 | | | | | | 1.75 | | | | | | (2.29) | | | | | | 1.59 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 1.18 | | | | | | 2.80 | | | | | | 1.87 | | | | | | (2.05) | | | | | | 1.74 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.10) | | | | | | (0.36) | | | | | | (0.19) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (1.25) | | | | | | (0.19) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (1.25) | | | | | | (0.19) | | | | | | (0.10) | | | | | | (0.36) | | | | | | (0.19) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (0.07) | | | | | | 2.61 | | | | | | 1.77 | | | | | | (2.41) | | | | | | 1.55 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 14.40 | | | | | | 14.47 | | | | | | 11.86 | | | | | | 10.09 | | | | | | 12.50 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 8.32% | | | | | | 23.64 | | | | | | 18.54 | | | | | | (16.67) | | | | | | 15.95 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 163,146 | | | | | | 164,468 | | | | | | 148,000 | | | | | | 137,562 | | | | | | 183,403 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 1.14% | | | | | | 1.18(5)(6) | | | | | | 1.20(5)(6) | | | | | | 1.18(4) | | | | | | 1.18 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 1.16% | | | | | | 1.21 | | | | | | 1.21 | | | | | | 1.17 | | | | | | 1.21 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | (0.19)% | | | | | | (0.12) | | | | | | 1.08 | | | | | | 1.97 | | | | | | 1.24 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 28% | | | | | | 34 | | | | | | 140(7) | | | | | | 40 | | | | | | 81 | | |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18 |
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17 |
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 14.47 | | | | | | 11.83 | | | | | | 10.07 | | | | | | 12.48 | | | | | | 10.94 | | |
|
Net Investment Income (Loss)(1)
|
| | | | 0.01 | | | | | | 0.02 | | | | | | 0.15 | | | | | | 0.27 | | | | | | 0.17 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 1.21 | | | | | | 2.81 | | | | | | 1.74 | | | | | | (2.29) | | | | | | 1.59 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 1.22 | | | | | | 2.83 | | | | | | 1.89 | | | | | | (2.02) | | | | | | 1.76 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.13) | | | | | | (0.39) | | | | | | (0.22) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (1.25) | | | | | | (0.19) | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (1.25) | | | | | | (0.19) | | | | | | (0.13) | | | | | | (0.39) | | | | | | (0.22) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (0.03) | | | | | | 2.64 | | | | | | 1.76 | | | | | | (2.41) | | | | | | 1.54 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 14.44 | | | | | | 14.47 | | | | | | 11.83 | | | | | | 10.07 | | | | | | 12.48 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 8.60% | | | | | | 23.95 | | | | | | 18.77 | | | | | | (16.44) | | | | | | 16.17 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 134 | | | | | | 123 | | | | | | 100 | | | | | | 84 | | | | | | 100 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 0.89% | | | | | | 0.93(5)(6) | | | | | | 0.95(5)(6) | | | | | | 0.93(4) | | | | | | 0.93 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before waivers and reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 0.92% | | | | | | 0.97 | | | | | | 0.96 | | | | | | 0.92 | | | | | | 0.96 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | 0.06% | | | | | | 0.13 | | | | | | 1.30 | | | | | | 2.23 | | | | | | 1.48 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 28% | | | | | | 34 | | | | | | 140(7) | | | | | | 40 | | | | | | 81 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8500 | | | | |
| | Series Summary | | | | |
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | | ||
| | | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | | | | Class A | | |
| | | Shareholder Fees | | | | None | | |
| | | Annual Series Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment.) | | | | Class A | | | ||||
| | | Management Fees | | | | | | 0.55 | % | | | |
| | | Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | | | | | | 0.25 | % | | | |
| | | Other Expenses | | | | | | 0.17 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses | | | | | | 0.97 | % | | | |
| | | Recapture of expenses previously reimbursed and/or waived | | | | | | 0.01 | % | | | |
| | | Total Annual Series Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement(a) | | | | | | 0.98 | % | | | |
| | | | | | |
1 Year
|
| | |
3 Years
|
| | |
5 Years
|
| | |
10 Years
|
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Class A
|
| | | $100 |
| | | | | $310 | | | | | | | | $537 | | | | | | | | $1,191 | | | | |
| | | Best Quarter: | | | Q2/2020: | | | 22.37% | | | Worst Quarter: | | | Q4/2018: | | | -11.63% | | | Year to date (3/31/22): | | | -12.69% | | |
| | | Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21) | | | | 1 Year | | | | 5 Years | | | | 10 Years | | | ||||||||||||
| | | Class A | | | | | | 7.57 | % | | | | | | | 15.25 | % | | | | | | | 10.81 | % | | | |
| | | Russell 1000® Growth Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 27.60 | % | | | | | | | 25.32 | % | | | | | | | 19.79 | % | | | |
| | | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | -1.54 | % | | | | | | | 3.57 | % | | | | | | | 2.90 | % | | | |
| | | MSCI ACWI ex USA SMID Cap Index (net) (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 10.16 | % | | | | | | | 10.30 | % | | | | | | | 8.63 | % | | | |
| | | Strategic Allocation Series Linked Benchmark (does not reflect fees or expenses) | | | | | | 12.82 | % | | | | | | | 14.38 | % | | | | | | | 11.79 | % | | | |
| | |
1st $250 million
|
| | |
$250+ million through $500 million
|
| | |
Over $500 million
|
| |
| | |
0.55%
|
| | |
0.50%
|
| | |
0.45%
|
| |
| | | |
1/1/21 to
12/31/21
|
| |
1/1/20 to
12/31/20 |
| |
1/1/19 to
12/31/19 |
| |
1/1/18 to
12/31/18
|
| |
1/1/17 to
12/31/17
|
| |||||||||||||||
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | | | $ | 17.81 | | | | | | 13.78 | | | | | | 11.22 | | | | | | 12.62 | | | | | | 10.88 | | |
| Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 0.08 | | | | | | 0.16 | | | | | | 0.17 | | | | | | 0.16 | | |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
|
| | | | 1.28 | | | | | | 4.57 | | | | | | 2.75 | | | | | | (0.89) | | | | | | 1.89 | | |
|
Total from Investment Operations
|
| | | | 1.31 | | | | | | 4.65 | | | | | | 2.91 | | | | | | (0.72) | | | | | | 2.05 | | |
|
Dividends from Net Investment Income
|
| | | | (0.07) | | | | | | (0.11) | | | | | | (0.17) | | | | | | (0.18) | | | | | | (0.23) | | |
|
Distributions from Net Realized Gains
|
| | | | (1.55) | | | | | | (0.51) | | | | | | (0.18) | | | | | | (0.50) | | | | | | (0.08) | | |
|
Total Distributions
|
| | | | (1.62) | | | | | | (0.62) | | | | | | (0.35) | | | | | | (0.68) | | | | | | (0.31) | | |
|
Change in Net Asset Value
|
| | | | (0.31) | | | | | | 4.03 | | | | | | 2.56 | | | | | | (1.40) | | | | | | 1.74 | | |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
| | | $ | 17.50 | | | | | | 17.81 | | | | | | 13.78 | | | | | | 11.22 | | | | | | 12.62 | | |
| Total Return(2) | | | | | 7.57% | | | | | | 33.96 | | | | | | 26.05 | | | | | | (5.89) | | | | | | 18.97 | | |
|
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
| | | $ | 103,157 | | | | | | 106,684 | | | | | | 87,902 | | | | | | 79,536 | | | | | | 97,028 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets(3)
|
| | | | 0.98%(4)(5) | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | | | | | 0.98 | | |
|
Ratio of Gross Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (before Waivers and Reimbursements)(3)
|
| | | | 0.98% | | | | | | 1.00 | | | | | | 1.01 | | | | | | 1.02 | | | | | | 1.06 | | |
|
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
| | | | 0.17% | | | | | | 0.51 | | | | | | 1.22 | | | | | | 1.32 | | | | | | 1.31 | | |
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | | | | | 21% | | | | | | 28 | | | | | | 40 | | | | | | 33 | | | | | | 38 | | |
| | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (VVIT) | | | | |
| | Investment Company Act File No. 811-04642 | | |
4-22
|
|
| | 8507 | | | | |
|
SERIES
|
| |
CLASS A
|
| |
CLASS I
|
|
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
X
|
| |
X
|
|
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
X
|
| | | |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | | |
X
|
| | | |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
X
|
| |
X
|
|
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
X
|
| | | |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | |
X
|
| |
X
|
|
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | | |
X
|
| |
X
|
|
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | | |
X
|
| | | |
| | | |
Page
|
| |||
| Glossary | | | | | 3 | | |
| | | | | 6 | | | |
| | | | | 11 | | | |
| | | | | 64 | | | |
| | | | | 66 | | | |
| | | | | 88 | | | |
| | | | | 88 | | | |
| | | | | 94 | | | |
| | | | | 96 | | | |
| | | | | 99 | | | |
| | | | | 101 | | | |
| | | | | 103 | | | |
| | | | | 107 | | | |
| | | | | 107 | | | |
| | | | | A-1 | | | |
| | | | | B-1 | | | |
| | 1933 Act | | | The Securities Act of 1933, as amended | |
| | 1940 Act | | | The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended | |
| | ACH | | | Automated Clearing House, a nationwide electronic money transfer system that provides for the inter-bank clearing of credit and debit transactions and for the exchange of information among participating financial institutions | |
| | Administrator | | | The Trust’s administrative agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC | |
| | ADRs | | | American Depositary Receipts | |
| | ADSs | | | American Depositary Shares | |
| | Adviser | | | The investment adviser to the Series, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. | |
| | BNY Mellon | | | The Bank of New York Mellon, the custodian and the subadministrative and accounting agent for the Series | |
| | Board | | | The Board of Trustees of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (also referred to herein as the “Trustees”) | |
| | CCO | | | Chief Compliance Officer | |
| | CDRs | | | Continental Depositary Receipts (another name for EDRs) | |
| | CEA | | | Commodity Exchange Act, which is the U.S. law governing trading in commodity futures | |
| | CFTC | | | Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is the U.S. regulator governing trading in commodity futures | |
| | Class | | | A class of shares of a Series of the Trust discussed in this SAI | |
| | Code | | | The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is the law governing U.S. federal taxes | |
| | Custodian | | | The custodian of the Series’ assets, The Bank of New York Mellon | |
| | Distributor | | | The principal underwriter of shares of the Series, VP Distributors, LLC | |
| | Duff & Phelps | | | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., subadviser to the Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | |
| | Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | |
| | EDRs | | | European Depositary Receipts (another name for CDRs) | |
| | ETFs | | | Exchange-traded Funds | |
| | FHFA | | | Federal Housing Finance Agency, an independent Federal agency that regulates FNMA, FHLMC and the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks | |
| | FHLMC | | | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as “Freddie Mac”, which is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders | |
| | FINRA | | | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory organization with authority over registered broker-dealers operating in the United States, including VP Distributors | |
| | FNMA | | | Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as “Fannie Mae”, which is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders and subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| | Fund Complex | | | The group of funds sponsored by Virtus and managed by VIA, including the Series, the Virtus Mutual Funds and certain other closed-end funds | |
| | GDRs | | | Global Depositary Receipts | |
| | GICs | | | Guaranteed Investment Contracts | |
| | GNMA | | | Government National Mortgage Association, also known as “Ginnie Mae”, is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development | |
| | IMF | | | International Monetary Fund, an international organization seeking to promote international economic cooperation, international trade, employment and exchange rate stability, among other things | |
| | Independent Trustees | | | Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act | |
| | IRA | | | Individual Retirement Account | |
| | IRS | | | The United States Internal Revenue Service, which is the arm of the U.S. government that administers and enforces the Code | |
| | KAR | | | Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC, subadviser to the KAR Capital Growth Series, KAR Equity Income Series, KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, KAR Small-Cap Value Series and the Strategic Allocation Series (equity portion) | |
| | KAR Capital Growth Series | | | Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | |
| | KAR Equity Income Series | | | Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | |
| | KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | |
| | KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | |
| | Moody’s | | | Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. | |
| | NAV | | | Net Asset Value, which is the per-share price of a Series | |
| | Newfleet | | | Newfleet Asset Management, LLC, subadviser to the Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series and Strategic Allocation Series (fixed income portion) | |
| | Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | |
| | NYSE | | | New York Stock Exchange | |
| | OCC | | | Options Clearing Corporation, the world’s largest equity derivatives clearing corporation | |
| | OECD | | | Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, an international organization seeking to promote economic progress and world trade | |
| | PERLS | | | Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities | |
| | Prospectuses | | | The prospectuses for the Series, as amended from time to time | |
| | PwC | | | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust | |
| | Regulations | | | The Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended | |
| | RIC | | | Regulated Investment Company, a designation under the Code indicating a U.S.-registered investment company meeting the specifications under the Code allowing the investment company to be exempt from paying U.S. federal income taxes | |
| | S&P | | | S&P Global Ratings | |
| | S&P 500® Index | | | The Standard & Poor’s 500® Index, which is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested | |
| | SAI | | | This Statement of Additional Information | |
| | Series | | | The series of the Trust discussed in this SAI | |
| | SGA | | | Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, subadviser to SGA International Growth Series | |
| | SGA International Growth Series | | | Virtus SGA International Growth Series | |
| | SIFMA | | | Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (formerly, the Bond Market Association), a financial industry trade group consisting of broker-dealers and asset managers across the United States | |
| | SMBS | | | Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities | |
| | Strategic Allocation Series | | | Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | |
| | Transfer Agent | | | The Trust’s transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. | |
| | Trust | | | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | |
| | VIA | | | Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. | |
| | Virtus | | | Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., which is the parent company of the Adviser, the Distributor, the Administrator, Duff & Phelps, KAR, Newfleet, and an affiliate of SGA | |
| | Virtus Fund Services | | | Virtus Fund Services, LLC | |
| | Virtus Funds | | | The family of funds overseen by the Board, consisting of the Series, The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, the series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Investment Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Retirement Trust and the series of Virtus Strategy Trust | |
| | Virtus Mutual Funds | | | The family of funds consisting of the Series, The Merger Fund®, the series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Investment Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust and the series of Virtus Strategy Trust | |
| | VP Distributors | | | VP Distributors, LLC | |
| | World Bank | | | International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs | |
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Series
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Investment Objective(s)
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| | | Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | | To provide capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis. | | |
| | | KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | To provide long-term growth of capital. | | |
| | | KAR Equity Income Series | | | | To provide capital appreciation and current income. | | |
| | | KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | To provide long-term capital growth. | | |
| | | KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | | To provide long-term capital appreciation. | | |
| | | Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | | To provide long-term total return. | | |
| | | SGA International Growth Series | | | | To provide high total return consistent with reasonable risk. | | |
| | | Strategic Allocation Series | | | | To provide high total return over an extended period of time consistent with prudent investment risk. | | |
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Type of Service Provider
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Name of Service Provider
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| | | Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information |
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| | | Adviser | | | | VIA | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Subadviser | | | | Duff & Phelps | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Subadviser | | | | KAR | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Subadviser | | | | Newfleet | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Subadviser | | | | SGA | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Administrator | | | | Virtus Fund Services | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Distributor | | | | VP Distributors | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Custodian and Security Lending Agent | | | | The Bank of New York Mellon | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Reconciliation Services for Subadvisers (KAR) (KAR Capital Growth Series, KAR Equity Income Series, KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, KAR Small-Cap Value Series) | | | | Fiserve, Inc. | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent and Sub-transfer Agent | | | | BNY Mellon | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | | | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | | | | Annual Reporting Period, within 5 business days of the end of reporting period | | |
| | | Performance Analytics Firm | | | | FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Liquidity Management Analytics System | | | | MSCI Group | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Printing Firm for Financial Reports | | | | DFIN | | | | Semiannually, within 60 days of end of reporting period | | |
| | | Proxy Voting Service | | | | Institutional Shareholder Services | | | | Monthly | | |
| | | Class Action Service Provider | | | | Financial Recovery Technologies and Institutional Shareholder Services | | | | Monthly, with no delay | | |
| | | Back-end Compliance Monitoring System | | | | BNY Mellon | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | Code of Ethics | | | | StarCompliance, LLC | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
| | | 3rd Party Administrator for Duff & Phelps and KAR | | | | SS&C, Inc. | | | | Daily, with no delay | | |
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Type of Service Provider
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Name of Service Provider
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| | | Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information |
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| | | Portfolio Redistribution Firms | | | | Bloomberg, FactSet Research Systems, Inc. and Thompson Reuters | | | | Various frequencies depending on the series, which may include but is not limited to: fiscal quarter with a 30-day or 60-day delay. | | |
| | | Rating Agencies | | | | Lipper Inc. and Morningstar | | | | Various frequencies depending on the series, which may include but is not limited to: fiscal quarter with a 30-day or 60-day delay. | | |
| | | Virtus Public Web site | | | | Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | | | | Various frequencies depending on the series, which may include but is not limited to: fiscal quarter with a 30-day or 60-day delay. | | |
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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Debt Investing
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Each Series may invest in debt, or fixed income, instruments. Debt, or fixed income, instruments (which include corporate bonds, commercial paper, debentures, notes, government securities, municipal obligations, state- or state agency-issued obligations, obligations of foreign issuers, asset-or mortgage-backed securities, and other obligations) are used by issuers to borrow money and thus are debt obligations of the issuer. Holders of debt instruments are creditors of the issuer, normally ranking ahead of holders of both common and preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest and must repay the amount borrowed at the instrument’s maturity. Some debt instruments, such as zero-coupon bonds (discussed below), do not pay interest but may be sold at a deep discount from their face value.
Yields on debt instruments depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond, and note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity date of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt instruments with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in market conditions than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the market value of portfolio debt instruments, while a decline in interest rates generally will increase the value of the same instruments. The achievement of a Series’ investment objective depends in part on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt instruments in which the Series invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Obligations of issuers of debt instruments are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, sovereign immunity, and other laws that affect the rights and remedies of creditors. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt instruments may be materially affected.
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Convertible Securities
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A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specific price or formula. It generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities may have several unique investment characteristics such as (1) higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, (2) a lesser degree of fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics and (3) the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities often rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, are often viewed as entailing less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells
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| | A Series’ investments in convertible securities that are rated below investment grade will be limited to 5% of the Series’ total assets. | |
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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than its maturity, with the exception of zero-coupon bonds, for which maturity and duration are equal.
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High-Yield, Fixed Income Securities ("Junk Bonds")
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Investments in securities rated “BB” or below by S&P or Fitch, or “Ba” or below by Moody’s generally provide greater income (leading to the name “high-yield” securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-quality debt securities.
Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is generally considered to be significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are usually unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low-rated security defaulted, the applicable Series might incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated securities and thus in the applicable Series’ NAV.
Low-rated securities often contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the issuer of the securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable Series may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security which would result in lower returns for the Series.
A Series may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Series anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the NAV of a particular Series and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Series to obtain accurate market
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| | The Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series will limit its investments in below-investment grade securities to no more than 50% of its net assets; the Strategic Allocation Series will limit such investments to no more than 10% of its net assets. | |
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. If a Series experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities, the Series may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Series’ asset base over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Series.
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Interest Rate Environment Risk
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In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. The Federal Reserve also purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the “quantitative easing program”). The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate in December 2015, however, as the United States continues to experience the economic effects of the global health pandemic, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to zero percent in March 2020. In addition, the Federal Reserve once again implemented its quantitative easing program, announcing it would purchase government and mortgage-related bonds as part of its emergency action to protect the economy from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from the Series’ performance to the extent the Series is exposed to such interest rates. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on each Series’ ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Series assets because of the low yields from the Series’ portfolio investments. Alternatively, a general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from a Series that holds large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Series to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the Series’ performance.
Further, Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Series investments, which could cause the value of a Series’ investments and a Series’ share price to decline or create difficulties for the Series in disposing of investments. A Series that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Series that does not invest in derivatives.
A Series could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Series. To the extent a Series experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Series may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Series incurs and lower the Series’ performance.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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Inverse Floating Rate Obligations
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Certain variable rate securities pay interest at a rate that varies inversely to prevailing short-term interest rates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has risen. During periods when short-term interest rates are relatively low as compared to long-term interest rates, the Series may attempt to enhance its yield by purchasing inverse floaters. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of changes in the underlying index. While this form of leverage may increase the security’s yield, it may also increase the volatility of the security’s market value.
Similar to other variable and floating rate obligations, effective use of inverse floaters requires skills different from those needed to select most portfolio securities. If movements in interest rates are incorrectly anticipated, a Series holding these instruments could lose money and its NAV could decline.
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Letters of Credit
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Debt obligations, including municipal obligations, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks that, in the opinion of the relevant Series’ subadviser, are of investment quality comparable to other permitted investments of the Series may be used for Letter of Credit-backed investments.
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Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments
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A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of the borrower’s principal and interest payments. Loan participations of the type in which the Series may invest include interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When a Series purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Series’ obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Series disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.
There is typically a limited amount of public information available
about loans because loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission or listed on any
securities exchange. Certain of the loans in which a Series may invest may not be considered “securities,”
and therefore the Series may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws with
respect to those loans in the event of fraud or misrepresentation by a borrower. A Series may come into possession of
material, non-public information about a borrower as a result of the Series’ ownership of a loan or other floating-rate
instrument of the borrower. Because of prohibitions on trading in securities of issuers while in possession of material,
non-public information, the Series might be unable to enter into a transaction in a publicly-traded security of the borrower
when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.
Loans trade in an unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank secondary
market. Purchases and sales of loans are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before
a loan can be bought or sold. These restrictions may (i) impede the Series’ ability to buy or sell loans; (ii)
negatively affect the transaction price; (iii) affect
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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| | | | the counterparty credit risk borne by the Series; (iv) impede the Series’ ability
to timely vote or otherwise act with respect to loans; and (v) expose the Series to adverse tax or regulatory consequences.
In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled interest or principal payments on participations held by the Series, the market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a loss of value of such investment to the Series. Accordingly, such participations are speculative and may result in the income level and net assets of the Series being reduced. Moreover, loan participation agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations may be deemed by the Series to be illiquid investments. A Series will invest only in participations with respect to borrowers whose creditworthiness is, or is determined by the Series’ subadviser to be, substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody’s or S&P. For the purposes of diversification and/or concentration calculations, both the borrower and issuer will be considered an “issuer.”
The Series may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank that the relevant Series’ subadviser has determined meets the prescribed quality standards of the Series. Thus, even if the credit of the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards of the Series, the credit of the selling bank will.
Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid and therefore subject to the Series’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
Certain Series invest significantly in floating rate loans that have
interest rate provisions linked to LIBOR. LIBOR is used extensively in the U.S. and globally as a “benchmark”
or “reference rate” for such loans. However, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which
regulates LIBOR, has announced plans to phase out the use of LIBOR. Certain U.S. dollar LIBOR publications were discontinued
at the end of 2021, while the remainder are expected to end by mid- 2023.
The discontinuation of LIBOR may impact the functioning, liquidity,
and value of floating rate loans. The extent of this impact will depend on the specific loans, as well as the terms of
those loans. Many loans have interest rate provisions referencing LIBOR that, when drafted, did not contemplate the permanent
discontinuation of LIBOR and, as a result, there may be uncertainty or disagreement over how the loans should be interpreted.
For example, loans without fallback language, or with fallback language that does not contemplate the discontinuation
of LIBOR, could become less liquid and/or change in value as the date approaches when LIBOR will no longer be updated.
Further, the interest rate provisions of these loans may need to be renegotiated. Finally, there may be other risks related
to the discontinuation of LIBOR, such as loan price volatility risk and technology or systems risk.
Currently, the U.S. and other countries are working to replace LIBOR
with alternative reference rates. The transition effort in the U.S. is being led by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee
(ARRC), a diverse group of market participants convened by the Federal Reserve. After much deliberation, ARRC selected
the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the preferred LIBOR successor for U.S. dollar markets. SOFR
is a volume-weighted median of borrowing rates from the Treasury repurchase agreement market.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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| | | | National working groups in other jurisdictions have similarly identified overnight
nearly risk-free rates like SOFR as their preferred alternatives to LIBOR. The alternative reference rates may be more
volatile than LIBOR and may perform erratically until widely accepted within the marketplace. The risks associated with
this discontinuation and transition will persist if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative
reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.
The shift to SOFR from LIBOR also brings pricing challenges for borrowers
and loan issuers, who prefer exposure to credit benchmarks that will adjust to shifts in credit market conditions. SOFR
is based on the U.S. repurchase agreement market, which has no credit risk and may fall during times of stress. LIBOR,
by contrast, measures bank borrowing costs and rises during periods of stress. Lenders are adapting by pricing loans
with a spread to SOFR. However, there are risks that this spread could underprice risks if there are unexpected periods
of credit stress.
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Municipal Securities and Related Investments
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Tax-exempt municipal securities are debt obligations issued by the various states and their subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns, and school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public improvements requiring long-term capital investment. Purposes for which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports, bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others. Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of municipal securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio investments. The ability of the Series to achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Series invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when due. The ratings of Moody’s and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities which they undertake to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out that, unlike other types of investments, municipal securities have traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or registration with, the SEC, although there have been proposals which would provide for such regulation in the future.
The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States provide that, in certain circumstances, such subdivisions or authorities may be authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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Lawsuits challenging the validity under state constitutions of present systems of financing public education have been initiated or adjusted in a number of states, and legislation has been introduced to effect changes in public school financing in some states. In other instances there have been lawsuits challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds or the validity of their issuance under state or federal law which could ultimately affect the validity of those municipal securities or the tax-free nature of the interest thereon.
Descriptions of some of the municipal securities and related investment types most commonly acquired by the Series are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of municipal investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Series. For the purpose of each Series’ investment restrictions set forth in this SAI, the identification of the “issuer” of a municipal security which is not a general obligation bond is made by the applicable Series’ subadviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal and interest on such security.
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Municipal Bonds
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Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Another type of municipal bond is referred to as an industrial development bond.
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| General Obligation Bonds | | |
Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer’s pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
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| Industrial Development Bonds | | |
Industrial development bonds, which are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid is exempt from Federal income tax, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports arenas and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment.
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| Revenue Bonds | | |
The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security; including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
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Series-Specific
Limitations |
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Municipal Leases
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Each Series may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “lease obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality’s taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality’s covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the “non-appropriation” risk, these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a “non-appropriation” lease, the Series’ ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property in the event foreclosure might prove difficult. The Series’ subadviser will evaluate the credit quality of a municipal lease and whether it will be considered liquid. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Investments” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of these investments being considered illiquid.)
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Municipal Notes
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Municipal notes generally are used to provide for short-term working capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax anticipation notes.
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| Bond Anticipation Notes | | |
Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the money for the repayment of the notes.
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| Construction Loan Notes | | |
Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through FNMA or GNMA.
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| Revenue Anticipation Notes | | |
Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, such as Federal revenues available under Federal revenue sharing programs.
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Tax Anticipation Notes
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Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes.
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Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper
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Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing.
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Participation on Creditors’ Committees
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While the Series do not invest in securities to exercise control over the securities’ issuers, each Series may, from time to time, participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Series. Such participation may subject the relevant Series to expenses such as legal fees and may deem the Series an “insider” of the issuer for purposes of the Federal securities laws and expose the Series to material non-public information of the issuer, and therefore may restrict the Series’ ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Series on such committees also may expose the Series to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of
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creditors and debtors. A Series will participate on such committees only when the Series’ subadviser believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Series’ rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Series.
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Payable in Kind (“PIK”) Bonds
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PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or “in kind”, which means in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Series will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Series’ distribution obligations. The market prices of PIK bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically, and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than would otherwise similar bonds on which regular cash payments of interest are being made.
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Ratings
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The rating or quality of a debt security refers to a rating agency's assessment of the issuer’s creditworthiness, i.e., its ability to pay principal and interest when due. Higher ratings indicate better credit quality, as rated by independent rating organizations such as Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, which publish their ratings on a regular basis. Appendix A provides a description of the various ratings provided for bonds (including convertible bonds), municipal bonds, and commercial paper.
After a Series purchases a debt security, the rating of that security may be reduced below the minimum rating acceptable for purchase by the Series. A subsequent downgrade does not require the sale of the security, but the Series’ subadviser will consider such an event in determining whether to continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that ratings established by Moody’s or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Series will invest in securities which are deemed by the Series’ subadviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Series.
Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market-value risk and therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.
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Sovereign Debt
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Each Series may invest in “sovereign debt,” which is issued or guaranteed by foreign governments (including countries, provinces and municipalities) or their agencies and instrumentalities. Sovereign debt may trade at a substantial discount from face value. The Series may hold and trade sovereign debt of foreign countries in appropriate circumstances to participate in debt conversion programs. Emerging-market country sovereign debt involves a higher degree of risk than developed markets, is generally lower-quality debt, and is considered speculative in nature due, in part, to the extreme and volatile nature of debt burdens in such countries and because emerging market governments can be relatively unstable. The issuer or governmental authorities that control sovereign-debt repayment (“sovereign debtors”) may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the debt. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a
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timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash-flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy towards the IMF, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearage on their debt. The commitment of these third parties to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the sovereign debtor’s implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of the debtor’s obligations. The sovereign debtor’s failure to meet these conditions may cause these third parties to cancel their commitments to provide funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair the debtor’s ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In certain instances, the Series may invest in sovereign debt that is in default as to payments of principal or interest. In the event that the Series hold non-performing sovereign debt, the Series may incur additional expenses in connection with any restructuring of the issuer’s obligations or in otherwise enforcing their rights thereunder.
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Brady Bonds
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Each Series may invest a portion of its assets in certain sovereign debt obligations known as “Brady Bonds.” Brady Bonds are issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. The Brady Plan contemplates, among other things, the debtor nation’s adoption of certain economic reforms and the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as the World Bank or the IMF. The World Bank or IMF supports the restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements that enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to replenish reserves used to reduce outstanding bank debt. Under these loan agreements or other arrangements with the World Bank or IMF, debtor nations have been required to agree to implement certain domestic monetary and fiscal reforms. The Brady Plan sets forth only general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction, emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between debtor nations and their creditors.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the “residual risk”). In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds can be viewed as speculative.
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Stand-by Commitments
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Each Series may purchase securities together with the right to resell them to the seller or a third party at an agreed-upon price or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a stand-by commitment, and the aggregate price which a Series pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce the yield, of the security. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit the Series to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet
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unanticipated redemptions. Stand-by commitments acquired by a Series are valued at zero in determining the Series’ NAV. Stand-by commitments involve certain expenses and risks, including the inability of the issuer of the commitment to pay for the securities at the time the commitment is exercised, non-marketability of the commitment, and differences between the maturity of the underlying security and the maturity of the commitment.
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Strip Bonds
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Strip bonds are debt securities that are stripped of their interest (usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued. The market value of these securities generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturity.
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Tender Option Bonds
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Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face value of the bond. This investment structure is commonly used as a means of enhancing a security’s liquidity.
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Variable and Floating Rate Obligations
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Each Series may purchase securities having a floating or variable rate of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specific formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate (the “underlying index”). The floating rate tends to decrease the security’s price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. These securities may carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.
In order to most effectively use these investments, a Series’ subadviser must correctly assess probable movements in interest rates. This involves different skills than those used to select most other portfolio securities. If the Series’ subadviser incorrectly forecasts such movements, the Series could be adversely affected by the use of variable or floating rate obligations.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Series may purchase include variable rate demand securities. Variable rate demand securities are variable rate securities that have demand features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than the price that the Series paid for them. The interest rate on variable rate demand securities also varies either according to some objective standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.
When a Series purchases a floating or variable rate demand instrument, the Series’ subadviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest on demand. The Series’ right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Series elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment when due, except when such demand instrument permits same day settlement. To facilitate settlement, these same day demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Series’ custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement between the bank and the Series’ custodian.
The floating and variable rate obligations that the Series may purchase also include certificates of participation in such obligations purchased from banks. A certificate of participation gives the Series an
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undivided interest in the underlying obligations in the proportion that the Series’ interest bears to the total principal amount of the obligation. Certain certificates of participation may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer prior to maturity.
The income received on certificates of participation in tax-exempt municipal obligations constitutes interest from tax-exempt obligations.
Each Series will limit its purchases of floating and variable rate obligations to those of the same quality as it otherwise is allowed to purchase. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in prevailing market interest rates or changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness.
A floating or variable rate instrument may be subject to a Series’ percentage limitation on illiquid securities if there is no reliable trading market for the instrument or if the Series may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Zero and Deferred Coupon Debt Securities
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Each Series may invest in debt obligations that do not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity (“deferred coupon” bonds) or until maturity (“zero coupon” bonds). The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond’s having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is normally initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, the bond may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. The value to the investor of these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond’s life or payment deferral period.
Because deferred and zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments for a certain period of time, they are generally purchased by a Series at a deep discount and their value fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments. The degree of fluctuation with interest rate changes is greater when the deferred period is longer. Therefore, when a Series invests in zero or deferred coupon bonds, there is a risk that the value of the Series’ shares may decline more as a result of an increase in interest rates than would be the case if the Series did not invest in such bonds.
Even though zero and deferred coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, each Series is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, a Series would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Series’ current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Series might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements.
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Derivative Investments
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Each Series may invest in various types of derivatives, which may at times result in significant derivative exposure. A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each Series may invest in derivative instruments including, but not limited to: futures contracts, put options, call options, options on future contracts, options on foreign currencies, swaps, forward contracts, structured investments, and other equity-linked derivatives.
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Each Series may use derivative instruments for hedging (to offset risks associated with an investment, currency exposure, or market conditions) or in pursuit of its investment objective(s) (to seek to enhance returns). When a Series invests in a derivative, the risks of loss of that derivative may be greater than the derivative’s cost. No Series may use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly. In addition to other considerations, a Series’ ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by tax considerations. (See “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this SAI.)
Investments in derivatives may subject a Series to special risks in addition to normal market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investment in securities. For example, a percentage of the Series’ assets may be segregated to cover its obligations with respect to the derivative investment, which may make it more difficult for the Series’ subadviser to meet redemption requests or other short-term obligations.
Investments in derivatives in general are also subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Investments in derivatives may not directly correlate with the price movements of the underlying instrument. As a result, the use of derivatives may expose the Series to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case.
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Commodity Interests
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Certain of the derivative investment types permitted for the Series may be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA and regulations approved by the CFTC. However, each Series intends to limit the use of such investment types as required to qualify for exclusion or exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in commodity interests under such regulations. As a result, except as otherwise noted below each Series has filed a notice of exclusion under CFTC Regulation 4.5 or exemption under CFTC Regulation 4.13(a)(3).
The CFTC adopted amendments to its rules that may affect the Series’ ability to continue to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation. If a Series' use of these techniques would cause the Series to be considered a “commodity pool” under the CEA, then the Adviser would be subject to registration and regulation as the Series' commodity pool operator, and the Series' subadviser may be subject to registration and regulation as the Series' commodity trading advisor. A Series may incur additional expense as a result of the CFTC’s registration and regulation obligations, and the Series' use of these techniques and other instruments may be limited or restricted.
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Credit-linked Notes
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Credit-linked notes are derivative instruments used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio (“reference entities”). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle that sells credit protection through a credit default swap agreement in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The special purpose vehicle invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the credit default swap. Should a default occur, the special purpose vehicle would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders.
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Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well.
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Equity-linked Derivatives
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Each Series may invest in equity-linked derivative products the performance of which is designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or "basket" of stocks, or to a single stock. Investments in equity-linked derivatives involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the types of securities such products are designed to track. There can be no assurance that the trading price of the equity-linked derivatives will equal the underlying value of the securities purchased to replicate a particular investment or that such basket will replicate the investment.
Investments in equity-linked derivatives may constitute investments in other investment companies. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of a Series investing in other investment companies.)
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Eurodollar Instruments
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The Series may invest in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar instruments are dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and time deposits issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Series might use Eurodollar instruments to hedge against changes in interest rates or to enhance returns.
Eurodollar obligations are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issuers, most notably income risk (and, to a lesser extent, credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk). Additionally, Eurodollar obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign withholding taxes, and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers. However, Eurodollar obligations will undergo the same type of credit analysis as domestic issuers in which a Series invests.
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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options
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Each Series may engage in certain derivative foreign currency exchange and option transactions involving investment risks and transaction costs to which the Series would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If a Series’ subadviser’s predictions of movements in the direction of securities prices or currency exchange rates are inaccurate, the adverse consequences to the Series may leave the Series in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of option and foreign currency forward and futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Series’ subadviser’s ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of securities prices and currency exchange rates; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. The Series’ ability to enter into futures contracts is also limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.)
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A Series may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates. In addition, a Series may write covered put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of increasing its return.
A Series may enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward contracts”) and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts. For certain hedging purposes, the Series may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Series the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A put option on a currency gives the Series the right to sell the currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Series the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on a currency gives the Series the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option.
When engaging in position hedging, a Series enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are denominated (or an increase in the values of currency for securities which the Series expects to purchase, when the Series holds cash or short-term investments). In connection with position hedging, the Series may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and on foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. (A Series may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis, as discussed in “Foreign Currency Transactions” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature. It is also impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Series to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Series is obligated to deliver and a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Series is obligated to deliver.
Hedging transactions do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities which a Series owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in value of such currency.
A Series may seek to increase its return or to offset some of the costs of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by writing covered put options and covered call options on foreign currencies. In that case, the Series receives a premium from writing a put or call option, which increases the Series’ current return if the option expires
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Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures generally. In addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts similar to those associated with options on foreign currencies. (See “Foreign Currency Options” and “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts”, each in this sub-section of the SAI.) The Series must accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency, through banking arrangements, in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery which are assessed in the issuing country.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into a futures contract or an option transaction, a Series will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the net amount of the Series’ obligation. For foreign currency futures transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the daily value of the futures contract, marked to market.
Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated “contracts markets” by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. As of the date of this SAI, the Series may invest in futures contracts under specified conditions without being regulated as commodity pools. However, under CFTC rules the Series’ ability to maintain the exclusions/exemptions from the definition of commodity pool may be limited. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI.)
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Foreign Currency Options
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A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close its position during the option period for such options any time prior to expiration.
A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates. Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates. While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Series against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement in the value of such currency. For example, if the Series were holding securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if the Series had entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of purchase and the settlement date, the Series would not have to exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of foreign currency needed for settlement.
The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the other referenced currency. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and have no relationship to the
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investment merits of a foreign security, including foreign securities held in a “hedged” investment portfolio. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, the Series may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.
As in the case of other kinds of options, the use of foreign currency options constitutes only a partial hedge, and a Series could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may not necessarily constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the event of rate movements adverse to the Series’ position, the Series may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
Options on foreign currencies written or purchased by a Series may be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies traded over the counter or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.
For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Currency Warrants
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Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants are warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between two specified currencies as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time.
Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the currency exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed).
Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate
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relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining “time value” of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if the warrants were “out-of-the-money,” in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants.
Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the OCC. Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants could be considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from complex political or economic factors.
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Performance Indexed Paper
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Performance indexed paper is commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain currency exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the designated currencies as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.
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Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities (“PERLS”)
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PERLS are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the particular currencies at or about that time. The return on “standard” principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the base currency, and is adversely affected by increases in the exchange value of the base currency. “Reverse” PERLS are like the “standard” securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the base currency and adversely impacted by increases in the value of other currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made at rates that reflect the degree of currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.
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Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
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Each Series may use interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency, dividend basket or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an
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agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, and it is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest rate and volatility futures contracts currently are traded in the United States primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the London International Financial Futures Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange. Volatility futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex. Dividend futures are also traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex, NYSE Euronext Liffe, London Stock Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange.
A Series may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes discussed above. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.
Except as otherwise described in this SAI, the Series will limit their use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions and in an attempt to increase total return, in accordance with federal regulations. The costs of, and possible losses incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Series’ current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Series resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.
The Series will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Series, the Series is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Series upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Series expect to earn interest income on their initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Series is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Series pays or receives cash, called “variation margin,” equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as “marking to market.” Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Series but is instead a settlement between the Series and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily NAV, the Series will mark to market its open futures positions.
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if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the cash or U.S. Treasury bills committed with respect to its existing futures and related options positions and the premiums paid for related options would exceed 5% of the market value of its total assets.
No Series may enter into a futures contract for the delivery of a security if, immediately thereafter, the value of the securities called for by all of such Series’ outstanding futures contracts (for both receipt and delivery) would exceed 10% of the market value of such Series’ total assets.
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commissions and may cause an increase in the Series’ portfolio turnover rate.
The successful use of futures contracts and related options may also depend on the ability of the relevant Series’ subadviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or option is held by a Series or such prices move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Series may realize a loss on the transaction which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities. Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases where the movements of the securities underlying the options and futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio securities. As a result, the Series’ total return for the period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.
Utilization of futures contracts by a Series involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the securities being hedged, the Series will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities. It is possible that, where a Series has sold futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Series’ portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Series would lose money on the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the prices of securities before the Series is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Series then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Series will realize a loss on the futures that would not be offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off-setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements. In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the cash market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk for the Series because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transaction costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Series while the purchase or sale of the futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.
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For additional information about options transactions, see “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in this section of the SAI.
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Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities
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Each Series may purchase mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, which collectively are securities backed by mortgages, installment contracts, credit card receivables or other financial assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are made periodically, thus in effect “passing through” such payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. The average life of asset-backed securities varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments, and the average life of a mortgage-backed instrument, in particular, is likely to be less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities as a result of mortgage prepayments, where applicable. For this and other reasons, an asset-backed security’s stated maturity may be different, and the security’s total return may be difficult to predict precisely.
If an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected prepayments will decrease yield to maturity.
Prepayments of principal of mortgage-related securities by mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures affect the average life of the mortgage-related securities in the Series’ portfolio. Mortgage prepayments are affected by the level of interest rates and other factors, including general economic conditions and the underlying location and age of the mortgage. In periods of rising interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to decrease, lengthening the average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. The longer the remaining maturity of a security the greater the effect of interest rate changes will be. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market’s perception of its creditworthiness also affect the market value of that issuer’s debt securities.
In periods of falling interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to increase, shortening the average life of a pool. Because prepayments of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that the Series, to the extent that it retains the same percentage of debt securities, may have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at lower interest rates than those of its previous investments. If this occurs, that Series’ yield will correspondingly decline. Thus, mortgage-related securities may have less potential for capital appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed income securities of comparable duration, although they may have a comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest rates. To the extent that the Series purchases mortgage-related securities at a premium, unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.
Duration is one of the fundamental tools used by a Series' subadviser in managing interest rate risks including prepayment risks. Traditionally, a debt security’s “term to maturity” characterizes a security’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. “Term to maturity,” however, measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of prematurity payments. Most debt securities provide interest (“coupon”) payments in addition to a final (“par”) payment at maturity, and some securities have call provisions allowing the issuer to repay the instrument in full before maturity date,
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each of which affect the security’s response to interest rate changes. “Duration” therefore is generally considered a more precise measure of interest rate risk than “term to maturity.” Determining duration may involve a subadviser’s estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary from actual future values. Generally, fixed income securities with longer effective durations are more responsive to interest rate fluctuations than those with shorter effective durations. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the value of securities having an effective duration of three years will generally decrease by approximately 3%.
Descriptions of some of the different types of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities most commonly acquired by the Series are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of mortgage-related and asset-backed investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Series.
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)
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CMOs are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both mortgage-backed and mortgage pass-through securities. Interest and prepaid principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases, monthly. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams.
CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.
FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. The amount of principal payable on each monthly payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC’s mandatory sinking fund schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the “pass-through” nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC’s minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.
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CMO Residuals
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CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the
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CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The “residual” in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. In certain circumstances a Series may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Series’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Mortgage Pass-through Securities
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Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government-related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs. “Modified pass-through” securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The principal governmental guarantor of U.S. mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed mortgages. Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates that represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC’s national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC guarantee the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on securities they issue, but the securities they issue are neither issued nor guaranteed by the United States Government.
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Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments for such securities. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets a Series’ investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. A Series may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the Series’ subadviser determines that the securities meet the Series’ quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable and may therefore be subject to the Series’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Series’ industry concentration restrictions set forth in the “Investment Restrictions” section of this SAI by virtue of the exclusion from the test available to all U.S. Government securities. The assets underlying such securities may be represented by a portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Series will consider the assets underlying privately-issued, mortgage-related securities, and other asset-backed securities, when determining the industry of such securities for purposes of the Series’ industry concentration restrictions set forth in the ‘Investment Restrictions’ section of this SAI, and as a result such securities may not be deemed by the Series to represent the same industry or group of industries. In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.
It is possible that the availability and the marketability (that is, liquidity) of the securities discussed in this section could be adversely affected by the actions of the U.S. Government to tighten the availability of its credit. On September 7, 2008, the FHFA, an agency of the U.S. Government, placed FNMA and FHLMC into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal
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business operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate FNMA and FHLMC until they are stabilized. The conservatorship is still in effect as of the date of this SAI and has no specified termination date. There can be no assurance as to when or how the conservatorship will be terminated or whether FNMA or FHLMC will continue to exist following the conservatorship or what their respective business structures will be during or following the conservatorship. FHFA, as conservator, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to its appointment if it determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA’s or FHLMC’s affairs. Furthermore, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. If FHFA were to transfer any such guarantee obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guarantee obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
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Other Asset-Backed Securities
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Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.
Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.
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Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities (“SMBS”)
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SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Series’ yield to maturity from these
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securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Series may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. The market value of the PO class generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Series’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
Each Series may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the relevant Series' investment objectives and policies.
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Options
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Each Series may purchase or sell put and call options on securities, indices and other financial instruments. Options may relate to particular securities, foreign and domestic securities indices, financial instruments, volatility, credit default, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two securities. Such options may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the OCC.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price before the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. A premium is paid to the writer by the purchaser in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell and a writer the obligation to buy the security at the stated exercise price before the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, options written by a Series will be covered and will remain covered as long as the Series is obligated as a writer. A call option is “covered” if the Series owns the underlying security or its equivalent covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration if such cash is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Series holds on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if appropriate liquid assets representing the difference are segregated by the Series. A put option is “covered” if the Series maintains appropriate liquid securities with a value equal to the exercise price, or owns on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
A Series’ obligation to sell an instrument subject to a covered call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a secured put option written by it, may be terminated before the expiration of the option by the Series’ execution of a closing purchase transaction. This means that a Series buys an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the
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Each Series may invest up to an aggregate of 5% of its total assets in exchange-traded or over-the-counter call and put options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies.
No Series may write options on more than 50% of its total assets.
Immediately after entering into an opening option position, the total value of all open option positions based on exercise price will not exceed 10% of the Strategic Allocation Series’ total assets.
The Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series may only purchase a call option to terminate a previously written call option.
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underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a closing purchase plus related transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Series will experience a loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. A Series that has written an option and is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument (in the case of a covered call option) or liquidate the segregated assets (in the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. The Series will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.
To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into an option transaction, a Series will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the market value of the security or index on which the option is written. For options transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the market value of the underlying instrument but will not be less than the exercise price.
Options purchased are recorded as an asset and written options are recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums paid or received. The amount of this asset or liability will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by a Series expires unexercised, the Series will realize a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Series enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Series will realize a gain if the premium received by the Series on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Series expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Series enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold), and the liability related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a Series is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Series will realize a gain or loss.
Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails more complex and potentially greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
There are several other risks associated with options. For example, there are significant differences among the securities, currency, volatility, credit default and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons that include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the OCC may not at all
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times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that options not traded on registered domestic securities exchanges and the assets used to cover the amount of the Series’ obligation pursuant to such options are illiquid, and are therefore subject to each Series’ limitation on investments in illiquid securities. However, for options written with “primary dealers” in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be calculated by reference to a formula price. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Options on Indexes and “Yield Curve” Options
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Each Series may enter into options on indexes or options on the “spread,” or yield differential, between two fixed income securities, in transactions referred to as “yield curve” options. Options on indexes and yield curve options provide the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. With respect to options on indexes, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple. With respect to yield curve options, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the yields of designated securities.
With respect to yield curve options, a call or put option is covered if a Series holds another call or put, respectively, on the spread between the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account liquid assets sufficient to cover the Series’ net liability under the two options. Therefore, the Series’ liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference between the amount of the Series’ liability under the option it wrote less the value of the option it holds. A Series may also cover yield curve options in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.
The trading of these types of options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, yield curve options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.
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Reset Options
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In certain instances, a Series may purchase or write options on U.S. Treasury securities, which provide for periodic adjustment of the strike price and may also provide for the periodic adjustment of the premium during the term of each such option. Like other types of options, these transactions, which may be referred to as “reset” options or “adjustable strike” options grant the purchaser the right to purchase (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), a specified type of U.S. Treasury security at any time up to a stated expiration date (or, in certain instances, on such date). In contrast to other types of options, however, the price at which the underlying security may be purchased or sold under a “reset” option is determined at various intervals during the term of the option, and such price fluctuates from interval to interval based on changes in the market value of the underlying security. As a result, the strike price of a “reset” option, at the time of exercise, may be less advantageous than if the strike price had been
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fixed at the initiation of the option. In addition, the premium paid for the purchase of the option may be determined at the termination, rather than the initiation, of the option. If the premium for a reset option written by a Series is paid at termination, the Series assumes the risk that (i) the premium may be less than the premium which would otherwise have been received at the initiation of the option because of such factors as the volatility in yield of the underlying Treasury security over the term of the option and adjustments made to the strike price of the option, and (ii) the option purchaser may default on its obligation to pay the premium at the termination of the option. Conversely, where a Series purchases a reset option, it could be required to pay a higher premium than would have been the case at the initiation of the option.
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Swaptions
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A Series may enter into swaption contracts, which give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price on or before a specified date. Over-the-counter swaptions, although providing greater flexibility, may involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options as they are not backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded, and as such, there is a risk that the seller will not settle as agreed. A Series’ financial liability associated with swaptions is linked to the marked-to-market value of the notional underlying investments. Purchased swaption contracts are exposed to a maximum loss equal to the price paid for the option/swaption (the premium) and no further liability. Written swaptions, however, give the right of potential exercise to a third party, and the maximum loss to the Series in the case of an uncovered swaption is unlimited.
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Swap Agreements
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Each Series may enter into swap agreements on, among other things, interest rates, indices, securities and currency exchange rates. A Series' subadviser may use swaps in an attempt to obtain for the Series a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Series than if the Series had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on 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 at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. The “notional amount” of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. A Series’ obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the 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”). A Series’ obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily on the Series' accounting records (offset against any amounts owing to the Series) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by specifically designating on the accounting records of the Series liquid assets to avoid leveraging of the Series’ portfolio.
Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be illiquid and therefore subject to the Series’ limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Moreover, the Series 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. A
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Series’ subadviser will cause the Series to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Series’ repurchase agreement guidelines. (See “Repurchase Agreements” in this section of the SAI.) Certain restrictions imposed on the Series by the Code may limit the Series’ ability to use swap agreements. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of this SAI.) The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Series’ ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by eligible participants and must meet certain conditions (each pursuant to the CEA and regulations of the CFTC). However, CFTC rule amendments dictate that certain swap agreements be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications of investments being considered commodity interests under the CEA.)
The SEC and the CFTC have developed rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for swap transactions. Under these regulations, certain swap transactions will be required to be executed on a regulated trading platform and cleared through a derivatives clearing organization. Additionally, the regulations impose other requirements on the parties entering into swap transactions, including requirements relating to posting margin, and reporting and documenting swap transactions. A Series engaging in swap transactions may incur additional expenses as a result of these regulatory requirements. The Adviser is continuing to monitor the implementation of the regulations and to assess their impact on the Series.
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Credit Default Swap Agreements
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Each Series may enter into credit default swap agreements. A credit default swap is a bilateral financial contract in which one party (the protection buyer) pays a periodic fee in return for a contingent payment by the protection seller following a credit event of a reference issuer. The protection buyer must either sell particular obligations issued by the reference issuer for its par value (or some other designated reference or strike price) when a credit event occurs or receive a cash settlement based on the difference between the market price and such reference price. A credit event is commonly defined as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, material adverse restructuring of debt, or failure to meet payment obligations when due. A Series may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Series is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Series loses its investment and recovers nothing; however, if an event of default occurs, the Series receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Series receives a periodic fee throughout the term of the contract, provided there is no default event; if an event of default occurs, the Series must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. The value of the reference obligation received by the Series as a seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value the Series pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Series.
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As with other swaps, when a Series enters into a credit default swap agreement, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Series will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the Series’ net exposure under the swap (the “Segregated Assets”). Generally, the minimum cover amount for a swap agreement is the amount owed by the Series, if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis. With respect to swap contracts that provide for the netting of payments, the net amount of the excess, if any, of the Series’ obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. With respect to swap contracts that do not provide for the netting of payments by the counterparties, the full notional amount for which the Series is obligated under the swap contract with respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued full notional value will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. When the Series sells protection on an individual credit default swap, upon a credit event, the Series may be obligated to pay the cash equivalent value of the asset. Therefore, the cover amount will be the notional value of the underlying credit. With regard to selling protection on an index (CDX), as a practical matter, the Series would not be required to pay the full notional amount of the index; therefore, only the amount owed by the Series, if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis is required as cover.
Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the Series had invested in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Series will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties deemed creditworthy by the Series’ subadviser.
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Dividend Swap Agreements
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A dividend swap agreement is a financial instrument where two parties contract to exchange a set of future cash flows at set dates in the future. One party agrees to pay the other the future dividend flow on a stock or basket of stocks in an index, in return for which the other party gives the first call options. Dividend swaps generally are traded over the counter rather than on an exchange.
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Inflation Swap Agreements
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Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (e.g., the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), while the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used by a Series to hedge the inflation risk associated with non-inflation indexed investments, thereby creating “synthetic” inflation-indexed investments. One factor that may lead to changes in the values of inflation swap agreements is a change in real interest rates, which are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, which may lead to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement.
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Total Return Swap Agreements
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“Total return swap” is the generic name for any non-traditional swap where one party agrees to pay the other the “total return” of a defined underlying asset, usually in return for receiving a stream of cash flows based upon an agreed rate. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined portfolios of loans and mortgages. A
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total return swap is a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap is spread to reflect the non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between the two parties. No notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps.
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Variance and Correlation Swap Agreements
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Variance swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. “Actual variance” as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its “volatility”) over the length of the contract term. In other words, the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. “Correlation” as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories. A Series may enter into variance or correlation swaps in an attempt to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets.
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Equity Securities
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The Series may invest in equity securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and preference stocks; securities such as bonds, warrants or rights that are convertible into stocks; and depositary receipts for those securities.
Common stockholders are the owners of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, usually have the right to vote on various corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the company, but rather, in the event of liquidation of the company, would be entitled to their pro rata shares of the company’s assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders) and, if applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. A preferred stockholder is a shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of the company’s fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders are distributions of the earnings or other surplus of the company and not interest payments, which are expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the Series may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities traded on a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Series of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by shareholders or otherwise may require the Series to sell the security at less than the reported value of the security, to sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities, including equity securities, is based upon the market’s perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a company’s worth.
Stock values may fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short- term risks than other types of securities. Smaller or newer issuers may be more likely to realize more substantial growth or suffer more significant losses. Investments in these companies can be both more volatile and more
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speculative. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Series invests will cause the NAV of the Series to fluctuate.
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Initial Public Offerings
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A Series may invest in a company’s securities at the time of a company’s
initial public offering (“IPO”). Companies involved in IPOs are often smaller and have a limited operating
history, which involves a greater risk that the value of their securities will be impaired following the IPO. In addition,
market psychology prevailing at the time of an IPO can have a substantial and unpredictable effect on the price of an
IPO security, causing the price of a company’s securities to be particularly volatile at the time of its IPO and
for a period thereafter. As a result, a Series’ Adviser or subadviser might decide to sell an IPO security more
quickly than it would otherwise, which may result in significant gains or losses to the Series.
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Securities of Small and Mid Capitalization Companies
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While small and medium-sized issuers in which a Series invests may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger market capitalization issuers, investments in such companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. For example, smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In addition, many small and mid-capitalization company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements, than stocks of larger companies. The securities of small and mid-capitalization companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities of larger companies. When a Series invests in small or mid-capitalization companies, these factors may result in above-average fluctuations in the NAV of the Series’ shares. Therefore, a Series investing in such securities should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Similarly, an investment in a Series solely investing in such securities should not be considered a complete investment program.
Market capitalizations of companies in which the Series invest are determined at the time of purchase.
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Unseasoned Companies
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As a matter of operating policy, each Series may invest to a limited extent in securities of unseasoned companies and new issues. The Adviser regards a company as unseasoned when, for example, it is relatively new to, or not yet well established in, its primary line of business. Such companies generally are smaller and younger than companies whose shares are traded on the major stock exchanges. Accordingly, their shares are often traded over-the-counter and their share prices may be more volatile than those of larger, exchange-listed companies. Generally, the Series will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one company with a record of fewer than three years’ continuous operation (including that of predecessors).
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Foreign Investing
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The Series may invest in a broad range of securities of foreign issuers, including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign government securities. The Series may purchase the securities of issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred to as “emerging markets.” The Series may also invest in domestic securities denominated in foreign currencies.
Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S.
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investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers’ assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit a Series’ ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by a Series will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. Finally, the Series may encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers of foreign securities.
Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Series and which may not be recoverable by the Series or their investors.
The Trust may use an eligible foreign custodian in connection with its purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust’s foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic custodians. These considerations include the possibility of expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments.
Settlement procedures relating to the Series’ investments in foreign securities and to the Series’ foreign currency exchange transactions may be more complex than settlements with respect to investments in debt or equity securities of U.S. issuers, and may involve certain risks not present in the Series’ domestic investments. For example, settlement of transactions involving foreign securities or foreign currency may occur within a foreign country, and a Series may be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying securities or currency in conformity with any applicable U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations, and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery. Such investments may also involve the risk that an entity involved in the settlement may not meet its obligations. Settlement procedures in many foreign countries are less established than those in the United States, and some foreign country
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this section of the SAI under the heading “Foreign Investing.”) In addition to risks associated with the underlying portfolio of securities, receipt holders also must consider credit standings of the custodians and broker/dealer sponsors. The receipts are not registered with the SEC and qualify as Rule 144A securities which may make them more difficult and costly to sell. (For information about Rule 144A securities, see “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Emerging Market Securities
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The Series may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world’s major economies, and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any country: (i) having an “emerging stock market” as defined by the International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income economies according to the World Bank; (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the adviser to be an emerging market as defined above.
Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and may consequently be economically dependent on a relatively few or closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities. While a Series’ subadviser will strive to be sensitive to publicized reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social developments may affect the values of the Series’ investments in such countries and the availability of additional investments in such countries.
The risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging 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. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Series is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Series to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Series to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Series due to subsequent declines in value of portfolio securities or, if a Series has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. Securities prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances, whether because deterioration occurs in an emerging market’s balance of payments or for other reasons. The Series could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Series of any restrictions on investments.
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Investments in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations and increase the expenses of the Series.
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Foreign Currency Transactions
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When investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Series will be subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. An adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the Series’ assets. Any such change may also have the effect of decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Further, no assurance can be given that currency exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a later date.
As a result of its investments in foreign securities, a Series may receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such securities are denominated. In that event, the Series may convert such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under certain circumstances, however, such as where the Series’ subadviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time the currencies are received or the Series’ subadviser anticipates, for any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Series may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
In addition, a Series may be required to receive delivery of the foreign currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Series is exercised or the Series is unable to close out a forward contract. A Series may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.
A Series may also elect to take delivery of the currencies’ underlying options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Series’ subadviser, it is in the best interest of the Series to do so. In such instances as well, the Series may convert the foreign currencies to dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
While the holding of currencies will permit a Series to take advantage of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also exposes the Series to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction adverse to the Series’ position. Such losses could reduce any profits or increase any losses sustained by the Series from the sale or redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies could adversely affect the Series’ profit or loss on currency options or forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies.
When a Series effects foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market, the Series incurs expenses in converting assets from one currency to another. A Series may also effect other types of foreign currency exchange transactions, which have their own risks and costs. For information about such transactions, please see “Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options” under “Derivatives” in this section of the SAI.
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Foreign Investment Companies
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Some of the countries in which the Series may invest may not permit, or may place economic restrictions on, direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may be permitted only
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through foreign government-approved or -authorized investment vehicles, which may include other investment companies. These funds may also invest in other investment companies that invest in foreign securities. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Series would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. Those expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Series bears directly in connection with its own operations. For additional information, see “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.
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Privatizations
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The governments of some foreign countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises (“privatizations”). Privatizations may offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation. In certain foreign countries, the ability of foreign entities such as the Series to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Series may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful.
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Funding Agreements
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Each Series may invest in funding agreements, which are insurance contracts between an investor and the issuing insurance company. For the issuer, they represent senior obligations under an insurance product. For the investor, and from a regulatory perspective, these agreements are treated as securities. These agreements, like other insurance products, are backed by claims on the general assets of the issuing entity and rank on the same priority level as other policy holder claims. Funding agreements typically are issued with a one-year final maturity and a variable interest rate, which may adjust weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some agreements carry a seven-day put feature. A funding agreement without this feature is considered illiquid and will therefore be subject to the Series’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.) Funding agreements are regulated by the state insurance board of the state where they are executed.
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Guaranteed Investment Contracts
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Each Series may invest in GICs issued by U.S. and Canadian insurance companies. A GIC requires the investor to make cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company’s general account. The insurance company then makes payments to the investor based on negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the contract is paid from the insurance company’s general assets. Generally, a GIC is not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist. Therefore, these investments may be deemed to be illiquid, in which case they will be subject to the Series’ limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See “Illiquid and Restricted Securities” in this section of the SAI.)
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Illiquid and Restricted Securities
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Illiquid securities are investments that a Series reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Each Series may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid assets. No Series may acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Series would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
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investments that are assets. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act (“restricted securities”), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, such as over-the-counter options, and repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal in seven days. Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities, and they also may incur higher risks.
Repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and time deposits that do not provide for payment to the Series within seven days may be deemed illiquid securities for this purpose unless such securities are variable amount master demand notes with maturities of nine months or less or unless the Series’ subadviser has determined that an adequate trading market exists for such securities or that market quotations are readily available.
The Series may purchase Rule 144A securities sold to institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act and commercial paper issued in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, for which an institutional market has developed. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on the issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment of the unregistered security.
An investment’s contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of the investment and therefore the investments described in this section may be determined to be liquid in accordance with the Series’ liquidity risk management program approved by the Board. The Trustees have delegated to each Series’ investment adviser the determination of the liquidity of such investments in the respective Series’ portfolio as administrator of the Series’ liquidity risk management program. The Series’ investment adviser will take into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations when determining whether an investment is illiquid.
If illiquid assets exceed 15% of a Series’ net assets after the time of purchase, the Series will take steps to reduce, in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, its holdings of illiquid securities. Because illiquid securities may not be readily marketable, the relevant Series’ subadviser may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Series may be forced to hold illiquid securities while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid securities may cause the NAV of the Series holding them to decline. An investment that is determined by a Series’ investment adviser to be liquid may subsequently revert to being illiquid if not enough buyer interest exists.
Restricted securities ordinarily can be sold by the Series in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. When registration is required, the Series may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Series might obtain a less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to sell.
Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees or their delegate.
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Leverage
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Each Series may employ investment techniques that create leverage, either by using borrowed capital to increase the amount invested, or investing in instruments, including derivatives, where the investment loss can exceed the original amount invested. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.
The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a mutual fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and stand-by commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and other similar trading practices (additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found throughout this section of the SAI). As a result, when a Series enters into such transactions the transactions may be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as borrowing. (See “Borrowing” below for additional information.)
The following are some of the Series’ permitted investment techniques that are generally viewed as creating leverage for the Series.
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Borrowing
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A Series’ ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no-action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a Series is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Series’ total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the Series’ total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a Series may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.
Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Series’ portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A Series also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
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| | No Series may borrow money, except (i) in amounts not to exceed one-third of the value of the Series’ total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks, and (ii) up to an additional 5% of its total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. For purposes of this restriction, (a) investment techniques such as margin purchases, short sales, forward commitments, and roll transactions, (b) investments in instruments such as futures contracts, swaps, and options, and (c) short-term credits extended in connection with trade clearances and settlement shall not constitute borrowing. | |
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Interfund Borrowing and Lending
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The Virtus Funds and their investment advisers have received exemptive relief from the SEC which permits the Virtus Funds to participate in an interfund lending program. The interfund lending program allows the participating Virtus Funds to borrow money from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure
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fair and equitable treatment of the participating Virtus Funds, including the following: (1) no Virtus Fund may borrow money through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be available to any of the participating Virtus Funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no Virtus Fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable return than that available from an investment in overnight repurchase agreements or the yield of any money market fund in which the Virtus Fund could invest. In addition, a Virtus Fund may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with its investment objectives, policies and limitations. Interfund loans and borrowings have a maximum duration of seven days and loans may be called on one business day’s notice.
A participating Virtus Fund may not lend to another Virtus Fund under the interfund lending program if the interfund loan would cause its aggregate outstanding interfund loans to exceed 15% of its current net assets at the time of the loan. Interfund loans by a Virtus Fund to any one Virtus Fund may not exceed 5% of net assets of the lending Virtus Fund.
The restrictions discussed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending Virtus Fund and the borrowing Virtus Fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. If a Virtus Fund borrows money from another Virtus Fund, there is a risk that the interfund loan could be called on one business day’s notice or not renewed, in which case the borrowing Virtus Fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an interfund loan were not available from another Virtus Fund. A delay in repayment to a lending Virtus Fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs, and interfund loans are subject to the risk that the borrowing Virtus Fund could be unable to repay the loan when due.
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Mortgage “Dollar-Roll” Transactions
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Each Series may enter into mortgage “dollar-roll” transactions pursuant to which it sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the future and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Series forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Series is compensated for the lost interest by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on, and gains from, the investment of the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Series may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. If the income and capital gains from the Series’ investment of the cash from the initial sale do not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Series compared with what the performance would have been without the use of the dollar roll.
Dollar-roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Series is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker-dealer to whom the Series sells securities becomes insolvent, the Series’ right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the Series’ subadviser’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed.
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Money Market Instruments
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Each Series may invest in money market instruments, which are high-quality short-term investments. The types of money market instruments most commonly acquired by the Series are discussed below, although each Series is also permitted to invest in other types of money market instruments to the extent consistent with the Series’ investment limitations and restrictions.
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Banker’s Acceptances
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A banker's acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity.
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Certificates of Deposit
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Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. They generally may be withdrawn on demand but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which could reduce the Series’ yield. Deposits subject to early withdrawal penalties or that mature in more than seven days are treated as illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the securities.
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Commercial Paper
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Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months.
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Obligations of Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks
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The money market instruments in which the Series may invest include negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign banks and their non-U.S. branches (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars), and wholly-owned banking-related subsidiaries of foreign banks. For the purposes of each Series’ investment policies with respect to money market instruments, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a Series to investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of domestic issuers.
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| | Although a Series typically will acquire obligations issued and supported by the credit of U.S. or foreign banks having total assets at the time of purchase of $1 billion or more, this $1 billion figure is not an investment policy or restriction of any Series. For the purposes of calculation with respect to the $1 billion figure, the assets of a bank will be deemed to include the assets of its U.S. and non-U.S. branches. | |
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Time Deposits
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Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received.
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U.S. Government Obligations
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Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.
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Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, GNMA, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Banks, FHLMC, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, 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. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law. Accordingly, although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government because the Series must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the securities for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.
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Mutual Fund Investing
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Each Series is authorized to invest in the securities of other investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940 Act.
Investment companies in which the Series may invest may include ETFs. An ETF is an investment company classified as an open-end investment company or unit investment trust that is traded similarly to a publicly traded company. Most ETFs seek to achieve the same return as a particular market index. That type of ETF is similar to an index fund in that it will primarily invest in the securities of companies that are included in a selected market index. An index-based ETF will invest in all of the securities included in the index, a representative sample of the securities included in the index, or other investments expected to produce returns substantially similar to that of the index. Other types of ETFs include leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index. An important characteristic of these ETFs is that they seek to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis, and their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time. ETFs also include actively managed ETFs that pursue active management strategies and publish their portfolio holdings on a frequent basis.
In connection with the management of its daily cash positions, each Series may invest in securities issued by investment companies that invest in short-term debt securities (which may include municipal obligations that are exempt from Federal income taxes) and that seek to maintain a $1.00 NAV per share.
In certain countries, investments by the Series may only be made through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries. (See “Foreign Investment Companies” under “Foreign Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
Under the 1940 Act, a Series generally may not own more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies. In some instances, a Series may invest in an investment
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company in excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in money market funds or investments made pursuant to exemptive rules adopted and/or orders granted by the SEC. The SEC has adopted exemptive rules to permit funds of funds to exceed these limits when complying with certain conditions, which differ depending upon whether the funds in which a fund of funds invests are affiliated or unaffiliated with the fund of funds. Many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF’s shares beyond the statutory limitations discussed above, subject to certain conditions. The Series may rely on these exemptive rules and/or orders to invest in affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds and/or unaffiliated ETFs. In addition to this, the Trust has obtained exemptive relief permitting the Series to exceed the limitations with respect to investments in affiliated and unaffiliated funds that are not themselves funds of funds, subject to certain conditions.
The risks associated with investing in other investment companies generally reflect the risks of owning shares of the underlying securities in which those investment companies invest, although lack of liquidity in an investment company could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. For purposes of complying with investment policies requiring a Series to invest a percentage of its assets in a certain type of investments (e.g., stocks of small capitalization companies), the Series generally will look through an investment company in which it invests, to categorize the investment company in accordance with the types of investments the investment company holds.
Certain investment companies in which the Series may invest may be considered commodity pools under the CEA and applicable CFTC regulations. If a Series invests in such an investment company, the Series will be required to treat some or all of its holding of the investment company’s shares as a commodity interest for the purposes of determining whether the Series is qualified to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation by the CFTC. (See “Commodity Interests” in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications to the Series of investing in commodity interests.)
Investors in each Series should recognize that when a Series invests in another investment company, the Series will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the expenses the Series bears directly in connection with its own operations.
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Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
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Each Series may invest in REITs. REITs pool investors’ funds for investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.
REITs can generally be classified as follows:
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Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value.
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Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.
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Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.
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REITs are structured similarly to closed-end investment companies in that they are essentially holding companies. An investor should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Series, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Series, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the underlying REITs. (See “Mutual Fund Investing” in this section of the SAI.)
Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The risks associated with REITs are similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Series to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. (See the “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” section of the SAI.)
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Repurchase Agreements
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Each Series may enter into repurchase agreements by which the Series purchases portfolio securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Series, or the purchase and repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Series at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Series is unrelated to the interest rate on the security.
A repurchase agreement must be collateralized by obligations that could otherwise be purchased by the Series (except with respect to maturity), and these must be maintained by the seller in a segregated account for the Series. The value of such collateral will be monitored throughout the term of the repurchase agreement in an attempt to ensure that the market value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the value of the collateral dips below such repurchase price, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization.
Repurchase agreements will be entered into with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the relevant Series’ subadviser to be creditworthy. However, the use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the transaction. The Series also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities or enforcing its rights.
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| | Repurchase agreements of more than seven days’ duration are subject to each Series’ limitation on investments in illiquid securities, which means that no more than 15% of the market value of a Series’ total assets may be invested in repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days and in other illiquid securities. | |
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Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but they may be in effect for longer periods of time.
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Securities Lending
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Subject to certain investment restrictions, each Series may, subject to the Trustees’ and Trust Treasurer’s approval, lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy and receive, as collateral, cash or cash equivalents which at all times while the loan is outstanding will be maintained in amounts equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral will be invested in short-term securities that will increase the current income of the Series lending its securities. A Series will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights and subscription rights. While a securities loan is outstanding, the Series is to receive an amount equal to any dividends, interest or other distributions with respect to the loaned securities. A Series may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Trust for services in arranging such loans.
Even though securities lending usually does not impose market risks on the lending Series, as with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. In addition, the value of the collateral taken as security for the securities loaned may decline in value or may be difficult to convert to cash in the event that a Series must rely on the collateral to recover the value of the securities. Moreover, if the borrower of the securities is insolvent, under current bankruptcy law, the Series could be ordered by a court not to liquidate the collateral for an indeterminate period of time. If the borrower is the subject of insolvency proceedings and the collateral held might not be liquidated, the result could be a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the lending Series.
No Series will lend securities having a value in excess of 33 1/3% of its assets, including collateral received for loaned securities (valued at the time of any loan).
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Short Sales
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Each Series may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Series sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire, or that it owns but does not wish to deliver, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent the Series contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. All other short sales are commonly referred to as “naked” short sales.
When a Series makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Series is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Series may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Series covers its short position, the Series will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Series will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
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Investment Technique
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If a Series sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If a Series engages in naked short sales, the Series’ risk of loss could be as much as the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price paid by the Series for the security at the time it was borrowed.
When a Series sells securities short, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Series will “cover” the short sale, which generally means that the Series will segregate any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the market value of the securities sold short, reduced by any amount deposited as margin. Alternatively, the Series may “cover” a short sale by (a) owning the underlying securities, (b) owning securities currently convertible into the underlying securities at an exercise price equal to or less than the current market price of the underlying securities, or (c) owning a purchased call option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or less than the price at which the underlying securities were sold short.
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Special Situations
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Each Series may invest in special situations that the Series’ subadviser believes present opportunities for capital growth. Such situations most typically include corporate restructurings, mergers, and tender offers.
A special situation arises when, in the opinion of the Series’ subadviser, the securities of a particular company will, within a reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an appreciated value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others, the following: liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, or tender offers; material litigation or resolution thereof; technological breakthroughs; and new management or management policies. Although large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations often involve much greater risk than is inherent in ordinary investment securities.
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Temporary Investments
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When business or financial conditions warrant, each Series may assume a temporary defensive position by investing in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereigns, other debt securities, commercial paper including bank obligations, certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of deposit) and repurchase agreements. (See “Money Market Instruments” in this section of the SAI for more information about these types of investments.)
For temporary defensive purposes, during periods in which a Series’ subadviser believes adverse changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable, the Series may reduce its holdings in equity and other securities and may invest up to 100% of its assets in certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities and in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multicurrency units). The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which a Series may invest for temporary defensive purposes will be those that the Series’ subadviser believes to be of high quality (i.e., subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal). If rated, these securities will be rated in one of the three highest rating
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Investment Technique
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Description and Risks
|
| |
Series-Specific
Limitations |
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categories by rating services such as Moody’s or S&P (i.e., rated at least A).
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Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities
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Each Series may invest in or acquire warrants or rights to purchase equity or fixed income securities at a specified price during a specific period of time. A Series will make such investments only if the underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Series’ subadviser for inclusion in the Series’ portfolio. Included are warrants and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and stock rights are almost identical to call options in their nature, use and effect except that they are issued by the issuer of the underlying security, rather than an option writer, and they generally have longer expiration dates than call options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about call options.)
Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. However, unlike convertible securities and preferred stocks, warrants do not pay a fixed dividend. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Series holding such warrants to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
A Series may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices (“index warrants”). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Series were not to exercise an index warrant prior to its expiration, then the Series would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.
A Series will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Series’ use of index warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. (See “Options” in this section of the SAI for information about index options.) Unlike most index options, however, index warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution which issues the warrant. Also, index warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Although a Series will normally invest only in exchange-listed warrants, index warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index warrants may limit a Series’ ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Series would otherwise wish to do.
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| | KAR Equity Income Series and SGA International Growth Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE. | |
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Investment Technique
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| |
Description and Risks
|
| |
Series-Specific
Limitations |
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When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
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| |
Each Series may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions are also known as delayed delivery transactions. (The phrase “delayed delivery” is not intended to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and settlement in the customary way.) Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by the Series to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days 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 selling party.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Series to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Series might sell debt 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 Series might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. The Series will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will be reflected in the Series’ NAV starting on the first business day after the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. The Series will be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on the agreement date. However, the Series will not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and received. A seller’s failure to deliver securities to the Series could prevent the Series from realizing a price or yield considered to be advantageous and could cause the Series to incur expenses associated with unwinding the transaction.
When a Series makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the Series’ assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities will not be reflected in the Series’ NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but the Series may agree to a longer settlement period.
The Series 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, a Series may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Series also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Series on the settlement date. The Series may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.
When a Series purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Series will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Series’ purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that each Series will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
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Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
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| |
The Series will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. (See “Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.) However, the portfolio may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of
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real estate because of its policy of concentrating in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage trusts, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
The Series may invest in debt securities rated BBB or better by S&P
or Baa or better by Moody’s or, if not rated, judged to be of comparable quality as determined by the Series’
subadviser. (See “Ratings” under “Debt Investing” in the “More Information About Series
Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.) In choosing debt securities for purchase by the
Series, the Series’ subadviser will employ the same analytical and valuation techniques utilized in managing the
equity portion of the Series holdings and will invest in debt securities only of companies that satisfy the Series’
subadviser’s investment criteria.
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KAR Equity Income Series
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The Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE. (See “Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
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Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
|
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The Series may only purchase a call option to terminate a previously written call option. (See “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
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SGA International Growth Series
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The Series may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights, but no more than 2% of its net assets in warrants and stock rights not listed on the NYSE. (See “Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
The Series also may hedge its foreign currency exchange rate risk by engaging in currency financial futures and options transactions. (See “Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options” under “Derivatives” and “Foreign Currency Transactions” under “Foreign Investing” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
The Series may invest in nonconvertible fixed income securities of non-U.S. issuers when the Series’ subadviser believes that such securities are appropriate for the achievement of the Series’ investment objective. The nonconvertible fixed income securities may consist of: corporate notes, bonds, debentures and other securities (such as Euro-currency instruments) of non-U.S. issuers that are rated within the three highest rating categories of rating services or, if unrated, are deemed by the adviser to be of comparable credit quality; and securities issued by foreign governments and supranational agencies (such as the World Bank). (See “Debt Investing” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
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Strategic Allocation Series
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Immediately after entering into an opening option position, the total value of all open option positions based on exercise price will not exceed 10% of the Series’ total assets. (See “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
In addition to the traditional investment techniques for purchasing and selling and engaging in trading, the Series may enter into financial futures and options contracts. (See “Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts” and “Options” under “Derivative Investments” in the “More Information About Series Investment Strategies and Related Risks” section of this SAI.)
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Name and Year of Birth
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Length of
Time Served |
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Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
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Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
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| |
Burke, Donald C.
YOB: 1960
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Since 2016
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106
|
| | Private investor (since 2009). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock U.S. Funds (2007 to 2009); Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (2006 to 2009); and Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1990 to 2006). | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2014), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010). | |
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Harris, Sidney E.
YOB: 1949
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Since 2017
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103
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| | Private Investor (since 2021); Dean Emeritus (since 2015), Professor (2015 to 2021 and 1997 to 2014), Dean (1997 to 2004), J. Mack Robinson | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; | |
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Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | College of Business, Georgia State University. | | | Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; and Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2019), Mutual Fund Directors Forum; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2020) and Honorary Trustee (since 2020), KIPP Metro Atlanta; Director (1999 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Trustee (2004 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds; Chairman (2012 to 2017), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; Trustee (since 2012), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; and Trustee (2011 to 2015), Genspring Family Offices, LLC. | |
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Mallin, John R.
YOB: 1950
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Since 1999
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103
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| | Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm) Real Property Practice Group; Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; | |
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Name and Year of Birth
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| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | and Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2019), 1892 Club, Inc. (non-profit); Director (2013 to 2020), Horizons, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios). | |
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McDaniel, Connie D.
YOB: 1958
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| |
Since 2017
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103
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| | Retired (since 2013). Vice President, Chief of Internal Audit, Corporate Audit Department (2009 to 2013), Vice President Global Finance Transformation (2007 to 2009), Vice President and Controller (1999 to 2007), The Coca-Cola Company. | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2019), Global Payments Inc.; Chairperson (since 2019), Governance & Nominating Committee, Global Payments Inc; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios), and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2021), North Florida Land Trust; Director (2014 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Member (since 2011) and Chair (2014 to 2016), Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors; and Trustee (2005 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds. | |
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McLoughlin, Philip
Chairman
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| |
Since 2003
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113
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| | Private investor since 2010. | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging | |
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Name and Year of Birth
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| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
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| | YOB: 1946 | | | | | | | | | | | | Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee (since 2021), Virtus AllianzGI Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund and Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund; Director and Chairman (since 2016), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2016 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Trustee and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director (1991 to 2019) and Chairman (2010 to 2019), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual | |
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Name and Year of Birth
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| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Fund Family (61 portfolios). | |
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McNamara, Geraldine M.
YOB: 1951
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| |
Since 2015
|
| |
106
|
| | Private investor (since 2006); and Managing Director, U.S. Trust Company of New York (1982 to 2006). | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc. and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios). | |
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Walton, R. Keith
YOB: 1964
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| |
Since 2020
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| |
110
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| | Venture and Operating Partner (since 2020), Plexo Capital, LLC; Venture Partner (since 2019) and Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Plexo, LLC; and Partner (since 2006), Global Infrastructure Partners. Formerly, Managing Director (2020 to 2021), Lafayette Square Holding Company LLC; Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Vatic Labs, LLC; Executive Vice President, Strategy (2017 to 2019), Zero Mass Water, LLC; Vice President, Strategy (2013 to 2017), Arizona State University. | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), Virtus AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Advisory Board Member (since 2022), Virtus AllianzGI Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund and Virtus Dividend, Interest & | |
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Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee (since 2020) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (since 2017), certain funds advised by Bessemer Investment Management LLC; Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (2006 to 2019), Systematica Investments Limited Funds; Director (2006 to 2017), BlueCrest Capital Management Funds; Trustee (2014 to 2017), AZ Service; Director (since 2004), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director (2004 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. | |
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Zino, Brian T.
YOB: 1952
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| |
Since 2020
|
| |
110
|
| | Retired. Various roles (1982 to 2009), J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, including President (1994 to 2009). | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds (7 portfolios); Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & | |
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Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2014), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director (2014 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2011), Bentley University; Director (1986 to 2009) and President (1994 to 2009), J&W Seligman Co. Inc.; Director (1998 to 2009), Chairman (2002 to 2004) and Vice Chairman (2000 to 2002), ICI Mutual Insurance Company; Member, Board of Governors of ICI (1998 to 2008). | |
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Name and Year of Birth
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| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
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| |
Aylward, George R.
YOB: 1964
|
| |
President since 2010.Trustee since 2012.
|
| |
115
|
| | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries, and various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). | | | Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Member, Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute (since 2021); Trustee and President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2021), Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds (7 portfolios); Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II (5 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee and President (since 2006) and Executive Vice President (2004 to 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2006 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. | |
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Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| |
Cogan, Sarah E.
YOB: 1956
|
| |
Served since 2021.
|
| |
110
|
| | Retired Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (“STB”) (law firm) (since 2019); Director, Girl Scouts of Greater New York (since 2016); Trustee, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (since 2013); and formerly, Partner, STB (1989 to 2018). | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (since 2021), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Access Fund; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee (since 2019), Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds (7 portfolios); Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund, PCM Fund, Inc, PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund; and Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios).; and Trustee (2019 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund and PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund. | |
| |
DeCotis, Deborah A.
YOB: 1952
|
| |
Served since 2021.
|
| |
110
|
| | Advisory Director, Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (since 1996); Member, Circle Financial Group (since 2009); Member, Council on Foreign Relations (since 2013); and Trustee, Smith College (since 2017). Formerly, Director, Watford Re (2017 to 2021); Co-Chair Special Projects Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering (2005 to 2015); and Trustee, Stanford University | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | (2010 to 2015). | | | portfolios); Advisory Board Member (since 2021), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Access Fund; Trustee (since 2020), PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund and Virtus AllianzGI Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2018), PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund Trustee (since 2017), PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund; Trustee (since 2012), PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund; Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PCM Fund, Inc., PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; and Trustee (2011 to 2021), PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund. | |
| |
Drummond, F. Ford
YOB: 1962
|
| |
Served since 2021.
|
| |
110
|
| | Owner/Operator (since 1998), Drummond Ranch; and Director (since 2015), Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Formerly Chairman, Oklahoma Nature Conservancy (2019 to 2020); Board Member (2006 to 2020) and Chairman (2016 to 2018), Oklahoma Water Resources Board; Director (1998 to 2008), The Cleveland Bank; and General Counsel (1998 to 2008), BMIHealth Plans (benefits administration). | | | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (since 2021), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus AllianzGI Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund and Virtus AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund; | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Length of
Time Served |
| |
Number of
Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past
5 Years |
| |
Other Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Director (since 2011), Bancfirst Corporation; and Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios). | |
| |
Moyer, William R.
YOB: 1944
|
| |
Served since 2020.
|
| |
101
|
| | Private investor (since 2004); and Financial and Operations Principal (2006 to 2017), Newcastle Distributors LLC (broker dealer). | | | Advisory Board Member (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (11 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (since 2020), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (since 2020) and Director (2016 to 2019), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director (2016 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Advisory Board Member (2020 to 2021) and Director (2014 to 2019), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Advisory Board Member (since 2020) and Trustee (2011 to 2019), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Advisory Board Member (since 2020) and Trustee (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios). | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Position(s) Held with the
Trust and Length of Time Served |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
| |
Batchelar, Peter
YOB: 1970
|
| | Senior Vice President (since 2017), and Vice President (2008 to 2016). | | | Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Vice President, Product Development (2008 to 2016), and various officer positions (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Senior Vice President (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Senior Vice President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Strategy Trust and Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Vice President (2008 to 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family; Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Vice President (2010 to 2016), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Vice President (2013 to 2016), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Senior Vice President (2017 to 2021) and Vice President (2016 to 2017), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Vice President (2016 to 2017), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; and Senior Vice President (2017 to | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Position(s) Held with the
Trust and Length of Time Served |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
| | | | | | | | 2019) and Vice President (2016 to 2017), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. | |
| |
Bradley, W. Patrick
YOB: 1972
|
| | Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016); Vice President (2011 to 2013); and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004). | | | Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016), and various officer positions (since 2006), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Strategy Trust and Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Director (since 2019), Virtus Global Funds ICAV; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2004), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Family; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013) and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2010), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (2016 to 2019), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2012 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2010), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), Vice President (2011 to 2013), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Executive Vice President ( 2016 to 2021), Senior Vice President (2014 to 2016), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC; and Vice President and Assistant Treasurer (since 2011), Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc. | |
| |
Carr, Kevin J.
YOB: 1954
|
| | Senior Vice President (since 2017); Assistant Secretary (since 2013); Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013). | | | Vice President and Senior Counsel (2017 to Present), Senior Vice President (2009 to 2017), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009), and various officer positions (since 2005), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Assistant Secretary (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust and Virtus Strategy Trust; Assistant Secretary, (since 2021), Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President (since 2013), Vice President (2005 to 2013), Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2005), Virtus Mutual Fund Family; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2013), and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014 and since 2017), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2012 to 2013), Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (2005 to 2013) and Assistant Secretary (2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2010 to 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Senior | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Position(s) Held with the
Trust and Length of Time Served |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
| | | | | | | | Vice President (2013 to 2014), Vice President (2011 to 2013), and Assistant Secretary (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Assistant Secretary (2015 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Secretary (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Secretary (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II. | |
| |
Engberg, Nancy J.
YOB: 1956
|
| | Senior Vice President (since 2017); Vice President (2011 to 2017); and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011). | | | Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2008 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (2008 to 2011 and since 2016), and various officer positions (since 2003), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Strategy Trust and Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2011 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Mutual Fund Family; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2010 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2011 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2012 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2012), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (2017 to 2019), Vice President (2012 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (2012 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Vice President (2013 to 2016) and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust; Senior Vice President (2017 to 2021), Vice President (2014 to 2017) and Chief Compliance Officer (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), ETFis Series Trust I; and Chief Compliance Officer (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II. | |
| |
Fromm, Jennifer
YOB: 1973
|
| | Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since 2013). | | | Vice President (since 2016) and Senior Counsel (since 2007), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust and Virtus Strategy Trust; Vice President and Assistant Secretary (since 2021), Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Vice President and Secretary (since 2020), DNP Select Income Fund Inc., Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc., and DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc.; Assistant Secretary (since 2020), Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc.; Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Vice President (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2008), Virtus Mutual Funds Family; Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust; and Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust. | |
| |
Name and Year of Birth
|
| |
Position(s) Held with the
Trust and Length of Time Served |
| |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
|
|
| |
Short, Julia R.
YOB: 1972
|
| | Senior Vice President (since 2017). | | | Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Senior Vice President (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Senior Vice President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Strategy Trust and Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds; Senior Vice President (2018 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; and Senior Vice President (since 2018), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Senior Vice President (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family; President and Chief Executive Officer, RidgeWorth Funds (2007 to 2017); and Managing Director, Product Manager, RidgeWorth Investments (2004 to 2017). | |
| |
Smirl, Richard W.
YOB: 1967
|
| | Executive Vice President (since 2021). | | | Executive Vice President, Product Management (since 2021), and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (since 2021), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Executive Vice President (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Executive Vice President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Mutual Fund Family, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Strategy Trust, Virtus AllianzGI Closed-End Funds, Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund, Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund, and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Executive Vice President (May to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2021), Russell Investments; Executive Director (Jan. to July 2018), State of Wisconsin Investment Board; and Partner and Chief Operating Officer (2004 to 2018), William Blair Investment Management. | |
|
Independent Trustees
|
| |
Aggregate Compensation from Trust
|
| |
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund
Complex Paid to Trustees |
|
| Donald C. Burke | | |
$5,056
|
| |
$316,667 (97 Funds)
|
|
| Sidney E. Harris | | |
$5,126
|
| |
$316,667 (96 Funds)
|
|
| John R. Mallin | | |
$5,055
|
| |
$316,667 (96 Funds)
|
|
| Connie D. McDaniel | | |
$5,718
|
| |
$356,250 (96 Funds)
|
|
| Philip R. McLoughlin | | |
$7,606
|
| |
$650,917 (103 Funds)
|
|
| Geraldine M. McNamara | | |
$5,549
|
| |
$415,250 (97 Funds)
|
|
| R. Keith Walton | | |
$5,055
|
| |
$316,667 (96 Funds)
|
|
| Brian T. Zino | | |
$4,697
|
| |
$345,833 (102 Funds)
|
|
|
Interested Trustee
|
| |
Aggregate Compensation from Trust
|
| |
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund
Complex Paid to Trustee |
|
| George R. Aylward | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
|
Advisory Board Member
|
| |
Aggregate Compensation from Trust
|
| |
Total Compensation From Trust and Fund
Complex Paid to Advisory Board Member |
|
| Sarah E. Cogan* | | |
$3,513
|
| |
$302,500 (102 Funds)
|
|
| Deborah A. DeCotis* | | |
$3,571
|
| |
$293,333 (102 Funds)
|
|
| F. Ford Drummond* | | |
$3,542
|
| |
$297,917 (102 Funds)
|
|
| William R. Moyer | | |
None
|
| |
$140,000 (96 Funds)
|
|
|
Series
|
| |
Management Fees
|
| ||||||
| | | |
First $250 million
|
| |
Next $250 million
|
| |
Over $500 million
|
|
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
0.70%
|
| |
0.65%
|
| |
0.60%
|
|
| KAR Equity Income Series | | |
0.70%
|
| |
0.65%
|
| |
0.60%
|
|
|
Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
|
| |
0.50%
|
| |
0.45%
|
| |
0.40%
|
|
| SGA International Growth Series | | |
0.75%
|
| |
0.70%
|
| |
0.65%
|
|
| Strategic Allocation Series | | |
0.55%
|
| |
0.50%
|
| |
0.45%
|
|
| | | |
First $1 billion
|
| |
Next $1 billion
|
| |
Over $2 billion
|
|
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
0.75%
|
| |
0.70%
|
| |
0.65%
|
|
| | | |
First $1 billion
|
| |
$1+ billion
|
| | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
0.85%
|
| |
0.80%
|
| | | |
| | | |
First $400 million
|
| |
$400 million to $1 billion
|
| |
Over $1 billion
|
|
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
0.90%
|
| |
0.85%
|
| |
0.80%
|
|
|
Series
|
| |
Class
|
| |
Expense Cap
|
|
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
Class A
Class I
|
| |
1.10%
0.85%
|
|
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
Class A
|
| |
1.03%
|
|
| KAR Equity Income Series | | |
Class A
|
| |
0.98%
|
|
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
Class A
Class I
|
| |
1.14%
0.89%
|
|
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
Class A
|
| |
1.10%
|
|
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | |
Class A
Class I
|
| |
0.94%
0.69%
|
|
| SGA International Growth Series | | |
Class A
Class I
|
| |
1.14%
0.89%
|
|
|
Series
|
| |
Class
|
| |
Expense Cap
|
|
| Strategic Allocation Series | | |
Class A
|
| |
0.98%
|
|
| | | |
Gross Advisory Fee ($)
|
| |
Advisory Fee Waived and/or
Expenses Reimbursed ($) |
| |
Net Advisory Fee ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | |
|
555,587
|
| | | |
|
522,582
|
| | | |
|
711,705
|
| | | |
|
(29,354)
|
| | | |
|
(42,682)
|
| | | |
|
(67,110)
|
| | | |
|
526,233
|
| | | |
|
479,900
|
| | | |
|
644,595
|
| |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | |
|
1,551,588
|
| | | |
|
1,811,885
|
| | | |
|
2,185,389
|
| | | |
|
(182,882)
|
| | | |
|
(190,541)
|
| | | |
|
(160,441)
|
| | | |
|
1,368,706
|
| | | |
|
1,621,344
|
| | | |
|
2,024,948
|
| |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | |
|
652,403
|
| | | |
|
630,360
|
| | | |
|
715,546
|
| | | |
|
(141,380)
|
| | | |
|
(148,887)
|
| | | |
|
(138,457)
|
| | | |
|
511,023
|
| | | |
|
481,473
|
| | | |
|
577,089
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | |
|
852,348
|
| | | |
|
944,083
|
| | | |
|
1,149,148
|
| | | |
|
(90,870)
|
| | | |
|
(130,504)
|
| | | |
|
(132,891)
|
| | | |
|
761,478
|
| | | |
|
813,579
|
| | | |
|
1,016,257
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | |
|
682,578
|
| | | |
|
667,046
|
| | | |
|
841,454
|
| | | |
|
(181,492)
|
| | | |
|
(173,890)
|
| | | |
|
(199,055)
|
| | | |
|
501,086
|
| | | |
|
493,156
|
| | | |
|
642,399
|
| |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | |
|
588,689
|
| | | |
|
565,108
|
| | | |
|
576,707
|
| | | |
|
5,752
|
| | | |
|
9,486
|
| | | |
|
807
|
| | | |
|
594,441
|
| | | |
|
574,594
|
| | | |
|
577,514
|
| |
|
SGA International Growth Series
|
| | |
|
1,094,944
|
| | | |
|
1,084,105
|
| | | |
|
1,244,316
|
| | | |
|
(17,652)
|
| | | |
|
(42,459)
|
| | | |
|
(34,444)
|
| | | |
|
1,077,292
|
| | | |
|
1,041,646
|
| | | |
|
1,209,872
|
| |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | |
|
473,955
|
| | | |
|
506,163
|
| | | |
|
578,250
|
| | | |
|
(24,652)
|
| | | |
|
(18,043)
|
| | | |
|
5,500
|
| | | |
|
449,303
|
| | | |
|
488,120
|
| | | |
|
583,750
|
| |
|
Series
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
|
Series
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| Strategic Allocation Series (equity portion) | | | 50% of the net advisory fee (equity assets only) | |
|
Series
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| Strategic Allocation Series (fixed income portion) | | | 50% of the net advisory fee (fixed income assets only) | |
|
Series
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee
|
|
| SGA International Growth Series | | | 50% of the net advisory fee | |
| | | |
Gross Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee Waived and/or
Expenses Reimbursed ($) |
| |
Net Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | |
|
277,794
|
| | | |
|
261,291
|
| | | |
|
355,853
|
| | | |
|
14,676
|
| | | |
|
21,340
|
| | | |
|
33,554
|
| | | |
|
263,118
|
| | | |
|
239,951
|
| | | |
|
322,299
|
| |
| | | |
Gross Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
| |
Subadvisory Fee Waived and/or
Expenses Reimbursed ($) |
| |
Net Subadvisory Fee ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | |
|
775,584
|
| | | |
|
905,967
|
| | | |
|
1,092,694
|
| | | |
|
91,441
|
| | | |
|
95,270
|
| | | |
|
80,220
|
| | | |
|
684,143
|
| | | |
|
810,697
|
| | | |
|
1,012,474
|
| |
| KAR Equity Income Series(1) | | | |
|
326,202
|
| | | |
|
315,180
|
| | | |
|
357,773
|
| | | |
|
70,690
|
| | | |
|
74,443
|
| | | |
|
69,228
|
| | | |
|
255,512
|
| | | |
|
240,737
|
| | | |
|
288,545
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | |
|
426,174
|
| | | |
|
472,041
|
| | | |
|
574,574
|
| | | |
|
45,435
|
| | | |
|
65,251
|
| | | |
|
66,445
|
| | | |
|
380,739
|
| | | |
|
406,790
|
| | | |
|
508,129
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | |
|
341,289
|
| | | |
|
333,523
|
| | | |
|
420,727
|
| | | |
|
90,746
|
| | | |
|
86,945
|
| | | |
|
99,528
|
| | | |
|
250,543
|
| | | |
|
246,578
|
| | | |
|
321,199
|
| |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | |
|
294,345
|
| | | |
|
282,554
|
| | | |
|
288,354
|
| | | |
|
(2,632)
|
| | | |
|
5,862
|
| | | |
|
223
|
| | | |
|
296,977
|
| | | |
|
276,692
|
| | | |
|
288,131
|
| |
| SGA International Growth Series(2) | | | |
|
547,472
|
| | | |
|
542,053
|
| | | |
|
622,158
|
| | | |
|
8,826
|
| | | |
|
21,229
|
| | | |
|
17,222
|
| | | |
|
538,646
|
| | | |
|
520,824
|
| | | |
|
604,936
|
| |
| Strategic Allocation Series (fixed income portion) | | | |
|
91,624
|
| | | |
|
80,367
|
| | | |
|
69,769
|
| | | |
|
4,712
|
| | | |
|
2,811
|
| | | |
|
1,136
|
| | | |
|
86,912
|
| | | |
|
77,556
|
| | | |
|
68,633
|
| |
|
Strategic Allocation Series (Duff &
Phelps) |
| | |
|
13,353
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| | | |
|
418
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| | | |
|
12,935
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| | | |
|
N/A
|
| |
| Strategic Allocation Series (KAR)(3) | | | |
|
132,002
|
| | | |
|
172,715
|
| | | |
|
219,356
|
| | | |
|
7,151
|
| | | |
|
6,211
|
| | | |
|
3,644
|
| | | |
|
124,851
|
| | | |
|
166,504
|
| | | |
|
215,712
|
| |
| | First $15 billion | | | 0.10% | |
| | $15+ billion to $30 billion | | | 0.095% | |
| | $30+ billion to $50 billion | | | 0.09% | |
| | Greater than $50 billion | | | 0.085% | |
| | | |
Administrative Fees ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | | | 70,666 | | | | | | 66,478 | | | | | | 86,852 | | |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | | 211,378 | | | | | | 248,311 | | | | | | 290,284 | | |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | | | 88,909 | | | | | | 85,910 | | | | | | 93,616 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | | 95,652 | | | | | | 105,942 | | | | | | 123,833 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | | | 72,350 | | | | | | 70,701 | | | | | | 85,631 | | |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | | | 112,321 | | | | | | 107,849 | | | | | | 105,638 | | |
| SGA International Growth Series | | | | | 139,272 | | | | | | 137,899 | | | | | | 151,948 | | |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | | | 82,205 | | | | | | 87,796 | | | | | | 96,289 | | |
| | | |
Sub-administrative Fees ($)
|
| |
Fees Waived by Sub-administrator
($) |
| |
Net Sub-administrative Fees ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | |
|
17,090
|
| | | |
|
17,941
|
| | | |
|
17,604
|
| | | |
|
3,149
|
| | | |
|
4,120
|
| | | |
|
3,458
|
| | | |
|
13,941
|
| | | |
|
13,821
|
| | | |
|
14,146
|
| |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | |
|
36,832
|
| | | |
|
45,251
|
| | | |
|
41,704
|
| | | |
|
9,686
|
| | | |
|
14,524
|
| | | |
|
12,595
|
| | | |
|
27,146
|
| | | |
|
30,727
|
| | | |
|
29,109
|
| |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | |
|
19,667
|
| | | |
|
20,989
|
| | | |
|
18,832
|
| | | |
|
3,999
|
| | | |
|
5,364
|
| | | |
|
4,218
|
| | | |
|
15,668
|
| | | |
|
15,625
|
| | | |
|
14,614
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | |
|
20,596
|
| | | |
|
23,871
|
| | | |
|
22,298
|
| | | |
|
4,364
|
| | | |
|
6,355
|
| | | |
|
5,460
|
| | | |
|
16,232
|
| | | |
|
17,516
|
| | | |
|
16,838
|
| |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | |
|
17,552
|
| | | |
|
18,609
|
| | | |
|
17,783
|
| | | |
|
3,423
|
| | | |
|
4,371
|
| | | |
|
3,773
|
| | | |
|
14,129
|
| | | |
|
14,238
|
| | | |
|
14,010
|
| |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | |
|
24,132
|
| | | |
|
24,261
|
| | | |
|
20,388
|
| | | |
|
6,153
|
| | | |
|
6,635
|
| | | |
|
4,865
|
| | | |
|
17,979
|
| | | |
|
17,626
|
| | | |
|
15,523
|
| |
|
SGA International Growth Series
|
| | |
|
26,707
|
| | | |
|
28,964
|
| | | |
|
25,694
|
| | | |
|
6,289
|
| | | |
|
8,526
|
| | | |
|
6,773
|
| | | |
|
20,418
|
| | | |
|
20,438
|
| | | |
|
18,921
|
| |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | |
|
19,615
|
| | | |
|
21,090
|
| | | |
|
19,075
|
| | | |
|
4,637
|
| | | |
|
5,266
|
| | | |
|
4,269
|
| | | |
|
14,978
|
| | | |
|
15,824
|
| | | |
|
14,806
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | |
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services:
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
Gross
income from securities lending activities |
| |
Fees paid to
securities lending agent from a revenue split |
| |
Fees paid for any
cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) |
| |
Administrative
fees not included in revenue split |
| |
Indemnification
fee not included in revenue split |
| |
Rebate
paid to borrower/ (received from borrower) |
| |
Other fees
not included in revenue split (specify) |
| |
Aggregate
fees/ compensation for securities lending activities |
| |
Net
income from securities lending activities |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | $ | 1,380 | | | | | $ | 366 | | | | | $ | 1,183 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (2,244) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 1,549 | | | | | $ | 2,075 | | |
|
KAR Equity Income Series
|
| | | $ | 859 | | | | | $ | 427 | | | | | $ | 736 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (2,726) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 1,163 | | | | | $ | 2,422 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | $ | 64 | | | | | $ | 57 | | | | | $ | 56 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (373) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 113 | | | | | $ | 324 | | |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series |
| | | $ | 2,741 | | | | | $ | 2,157 | | | | | $ | 2,351 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (14,000) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 4,508 | | | | | $ | 12,233 | | |
| SGA International Growth Series |
| | | $ | 2,547 | | | | | $ | 1,083 | | | | | $ | 2,174 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (6,847) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 3,257 | | | | | $ | 6,137 | | |
|
Strategic Allocation Series
|
| | | $ | 671 | | | | | $ | 276 | | | | | $ | 575 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | (1,749) | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 851 | | | | | $ | 1,569 | | |
| | | |
Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | | | 182,673 | | | | | | 165,790 | | | | | | 223,374 | | |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | | 553,989 | | | | | | 650,806 | | | | | | 792,457 | | |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | | | 233,001 | | | | | | 225,128 | | | | | | 255,552 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | | 236,636 | | | | | | 258,034 | | | | | | 311,357 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | | | 189,605 | | | | | | 185,290 | | | | | | 233,737 | | |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | | | 292,195 | | | | | | 280,926 | | | | | | 284,998 | | |
| SGA International Growth Series | | | | | 364,748 | | | | | | 361,112 | | | | | | 414,444 | | |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | | | 215,434 | | | | | | 230,074 | | | | | | 262,841 | | |
|
Series
|
| |
Portfolio Manager(s)
|
|
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
Geoffrey P. Dybas
Frank J. Haggerty, Jr.
|
|
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
Chris Armbruster
Doug Foreman
|
|
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | Richard Sherry | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
Todd Beiley
Jon Christensen
|
|
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
Julie Kutasov
Craig Stone
|
|
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | David L. Albrycht | |
| SGA International Growth Series | | |
Tucker Brown
Alexandra Lee
Gordon M. Marchand *
|
|
| Strategic Allocation Series (equity portion) | | |
Chris Armbruster
Doug Foreman
Hyung Kim
Craig Thrasher
|
|
| Strategic Allocation Series (fixed income portion) | | |
David L. Albrycht
Stephen H. Hooker
|
|
| | | |
Registered Investment Companies
|
| |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
| |
Other Accounts
|
| |||||||||
|
Portfolio Manager
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
|
| David L. Albrycht | | |
15
|
| |
$9.217 billion
|
| |
2
|
| |
$112.6 million
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
|
| Chris Armbruster * | | |
5
|
| |
$4.96 billion
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
924
|
| |
$1.02 billion
|
|
| Todd Beiley * | | |
6
|
| |
$9.38 billion
|
| |
5
|
| |
$606 million
|
| |
1,607
|
| |
$10.66 billion
|
|
| Tucker Brown | | |
2
|
| |
$211.7 million
|
| |
2
|
| |
$116.5 million
|
| |
2
|
| |
$22.2 million
|
|
| Jon Christensen* | | |
7
|
| |
$15.3 billion
|
| |
7
|
| |
$666 million
|
| |
2,752
|
| |
$27.5 billion
|
|
| Geoffrey P. Dybas | | |
3
|
| |
$1.19 billion
|
| |
3
|
| |
$1.24 billion
|
| |
12
|
| |
$1.46 billion
|
|
| Doug Foreman * | | |
5
|
| |
$4.96 billion
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
924
|
| |
$ 1.02 billion
|
|
| Frank J. Haggerty, Jr. | | |
3
|
| |
$1.19 billion
|
| |
3
|
| |
$1.24 billion
|
| |
12
|
| |
$1.46 billion
|
|
| | | |
Registered Investment Companies
|
| |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
| |
Other Accounts
|
| |||||||||
|
Portfolio Manager
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
|
| Stephen H. Hooker | | |
3
|
| |
$472.9 million
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
2
|
| |
$39.5 million
|
|
| Hyung Kim * | | |
6
|
| |
$4.0 billion
|
| |
1
|
| |
$29.4 million
|
| |
5
|
| |
$523 million
|
|
| Julie Kutasov * | | |
5
|
| |
$3.21 billion
|
| |
3
|
| |
$163 million
|
| |
667
|
| |
$21.32 billion
|
|
| Alexandra Lee | | |
2
|
| |
$211.7 million
|
| |
2
|
| |
$116.5 million
|
| |
2
|
| |
$22.2 million
|
|
| Gordon M. Marchand | | |
10
|
| |
$11.6 billion
|
| |
29
|
| |
$9 billion
|
| |
65
|
| |
$5.94 billion
|
|
| Richard Sherry | | |
3
|
| |
$291 million
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
720
|
| |
$813 million
|
|
| Craig Stone * | | |
6
|
| |
$4.78 billion
|
| |
3
|
| |
$163 million
|
| |
1,199
|
| |
$22.5 billion
|
|
| Craig Thrasher * | | |
7
|
| |
$4.01 billion
|
| |
2
|
| |
$132 million
|
| |
6
|
| |
$526 million
|
|
| | | |
Registered Investment Companies
|
| |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
(PIVs) |
| |
Other Accounts
|
| |||||||||
|
Portfolio Manager
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
| |
Number of
Accounts |
| |
Total Assets
|
|
| David L. Albrycht | | |
1
|
| |
$92.7 million
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
|
| Todd Beiley | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$271 million
|
|
| Jon Christensen | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$271 million
|
|
| Geoffrey P. Dybas | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$187 million
|
|
| Frank J. Haggerty, Jr. | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$187 million
|
|
| Stephen H. Hooker | | |
1
|
| |
$92.7 million
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
|
| Julie Kutasov | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$511 million
|
|
| Gordon M. Marchand | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
2
|
| |
$289 million
|
|
| Craig Stone | | |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
0
|
| |
N/A
|
| |
1
|
| |
$511 million
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
| |
Fund
|
| |
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned in Series Managed |
| |
Dollar Value of
Financial Exposure Through Similar Strategies |
|
| David L. Albrycht | | | Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | |
None
|
| |
Over $1,000,000
|
|
| | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
Over $1,000,000
|
|
| Chris Armbruster | | | KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
| | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
| Todd Beiley | | | KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
$500,001-$1,000,000
|
|
| Tucker Brown | | | SGA International Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
$500,001-$1,000,000
|
|
| Jon Christensen | | | KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
| Geoffrey P. Dybas | | | Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
None
|
| |
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
| Doug Foreman | | | KAR Capital Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
$500,001-$1,000,000
|
|
| | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
| Frank J. Haggerty, Jr. | | | Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
| Stephen H. Hooker | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
None
|
|
| Hyung Kim | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
| Julie Kutasov | | | KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
None
|
| |
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
|
Portfolio Manager
|
| |
Fund
|
| |
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned in Series Managed |
| |
Dollar Value of
Financial Exposure Through Similar Strategies |
|
| Alexandra Lee | | | SGA International Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
Over $1,000,000
|
|
| Gordon M. Marchand | | | SGA International Growth Series | | |
None
|
| |
$500,001-$1,000,000
|
|
| Richard Sherry | | | KAR Equity Income Series | | |
None
|
| |
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
| Craig Stone | | | KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | |
None
|
| |
Over $1,000,000
|
|
| Craig Thrasher | | | Strategic Allocation Series | | |
None
|
| |
$500,001-$1,000,000
|
|
| | | |
Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)
|
| |||||||||||||||
|
Series
|
| |
2019
|
| |
2020
|
| |
2021
|
| |||||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | | | 38,690 | | | | | | 20,234 | | | | | | 10,808 | | |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | | 21,719 | | | | | | 12,964 | | | | | | 18,063 | | |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | | | 40,272 | | | | | | 33,761 | | | | | | 43,377 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | | 11,945 | | | | | | 12,314 | | | | | | 10,814 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | | | 15,346 | | | | | | 17,192 | | | | | | 9,671 | | |
| Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | | | 108 | | | | | | 893 | | | | | | 651 | | |
| SGA International Growth Series | | | | | 272,828 | | | | | | 119,160 | | | | | | 87,247 | | |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | | | 33,473 | | | | | | 31,954 | | | | | | 33,413 | | |
| |
Series
|
| |
Broker/Dealer
|
| |
Value ($)
|
| |||
| | KAR Capital Growth Series | | | BofA Securities, Inc. | | | | | 6,640 | | |
| | Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | | | BofA Securities, Inc. | | | | | 574 | | |
| | | | | Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | | | | | 609 | | |
| | | | | Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC | | | | | 302 | | |
| | | | | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | | | | | 411 | | |
| | | | | J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | | | | | 1,557 | | |
| | | | | Jefferies LLC | | | | | 305 | | |
| | | | | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | | | | | 510 | | |
| | | | | Wells Fargo Securities LLC | | | | | 667 | | |
| | Strategic Allocation Series | | | BofA Securities, Inc. | | | | | 1,585 | | |
| | | | | Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | | | | | 472 | | |
| | | | | Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC | | | | | 231 | | |
| | | | | Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | | | | | 213 | | |
| | | | | J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | | | | | 329 | | |
| |
Series
|
| |
Broker/Dealer
|
| |
Value ($)
|
| |||
| | | | | Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | | | | | 515 | | |
| | | | | Wells Fargo Securities LLC | | | | | 324 | | |
|
Series
|
| |
Research
Commission Transactions ($) |
| |
Research
Commissions ($) |
| ||||||
| Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | | | | | 22,019,140 | | | | | | 7,293 | | |
| KAR Capital Growth Series | | | | | 38,352,043 | | | | | | 15,151 | | |
| KAR Equity Income Series | | | | | 40,304,304 | | | | | | 39,506 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | | | | | 4,617,106 | | | | | | 3,799 | | |
| KAR Small-Cap Value Series | | | | | 9,456,044 | | | | | | 4,986 | | |
| SGA International Growth Series | | | | | 103,312,527 | | | | | | 86,535 | | |
| Strategic Allocation Series | | | | | 17,250,919 | | | | | | 23,553 | | |
APPENDIX B — CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Control Persons
Phoenix Life Insurance Co. ("Phoenix") and PHL Variable Insurance Company ("PHL Variable") provide variable insurance and annuity products, and are control persons of certain Series of the Trust.
Phoenix (a New York insurance company) and PHL Variable (a Connecticut insurance company) are direct, wholly owned subsidiaries of The Nassau Companies of New York. The addresses of these control persons are listed in the table below.
A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of a Series’ outstanding shares may be considered a control person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than votes of other shareholders.
Principal Shareholders
The following table sets forth information for each class of shares of the Series as of April 7, 2022, with respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own of record or beneficially own 5% or more of any class of any Series’ outstanding securities, as noted.
B-1
| PHL VARIABLE INSURANCE CO PHLVIC C/O PETER HOSNER 31 TECH VALLEY DR EAST GREENBUSH NY 12061-4134 |
VIRTUS DUFF & PHELPS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES SERIES-CLASS A | 35.16% |
| VIRTUS KAR CAPITAL GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 14.67% | |
| VIRTUS KAR EQUITY INCOME SERIES-CLASS A | 39.84% | |
| VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 33.57% | |
| VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP VALUE SERIES-CLASS A | 55.28% | |
| VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND SERIES-CLASS A | 41.93% | |
| VIRTUS SGA INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 66.58% | |
| VIRTUS STRATEGIC ALLOCATION SERIES-CLASS A | 16.00% | |
| PHOENIX LIFE INSURANCE CO PLIC C/O PETER HOSNER 31 TECH VALLEY DR EAST GREENBUSH NY 12061-4134 |
VIRTUS DUFF & PHELPS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES SERIES-CLASS A | 27.04% |
| VIRTUS KAR CAPITAL GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 85.20% | |
| VIRTUS KAR EQUITY INCOME SERIES-CLASS A | 59.45% | |
| VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 64.66% | |
| VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP VALUE SERIES-CLASS A | 44.33% | |
| VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND SERIES-CLASS A | 31.45% | |
| VIRTUS SGA INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES-CLASS A | 31.65% | |
| VIRTUS STRATEGIC ALLOCATION SERIES-CLASS A | 83.69% | |
| SYMETRA LIFE INSURANCE CO U/A DTD 07/15/2005 ATTN ELIZABETH DAVIS 777 108TH AVE NE STE 1200 BELLEVUE WA 98004-5135 |
VIRTUS DUFF & PHELPS REAL ESTATE SECURITIES SERIES-CLASS I | 21.80% |
VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP GROWTH SERIES-CLASS I
|
93.46% | |
| THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 1300 S CLINTON ST FORT WAYNE IN 46802-3506 |
VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND SERIES-CLASS A | 15.11% |
VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND SERIES-CLASS I
|
89.51% | |
| VIRTUS PARTNERS INC ATTN DAVID G HANLEY ONE FINANCIAL PLAZA HARTFORD CT 06103-4500 |
VIRTUS KAR SMALL-CAP GROWTH SERIES-CLASS I | 5.96% |
| VIRTUS NEWFLEET MULTI-SECTOR INTERMEDIATE BOND SERIES-CLASS I | 7.03% | |
| VIRTUS SGA INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES-CLASS I | 100.00% |
B-2
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
PART C—OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 28. | Exhibits |
| (a) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust |
| (c) | See Articles III and V of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust; and Article II of the Bylaws. |
| (d) | Investment Advisory Contracts. |
| (e) | Underwriting Contracts |
| a) | *First Amendment to Administrative Service Agreement between VP Distributors and Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., effective as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.10.a) herewith. |
| 11. | *Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement between VP Distributors and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, effective as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit e.11) herewith. |
| (f) | *Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Program, effective April 8, 2022, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit f) herewith. |
| (g) | Custodian Agreement. |
| (h) | Other Material Contracts. |
| b) | *Adoption Agreement and Second Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement among Registrant, TMFVL and BNY Mellon, effective as of January 12, 2022, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.1.b) herewith. |
| 4. | *Sixteenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and VIA, effective as of December 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4) herewith. |
| 5. | *Seventeenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and VIA, effective as of April 30, 2022, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.4) herewith. |
| 18. | *Participation Agreement among VVIT, TMFVL, VP Distributors and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, dated as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.18) herewith. |
| a) | *Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement among VVIT, TMFVL, VP Distributors and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, dated as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.18.a) herewith. |
| b) | *Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement among VVIT, TMFVL, VP Distributors and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, dated as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.18.b) herewith. |
| 19. | *Participation Agreement among VVIT, VP Distributors and Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York, dated as of January 1, 2015, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.19) herewith. |
| 20. | *Participation Agreement among VVIT, TMFVL, VP Distributors and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, dated as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.20) herewith. |
| 21. | *Participation Agreement among VVIT, TMFVL, VP Distributors and Principal Life Insurance Company, dated as of October 1, 2021, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit h.21) herewith. |
| (i) | Legal Opinion. |
| 2. | *Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit i.2) herewith. |
| (j) | Other Opinions. |
| 1. | *Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit j.1) herewith. |
| (k) | Not applicable. |
| (l) | Not applicable. |
| (m) | Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 Plan, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit m) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 (File No. 033-05033) on April 23, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| (n) | Multi-Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3, filed via EDGAR (as Exhibit n) with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 (File No. 033-05033) on April 30, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference. |
| (o) | Reserved. |
| (p) | Code of Ethics. |
| (q) | Powers of Attorney |
| Item 29. | Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
None.
| Item 30. | Indemnification |
The indemnification of Registrant’s principal underwriter against certain losses is provided for in Section 2 of the Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit e.1. Indemnification of Registrant’s Custodian is provided for in Section 9.9, among others, of the Custody Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit g.1. The indemnification of Registrant’s Transfer Agent is provided for in Section 11 of the Transfer Agency Services Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit h.1. The Trust has entered into Indemnification Agreements with each trustee, the form of which is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits h.5, h.5.a, h.5.b, h.6 and h.7 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement, whereby the Registrant shall indemnify the trustee for expenses incurred in any proceeding in connection with the trustee’s service to the Registrant subject to certain limited exceptions.
In addition, Article VII sections 2 and 3 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit a.1-3, provides in relevant part as follows:
“A Trustee, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable to any Person, other than the Trust or a Shareholder to the extent provided in this Article VII, for any act, omission or obligation of the Trust, of such Trustee or of any other Trustee. The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, Manager or Principal Underwriter of the Trust. The Trust (i) may indemnify an agent of the Trust or any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as an agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise and (ii) shall indemnify each Person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust and any Person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a director, officer, trustee, or employee of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise, in the case of (i) and (ii), to the fullest extent consistent with the 1940 Act and in the manner provided in the By-Laws; provided that such indemnification shall not be available to any of the foregoing Persons in connection with a claim, suit or other proceeding by any such Person against the Trust or a Series (or Class) thereof.
All persons extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or the Trustees shall look only to the assets of the appropriate Series (or Class thereof if the Trustees have included a Class limitation on liability in the agreement with such person as provided below), or, if the Trustees have yet to establish Series, of the Trust for payment under such credit, contract or claim; and neither the Trustees nor the Shareholders, nor any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor.
Every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or thing whatsoever executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees by any of them in connection with the Trust shall conclusively be deemed to have been executed or done only in or with respect to his or their capacity as Trustee or Trustees, and such Trustee or Trustees shall not be personally liable thereon. …
… A Trustee shall be liable to the Trust and to any Shareholder solely for her or his own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees may take advice of counsel or other experts with respect to the meaning and operation of this Declaration of Trust, and shall be under no liability for any act or omission in accordance with such advice nor for failing to follow such advice.”
In addition, Article III section 7 of such Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for the indemnification of shareholders of the Registrant as follows: “If any Shareholder or former Shareholder shall be exposed to liability by reason of a claim or demand relating to such Person being or having been a Shareholder, and not because of such Person's acts or omissions, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or such Person's heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled to be held harmless from and indemnified out of the assets of the Trust against all cost and expense reasonably incurred in connection with such claim or demand, but only out of the assets held with respect to the particular Series of Shares of which such Person is or was a Shareholder and from or in relation to which such liability arose. The Trust may, at its option and shall, upon request by the Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against the Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets held with respect to the particular series.”
Article VI Section 2 of the Registrant’s Bylaws incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit b of the Registrant’s Registration Statement, provides in relevant part, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, “every agent shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against all liabilities and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been an agent.” Such indemnification would not apply in the case of any liability to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person’s duties.
The Investment Advisory Agreement, Subadvisory Agreements, Custody Agreement, Foreign Custody Manager Agreement, Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement and Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, each as amended, respectively provide that the Registrant will indemnify the other party (or parties, as the case may be) to the agreement for certain losses. Similar indemnities to those listed above may appear in other agreements to which the Registrant is a party.
The Registrant, in conjunction with VIA, the Registrant’s Trustees, and other registered investment management companies managed by VIA or its affiliates, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him or arising out of his position. However, in no event will Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him or her.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
| Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser and Subadvisers |
See “Management” in the Prospectus and “The Investment Adviser, Subadvisers and Portfolio Managers” and “Management of the Trust” in the Statement of Additional Information for information which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment regarding the business of the Adviser and Subadvisers. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of the directors and officers of the Adviser and Subadvisers, in the last two years, reference is made to the Adviser’s and each Subadviser’s current Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, incorporated herein by reference.
| Adviser | SEC File No.: |
| VIA | 801-5995 |
| Duff & Phelps | 801-14813 |
| KAR | 801-24241 |
| Newfleet | 801-51559 |
| SGA | 028-11076 |
| Item 32. | Principal Underwriter |
VP Distributors also serves as the principal underwriter for the following registrants: The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, Virtus Asset Trust, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Opportunities Trust, Virtus Retirement Trust and Virtus Strategy Trust.
| (b) | Directors and executive officers of VP Distributors, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103 are as follows: |
| Name and Principal Business Address | Positions and Offices with Distributor | Positions and Offices with Registrant |
| George R. Aylward | Executive Vice President | President and Trustee
|
| Kevin J. Carr | Vice President, Counsel and Secretary | Assistant Secretary
|
| Jennifer S. Fromm | Securities Counsel and Assistant Secretary | Vice President, Counsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
|
| Nancy J. Engberg | Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary | Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
|
| David Hanley | Senior Vice President and Treasurer | None
|
| Barry Mandinach | President | None
|
| David C. Martin | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | Anti-Money Laundering Officer
|
| (c) | To the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, no commissions or other compensation was received by any principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or an affiliated person of such affiliated person, directly or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant’s last fiscal year. |
| Item 33. | Location of Accounts and Records |
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder include:
Secretary of the Trust:
Jennifer Fromm, Esq.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Investment Adviser:
Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc.
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Subadviser for Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series:
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606
Subadviser to Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series and Virtus Strategic Allocation Series:
Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 1110
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Subadviser to Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series and Virtus Strategic Allocation Series:
Newfleet Asset Management, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Subadviser to Virtus SGA International Growth Series:
Sustainable Growth Advisers
301 Tresser Blvd. Suite 1310
Stamford, CT 06901
Principal Underwriter:
VP Distributors, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Custodian:
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
Administrator:
Virtus Fund Services, LLC
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant, Subadministrator and Dividend Dispersing Agent:
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
301 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
| Item 34. | Management Services |
None.
| Item 35. | Undertakings |
Not applicable.
Exhibit Index
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness for this registration statement under Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford and the State of Connecticut on the 21st day of April, 2022.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | ||
| By: | /s/ George R. Aylward | |
| George R. Aylward | ||
| President | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 21st day of April, 2022.
| Signature | Title | |
| /s/ George R. Aylward | Trustee and President | |
| George R. Aylward | (principal executive officer) | |
| /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |
| W. Patrick Bradley | (principal financial and accounting officer) | |
| * | ||
| Donald C. Burke | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| Sidney E. Harris | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| John R. Mallin | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| Connie D. McDaniel | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| Philip R. McLoughlin | Trustee and Chairman | |
| * | ||
| Geraldine M. McNamara | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| R. Keith Walton | Trustee | |
| * | ||
| Brian T. Zino | Trustee |
| *By: | /s/ George R. Aylward | |
| *George R. Aylward, Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to a power of attorney |
Exhibit e.3.a
AMENDMENT
TO MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment is entered into as of October 1, 2021, by and between Jefferson National Life Insurance Company (“Firm”) and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”).
WHEREAS, Firm and Distributor have entered into a Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement effective as of November 2011 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement Firm provides marketing of certain funds distributed by the Company (the “Portfolios”) and certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to the owners of certain variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company through certain Nationwide Variable Accounts in connection with their allocations to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to include TMFVL and fees applicable to Firm providing the Services with respect to allocations to TMFVL, effective October 1, 2021, the date on which Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit A attached hereto.
2. The notice address for Distributor is hereby changed to One Financial Plaza, 26th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn.: Counsel.
3. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
4. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| JEFFERSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Leland W. Cummings | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold |
| Name: | Leland W. Cummings | Name: | Heidi Griswold |
| Title: | VP, Head of Fund Operations | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services |
2
SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Fee |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | 40 bps |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | 35 bps |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | 35 bps |
| The Merger Fund VL | 35 bps |
3
Exhibit e.4.b
AMENDMENT
TO MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This Amendment is entered into as of July 19 , 2021, by and between Symetra Life Insurance Company (the “Firm”), a Washington life insurance company, and VP Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Firm and the Distributor have entered into a Marketing and Distribution Agreement effective as of April 25, 2013 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement the Firm provides marketing of certain funds distributed by the Distributor (the “Portfolios”) and provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”), effective on a future date; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to include TMFVL and fees applicable to the Firm providing the Services with respect to TMFVL, effective upon the date on which the Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, Section VII of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, the term “Trust” in the Agreement shall be deemed to include TMFVL, as appropriate, and the term “Portfolio” in the Agreement shall be deemed to include TMFVL.
2. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Schedule A attached hereto.
3. The notice address for the Distributor is hereby changed to One Financial Plaza, 26th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn.: Counsel.
4. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
5. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| SYMETRA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Jon Stenberg | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold |
| Name: | Jon S. Stenberg | Name: | Heidi Griswold |
| Title: | Executive Vice President | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services |
SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Fee |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | 15 bps |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | 15 bps |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | 15 bps |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | 15 bps |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | 15 bps |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | 10 bps |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | 10 bps |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | 15 bps |
| The Merger Fund VL | 25 bps |
Exhibit e.5.a
AMENDMENT
TO MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment is entered into as of October 1, 2021, by and between The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. ("Firm") and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”).
WHEREAS, Firm and Distributor have entered into a Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement effective as of May 23, 2013 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement Firm provides marketing of certain funds distributed by the Company (the “Portfolios”) and certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to the owners of certain variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies issued by Firm in connection with their allocations to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”), effective on a future date; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to include TMFVL and fees applicable to Firm providing the Services with respect to allocations to TMFVL, effective upon the date on which Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit A attached hereto.
2. The notice address for Distributor is hereby changed to One Financial Plaza, 26th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn.: Counsel. The notice address for the Firm is hereby changed to 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, Attn.: Counsel.
3. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
4. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC. | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Nahulan Ethirveerasingam | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Nahulan Ethirveerasingam | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | 2nd Vice President | Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | |
SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Class | Fee |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bps |
| The Merger Fund VL | I | 40 bps |
Exhibit e.10.a
FIRST AMENDMENT
TO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AGREEMENT
This First Amendment is entered into as of October 1, 2021, by and between Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (“NFS”) and VP Distributors, LLC (the “Company").
WHEREAS, NFS and the Company have entered into an Administrative Service Agreement effective October 1, 2018 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement NFS provides the owners of certain variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance policies issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company, and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company through certain Nationwide Variable Accounts in connection with their allocations to certain funds distributed by the Company (the “Funds”); and
WHEREAS, the Company anticipates becoming the distributor for The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to include TMFVL and fees applicable to NFS providing the Services with respect to allocations to TMFVL, effective October 1, 2021, the date on which the Company becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, Exhibit A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit A attached hereto.
2. The notice address for the Company is hereby changed to One Financial Plaza, 26th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn.: Counsel.
3. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
4. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Leland W. Cummings | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Leland W. Cummings | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | VP, Head of Fund Operations | Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | |
2
EXHIBIT A
| Portfolio | Fee |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, Class A | 50 bps |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, Class I | 25 bps |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series, Class I | N/A |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series, Class A | 25 bps |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series, Class I | N/A |
| The Merger Fund VL, Class I | 40 bps |
3
Exhibit e.11
MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
AGREEMENT
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (“Firm”) and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”) mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of October 1, 2021. Firm and the Distributor are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the “Contracts”);
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2021 (the “Participation Agreement”), with one or more Virtus Variable Insurance Funds (each, the “Trust”) and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of itself or certain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the “Series”), available for purchase by one or more of Firm’s separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a “Separate Account”) for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, Firm desires to provide for the marketing of the Series and provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Series; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate Firm in recognition of its provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
| I. | Representations and Warranties |
| A. | Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of Delaware. |
| B. | Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to it by a Series. |
| C. | Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions directed to it by any Series from any broker or dealer which has executed portfolio securities transactions for that Series. |
| D. | Firm represents and warrants that it has not entered into any agreement with any Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates pursuant to which that Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to it to compensate it for promoting or selling any Series’ shares. |
| II. | Services; Payments |
| A. | Firm shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm’s assets from which investments in shares of the Series are made, including, without limitation, the following services: |
| 1. | Maintaining separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Series shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Series share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Firm will maintain an omnibus account with each Series on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Series shares attributable to such Contract owners. |
| 2. | Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Series in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Series. |
| 3. | Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Series, purchases and redemptions of Series shares and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests, and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners. |
| 4. | Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Series, to the extent required by law. |
| 5. | Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Series prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Series provide to their shareholders. |
| 6. | Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Series on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners. |
| 7. | Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services. |
| B. | The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm, without demand or notice by Firm, within 45 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time. |
| C. | Firm will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law. |
| III. | Nature of Payments for Services |
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor’s payments to Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to Firm pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor’s or its affiliates’ bona fide profits or of the actual costs to Firm of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a “Plan”) under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Series, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Series may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent permissible under applicable law.
| IV. | Disclosure |
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm agrees to provide written point of sale disclosure to its Contract owners describing the Services provided by it pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
| V. | Maintenance of Records |
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Firm will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
| VI. | Term and Termination |
A. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
B. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Series by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party.
| C. | This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement. |
| VII. | Amendment; Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
| VIII. | Notices |
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either party may provide in writing to the other party.
Insurance Company:
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
One Financial Center, 21st Floor
Boston, MA 02117
Attn: Law Group
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
| IX. | Miscellaneous |
| A. | Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their transferees, successors and permitted assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. No party may assign, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. The Company shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company. |
| B. | Intended Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Parties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties. |
| C. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. |
| D. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. |
| E. | Severability. This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Series, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Series affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted. |
| F. | Effectiveness. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Designated Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Designated Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Designated Series. |
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of October 1, 2021.
| Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Frain | |
| Jason Frain | ||
| Title: | Vice President | |
| Date: | 10/06/2021 | |
| VP Distributors, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Heidi Griswold | ||
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
SCHEDULE A
| Series | Share Class |
Fee | ||
Rule 12b-1 Fees |
Other | Total | ||
| Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Trust: The Merger Fund VL1 | N/A | 0 bps | 25 bps | 25 bps |
1 Effective with respect to this Trust only if and when the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of this Trust, expected to be in the fourth calendar quarter of 2021.
Exhibit e.12

MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENT
Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York ("Firm") and VP Distributors, LLC ("Distributor") mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the "Agreement") effective as of January 1, 2015. Firm and the Distributor are refe1Ted to collectively herein as the "Parties."
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the "Contracts");
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015 (the "Participation Agreement"), with Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust") and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of ce1iain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the "P01ifolios"), available for purchase by one or more of Firm's separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a "Separate Account") for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, Film desires to provide for the marketing of the P01ifolios and provide ce1iain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the "Services") to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Portfolios; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate Firm in recognition of its provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
Section I - Representations and Warranties
(A) Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of New York.
(B) Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to it by a Portfolio.
(C) Film represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Portfolios in the form of commissions directed to it by any P01ifolio from any broker or dealer which has executed p01ifolio securities transactions for that Portfolio.
(D) Film represents and warrants that it has not entered into any agreement with any Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor's affiliates pursuant to which that Portfolio or Distributor or any of Distributor's affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to it to compensate it for promoting or selling any Portfolio's shares.

Section II - Services; Payments
(A) Fi1m shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm's assets from which investments in shares of the Portfolios are made, including, without limitation, the following services:
(1) Maintaining separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Portfolio shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Portfolio share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Fi1m will maintain an omnibus account with each Portfolio on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Portfolio shares attributable to such Contract owners.
(2) Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Portfolios in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Portfolios.
(3) Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Portfolios, purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests, and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners.
(4) Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Portfolios, to the extent required by law.
(5) Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Portfolio prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Portfolios provide to their shareholders.
(6) Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Portfolios on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners.
(7) Providing marketing assistance.
(8) Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services.
(B) The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm, without demand or notice by Firm, within 30 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time.
(C) Film will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law.

Section III - Nature of Payments for Services
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor's payments to Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to Firm pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor's or its affiliates' bona fide profits or of the actual costs to Film of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a "Plan") under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Portfolios, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Portfolio may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent pe1missible under applicable law.
Section IV - Disclosure
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm agrees to provide written point of sale disclosure to its Contract owners describing the Services provided by it pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
Section V- Maintenance of Records
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Film will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
Section VI - Term and Termination
(A) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
(B) This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Portfolio by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other party.
(C) This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement.
(D) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary (including, without limitation, termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section VI), unless prohibited by applicable law, for so long as the Firm owns shares of any Portfolio and provides the services set forth herein, Firm shall be entitled to the compensation set forth in this Agreement.

Section VII - Amendment; Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
Section VIII - Notices
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either party may provide in writing to the other party.
Insurance Company:
Jefferson National Life Insurance Company
10350 Ormsby Park Place
Louisville, KY 40223
Attention: General Counsel
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
100 Pearl Street
Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel
Section IX - Miscellaneous
(A) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. Each Party shall promptly notify the other Parties of the assignment or other transfer of this Agreement.
(B) Intended Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Parties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties.
(C) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
(D) Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

(E) Severability. This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Portfolio, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Portfolio affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted.
[Signature page follows.]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first written above.
| Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York | ||
| By: | /s/ Craig Hawley | |
| Title: | General Counsel & Secretary | |
| Date: | ||
| VP Distributors, LLC | ||
| By: | ||
| Title: | ||
| Date: | ||

SCHEDULE A
| Portfolio | Fee |
| Virtus International Series | 35 basis points |
| Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series | 35 basis points |
| Virtus Premium AlphaSector Series | 35 basis points |
| Virtus Real Estate Securities Series | 40 basis points |
Exhibit e.13
MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES AGREEMENT
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (“Firm”) and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”) mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of October 1, 2021. Firm and the Distributor are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the “Contracts”);
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2021 (the “Participation Agreement”), with one or more Virtus Variable Insurance Funds (each, the “Trust”) and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of itself or certain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the “Series”), available for purchase by one or more of Firm’s separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a “Separate Account”) for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, Firm desires to provide for the marketing of the Series and provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Series; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate Firm in recognition of its provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
| I. | Representations and Warranties |
| A. | Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of Delaware. |
| B. | Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to it by a Series. |
| C. | Firm represents and warrants that it will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions directed to it by any Series from any broker or dealer which has executed portfolio securities transactions for that Series. |
| D. | Firm represents and warrants that it has not entered into any agreement with any Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates pursuant to which that Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to it to compensate it for promoting or selling any Series’ shares. |
| II. | Services; Payments |
| A. | Firm shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm’s assets from which investments in shares of the Series are made, including, without limitation, the following services: |
| 1. | Maintaining separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Series shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Series share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Firm will maintain an omnibus account with each Series on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Series shares attributable to such Contract owners. |
| 2. | Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Series in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Series. |
| 3. | Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Series, purchases and redemptions of Series shares and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests, and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners. |
| 4. | Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Series, to the extent required by law. |
| 5. | Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Series prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Series provide to their shareholders. |
| 6. | Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Series on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners. |
| 7. | Providing marketing assistance. |
| 8. | Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services. |
| B. | The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A (the “Services Fee”) at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm, without demand or notice by Firm, within 45 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time. This Services Fee is guaranteed to the Firm and is not subject to any discretionary changes by the Parties. |
| C. | Firm will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law. |
| III. | Nature of Payments for Services |
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor’s payments to Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to Firm pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor’s or its affiliates’ bona fide profits or of the actual costs to Firm of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a “Plan”) under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Series, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Series may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent permissible under applicable law.
| IV. | Disclosure |
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm agrees to provide written point of sale disclosure to its Contract owners describing the Services provided by it pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
| V. | Maintenance of Records |
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Firm will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
| VI. | Term and Termination |
A. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
B. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Series by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party.
C. This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement.
D. Notwithstanding and following any termination pursuant to this section, the Distributor will remain obligated and continue to pay the Firm the Services Fee for so long as values or monies are allocated to a Trust and the Firm provides the Services set forth in this Agreement.
| VII. | Amendment; Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
| VIII. | Notices |
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either party may provide in writing to the other party.
Insurance Company:
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
51 Madison Avenue
10SB
New York, NY
Attention: Amanda Kuhl
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
| IX. | Miscellaneous |
| A. | Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their transferees, statutory successors, liquidators, receivers, and assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, statutory successors, liquidators, receivers, and assigns. The Firm shall promptly notify the Fund and the Distributor of any change in control of the Firm. No assignment of this Agreement by either Party shall be effective unless prior written notice is provided to the other Party at least forty-five (45) days prior to the intended assignment date. |
| B. | Intended Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Parties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties. |
| C. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. |
| D. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. |
| E. | Severability. This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Series, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Series affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted. |
| F. | Effectiveness. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Designated Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Designated Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Designated Series. |
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of October 1, 2021.
| New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation | |||
| By: | /s/ Amanda Kuhl Sarrubbo | ||
| Title: | Vice President & Actuary | ||
| Date: | 11/05/2021 | ||
| VP Distributors, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | ||
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | ||
| Date: | 10/21/2021 | ||
SCHEDULE A
| Series | Share Class |
Fee | ||
| Rule 12b-1 Fees |
Other | Total | ||
| Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Trust: The Merger Fund VL | N/A | 0 bps | 25 bps | 25 bps |
Exhibit e.14
MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
Principal Life Insurance Company (“Firm”), Principal Securities, Inc. (“PSI”) and VP Distributors, LLC (“Distributor”) mutually agree to the arrangements set forth in this Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of October 1, 2021. Firm, PSI and the Distributor are referred to collectively herein as the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Firm is the issuer of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (the “Contracts”);
WHEREAS, PSI is a broker-dealer licensed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is a member of FINRA in good standing, and is an affiliate of Firm.
WHEREAS, Firm has entered into a Participation Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2021 (the “Participation Agreement”), with one or more Virtus Variable Insurance Funds (each, the “Trust”) and Distributor, pursuant to which the Trust agreed to make shares of itself or certain of its series, listed in Schedule A hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time (the “Series”), available for purchase by one or more of Firm’s separate accounts or divisions thereof (each, a “Separate Account”) for Contract owners to allocate Contract value;
WHEREAS, PSI desires to provide for the marketing of the Series and Firm desires to provide certain administrative and recordkeeping services (collectively, the “Services”) to Contract owners in connection with their allocation of Contract value and purchase payments to the Series; and
WHEREAS, Distributor desires to compensate PSI and Firm in recognition of their provision of the Services;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
| I. | Representations and Warranties |
| A. | Firm represents and warrants that it is an insurance company licensed under the laws of the State of Iowa. |
| B. | Firm and PSI represent and warrant that they will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions on brokerage transactions directed to them by a Series. |
| C. | Firm and PSI represent and warrant that they will not accept compensation for promoting or selling shares of the Series in the form of commissions directed to them by any Series from any broker or dealer which has executed portfolio securities transactions for that Series. |
| D. | Firm and PSI represent and warrant that they have not entered into any agreement with any Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates pursuant to which that Series or Distributor or any of Distributor’s affiliates is expected to direct brokerage commissions to them to compensate them for promoting or selling any Series’ shares. |
| II. | Services; Payments |
| A. | Firm and/or PSI (as applicable) shall perform or provide for the performance of all Services with respect to Contract owner values and Firm’s assets from which investments in shares of the Series are made, including, without limitation, the following services: |
Classification: Internal Use
| 1. | Maintaining separate records for each Contract owner, which shall reflect the Series shares purchased and redeemed with respect to and Series share balances attributable to such Contract owners. Firm will maintain an omnibus account with each Series on behalf of Contract owners, and such accounts shall be in the name of Firm (or its nominee) as the record owner of Series shares attributable to such Contract owners. |
| 2. | Disbursing to or crediting to the benefit of Contract owners all proceeds of redemptions of shares of the Series in relation to Contract owner requests to redeem their Contract value and processing all dividends and other distributions reinvested in shares of the Series. |
| 3. | Preparing and transmitting to Contract owners, as required by law, periodic statements showing allocations to sub-accounts investing in the Series, purchases and redemptions of Series shares and dividends and other distributions paid in relation to Contract owner transaction requests, and such other information as may be required, from time to time, by Contract owners. |
| 4. | Generating written confirmations to Contract owners with respect to transactions relating to the Series, to the extent required by law. |
| 5. | Administering the distribution to existing Contract owners of Series prospectuses, proxy materials, periodic reports to shareholders and other materials that the Series provide to their shareholders. |
| 6. | Aggregating and transmitting purchase and redemption orders to the Series on behalf of, or with respect to, Contract owners. |
| 7. | Providing marketing assistance. |
| 8. | Maintaining and preserving all records required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the foregoing Services. |
| B. | The Distributor shall calculate the fee set forth in Schedule A at the end of each calendar quarter and will make such payment to Firm and/or PSI (as applicable), without demand or notice by Firm, within 45 days thereafter, in a manner mutually agreed by the Parties from time to time. |
| C. | Firm and PSI will furnish to Distributor or its designees such information as Distributor or its delegates may reasonably request, and will otherwise cooperate with Distributor in the preparation of reports concerning this Agreement, as well as any other reports or filing that may be required by law. |
| III. | Nature of Payments for Services |
The Parties to this Agreement recognize and agree that Distributor’s payments to PSI and Firm are for marketing and administrative services only and do not constitute payment in any manner for investment advisory services. The amount of the marketing and administrative expense payments made by Distributor to PSI or Firm (as applicable) pursuant to this Agreement are not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, indicative of Distributor’s or its affiliates’ bona fide profits or of the actual costs to PSI or Firm of providing marketing and administrative services to Distributor. To the extent that there is a Rule 12b-1 Plan currently in effect (a “Plan”) under the 1940 Act, with respect to the shares of any of the Series, a portion of the service fee hereunder with respect to such shares of such Series may be paid under the Plan, as determined by Distributor and to the extent permissible under applicable law.
Classification: Internal Use
| IV. | Disclosure |
Consistent with any current legal requirements or legal requirements as may become effective, including without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the rules thereunder and the applicable rules of any self-regulatory organization, in effect at any time during the term of this Agreement, or as requested by Contract owners, Firm and PSI agree that one of them will provide written point of sale disclosure to the Contract owners describing the Services provided by them pursuant to this Agreement, the payments made by Distributor pursuant to this Agreement and any other matters required under applicable law, rule or regulation.
| V. | Maintenance of Records |
Each party shall maintain and preserve all records as required by law to be maintained and preserved in connection with providing the services described herein. Upon the reasonable request of Distributor, Firm and/or PSI, as applicable, will provide Distributor or its representative, copies of all such records.
| VI. | Term and Termination |
A. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one year from the date hereof and shall be automatically renewed thereafter for successive one-year periods, unless otherwise terminated.
B. This Agreement may be terminated with respect to any Series by Distributor or by Firm without penalty, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other such party. PSI shall not have the ability to terminate this Agreement but shall be removed as a party to this Agreement if its broker-dealer license is no longer in effect and in such case all rights and obligations of PSI hereunder shall become rights and obligations of Firm.
C. This Agreement will automatically terminate on the date of termination of the Participation Agreement.
| VII. | Amendment; Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the Services and no modification, amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing specifically referring to this Agreement and signed by the Parties hereto.
| VIII. | Notices |
All notices and other communications to either Firm or Distributor will be duly given if mailed, or copied to the address set forth below, or at such other address as either party may provide in writing to the other party. Any notice to Firm shall be shared by Firm with PSI, and Distributor shall have no obligation to provide notices directly to PSI.
Firm/Insurance Company:
Principal Life Insurance Company
711 High Street
Des Moines, IA 50392
Attention: Annuity Services Product Director
Distributor:
VP Distributors, LLC
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
Classification: Internal Use
| IX. | Miscellaneous |
| A. | Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their transferees, successors and permitted assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the Parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. No party may assign, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. Firm and/or PSI, as applicable, shall promptly notify Distributor of any change in control of Firm and/or PSI. |
| B. | Intended Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give any person or entity other than the Parties, any legal or equitable claim, right or remedy. Rather, this Agreement is intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties. |
| C. | Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. |
| D. | Applicable Law. To the extent that state law is not preempted by the provisions of any law of the United States heretofore or hereafter enacted, as the same may be amended from time to time, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. |
| E. | Severability. This Agreement shall be severable as it applies to each Trust and/or Series, and action on any matter shall be taken separately for each Trust and/or Series affected by the matter. If any portion of this Agreement shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or tribunal or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, but shall have the same force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable portion had not been inserted. |
| F. | Effectiveness. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Series. |
[Signature page follows.]
Classification: Internal Use
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of October 1, 2021.
| Principal Life Insurance Company | ||
| By: | /s/ Sara Wiener | |
| Title: | ||
| Date: | ||
| Principal Securities, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Craig Spadafora | |
| Title: | Head of Product & Advisory | |
| Date: | 09/29/2021 | |
| VP Distributors, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 09/30/2021 | |
Classification: Internal Use
SCHEDULE A
| Series | Share Class |
Fee | ||
| Rule 12b-1 Fees |
Other | Total | ||
| Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust | ||||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | A | 25 bps | ||
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | I | 0 bps | ||
| Trust: The Merger Fund VL1 | N/A | 0 bps | 25 bps | 25 bps |
| 1 | Effective with respect to this Trust only if and when the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of this Trust, expected to be October 1, 2021. |
Classification: Internal Use
Exhibit f
DUFF & PHELPS SELECT MLP AND MIDSTREAM ENERGY FUND INC.
THE MERGER FUND®
THE MERGER FUND® VL
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME 2024 TARGET TERM FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME FUND II
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI DIVERSIFIED INCOME & CONVERTIBLE FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI EQUITY & CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
VIRTUS ASSET TRUST
VIRTUS DIVIDEND, INTEREST & PREMIUM STRATEGY FUND
VIRTUS EQUITY TRUST
VIRTUS EVENT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
VIRTUS GLOBAL MULTI-SECTOR INCOME FUND
VIRTUS INSIGHT TRUST
VIRTUS INVESTMENT TRUST
VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
VIRTUS RETIREMENT TRUST
VIRTUS STONE HARBOR EMERGING MARKETS INCOME FUND
VIRTUS STONE HARBOR EMERGING MARKETS TOTAL INCOME FUNDVIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
VIRTUS TOTAL RETURN FUND INC.
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
As amended and restated effective as of April 8, 2022
DUFF & PHELPS SELECT MLP AND MIDSTREAM ENERGY FUND INC.
THE MERGER FUND®
THE MERGER FUND® VL
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME 2024 TARGET TERM FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI CONVERTIBLE & INCOME FUND II
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI DIVERSIFIED INCOME & CONVERTIBLE FUND
VIRTUS ALLIANZGI EQUITY & CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
VIRTUS ASSET TRUST
VIRTUS DIVIDEND, INTEREST & PREMIUM STRATEGY FUND
VIRTUS EQUITY TRUST
VIRTUS EVENT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
VIRTUS GLOBAL MULTI-SECTOR INCOME FUND
VIRTUS INSIGHT TRUST
VIRTUS INVESTMENT TRUST
VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
VIRTUS RETIREMENT TRUST
VIRTUS STONE HARBOR EMERGING MARKETS INCOME FUND
VIRTUS STONE HARBOR EMERGING MARKETS TOTAL INCOME FUND
VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST
VIRTUS TOTAL RETURN FUND INC.
VIRTUS
VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND EFFECTIVE DATE
| 1.01. | Purpose. This Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to provide current, duly-elected non-employee (independent) members and advisory members of the Board of Trustees of Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc., The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus AllianzGI Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus AllianzGI Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund, Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, Virtus Asset Trust, Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund, Virtus Insight Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Opportunities Trust, Virtus Retirement Trust, Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund, Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund, Virtus Strategy Trust, Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (each, a “Fund”) with a plan to defer all or a portion of the Trustees’ Compensation. It is the desire to have the benefit of the Trustees’ continued loyalty, service and counsel and also to assist the trustees in planning for retirement and certain other contingencies. The Plan is intended to be a separate unfunded plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, for each Fund and shall not constitute a single plan for all Funds even though this Plan document references all Funds. The Funds are not members of the same controlled group of corporations or group of trades or businesses under common control, and so the unfunded Plans of each of the Funds are not required to be aggregated for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. The term “Plan” is sometimes used herein to refer to each separate Plan of each Fund. |
| 1.02. | Effective Date. The Plan is amended and restated effective as of April 8, 2022. |
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
Wherever used in this Plan, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
| 2.01. | “Beneficiary” means the person(s) or entity, including one or more trusts, last designated by a Participant on a form or electronic media and accepted by the Plan Administrator or its duly authorized representative as a beneficiary, co-beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary to receive benefits payable under the Plan in the event of the death of the Participant. In the absence of any such designation, the Beneficiary shall be (i) the Participant’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, (ii) if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner, the Participant’s children (including stepchildren and adopted children) per stirpes, or (iii) if there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner and/or children per stirpes, the Participant’s estate. |
| 2.02. | “Benefit” means the amount determined in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of the Plan. |
| 2.03. | “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
| 2.04. | “Compensation” means the annual and other retainers/fees payable by the Funds to the Participant by reason of such Participant’s membership on the Board of Trustees of the Funds and/or any fees payable for such Participant’s participation on committees of the Board of Trustees. |
| 2.05. | “Deferred Compensation Credit” means the amount determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02 of the Plan. |
| 2.06. | “Deferred Compensation Election” means a Participant’s election to defer all or a portion of Compensation as set forth in Section 4.03. |
| 2.07. | “Deferred Compensation Investment Account” means the book account established on behalf of a Participant under Article VI of the Plan. |
| 2.08. | “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. |
| 2.09. | “Fund Board” means the Funds’ Board of Trustees, or any committee designated to act in such capacity by the Board of Trustees. |
| 2.10. | “Fund” means each registered investment company whose Board of Trustees has determined to offer a Plan, as listed on the first page hereof. |
| 2.11. | “Investment Funds” means the funds, which are available notional or “deemed” investment options under the Plan. |
| 2.12. | “Participant” means a Trustee who meets the eligibility requirements of Article III and elects to participate in the Plan. |
| 2.13. | “Permanent Disability” means the total inability as a result of injury or sickness, to perform the duties of any gainful occupation for which the Participant is fitted by training, education or experience. Such determination shall be made by the Plan Administrator based on examination of all applicable facts and circumstances. |
| 2.14. | “Plan” means The Fund Board Deferred Compensation Plan document as set forth herein, as it may be amended from time to time, and the separate Plan of each Fund evidenced by this Plan document. |
| 2.15. | “Plan Administrator” means the Fund Board or its delegate. |
| 2.16. | “Plan Year” means the calendar year. |
| 2.17. | “Recordkeeper” means the Fidelity Management Trust Company or its affiliated designee, designated to administer the records relating to the Plan and its deemed investments. |
| 2.18. | “Separation from Service” shall have the meaning set forth and described in the final regulations promulgated under Code section 409A. |
| 2.19. | “Specified Employee” means, for a non-employee Trustee who becomes an officer of a Fund, a Trustee who, as of the date of the Trustee’s Separation from Service, is a key employee of the Fund whose stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise. A Trustee is a key employee if the Trustee meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding Code section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the 12-month period ending on a Specified Employee identification date. If a Trustee is a key employee as of a Specified Employee identification date, the Trustee is treated as a key employee (and therefore a Specified Employee) for the entire 12-month period beginning on the Specified Employee effective date. The Specified Employee identification date is December 31 of the preceding calendar year, and the Specified Employee effective date is April 1 of the current calendar year. |
| 2.20. | “Trustee” means a duly-elected non-employee (independent) member or advisory member of the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Funds. |
ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION
| 3.01. | Eligibility. With respect to any Plan Year, an individual who has been elected or appointed as a Trustee of a Fund shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. |
| 3.02. | Commencement of Participation. Each eligible Trustee shall become a Participant in the Plan of each Fund for which he or she is eligible as of the date he or she meets the above requirement and completes a Deferred Compensation Plan Election as described in Section 4.03. |
| 3.03. | Termination of Participation. A Trustee shall cease to be a Participant with respect to all Funds as of the date such Trustee ceases to meet all of the requirements of Section 3.01 above; provided, however, that benefits accrued by the Trustee as of such date shall not be reduced and shall be paid as provided herein. |
ARTICLE IV
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
| 4.01. | Deferred Compensation Benefit. A Participant’s Benefit shall be equal to any amounts deferred by the Participant and credited to a Deferred Compensation Investment Account established for such Participant, as adjusted in accordance with Article VI. |
| 4.02. | Deferred Compensation Credit. A Participant’s Deferred Compensation Credits for any Plan Year shall consist of an amount the Participant elected to defer pursuant to Section 4.03. |
| 4.03. | Deferred Compensation Election. Prior to the beginning of a Plan Year in which Compensation would otherwise be paid, each Participant may make an irrevocable election to defer between one percent (1%) and one-hundred percent (100%) of such Participant’s Compensation for such Plan Year. Such election percentage shall be applied to such Participant’s Compensation from all Funds for which the Participant serves as a Trustee and shall not differ by Fund, provided, however, that if a Participant in a Plan with respect to one or more Fund(s) becomes a Trustee with respect to any other Fund(s) during a Plan Year, such Participant may make a separate election with respect to the new Fund(s) within 30 days of his or her becoming eligible to participate in the Plan for such Fund(s), in accordance with Section 5.01(a) hereof. |
ARTICLE V
ELECTION TO DEFER AND ELECTION AS TO TIME AND FORM OF PAYMENT
| 5.01. | Elections to Defer Under Section 4.03 |
| (a) | Deferral elections for a Plan Year must be made by the end of the Participant’s taxable year immediately preceding the Plan Year. All such deferral elections become irrevocable with respect to a Plan Year as of the last day of the taxable year immediately preceding the Plan Year. |
A Trustee who becomes eligible to participate in the Plan during a Plan Year may make a deferral election within 30 days after becoming eligible to participate in the Plan. Such election applies only to Compensation earned on and after the election date, and shall be effective for the remaining portion of the Plan Year in which such Trustee is elected. All such deferral elections become irrevocable as of the date of election.
| (b) | Deferral elections made with respect to a Plan Year will remain in effect with respect to future Plan Years unless the Participant makes an affirmative election otherwise prior to the beginning of such subsequent Plan Year. |
| 5.02. | Elections – Time and Form of Payment The Participant must elect pursuant to the procedure established by the Plan Administrator within the time frames set forth in Section 5.01, the form of payment of the Benefit hereunder. Benefit elections and payments made under this Section 5.02 shall apply with respect to the Plans of all Funds applicable to a given Participant, provided, however, that (i) if a Participant in a Plan with respect to any Fund(s) becomes a Trustee with respect to any other Fund(s) during the 2016 Plan Year in connection with the consolidation of the boards of trustees of the various Funds into a single Fund Board, such Participant may make a separate election with respect to the new Funds for the 2016 Plan Year within 30 days of his or her becoming eligible to participate in the Plan for such Fund, and (ii) elections and payments with respect to Benefit amounts attributable to Virtus Variable Insurance Trust for Plan Years 2016 and prior shall not be required to apply to the Plans of any other Funds. |
| (a) | Time of Payment – subject to Section 5.03, distribution of the Benefit will always commence upon the Participant’s Separation from Service, including a Separation from Service after the Participant has incurred a Permanent Disability. |
| (b) | Form of Payment – the Participant may elect, as set forth above in this Article V, to receive his or her Benefit in one of the following forms of payment: |
| (i) | lump sum; or |
| (ii) | annual installments over a period not exceeding five (5) years for deferral elections made before February 25, 2014 or ten (10) years for deferral elections made on or after February 25, 2014. |
A Participant who fails to make an election as to the form of payment of the Benefit shall be deemed to have elected a lump sum distribution of the Participant’s Benefit. Any lump sum payment will be paid within 90 days of the Separation from Service. Any installment payments will be made on a fixed schedule as specified in the Participant’s election, with the first installment to be paid within 90 days of the Participant’s Separation from Service.
| (c) | One-Time Changes to Distribution Elections - notwithstanding Section 5.02(b), a Participant may make a one-time election to change his or her Benefit distribution election, provided that: |
| (i) | the Participant’s subsequent Benefit distribution election pursuant to this Section 5.02(c) election must not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which such subsequent Benefit distribution election is made; and |
| (ii) | the payment of the Participant’s Benefit is deferred for a period of not less than five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made. |
| 5.03. | Deferred Compensation Investment Account Distribution Provisions. |
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, for a Trustee who is a Specified Employee, the commencement date of any payment from the Deferred Compensation Investment Account that would otherwise have occurred prior to the six month anniversary of the Trustee’s Separation from Service shall be postponed until the earlier to occur of (i) such six month anniversary and (ii) the first day of the month following the Trustee’s death. Upon the expiration of the six-month period, all payments delayed pursuant to this Section (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a lump sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum, and any remaining payments due under the Plan shall be paid in accordance with Section 5.02.
| 5.04. | Death Benefit. Upon the death of a Participant, the single-sum cash value of the Participant’s Benefit, determined as of the date of distribution, shall be distributed to the Participant’s Beneficiary in a lump sum on the 90th day following the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding the foregoing and pursuant to Section 5.02(c)(i), a Participant who has elected to receive his or her Benefit in annual installments pursuant to Section 5.02(b)(2)(ii) may elect (A) if payments have commenced prior to the Participant’s death, to have distributions continue to be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary following the Participant’s death in the form of annual installments for the remainder of the period elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 5.02(b)(2)(ii) and (B) if payments have not commenced prior to the Participant’s death, to have distributions be made to Participant’s Beneficiary in the form of annual installments for the period elected by Participant pursuant to Section 5.02(b)(2)(ii), with the first installment to be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary no later than the 90th day following the Participant’s death. |
| 5.05. | Mandatory Distributions of Small Account Balances. The Participant shall receive a lump sum payment of his or her account balances within 90 days after his or her Separation from Service (“Cash-Out Payment”) if the Cash-Out Payment results in the termination and liquidation of the entirety of the Participant’s interest under the Plan (including all plans with which the Plan is required to be aggregated pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(c)(2)) and the Cash-Out Payment is not greater than applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Code. |
| 5.06. | Suspension of Benefits Upon Re-Election. Upon re-election, the benefits payable under the Plan cannot be suspended pursuant to Code section 409A, the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. |
ARTICLE VI
DEEMED INVESTMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS
| 6.01. | Investment Accounts. All Deferred Compensation Credits under Section 4.02 shall be made to the Participant’s Deferred Compensation Investment Account on the date that the Compensation would have otherwise been received by the Participant. Such Deferred Compensation Credits shall be deemed to be invested in the Investment Funds in such manner as may be specified by the Fund Board. The Fund Board will not specify a manner of investing the Deferred Compensation Credits that results in the Recordkeeper being required to treat Participants in the Plan differently with respect to one or more Funds than it does with respect to one or more other Funds. Each Participant’s Deferred Compensation Investment Account will be adjusted by an amount equal to the amount of any adjustment that would have been made had the Participant’s credits been allocated and invested as herein provided; reduced, however, at the Fund Board’s discretion, by an amount equal to the estimated income taxes, if any, payable by the Fund on such adjustment, based on the Fund’s highest tax rate on its net taxable income for the Plan Year in which such adjustment is made. The Fund Board reserves the right to reduce the interest or earnings on deferred compensation amounts for any federal or state taxes which it may incur as a result of interest or earnings on amounts held under the Plan. |
| 6.02. | Fund Retains Control of Deemed Investments. The Fund Board shall have the right at any time to add new deemed investment options, cease to offer any or all of the deemed investment options, and alter or adjust the basis or method of calculating any interest or earnings for any of the investment options. The Fund Board shall be under no obligation to actually make any investment as described above. Reference to any such investment shall be solely for the purpose of aiding the Fund Board in measuring the Fund’s liabilities under the terms of the Plan. In any event, if any investments are made, the Fund shall be named the sole owner and shall have all of the rights and privileges conferred by any instrument evidencing such investments. Such investments shall not be segregated, set aside or held in trust or escrow and shall at all times remain the unrestricted assets of the Fund subject to the claim of its general creditors. |
| 6.03. | Value of Benefit. The value of any benefit under the Plan at any point in time shall be equal to the single-sum cash value of such benefit as of the date of determination. |
ARTICLE VII
FUNDING
| 7.01. | Funding. No special or separate fund shall be established by the Fund or the Fund Board and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure the payment of benefits under the Plan. No Participant shall have any right, title, or interest whatsoever in any specific asset of the Fund. Nothing contained in the Plan and no action taken pursuant to its provisions shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship, between the Fund Board and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments under the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Funds. |
ARTICLE VIII
CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS
| 8.01. | Claims Procedure. Claims for benefits under the Plan may be filed with the Plan Administrator on forms supplied by the Recordkeeper. Claims by a Participant that is a Trustee of more than one Fund shall apply to the Plans of all Funds for which the Participant serves as a Trustee and shall not differ by Fund except to the extent the Plan Administrator advises the Participant that such claim is appropriately applied to one or more Funds differently than to one or more other Funds. Written or electronic notice of the disposition of a claim shall be furnished to the claimant within ninety (90) days after the application is filed (or within one hundred eighty (180) days if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim and if written notice of such extension and circumstances are communicated to the claimant within the initial ninety (90) day period). In the event the claim is wholly or partially denied, the reasons for the denial shall be specifically set forth in the notice in language calculated to be understood by the claimant, pertinent provisions of the Plan on which the decision is based shall be cited, and, where appropriate, a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect the claim, and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, will be provided. In addition, the claimant shall be furnished with an explanation of the Plan’s claims review procedure and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review. A claimant must request a review of a denied claim in accordance with Section 8.02 and exhaust all remedies under the Plan before the claimant is permitted to bring a civil action for benefits. |
| 8.02. | Claims Review Procedure. Any Trustee, former Trustee, or authorized representative or Beneficiary of either, who has been denied either in whole or in part a benefit by a decision of the Plan Administrator pursuant to Section 8.01 shall be entitled to request the Plan Administrator to give further consideration to his or her claim by filing with the Plan Administrator (on a form which may be obtained from the Plan Administrator) a request for review. Such request, together with a written statement of the reasons why the claimant believes his or her claim should be allowed, shall be filed with the Plan Administrator no later than sixty (60) days after receipt of the notification provided for in Section 8.01. If such request is so filed, the claimant or an authorized representative may submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim to the Plan Administrator within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notification provided for in Section 8.01. The claim for review shall be given a full and fair review that takes into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted that relates to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. The Plan Administrator shall provide the claimant or an authorized representative with written or electronic notice of the final decision as to the allowance of the claim within sixty (60) days of receipt of the request for review (or within one hundred twenty (120) days if special circumstances requires an extension of time for processing the request and if written notice of such extension and circumstances is given to the claimant or an authorized representative within the initial sixty (60) day period). Such communication shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include specific reasons for the decision, specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based, a statement of the claimant or an authorized representative’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) and a statement that the claimant or his or her Beneficiary is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claim for benefits. A document is relevant to the claim for benefits if it was relied upon in making the determination, was submitted, considered or generated in the course of making the determination or demonstrates that benefit determinations are made in accordance with the Plan and that Plan provisions have been applied consistently with respect to similarly situated claimants. |
| 8.03. | Lost or Unknown Participants. If any benefits payable under the Plan to a Participant, or to such Participant’s legal representative or Beneficiary, cannot be paid by reason that such person cannot be located by the later of (i) the last day of the calendar year in which the payment was due and (ii) the 15th day of the third calendar month following the date specified under the Plan, after reasonable efforts have been made to locate such person, such benefits shall be forfeited and returned to the appropriate Funds. |
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
| 9.01. | Powers and Duties of the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan (including but not limited to complying with reporting and disclosure requirements, and establishing and maintaining Plan records). Any authority exercised by the Plan Administrator under the Plan shall be exercised by the Plan Administrator in its sole and absolute discretion. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Plan Administrator is authorized to determine all questions arising in connection with the Plan, to interpret the provisions of the Plan and to construe all of its terms, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan, and to make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan or to carry out its provisions and purposes. In the exercise of its sole and absolute discretion, the Plan Administrator shall interpret the Plan’s provisions and determine the eligibility of individuals for benefits. Determinations, interpretations or other actions made or taken by the Plan Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons. |
| 9.02. | Agents. The Plan Administrator may engage such legal counsel, certified public accountants and other advisers and service providers, who may be advisers or service providers for the Funds or an affiliate, and make use of such agents and clerical or other personnel, as it shall require or may deem advisable for purposes of the Plan. The Plan Administrator may rely upon the written opinion of any legal counsel or accountants engaged by the Plan Administrator, and may delegate to any such agent its authority to perform any act hereunder, including, without limitation, those matters involving the exercise of discretion, provided that such delegation shall be subject to revocation at any time at the discretion of the Plan Administrator. |
| 9.03. | Reports to Fund Board. The Plan Administrator shall report to the Fund Board or to a committee of the Fund Board designated for that purpose, as frequently as the Fund Board or such committee shall specify, with regard to the matters for which the Plan Administrator is responsible under the Plan. |
| 9.04. | Instructions for Payments. All requests of or directions for payment, disbursement or settlement shall be signed by the Plan Administrator or such other person(s) as the Plan Administrator may from time to time designate in writing. This person shall cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of payments, disbursements and settlements under the Plan. |
| 9.05. | Hold Harmless. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no person serving as the Plan Administrator shall be personally liable by reason of any contract or other instrument executed by such person or on such person’s behalf in such person’s capacity as the Plan Administrator nor for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless, each such person and each other officer, employee, or director to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan against any cost or expense (including counsel fees) or liability arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith. |
| 9.06. | Service of Process. The person designated by the Fund Board shall be the agent for service of process under the Plan. |
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
| 10.01. | Amendment and Termination. |
| (a) | The Plan may be amended, modified or terminated at any time by the Fund Board for the Participants associated with the terminating Plan, at their sole discretion, subject to Section 10.01(b) below and except that, without the consent of any Participant or Beneficiary, if applicable, no such amendment, modification or termination shall affect, reduce or diminish any rights or Benefits of any Participant accrued or in pay status as of the date of such amendment, modification or termination. However no amendment, modification or termination shall result or cause an acceleration of payments or benefits under the Plan, unless the termination satisfies Section 10.01(b). The Fund Board will not amend, modify or terminate the Plan of one or more Funds at the exclusion of the Plan of one or more other Funds unless the amendment, modification or termination will not result in the Recordkeeper being required to treat Participants in one Plan differently than it does Participants in any other Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing to the contrary, the Fund Board may amend the Plan as it deems necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of Code section 409A, as amended, and the regulations and pronouncements thereunder, regardless of whether any such amendment shall cause a reduction or cessation of the Benefit prior to the adoption of such amendment. |
| (b) | Plan Termination under Code section 409A. The Fund Board may terminate and liquidate the Plan at any time, provided that it complies with Code section 409A and the regulations thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time, including the requirements that: |
| (i) | the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Fund; |
| (ii) | the Fund Board terminates and liquidates all plans with which the Plan is required to be aggregated pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(c)(2) if any Participant had deferrals of compensation under all of the plans that are terminated and liquidated; |
| (iii) | no payments in liquidation of the Plan are made within 12 months of the date the Fund Board takes all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan (other than payments that would be payable under the terms of the Plan if the action to terminate and liquidate the Plan had not occurred); |
| (iv) | all payments are made within 24 months of the date by which the Fund Board has taken all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan; and |
| (v) | the Fund does not adopt a new plan that would be aggregated with any terminated and liquidated Plan under Treas. Reg. 1.409A-1(c) if any Participant participated in both plans at any time within three years following the date by which the Fund Board has taken all necessary action to irrevocably terminate and liquidate the Plan. |
| 10.02. | Nonassignability. The benefits payable under the Plan shall not be subject to alienation, assignment, garnishment, execution or levy of any kind and any attempt to cause any benefits to be so subjected shall not be recognized, except to the extent required by applicable law; provided, however, that at the sole discretion of the Fund, a Participant or Beneficiary may assign his or her entire interest in his or her Benefit to the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s spouse or former spouse, as the case may be, under a divorce or separation instrument described in subparagraph (A) of Code section 71(b)(2). Furthermore, except by will or the laws of descent or distribution, the Participant and any Beneficiary may not anticipate the benefits provided hereunder by assignment, pledge, sale or similar act. |
| 10.03. | Other Rights. The Plan creates no rights in the Participant to continue the Participant’s affiliation with the Fund, if any, for any length of time, nor does it create any rights in the Participant or obligations in the part of the Fund other than those set forth herein. |
| 10.04. | Interpretation Consistent with Code Section 409A. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under the Plan comply with Code section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. If any provision of the Plan would cause the Trustee to incur any additional tax or interest under Code section 409A, the Fund, to the extent feasible, shall reform such provision to try to comply with Code section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Code section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified to comply with Code section 409A, such modification shall, to the extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code section 409A. |
| 10.05. | Successor Fund. In the event of the dissolution, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Fund, provision may be made by which a successor to all or a major portion of the Fund’s property or business shall continue the Plan, and the successor shall have all of the power, duties and responsibilities of the Funds under the Plan. |
| 10.06. | Governing Law. The Plan shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflict of law provisions thereof. |
| 10.07. | Tax Withholding. The Fund may withhold from a payment any federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments and such sums as the Funds may reasonably estimate are necessary to cover taxes for which the Fund may be liable and which may be assessed with regard to such payment. |
| 10.08. | Illegality of Particular Provision. The illegality of any particular provision of this Plan document shall not affect the other provisions and the Plan document shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted. |
Exhibit h.1.b
Execution Version
Adoption Agreement
and
Second Amendment To Transfer Agency Services Agreement
This Adoption Agreement and Second Amendment To Transfer Agency Services Agreement ("Amendment"), dated as of January 12, 2022 (“Effective Date”), is being entered into by and between BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. ("BNYM") and each of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust ("VVIT"), on its own behalf and on behalf of each series of VVIT listed on Exhibit A to this Amendment (collectively, "Portfolio" in the singular and "Portfolios" in the plural) and The Merger Fund VL ("Merger Fund"). (VVIT and Merger Fund are, collectively, "Investment Company" in the singular and "Investment Companies" in the plural). "Fund" is hereby defined to mean each Investment Company and each Portfolio, each in its individual and separate capacity.
Background
BNYM, under its former name PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc., and VVIT, under its former name The Phoenix Edge Series Fund, previously entered into that certain Transfer Agency Services Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2008, and BNYM and VVIT entered into the First Amendment To Transfer Agency Services Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2011 (collectively, the "Current Agreement"). The parties intend that the Current Agreement be amended as set forth in this Amendment.
In addition, BNYM and VVIT, the parties to the Current Agreement, intend that Merger Fund become a party to the Current Agreement, as amended by this Amendment (VVIT and Merger Fund are sometimes referred to herein as, respectively, the "Current Investment Company" and the "Additional Investment Company").
Terms
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree to all statements made above and as follows:
| 1. | Modifications to Current Agreement. The Current Agreement is hereby amended as follows: |
(a) All references in the Current Agreement to "PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc.", "The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc." and the defined term "PNC" are deleted and replaced by, respectively, "BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.", "The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation" and the defined term "BNYM". All references to "The Phoenix Edge Series Fund" are deleted and replaced by "Virtus Variable Insurance Trust".
(b) Exhibit A is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit A attached to this Second Amendment To Transfer Agency Services Agreement among BNYM, VVIT and Merger Fund.
2. Adoption of Amended Agreement by New Series of Current Investment Companies. Each series of the Current Investment Company that has been added to Exhibit A hereto by virtue of this Amendment acknowledges and agrees that (i) by virtue of its execution of this Amendment, it becomes and is a party to the Current Agreement as amended by this Amendment ("Amended Agreement") as of the Effective Date, or if BNYM commenced providing services to the Fund prior to the Effective Date, as of the date BNYM first provided services to the Fund, and (ii) it is bound by all terms and conditions of the Amended Agreement as of such date.
Page 1
Execution Version
| 3. | Adoption of Amended Agreement by the Additional Investment Company. |
(a) The Additional Investment Company adopts the Amended Agreement, agrees that it shall be a "Fund" for all purposes of the Amended Agreement and agrees to be bound by all applicable terms of the Amended Agreement.
(b) BNYM agrees to be bound by all terms of the Amended Agreement with respect to the Additional Investment Company and agrees that it shall have the same obligations with respect to the Additional Investment Company as it has to the Current Investment Company and its Portfolios.
(c) The Current Investment Company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its Portfolios, agrees to Sections 3(a) and 3(b) above.
4. Remainder of Current Agreement. Except as specifically modified by this Amendment, all terms and conditions of the Current Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
5. Governing Law. The governing law provision of the Current Agreement shall be the governing law provision of this Amendment.
6. Entire Agreement. This Amendment constitutes the final, complete, exclusive and fully integrated record of the agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and the amendment of the Current Agreement with respect to such subject matter, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous proposals, agreements, contracts, representations and understandings, whether written, oral or electronic, between the parties with respect to the same subject matter.
7. Signatures; Counterparts. The parties expressly agree that this Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts and expressly agree that such execution may occur by manual signature on a physically delivered copy of this Amendment, by a manual signature on a copy of this Amendment transmitted by facsimile transmission, by a manual signature on a copy of Amendment transmitted as an imaged document attached to an email, or by "Electronic Signature", which is hereby defined to mean inserting an image, representation or symbol of a signature into an electronic copy of this Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods. Each counterpart executed in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed an original, with all such counterparts together constituting one and the same instrument. The exchange of executed counterparts of this Amendment or of executed signature pages to counterparts of this Amendment, in either case by facsimile transmission or as an imaged document attached to an email transmission, shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Amendment and may be used for all purposes in lieu of a manually executed and physically delivered copy of this Amendment.
[Remainder Of Page Intentionally Blank - Signatures Appear On Following Page]
Page 2
Execution Version
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Second Amendment To Transfer Agency Services Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date by its duly authorized representative indicated below. An authorized representative, if executing this Amendment by Electronic Signature, affirms authorization to execute this Amendment by Electronic Signature and that the Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.
| BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust The Merger Fund VL | |||
By:
Name: |
/s/ Donald Brophy
Donald Brophy |
On behalf of itself and, to the extent it has Portfolios listed on Exhibit A hereto, on behalf of each such Portfolio, each such Fund in its individual and separate capacity | ||
| Title: | Vice President | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |||
| Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | |||
Page 3
Execution Version
EXHIBIT A
(Dated: January 12, 2022)
THIS EXHIBIT A is Exhibit A to that certain Transfer Agency Services Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2008, as amended, by and among BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., Virtus Variable Insurance Trust and The Merger Fund VL, and the other Funds, as further set forth below.
Funds
The Merger Fund VL
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap
Growth Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
Virtus SGA International Growth Series Equity
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Page 4
Exhibit h.3.x.
AMENDMENT
TO
SUB-ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Amendment and Joinder (“Amendment”) dated April 8, 2022 (“Effective Date”) is by and among Virtus Fund Services, LLC (“Company”), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, VATS Offshore Fund, Ltd., Virtus Asset Trust, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Opportunities Trust, Virtus Retirement Trust, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, Virtus Investment Trust and Virtus Strategy Trust, The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”) and The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”).
BACKGROUND:
| A. | Company, the Funds and BNY Mellon are parties to a Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 2010, as amended (the “Agreement”), relating to BNY Mellon’s provision of certain sub-administration and accounting services to the Funds’ investment portfolios listed on Exhibit B to the Agreement (each, a “Portfolio”). Joinder Agreements and Amendments to the Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement were entered into among certain parties on February 24, 2014, December 10, 2015, July 27, 2016, April ___, 2017, September 21, 2017, December 1, 2018, March 8, 2019, May 22, 2019, September 1, 2019, November 18, 2019, August 27, 2020, November 16, 2020, December 1, 2020, May 19, 2021, July 30, 2021 and February 12, 2022 for the purpose of amending the Agreement and/or adding or removing certain Funds. |
| B. | The Company, each Fund and BNY Mellon desire that each Fund be a party to the Agreement and receive the sub-administration and accounting services set forth in the Agreement. |
| C. | This Background section is incorporated by reference into and made a part of this Amendment. |
TERMS:
The parties hereby agree that:
| 1. | By executing this Agreement, Company, each Fund and BNY Mellon agree to become a party to, and be bound by, and to comply with the terms of the Agreement in the same manner as if each of the undersigned were an original signatory to the Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Fund listed at Exhibit A shall be considered to have a separate agreement with Company and BNY Mellon and hereby appoints BNY Mellon to provide administration and accounting services in accordance with the terms set forth in the Agreement. BNY Mellon accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services. |
| 2. | Exhibit B to the Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit B attached hereto. |
| 3. | Miscellaneous. |
| (a) | As amended and supplemented hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
| (b) | The parties expressly agree that this Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts and expressly agree that such execution may occur by manual signature on a physically delivered copy of this Amendment, by a manual signature on a copy of this Amendment transmitted by facsimile transmission, by a manual signature on a copy of Amendment transmitted as an imaged document attached to an email, or by “Electronic Signature”, which is hereby defined to mean inserting an image, representation or symbol of a signature into an electronic copy of this Amendment by electronic, digital or other technological methods. Each counterpart executed in accordance with the foregoing shall be deemed an original, with all such counterparts together constituting one and the same instrument. The exchange of executed counterparts of this Amendment or of executed signature pages to counterparts of this Amendment, in either case by facsimile transmission or as an imaged document attached to an email transmission, shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Amendment and may be used for all purposes in lieu of a manually executed and physically delivered copy of this Amendment. |
[Signature page follows.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Amendment to be executed as of the Effective Date by its duly authorized representative indicated below. An authorized representative, if executing this Amendment by Electronic Signature, affirms authorization to execute this Amendment by Electronic Signature and that the Electronic Signature represents an intent to enter into this Amendment and an agreement with its terms.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON | ||
| By: | /s/ Donald Brophy | |
| Name: | Donald Brophy | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
| VIRTUS FUND SERVICES LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | Executive Vice President | |
| VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST VATS OFFSHORE FUND, LTD. VIRTUS ASSET TRUST VIRTUS EQUITY TRUST VIRTUS INVESTMENT TRUST VIRTUS OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VIRTUS RETIREMENT TRUST VIRTUS STRATEGY TRUST VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST VIRTUS EVENT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST |
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | EVP, CFO & Treasurer |
| THE MERGER FUND® | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | EVP, CFO & Treasurer | |
| THE MERGER FUND® VL | ||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Name: | W. Patrick Bradley | |
| Title: | EVP, CFO & Treasurer | |
EXHIBIT A
THIS EXHIBIT A, dated April 8, 2022 is Exhibit A to that certain Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 2010, as amended, by and among Virtus Fund Services, LLC, the Funds as listed below and The Bank of New York Mellon.
FUNDS
The Merger Fund®
The Merger Fund® VL
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
VATS Offshore Fund, Ltd.
Virtus Asset Trust
Virtus Equity Trust
Virtus Event Opportunities Trust
Virtus Investment Trust
Virtus Opportunities Trust
Virtus Retirement Trust
Virtus Strategy Trust
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
EXHIBIT B
THIS EXHIBIT B, dated April 8, 2022 is Exhibit B to that certain Sub-Administration and Accounting Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 2010, as amended, by and among Virtus Services, LLC, each of the Funds and the Portfolios listed below and The Bank of New York Mellon.
PORTFOLIOS
Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund
Virtus KAR Long/Short Equity Fund
VATS Offshore Fund. Ltd.
Virtus Asset Trust
Virtus Ceredex Large-Cap Value Equity Fund
Virtus Ceredex Mid-Cap Value Equity Fund
Virtus Ceredex Small-Cap Value Equity Fund
Virtus Seix Core Bond Fund
Virtus Seix Corporate Bond Fund
Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund
Virtus Seix High Grade Municipal Bond Fund
Virtus Seix High Income Fund
Virtus Seix High Yield Fund
Virtus Seix Investment Grade Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Virtus Seix Short-Term Bond Fund
Virtus Seix Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
Virtus Seix Total Return Bond Fund
Virtus Seix U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund
Virtus Seix U.S. Mortgage Fund
Virtus Seix Ultra-Short Bond Fund
Virtus SGA International Growth Fund
Virtus Silvant Large-Cap Growth Stock Fund
Virtus Silvant Small-Cap Growth Stock Fund
Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth Stock Fund
Virtus Equity Trust
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund*
Virtus KAR Equity Income Fund*
Virtus KAR Global Quality Dividend Fund*
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund*
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund*
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund*
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Fund*
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund*
Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund
Virtus KAR Small Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Virtus KAR Small Mid-Cap Value Fund
Virtus SGA Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Virtus SGA Global Growth Fund
Virtus SGA New Leaders Growth Fund
Virtus Tactical Allocation Fund*
Virtus Investment Trust
Virtus AllianzGl Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Focused Growth Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Global Small-Cap Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Health Sciences Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Income & Growth Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Small-Cap Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Technology Fund
Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund
Virtus NFJ International Value Fund
Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund
Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund
Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund
Virtus Opportunities Trust
Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Infrastructure Fund*
Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Fund*
Virtus Duff & Phelps International Real Estate Securities Fund*
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Asset Fund
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Fund*
Virtus FORT Trend Fund
Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund
Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund*
Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund
Virtus Newfleet Core Plus Bond Fund*
Virtus Newfleet High Yield Fund*
Virtus Newfleet Low Duration Core Plus Bond Fund*
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund*
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund*
Virtus Newfleet Senior Floating Rate Fund*
Virtus Newfleet Tax-Exempt Bond Fund*
Virtus Vontobel Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund*
Virtus Vontobel Foreign Opportunities Fund*
Virtus Vontobel Global Opportunities Fund*
Virtus Vontobel Greater European Opportunities Fund*
Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Corporate Debt Fund
Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Debt Fund
Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Debt Allocation Fund
Virtus Stone Harbor High Yield Bond Fund
Virtus Stone Harbor Local Markets Fund
Virtus Stone Harbor Strategic Income Fund
Virtus Retirement Trust
None
Virtus Strategy Trust
Virtus AllianzGl Convertible Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Core Plus Bond Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Global Allocation Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Global Dynamic Allocation Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Global Sustainability Fund
Virtus AllianzGl High Yield Bond Fund
Virtus AllianzGl International Small-Cap Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Preferred Securities and Income Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Short Duration High Income Fund
Virtus AllianzGl Water Fund
Virtus NFJ Emerging Markets Value Fund
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series*
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series*
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series*
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series*
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series*
Virtus SGA International Growth Series*
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series*
The Merger Fund®
The Merger Fund® VL
Virtus Event Opportunities Trust
Virtus Westchester Event-Driven Fund
Virtus Westchester Credit Event Fund
*For those Portfolios denoted with an asterisk, BNY Mellon performed the regulatory administration services described in Section 14(b) of the Agreement through April 15, 2014. Thereafter, BNY Mellon ceased performing regulatory administration services under the Agreement.
Exhibit h.4
SIXTEENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
This Sixteenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of December 1, 2021, amends and restates that Fifteenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement effective as of April 21, 2021, by and between Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Registrant”), on behalf of each series of the Registrant listed in Appendix A (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the Adviser of each of the Funds, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Funds pursuant to the terms and provisions of one or more Investment Advisory Agreements entered into between the Registrant and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to maintain the expenses of each Fund at a level below the level to which each such Fund might otherwise be subject; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser understands and intends that the Registrant will rely on this Agreement in accruing the expenses of the Registrant for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Registrant to do so.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | Limit on Fund Expenses. The Adviser hereby agrees to limit the Expenses of each class of each Fund to the respective rate of Total Fund Operating Expenses (“Expense Limit”) specified for that class in Appendix A of this Agreement for the time period indicated. |
| 2. | Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Total Fund Operating Expenses” with respect to a Fund is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund including the Adviser’s investment advisory or management fee under the Advisory Agreement and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement that the Fund is responsible for and have not been assumed by the Adviser, but excludes front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any. |
| 3. | Recoupment and Recapture of Fees and Expenses. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Virtus”) out of assets belonging to the relevant class of the Fund for any Total Fund Operating Expenses of the relevant class of the Fund in excess of the Expense Limit paid, waived or assumed by Virtus for that Fund, provided that Virtus would not be entitled to reimbursement for any amount that would cause Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed either the Expense Limit in place at the time of the applicable waiver or assumption of expenses by Virtus or, if less, any contractual Expense Limit in place at the time that the reimbursement would be made, and provided further that no amount would be reimbursed by the Fund more than three years after the date on which it was incurred or waived by Virtus. The terms, conditions and rights of this section shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 4. | Term, Termination and Modification. This Agreement is effective for the time period indicated on Appendix A, unless sooner terminated as provided below in this Paragraph. This Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties at any time or by the Registrant on behalf of any one or more of the Funds upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Adviser. In addition, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to a Fund upon termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to such Fund. |
| 5. | Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party. |
| 6. | Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall otherwise be rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. |
| 7. | Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. |
| 8. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any Federal securities law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| 9. | Computation. If the fiscal year-to-date Total Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund at the end of any month during which this Agreement is in effect exceed the Expense Limit for that Fund (the “Excess Amount”), the Adviser shall (at its option) waive or reduce its fee under the Advisory Agreement and/or remit to that Fund (or cause another Virtus entity to waive or reduce its fee under another agreement and/or remit to that Fund) an amount that is sufficient to pay the Excess Amount computed on the last day of the month. |
| 10. | Liability. Virtus agrees that it shall look only to the assets of the relevant class of each respective relevant Fund for performance of this Agreement and for payment of any claim Virtus may have hereunder, and neither any other series (including the other series of the Registrant) or class of the Fund, nor any of the Registrant’s trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| W. Patrick Bradley | Richard W. Smirl | |||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | Executive Vice President | |||
APPENDIX A
Contractual Expense Limitations
Exhibit h.5
SEVENTEENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
This Seventeenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement (the “Agreement”) effective as of April 29, 2022, amends and restates that Sixteenth Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement effective as of December 1, 2021, by and between Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Registrant”), on behalf of each series of the Registrant listed in Appendix A (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and the Adviser of each of the Funds, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Funds pursuant to the terms and provisions of one or more Investment Advisory Agreements entered into between the Registrant and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to maintain the expenses of each Fund at a level below the level to which each such Fund might otherwise be subject; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser understands and intends that the Registrant will rely on this Agreement in accruing the expenses of the Registrant for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Registrant to do so.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | Limit on Fund Expenses. The Adviser hereby agrees to limit the Expenses of each class of each Fund to the respective rate of Total Fund Operating Expenses (“Expense Limit”) specified for that class in Appendix A of this Agreement for the time period indicated. |
| 2. | Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Total Fund Operating Expenses” with respect to a Fund is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund including the Adviser’s investment advisory or management fee under the Advisory Agreement and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement that the Fund is responsible for and have not been assumed by the Adviser, but excludes front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any. |
| 3. | Recoupment and Recapture of Fees and Expenses. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Virtus”) out of assets belonging to the relevant class of the Fund for any Total Fund Operating Expenses of the relevant class of the Fund in excess of the Expense Limit paid, waived or assumed by Virtus for that Fund, provided that Virtus would not be entitled to reimbursement for any amount that would cause Total Fund Operating Expenses to exceed either the Expense Limit in place at the time of the applicable waiver or assumption of expenses by Virtus or, if less, any contractual Expense Limit in place at the time that the reimbursement would be made, and provided further that no amount would be reimbursed by the Fund more than three years after the date on which it was incurred or waived by Virtus. The terms, conditions and rights of this section shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
| 4. | Term, Termination and Modification. This Agreement is effective for the time period indicated on Appendix A, unless sooner terminated as provided below in this Paragraph. This Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties at any time or by the Registrant on behalf of any one or more of the Funds upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to the Adviser. In addition, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to a Fund upon termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to such Fund. |
| 5. | Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party. |
| 6. | Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall otherwise be rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. |
| 7. | Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. |
| 8. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any Federal securities law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| 9. | Computation. If the fiscal year-to-date Total Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund at the end of any month during which this Agreement is in effect exceed the Expense Limit for that Fund (the “Excess Amount”), the Adviser shall (at its option) waive or reduce its fee under the Advisory Agreement and/or remit to that Fund (or cause another Virtus entity to waive or reduce its fee under another agreement and/or remit to that Fund) an amount that is sufficient to pay the Excess Amount computed on the last day of the month. |
| 10. | Liability. Virtus agrees that it shall look only to the assets of the relevant class of each respective relevant Fund for performance of this Agreement and for payment of any claim Virtus may have hereunder, and neither any other series (including the other series of the Registrant) or class of the Fund, nor any of the Registrant’s trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders, whether past, present or future, shall be personally liable therefor. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers.
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | VIRTUS INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ W. Patrick Bradley | By: | /s/ Richard W. Smirl | |
| W. Patrick Bradley | Richard W. Smirl | |||
| Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | Executive Vice President | |||
APPENDIX A
Contractual Expense Limitations
| Fund | Total Fund Operating Expense Limit | Term |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | ||
| Class A | 1.10% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Class I | 0.85% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | ||
| Class A | 1.03% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series Class A 0.98% Through April 30, 2023 | ||
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | ||
| Class A | 1.14% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Class I | 0.89% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | ||
| Class A | 1.10% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | ||
| Class A | 0.94% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Class I | 0.69% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | ||
| Class A | 1.14% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Class I | 0.89% | Through April 30, 2023 |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series | ||
| Class A | 0.98% | Through April 30, 2023 |
Exhibit h.10.a
AMENDMENT AND JOINDER
TO PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT
This Amendment and Joinder is entered into as of October 1, 2021 by and among Jefferson National Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) a Texas life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”); Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (“VVIT”) on behalf of its series listed on Exhibit B hereto and The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”), each a Delaware statutory trust (each of the series of VVIT and TMFVL, the “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and VP Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Company, VVIT and the Distributor have entered into a Participation Agreement dated as of November 2011 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that the Company may invest assets of the Account in series of VVIT as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for TMFVL; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to provide that the Company may invest assets of the Account in shares of TMFVL in the same manner and in accordance with the same terms as set forth in the Agreement, effective October 1, 2021, the date on which the Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, TMFVL shall become a party to, and be bound by, the terms of the Agreement in the same manner as if it were an original signatory to the Agreement, with such amendments as are set forth in this Amendment and Joinder. From and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Funds” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate.
2. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Schedule A attached hereto.
3. The addresses for notices under the Agreement for each Fund and the Distributor are hereby amended to the following:
[Name of Fund/Company]
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
4. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
1
5. This Amendment and Joinder may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment and Joinder by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| JEFFERSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Leland W. Cummings | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold |
| Name: | Leland W. Cummings | Name: | Heidi Griswold |
| Title: | VP, Head of Fund Operations | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | THE MERGER FUND VL |
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | Name: | Heidi Griswold |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services |
2
SCHEDULE A
The term “Designated Portfolio” of a Fund will include any Portfolio of the Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of the Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Further, if a Fund does not have series, the terms “Portfolio” and “Designated Portfolio” will each include the Fund itself.
Fund:
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Portfolios/Designated Portfolios:
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series | |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series | |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series | |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series | |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series | |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series | |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series | |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series |
Fund:
The Merger Fund VL
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Jefferson National Life Annuity Account G
Contracts:
Monument Advisor
3
Exhibit h.13.a
AMENDMENT AND JOINDER
TO PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT
This Amendment and Joinder is entered into as of July 19 , 2021 by and among Symetra Life Insurance Company (the “Company”), a Washington life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”); VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (“VVIT”) and THE MERGER FUND VL (“TMFVL”), each a Delaware statutory trust (each of VVIT and TMFVL, the “Fund”), and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Company, VVIT and the Distributor have entered into a Participation Agreement dated as of April 2013 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that the Company may invest assets of the Account in series of VVIT as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for TMFVL, effective on a future date; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to provide that the Company may invest assets of the Account in shares of TMFVL in the same manner and in accordance with the same terms as set forth in the Agreement, effective upon the date on which the Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, Section 11.8 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, TMFVL shall become a party to, and be bound by, the terms of the Agreement in the same manner as if it were an original signatory to the Agreement, with such amendments as are set forth in this Amendment and Joinder. From and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Fund” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate, and all references to the “Portfolios” and the “Designated Portfolios” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate (due to the fact that TMFVL is structured as a single fund rather than a series trust).
2. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Schedule A attached hereto.
3. The addresses for notices under the Agreement for each Fund and the Distributor are hereby amended to the following:
| If to the Fund: |
[Name of Fund] c/o Virtus Investment Partners One Financial Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel |
| If to Distributor: |
VP Distributors, LLC c/o Virtus Investment Partners One Financial Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel |
4. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
5. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| SYMETRA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Jon Stenberg | By: |
/s/ Heidi Griswold |
| Name: | Jon S. Stenberg | Name: |
Heidi Griswold |
| Title: | Executive Vice President | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | THE MERGER FUND VL |
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | By: | /s/ Christopher Colomb |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | Name: | Christopher Colomb |
| Title: | Vice President | Title: | Principal Financial Officer |
SCHEDULE A
The term “Designated Portfolio” of the Fund will include any Portfolio of a Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of a Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Fund:
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Portfolios:
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
Virtus SGA International Growth Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Fund:
The Merger Fund VL
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Symetra Resource Variable Account B
Symetra Separate Account VL (unregistered)
Contracts:
Symetra True Variable Annuity
Symetra Variable Corporate Owned Life Insurance
Exhibit h.14.a
AMENDMENT AND JOINDER
TO PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Amendment and Joinder is entered into as of October 1, 2021 by and among The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”); Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (“VVIT”) on behalf of its series listed on Exhibit B hereto and The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”), each a Delaware statutory trust (each of the series of VVIT and TMFVL, the “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and VP Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Company, VVIT and the Distributor have entered into a Participation Agreement dated as of May 23, 2013 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that the Company may invest assets of the Account in series of VVIT as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor anticipates becoming the distributor for TMFVL, effective on a future date; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to provide that the Company may invest assets of the Account in shares of TMFVL in the same manner and in accordance with the same terms as set forth in the Agreement, effective upon the date on which the Distributor becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, TMFVL shall become a party to, and be bound by, the terms of the Agreement in the same manner as if it were an original signatory to the Agreement, with such amendments as are set forth in this Amendment and Joinder. From and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Fund” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate, and all references to the “Portfolios” and the “Designated Portfolios” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate (due to the fact that TMFVL is structured as a single fund rather than a series trust).
2. Upon the Effective Date, Schedule A to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Schedule A attached hereto.
3. The addresses for notices under the Agreement for each Fund and the Distributor are hereby amended to the following:
[Name of Fund/Distributor]
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
4. The address for notices under the Agreement for the Company is hereby amended to the following:
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
10 Hudson Yards
New York, NY 10001
Attention: Counsel
5. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
6. This Amendment and Joinder may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment and Joinder by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| THE GUARDIAN INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY, INC. | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Nahulan Ethirveerasingam | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Nahulan Ethirveerasingam | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | 2nd Vice President | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | THE MERGER FUND VL | |||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
SCHEDULE A
The term “Designated Portfolio” of a Fund will include any Portfolio of the Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of the Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable. Further, if a Fund does not have series, the terms “Portfolio” and “Designated Portfolio” will each include the Fund itself.
Fund:
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Portfolios/Designated Portfolios:
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series |
Fund:
The Merger Fund VL
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Separate Account R
Contracts:
Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable AnnuitySM (B Share)
Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable AnnuitySM (C Share)
Guardian Investor ProFreedom Variable AnnuitySM (I Share)
Exhibit h.17.a
FIRST AMENDMENT AND JOINDER
TO PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This First Amendment and Joinder is entered into as of October 1, 2021 by and among Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. on behalf of its subsidiaries listed on Exhibit A to the Agreement (as defined below)(collectively, “Nationwide”) and the current and any future Nationwide separate accounts as applicable (“Variable Accounts”); Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (“VVIT”) on behalf of its series listed on Exhibit B hereto and The Merger Fund VL (“TMFVL”), each a Delaware statutory trust (each of the series of VVIT and TMFVL, the “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and VP Distributors, LLC (the “Company”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, Nationwide, VVIT and the Company have entered into a Participation Agreement dated as of October 1, 2018 (the “Agreement”) which, as of the date hereof, remains in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that Nationwide may invest assets of the Variable Accounts in series of VVIT as set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, the Company anticipates becoming the distributor for TMFVL; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to update the Agreement to provide that Nationwide may invest assets of the Variable Accounts in shares of TMFVL in the same manner and in accordance with the same terms as set forth in the Agreement, effective October 1, 2021, the date on which the Company becomes the distributor of TMFVL (the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that it may only be changed by a written instrument signed by the parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the parties hereby agree that:
1. Upon the Effective Date, TMFVL shall become a party to, and be bound by, the terms of the Agreement in the same manner as if it were an original signatory to the Agreement, with such amendments as are set forth in this Amendment and Joinder. From and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Funds” in the Agreement shall include TMFVL as appropriate.
2. Upon the Effective Date, Exhibit B to the Agreement shall be replaced in its entirety with the Exhibit B attached hereto.
3. The addresses for notices under the Agreement for each Fund and the Company are hereby amended to the following:
[Name of Fund/Company]
c/o Virtus Investment Partners
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Attention: Counsel
4. In all other respects, the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
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5. This Amendment and Joinder may be executed in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment and Joinder by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth above.
| NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. | VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | |||
| By: | /s/ Leland W. Cummings | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Leland W. Cummings | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | VP, Head of Fund Operations | Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST | THE MERGER FUND VL | |||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | Title: | VP, Mutual Fund Services | |
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EXHIBIT B
FUNDS
All current and future funds available for sale through the Variable Products, including but not limited to any funds listed below.
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, Class A |
| Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, Class I |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Class A |
| Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Class I |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Class A |
| Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Class I |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Class A |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Class I |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series, Class A |
| Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series, Class I |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series, Class A |
| Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series, Class I |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series, Class A |
| Virtus SGA International Growth Series, Class I |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series, Class A |
| Virtus Strategic Allocation Series, Class I |
| The Merger Fund VL, Class I |
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Exhibit h.18
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
among
Brighthouse Life Insurance Company
the
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND(S)
listed on Schedule A hereto
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the first day of October 2021, by and among Brighthouse Life Insurance company (the “Company”), a Delaware life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”), the VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS listed on Schedule A hereto severally and not jointly (each, the “Trust”), each a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, each Trust engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the “Variable Insurance Products”) to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Trust and Distributor (“Participating Insurance Companies”);
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of each Trust may be divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Series”);
WHEREAS, each Trust may rely on an order (The Phoenix Edge Series Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Trust to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the “Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order”);
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WHEREAS, each Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of any Series are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), which serves as investment adviser to each Trust and each Series (if any), is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the “Contracts”) and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to each Trust, is registered as a broker- dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”);
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Trust(s) and/or Series as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the “Designated Series”) on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Series, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Series, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Series hereunder shall affect any other Series;
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Trust and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
SALE OF TRUST SHARES
1.1. The Trust has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Trust’s shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in the Designated Series. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account, shares of those Designated Series, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) may refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Trust shares of any Designated Series or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Series or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Series.
1.2. The Trust shall redeem, at the Company’s request, any full or fractional Designated Series shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Trust shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Trust may delay redemption of Trust shares of any Designated Series to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
1.3. Purchase and Redemption Procedures
(a) The Trust hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Trust shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Series made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company as such limited agent of the Trust of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Trust calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Series pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a “Business Day”) prior to the time that the Trust calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the “Valuation Time”) shall constitute receipt by the Trust on that same Business Day, provided that the Trust or its designated agent receives notice of such request by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day.
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(b) The Company shall pay for shares of each Designated Series on the same day that it notifies the Trust of a purchase request for such shares. Payment for purchased Designated Series shares shall be made in federal funds transmitted to the Trust by wire to be received by the Trust by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day the Trust is notified of the purchase request for Designated Series shares (which request may be net of redemptions of such shares). If federal funds are not received on time, such funds will be invested, and Designated Series shares purchased thereby will be issued, as soon as practicable and the Company shall promptly, upon the Trust’s request, reimburse the Trust for any charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or overdrafts by, the Trust, or any similar expenses incurred by the Trust, as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Trust based upon such purchase request. Upon receipt of federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the Company and shall become the responsibility of the Trust.
(c) Payment for Designated Series shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company on the next Business Day after the Trust is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders) except that the Trust reserves the right to redeem Designated Series shares in assets other than cash and to delay payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the Rule or Rules thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Trust as described in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information (“SAI”). The Trust shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement or crediting of redemption proceeds by the Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Series shares held or to be held in the Account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Trust’s receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Trust shares so requested is received by the Trust in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus.
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(e) The Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Company’s assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a “Legally Required Redemption”), (iii) as permitted by an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, but only if a substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series is consistent with the terms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Trust reasonable assurance that any redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Series that was otherwise available under the Contracts without first giving the Trust 45 days notice of its intention to do so.
The Trust shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Series (or class thereof) available to the Company by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Series or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Trust’s statutory prospectus. None of the Trust, any Designated Series, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect information supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Trust or the Distributor.
1.4. The Trust shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Series shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Series shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Series. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Trust shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Series shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
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1.5. Issuance and transfer of Trust shares shall be by book entry only. The Trust will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Trust shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Trust may offer and sell shares of its Series to other insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Trust or remove or otherwise change the Trust’s distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Trust if it determines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Trust in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Trust is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the SEC (a “Registered Account”). The Company agrees to provide the Trust or its agent each year within 60 days of the end of the Trust’s fiscal year, or when reasonably requested by the Trust, information as to the number of shares purchased by a Registered Account and any other Account the interests of which are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Company acknowledges that the Trust intends to rely on the information so provided.
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ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
2.1. The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the Trust is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Trust is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Series shares sold pursuant to this Agreement are registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Trust shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Series under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Series to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Trust makes no representations or warranties as to whether any aspect of the Designated Series’ operations, including, but not limited to, investment policies, fees and expenses, complies with the insurance laws and other applicable laws of the various states. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Trust of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Trust or a Designated Series. The Trust shall not be responsible, and the Company shall take full responsibility, for determining any jurisdiction in which any qualification or registration of Trust shares or the Trust by the Trust may be required in connection with the sale of the Contracts or the indirect interest of any Contract in any shares of the Trust and shall advise the Trust at such time and in such manner as is necessary to permit the Trust to comply.
2.2. The Distributor represents and warrants that shares of the Designated Series (i) shall be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that communicate to the Trust that they qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Series under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio investments of the Designated Series as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) (“Qualified Persons”), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law.
2.3. Subject to Company’s representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Trust represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Series in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Trust will make every reasonable effort (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Series so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5.
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2.4. The Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Trust will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Trust will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Series has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other applicable suitability requirements; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance with the laws of the various states if and to the extent required by applicable law. If the Trust elects to adopt use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the Company elects to make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Trust’s summary prospectuses and any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement. The Company represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a “segregated asset account” and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a “variable contract” within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
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2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Trust and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Trust are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Trust in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Account in an amount reasonable and customary for the Company’s business. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Trust and to pay to the Trust any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Trust pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Trust and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
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2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program (“AML program”) that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the regulations issued thereunder (the “Patriot Act”). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to “know its customers” in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to permit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
2.12. The Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Trust or its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Series with the requirements of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Trust’s market timing and excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of applicable provisions of the summary prospectus and statutory prospectus (collectively, the “Prospectus”) and SAI of the Trust, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by the Company to the Trust or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt of a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by the Trust in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed and/or waived applicable redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Series’ then current Prospectus or SAI and/or as instructed by the Distributor. The Company further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Trust and its service providers (including but not limited to the Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short-term trading of Series shares. To the extent the Company has actual knowledge of violations of Trust policies (as set forth in the then current Prospectus or SAI) regarding (i) the timing of purchase, redemption or exchange orders and pricing of Series shares, (ii) market timing or excessive short-term trading, or (iii) the imposition of redemption fees, if any, the Company agrees promptly to report such known violations to the Distributor.
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2.13. The Trust represents and warrants that its summary prospectuses and the hosting of such documents prepared by the Trust that, pursuant to Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, will be publicly accessible, free of charge, at the website address specified on the cover page or at the beginning of the summary prospectus, and will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of Rule 498. The Trust and Distributor agree that the website used for hosting the Trust’s summary prospectuses will lead Contract owners directly to the current Trust documents required to be posted in compliance with Rule 498, and no other content or links will appear on the website.
ARTICLE III.
PROSPECTUSES AND PROXY STATEMENTS; VOTING
3.1. Subject to Section 6.1 and the Trust’s determination to use summary prospectuses, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, the Distributor shall provide the Company with as many copies of the Trust’s current Prospectuses as the Company may reasonably request. The Trust shall bear the expenses of printing copies of the Trust’s Prospectuses: (i) if requested by Contract owners, for the Contracts that will be distributed to existing Contract owners and (ii) that are used in connection with offering the Contracts issued by the Company. As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it, at the Trust’s expense, shall deliver the Trust’s summary prospectus, if used, to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements.
3.2. The Distributor (or the Trust), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy of the current SAI for the Trust free of charge to the Company for itself and so that the Company can print and deliver the SAI to any owner of a Contract who requests such SAI.
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3.3. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Trust statutory and/or summary prospectus, including any supplements, SAI, including any supplements, and most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders under Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act (“Trust Documents”), the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Trust Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Trust Document that it has received from the Trust pursuant to Section 3.1 above.
3.4. The Trust shall provide the Company with information regarding the Trust’s expenses, which information may include a table of fees and related narrative disclosure for use in any prospectus or other descriptive document relating to a Contract. The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Trust.
3.5. The Trust hereby grants to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Trust's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the statutory prospectuses, the summary prospectuses and other documents for the Designated Series, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.6. The Trust at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall notify the Company of any intended proxy and provide the Company with copies of its proxy material in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require. The Trust, on behalf of the Company, shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.7. The Trust, at its expense, shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
(ii) vote the Trust shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
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so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
ARTICLE IV.PARTICIPATING
INSURANCE COMPANIES SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING
THAT EACH OF THEIR SEPARATE ACCOUNTS PARTICIPATING IN A DESIGNATED SERIES
CALCULATES
VOTING PRIVILEGES AS REQUIRED BY THE MIXED AND SHARED FUNDING
EXEMPTIVE ORDER AND CONSISTENT WITH ANY REASONABLE STANDARDS THAT THE TRUST
MAY ADOPT AND PROVIDE IN WRITING.
SALES MATERIAL AND INFORMATION
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Trust or its designee, and the Trust will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Trust or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Trust or its designee so objects.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Trust or concerning the Trust, a Designated Series, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement or applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Trust shares, as such registration statement and Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Trust, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Trust or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Trust or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Trust shall be entitled to review Company’s placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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4.3. The Trust and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that it develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
4.4. The Trust and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company.
4.5. The Trust will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Trust or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Trust shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Trust without the prior written consent of the Trust or Distributor.
4.6. Upon request by the Trust or Distributor, the Company will provide to the Trust or Distributor at least one complete copy of all prospectuses (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account and to the extent material to the Trust, Adviser or Distributor, promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Company shall provide to the Trust and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pertaining to the Trust or the Designated Series.
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4.7. For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase “sales literature and other promotional materials” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that refer to the Trust or any affiliate of the Trust: advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Trust.
ARTICLE V.
FEES AND EXPENSES
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
5.2. The Trust shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Trust, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Trust shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Trust’s shares, preparation and filing of the Trust’s Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Trust’s shares.
5.3. The Trust shall bear the expenses of distributing the Trust’s Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Trust’s proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
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ARTICLE VI.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or undertakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and undertakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Trust or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.7 and 3.8 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VII.
INDEMNIFICATION
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
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(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include a written description of a Contract that is not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust not supplied by the Company or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Company or its agents or persons under the Company’s authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust Shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
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(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company; as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Trust shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Trust.
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| 7.2. | Indemnification by the Distributor |
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Trust by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Trust or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Trust or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust or the Distributor; or
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(iv) arise as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement; or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the Distributor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
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7.3. Indemnification By the Trust
(a) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Trust) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Trust and:
(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Trust to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Trust in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Trust;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Trust’s indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
(b) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Trust, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
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(c) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Trust in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Trust will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Trust also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Trust to such party of the Trust’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Trust will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Trust of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of its respective officers or directors in connection with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the Trust.
ARTICLE VIII.
APPLICABLE LAW
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Series, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
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(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor based upon the Company’s determination that shares of a Series are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Series the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to terminate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Series’ shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Trust or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company’s duties under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Trust’s shares; provided, however, that the Trust or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Trust or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Trust or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Series in the event that such Series ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Series may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Trust or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Trust or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Trust or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
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(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Trust, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(j) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Series of the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 90 days prior written notice to the Trust and Distributor of the date of substitution; or
(k) termination by the Trust if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated Series; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Trust or any Designated Series, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1; or
(l) termination by any party in the event that the Trust’s Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 9.2(b), the Trust and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue, until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Trust and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Series pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Series of the Trust and redeem investments in the Designated Series, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Series in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
The Company agrees, promptly after any termination of this Agreement, to take all steps necessary to redeem the investment of the Accounts in the Designated Series within one year from the date of termination of the Agreement as provided in Article IX. Such steps shall include, but not be limited to, obtaining an order pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act to permit the substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series. The Trust may, in its discretion, permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series beyond such one year anniversary for an additional year beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter; provided that the Trust agrees in writing to permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series at the beginning of any such year.
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(b) In the event (i) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 9.1(g) or 9.1(l), at the option of the Trust or the Distributor; or (ii) the one year anniversary of the termination of the Agreement is reached or, after waiver as provided in Section 9.2(a), such subsequent anniversary is reached (each of (i) and (ii) referred to as a “triggering event” and the date of termination as provided in (i) or the date of such anniversary as provided in (ii) referred to as the “request date”), the parties agree that such triggering event shall be considered as a request for immediate redemption of shares of the Designated Series held by the Accounts, received by the Trust and its agents as of the request date, and the Trust agrees to process such redemption request in accordance with the 1940 Act and the regulations thereunder and the Trust’s registration statement.
(c) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Trust or any Designated Series of the Trust, Articles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party’s obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
ARTICLE X.
NOTICES
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| If to either Trust: | [Name of Trust(s)] | |
| c/o Virtus Investment Partners | ||
| One Financial Plaza | ||
| Hartford, CT 06103 | ||
| Attention: Counsel |
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| If to the Company: | Brighthouse Life Insurance Company | |
| One Financial Center, 21st Floor | ||
| Boston, MA 02117 | ||
| Attn: Law Group | ||
| If to Distributor: | VP Distributors, LLC | |
| One Financial Plaza | ||
| Hartford, CT 06103 | ||
| Attention: Counsel |
ARTICLE XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
11.1. All persons dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Series, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Series had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Trust assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Trust.
11.2. Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent of the affected party until such time as such information has come into the public domain.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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11.5. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Designated Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Designated Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Designated Series.
11.6. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.7. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
11.8. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.9. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties.
11.10. This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, by any party without the prior written consent of all parties hereto. The Company shall promptly notify the Trust and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
11.11. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company’s annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and
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(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable after the filing thereof.
ARTICLE XII.
RULE 22C-2 COMPLIANCE
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”) and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 180 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 180 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day.
(b) Form and Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a “financial intermediary,” as that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an “Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
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(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates from a third party.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Series shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having engaged in transactions in Series shares (directly or indirectly through the Company’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor’s instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after the instructions have been executed.
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(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term “Contractholder” means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
(ii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series as a result of “dollar cost averaging” programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one- time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Series through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required “free look” period.
(iii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract out of a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a Series as a result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Series as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term “Series” shall mean the constituent series of the Trust, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Series excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term “promptly” shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company’s receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
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(vi) The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term “purchase” does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of October 1, 2021.
BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Frain | |
| Name: | Jason Frain | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
| Date: | 10/06/2021 | |
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
THE MERGER FUND VL
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
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VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | ||
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Schedule A
The term “Designated Series” of each Trust will include any Series of the Trust (as listed below) as well as any Series of the Trust or any share class of any Series (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Funds
Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust as of the date of this Agreement:
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
Virtus SGA International Growth Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Trust: The Merger Fund VL
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Brighthouse Fund UL for Variable Life Insurance
Contracts:
Brighthouse Variable Life
Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator
Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator (Series 2)
Brighthouse Variable Life Accumulator Series III
Brighthouse Variable Survivorship Life II
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Exhibit h.18.a
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) is effective as of October 1, 2021 and amends the Participation Agreement dated October 1, 2021, (the “Agreement”) by and among the Virtus Variable Insurance Funds (each the “Trust”), VP Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) and Brighthouse Life Insurance Company (the “Company”, or “Brighthouse”) on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its separate accounts (“Accounts”) (collectively, the “Parties”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning described to such terms in the Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, the Accounts invest in shares of certain of the funds (“Fund” or “Funds”) that constitute separate portfolios of the Trust and that serve as funding vehicles for Brighthouse, on behalf of the Accounts, that issue variable annuity and/or life insurance contracts (the “Contracts”) to persons that are registered owners of such Contracts on the books and records of Brighthouse (the “Contract Owners”);
WHEREAS, the Trust maintains on its books and records one or more account(s) that hold and record ownership of shares of the Funds;
WHEREAS, the Accounts are registered as unit investment trusts under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, Rule 30e-1 under the 1940 Act requires each Fund to deliver copies of its shareholder reports to the Accounts as the record owners of shares of such Funds;
WHEREAS, Rule 30e-2 under the 1940 Act requires the Accounts to deliver such Fund shareholder reports to Contract Owners; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to supplement and amend the Agreement to reflect and implement the requirements, terms and conditions of Rule 30e-3 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, to permit (i) the Trust to no longer deliver copies of Fund shareholder reports to the Accounts as would otherwise be required by Rule 30e-1, and (ii) the Accounts to deliver Fund shareholder reports to Contract Owners using the “notice and access” provisions of Rule 30e-3 rather than the delivery methods that would otherwise be required by Rule 30e-2.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and considerations set forth herein, and to other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree to supplement and amend the Agreement as follows:
| 1. | Maintaining Website; Posting and Availability of Fund Shareholder Reports and Other Required Materials. Brighthouse shall be responsible for and shall fulfill the website posting and other applicable requirements and obligations of the Accounts specified in Rule 30e- 3(b). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: |
| a. | The Trust shall, no later than five (5) days before a Report is required to be posted to the Specified Website (as defined below), provide Brighthouse with the following materials relating to each Fund so that Brighthouse can post the materials to a Brighthouse website address (the “Specified Website”). The Specified Website shall be publicly accessible and the Required Materials (as defined below) posted on the Specified Website shall be free of charge and shall include: (i) Current Report to Shareholders; (ii) Prior Report to Shareholders; (iii) Complete Portfolio Holdings From Reports Containing a Summary Schedule of Investments; and (iv) Portfolio Holdings For Most Recent First and Third Fiscal Quarters (as such documents are specified in paragraphs i through iv of Section 30e-3(b)) (such documents collectively, and together with any additional or alternative documents that may be required by any amendments to Rule 30e-3, the “Required Materials”); |
| b. | The Trust shall ensure that the Required Materials provided to Brighthouse are in a format, or formats, that are convenient for both reading online and printing on paper (in accordance with Rule 30e-3 (b)(3)); |
| c. | Brighthouse shall ensure that persons accessing the Required Materials are able to permanently retain, free of charge, an electronic version of the Required Materials in a format, or formats, that meet the conditions stated above in Section 2(b) (in accordance with Rule 30e-3(b)(4)); |
| d. | In order for Brighthouse to ensure that the Required Materials are kept current (up- to-date) and posted for the duration or period required by Rule 30e-3, the Trust shall promptly provide to Brighthouse any amendments to the Required Materials; |
| e. | Brighthouse shall make reasonable efforts to comply with the “safe harbor” provisions, terms and conditions of paragraph (b)(5) of Rule 30e-3, which shall constitute compliance with subsections (a) through (d) of this Section 2 of this Amendment (for the avoidance of doubt, for this purpose, the “Company” referred to in said paragraph (b)(5) of Rule 30e-3 means Brighthouse on behalf of the Accounts). |
| 2. | Content of Required Materials. The Trust shall be responsible for the content of the Required Materials as posted on the Specified Website, including, but not limited to, the accuracy and completeness of the Required Materials. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing in any manner and without in any way changing the current obligations of the Trust under the Agreement, the Trust shall be responsible for ensuring that the Required Materials to be posted to the Specified Website: |
| a. | Meet the applicable standards of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; the 1940 Act; and all rules and regulations under those Acts; and |
| b. | Do not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. |
| 3. | Specified Website, Notice, and Paper Delivery |
| a. | The Specified Website is as identified in Schedule B hereto, as it may be changed by Brighthouse from time to time in its sole discretion. |
| b. | Paper Notice to Contract Owners. Brighthouse shall be responsible for providing the paper notice to its Contract Owners in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 30e-3 (“Notice”). |
| c. | Delivery of Paper Copy Upon “Ad Hoc” Request. Brighthouse shall be responsible for fulfilling ad hoc requests from Contract Owners for a paper copy of any of the Required Materials, in accordance with paragraph (e) of Rule 30e-3. |
| d. | Investor Elections to Receive Future Fund Reports in Paper. Brighthouse shall be responsible for fulfilling Contract Owner elections to receive future Fund shareholder reports in paper, in accordance with paragraph (f) of Rule 30e-3. |
| e. | Expenses. The Trust shall bear the expenses for the cost of printing and distribution of Required Materials and Notice. |
| 4. | Indemnification. The Trust and Distributor specifically agree to indemnify and hold harmless Brighthouse and its officers, directors, employees and agents (“Indemnified Parties”) from any and all liability, claim, loss, demand, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from or in connection with any claim or action of any type whatsoever brought against any of the Indemnified Parties as a result of (i) any failure or alleged failure by the Trust to provide Required Materials in a timely fashion as required by this Amendment, or (ii) any failure or alleged failure to fulfill any of their other duties and responsibilities under this Amendment. For the avoidance of doubt, this indemnification shall be in addition to and not in lieu of the indemnification provided for in the Agreement. The Parties hereto agree that all other provisions of the Agreement, as amended, shall apply to the terms of this Amendment as applicable. |
| 5. | This Amendment shall be interpreted to be consistent with, and to facilitate compliance with and reliance on, Rule 30e-3 and any interpretations of Rule 30e-3 by the Securities and Exchange Commission, its staff, courts, or other appropriate legal authorities. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Amendment to the Agreement as of the date first above written.
BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (on behalf of itself and each Account)
(“Brighthouse”)
| By: | /s/ Jason Frain | |
| Name: | Jason Frain | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
| Date: | 10/06/2021 | |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS | ||
| (the “Trust”) | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
| VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | ||
| (the “Distributor”) | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
SCHEDULE B
Specified Website:
https://dfinview.com/BHF/TAHD/BHF
Exhibit h.18.b
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 2 (the “Amendment”) is effective as of October 1, 2021 and amends the Participation Agreement dated October 1, 2021, as amended (the “Agreement”) by and among VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS (each, the “Trust”), VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”) and BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Company” or “Brighthouse”) on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its separate accounts (“Accounts”) (collectively, the “Parties”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning described to such terms in the Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, the Accounts invest in shares of certain of the funds (“Fund” or “Funds”) that constitute separate portfolios of the Trust and that serve as funding vehicles for Brighthouse, on behalf of the Accounts, that issue variable annuity and/or life insurance contracts (the “Contracts”) to persons that are registered owners of such Contracts on the books and records of Brighthouse (“Contract Owners”);
WHEREAS, the Trust maintains on its books and records one or more account(s) that hold and record ownership of shares of the Funds;
WHEREAS, Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) requires an issuer to deliver a physical copy of a prospectus before completing the sale of a security;
WHEREAS, Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (“Rule 498”) permits a Fund to satisfy its prospectus delivery obligations under Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act by sending key information to investors in the form of a summary prospectus and providing the statutory prospectus on a website;
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor do not currently rely on Rule 498 with respect to the use of Fund summary prospectuses but may determine to do so in the future;
WHEREAS, Section 5(b)(2) of the 1933 Act may require that a Statutory Prospectus (as defined in Rule 498A under the 1933 Act; “Rule 498A”) for the Funds be delivered to Contract Owners under certain circumstances;
WHEREAS, the Parties intend to meet any such Fund Statutory Prospectus delivery requirement by relying on (and complying with the requirements, terms and conditions of paragraph (j) of Rule 498A;
WHEREAS, paragraph (j) of Rule 498A requires, inter alia, that certain of the 498A Required Materials (defined below) be posted and maintained on a website specified on the cover page of the Summary Prospectus for the Contracts, and the Company intends to host said website; and
WHEREAS, all other terms of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and considerations set forth herein, and to other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree to supplement and amend the Agreement as follows:
| 1. | Maintaining Website, Posting and Availability of Disclosure Documents. Brighthouse shall be responsible for and shall fulfill the website posting and other applicable requirements and obligations of the Accounts specified in Rule 498A(j). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: |
| a. | The Trust shall provide Brighthouse with the following materials relating to each Fund so that Brighthouse can post the materials to the Specified Website. The Specified Website shall be publicly accessible and the 498A Required Materials (as defined below) posted on the Specified Website shall be publicly accessible, free of charge and shall include: (i) current Summary Prospectus of the funds; (ii) current Statutory Prospectus for the Funds; and (iii) current Statement of Additional Information (“SAI” for the Funds) (as such documents are specified in paragraph (iii) of Rule 498A(j)(1)) (such documents collectively, and together with any additional or alternative documents that may be required by any amendments to Rule 498A, the “498A Required Materials”). The Trust shall provide the materials specified in (i), (ii), (iii), above to the Company on a timely and continuous basis (to facilitate the required website posting) and provide updated versions as necessary, in order to facilitate a continuous offering of the Funds’ securities and the Contracts. |
| b. | The Trust shall ensure that the 498A Required Materials provided to Brighthouse are in a format, or formats, that are human-readable and capable of being printed on paper in human-readable format (in accordance with Rule 498A(h)(2)(i); |
| c. | Brighthouse shall ensure that persons accessing the 498A Required Materials are able to permanently retain, free of charge, an electronic version of the 498A Required Materials in a format, or formats, that meet the conditions stated above in Section 1(b) (in accordance with Rule 498A(h)(3)); |
| d. | In order for Brighthouse to ensure that the 498A Required Materials are kept current (up-to-date) and posted for the duration or period required by Rule 498A, and to facilitate a continuous offering of the Funds’ securities and the Contracts, the Trust shall promptly provide to Brighthouse any amendments to the 498A Required Materials; |
| e. | Brighthouse shall make reasonable efforts to comply with the “safe harbor” provisions, terms and conditions of paragraph (h)(4) of Rule 498A, which shall constitute compliance with subsections (a) through (d) of this Section 1 of this Amendment (for the avoidance of doubt, for this purpose, “Registrant” referred to in said paragraph (h)(4) of Rule 498A means Brighthouse on behalf of the Accounts; and |
| f. | The Trust shall prepare and provide the Funds’ Statutory Prospectus and SAI so that those documents permit persons accessing them to move directly back and forth between each section heading in a table of contents of such document and the section of the document referenced in that section heading (in accordance with paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of Rule 498A). |
| 2. | Specified Website and Paper Delivery |
| a. | Delivery of Paper Copy Upon “Ad Hoc” Request. Brighthouse shall fulfill ad hoc requests from Contract Owners for a paper copy of any of the 498A Required Materials, in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) and (j)(3) of Rule 498A, subject to the expense provision in subsection (b)(ii) below. |
| b. | Expenses. |
| i. | Web Hosting and Electronic Delivery. The Trust and/or Distributor shall bear the expenses for the cost of managing, formatting, hosting and maintaining Required Materials on the website hosted by the Company. The Trust and/or Distributor shall also bear the cost of distributing the Required Materials for electronic delivery. |
| ii. | Delivery of Paper Copies. The Trust and/or Distributor shall be responsible for the reasonable costs of providing any electronic files and printing of any paper copies of Required Materials. The Trust and/or Distributor shall reimburse the Company for the costs of mailing (including postage expenses) the Fund’s then current Required Materials to Contract Owners. |
| c. | Summary Prospectuses. The Company intends to use an Initial Summary Prospectus for each currently offered Contract, in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)(i) of Rule 498A. The Trust shall use a summary prospectus for each Fund, in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)(ii) of Rule 498A. |
| 3. | Fund Performance and Expense Data. Regardless of whether or not the Trust uses a summary prospectus for each Fund, the Trust shall provide such data regarding each Fund’s investment performance and expense ratios as the Company shall reasonably request, to facilitate the registration and sale of the Contracts. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, the Trust shall provide: |
a. the “Annual Portfolio Company Expenses” for each Fund calculated in accordance with Item 3 of Form N-1A, before any expense reimbursements or fee waiver arrangements (and, as applicable, in accordance with Instruction 16 to Item 4 of Form N-4 and Instruction 4(a) to Item 4 of Form N-6); and
b. the “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” for each Fund calculated in accordance with Item 3 of Form N-1A, reflecting any expense reimbursements or fee waiver arrangements (and, as applicable, in accordance with Instruction 4 to Item 17 of Form N-4, Instruction 4(b) to Item 4 of Form N-6 and Instruction 4 to Item 18 of Form N-6); and
c. the “average annual total returns” for each fund (before taxes) as calculated pursuant to Item 4(b)(2)(iii) of Form N-1A (for the 1, 5, and 10-year periods, and, as applicable, in accordance with Instruction 7 to Item 17 of Form N-4 and Instruction 7 to Item 18 of Form N-6).
The Trust shall provide the forgoing Fund expense and performance data at least annually, on a timely basis to facilitate the Company’s preparation of its annually updated registration statement (and as otherwise reasonably requested by the Company), but in no event later than sixty (60) calendar days after the close of each Fund’s fiscal year.
| 4. | This Amendment shall be interpreted to be consistent with, and to facilitate compliance with and reliance on, Rule 498A and any interpretations of 498A by the Securities and Exchange Commission, its staff, courts, or other appropriate legal authorities. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Amendment to the Agreement as of date written below.
BRIGHTHOUSE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (on behalf of itself and each Account)
(“Brighthouse”)
| By: | /s/ Jason Frain | |
| Name: | Jason Frain | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
| Date: | 10/06/2021 | |
| VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS | ||
| (the “Trust”) | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
| VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | ||
| (the “Distributor”) | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/01/2021 | |
Exhibit h.19
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Among
JEFFERSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the 1st day of January, 2015, by and among Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of New York (the "Company"), a New York life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set fo1ih on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter refe1Ted to as the "Account"), VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST (the "Fund"), a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the "Distributor"), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, the Fund engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the "Variable Insurance Products") to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Fund and Distributor ("Participating Insurance Companies");
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a "Portfolio");
WHEREAS, the Fund may rely on an order (The Phoenix Edge Series Fund, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e- 3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Fund to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the "Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order");
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of the Portfolios are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act");
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WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), which serves as investment adviser to the Fund and each Portfolio, is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the "Contracts") and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to the Fund, is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA");
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Portfolios as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the "Designated Portfolios") on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Portfolio, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Portfolio, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Portfolio hereunder shall affect any other Portfolio;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Fund and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
SALE OF FUND SHARES
1.1. The Fund has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Fund's shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in the Designated Portfolios. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account, shares of those Designated Portfolios, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board") may refused to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Fund shares of any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Portfolio or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Portfolio.
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1.2. The Fund shall redeem, at the Company's request, any full or fractional Designated Portfolio shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Fund shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Fund may delay redemption of Fund shares of any Designated Po1ifolio to the extent pe1mitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
1.3. Purchase and Redemption Procedures
(a) The Fund hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Fund for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Fund shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Portfolios made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company as such limited agent of the fund of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a "Business Day") prior to the time that the Fund calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Fund's statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the "Valuation Time") shall constitute receipt by the Fund on that same Business Day, provided that the Fund or its designated agent receives notice of such request by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day. In the event that the parties' trades are placed through NSCC/DTCC, the te1ms of the Networking Agreement between the Company and the Distributor shall govern such trades. To the extent that such Networking Agreement or applicable rules and procedures of the NSCC incorporated therein (collectively, the "NSCC Terms"), conflict with the te1ms of this Paragraph l.3(a), such NSCC Terms shall prevail.
(b) The
Company shall pay for shares of each Designated Portfolio on the same day that it notifies the Fund of a purchase request for such
shares. Payment for purchased Designated Portfolio shares shall be made in federal funds transmitted to the Fund by wire to be
received by the Fund by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day the Fund is notified of the purchase request for Designated
Portfolio shares (which request may be net of redemptions of such shares). If federal funds are not transmitted on time, such funds
will be invested, and
Designated Portfolio shares purchased
thereby will be issued, as soon as practicable and the Company shall promptly, upon the Fund's request, reimburse the Fund for any
reasonable charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or
overdrafts by, the Fund, or any similar expenses incurred by the Fund, as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Fund
based upon such purchase request. Upon receipt of federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the
Company and shall become the responsibility of the Fund. In the event that the parties' trades are placed through NSCC/DTCC, the
te1ms of the Networking Agreement between the Company and the Distributor shall govern such trades. To the extent that the NSCC
Te1ms conflict with the terms of this Paragraph l.3(b), such NSCC Te1ms shall prevail.
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(c) Payment for Designated Portfolio shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company on the next Business Day after the Fund is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders) except that the Fund reserves the right to redeem Designated Portfolio shares in assets other than cash and to delay payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the Rule or Rules thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Fund as described in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information ("SAI"). If redemption proceeds are not transmitted on time, the Fund shall promptly, upon the Company's request, reimburse the Company for any reasonable charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or overdrafts by, the Company, or ·any similar expenses incurred by the Company, as a result of the Fund's failure to timely provide redemption proceeds. The Fund shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement· or crediting of redemption proceeds by he Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Portfolio shares held or to be held in the Company's general account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Fund's receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Fund shares so requested is received by the Fund in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Fund's statutory prospectus.
(e) The
Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Portfolios attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated
Portfolios attributable to the Company's assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner
initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal
precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a "Legally Required Redemption"), (iii) as permitted by
an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, but only if a substitution of other securities for the
shares of the Designated Portfolios is consistent with the te1ms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise pe1mitted under the
te1ms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Fund reasonable assurance that any redemption
pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthe1more, except in cases where permitted under the terms of
the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Portfolio that was
otherwise
available under the Contracts without first giving the Fund 30 days notice of its intention to do so.
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The Fund shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Portfolio (or class thereof) available to the Company by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Portfolio or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Fund's statutory prospectus. None of the Fund, any Designated Portfolio, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect info1mation supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Fund or the Distributor.
1.4. The Fund shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Portfolio shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Portfolio shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Portfolio. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Fund shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Portfolio shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
1.5. Issuance and transfer of Fund shares shall be by book entry only. The Fund will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Fund may offer and sell shares of its Portfolios to other insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Fund (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Fund or remove or otherwise change the Fund's distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Fund if it dete1mines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Fund in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
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1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Fund is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the SEC (a "Registered Account"). The Company agrees to provide the Fund or its agent each year within 60 days of the end of the Fund's fiscal year, or when reasonably requested by the Fund, information as to the number of shares purchased by a Registered Account and any other Account the interests of which are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Company acknowledges that the Fund intends to rely on the information so provided.
1.8 The Fund and/or Distributor shall indemnify and hold Company harmless from, and shall promptly reimburse Company for, any losses reasonably sustained by Company as a result of pricing errors by the Designated Portfolios, provided that: (i) the term "pricing error" shall be interpreted to mean a net asset value misstated by at least $0.01 and½ of 1%, deemed by the Fund's officers appropriate for adjustments to shareholder accounts pursuant to the Fund's applicable policy, (ii) the Company shall only seek reimbursement for actual out-of-pocket costs, and (iii) the Company shall n9t seek reimbursement for the first $1000 of costs related to such an e1rnr other than those amounts paid to shareholders to make accounts whole.
ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
2.1. The Fund represents and warrants that (i) the Fund is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Fund is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Portfolio shares sold pursuant to this Agreement ate registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Fund shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Portfolios under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Portfolio to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Company agrees promptly to notify the Fund of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Fund or a Designated Portfolio. The Fund shall not be responsible, and the Company shall take full responsibility, for determining any jurisdiction in which any qualification or registration of Fund shares or the Fund by the Fund may be required in connection with the sale of the Contracts or the indirect interest of any Contract in any shares of the Fund and shall advise the Fund at such time and in such manner as is necessary to permit the Fund to comply.
2.2. The
Distributor represents and wan-ants that shares of the Designated Portfolios (i) shall
be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold
only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that communicate to the Fund that they
qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Portfolios under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder
without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio
investments
of the Designated Portfolios as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification
requirements of Section 817(h) ("Qualified Persons"), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in
accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law.
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2.3. Subject to Company's representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Fund represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Portfolio in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Fund represents and warrants that each Designated Portfolio has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Fund will make every reasonable effo1i (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Portfolio so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5. Upon request, the Fund will provide Company with a certification of its compliance with this Section 2.3 as of the most recent calendar quarter end.
2.4. The Fund represents and wa1Tants that each Designated Portfolio is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Fund will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Fund will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Portfolio has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The
Company represents and wa1Tants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are
not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that
are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly
organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or
sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance
or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve
as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the Account in proper reliance upon
an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued
and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the
sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other suitability requirements applicable to the
Company; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it
and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance
with the laws of the various states if and to the
extent required
by applicable law. If the Fund elects to adopt use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the
Company elects to make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933
Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable
guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Fund's summary prospectuses and
any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement. The Company represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures
in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
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2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a "segregated asset account" and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a "variable contract" within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Fund and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Fund and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Fund are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Fund in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule l 7g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Account, in an amount not less than $5 million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Fund and to pay to the Fund any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Fund and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
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2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program ("AML program") that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the relevant regulations issued thereunder (the "Patriot Act"). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to "know its customers" in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The· Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to pe1mit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, if permitted by applicable law, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
2.12. The
Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to
monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Fund or
its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Portfolios
with the requirements of Rule 22c-l under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Fund's market timing and
excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of applicable
provisions of the statutory prospectus and SAI of the Account, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. The Company
shall notify the Fund and the Distributor in the event that the provisions of the prospectus and SAI of the Account pertaining to
market timing and excessive trading are materially amended. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company
shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Po1ifolio shares received by
the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by
the Company to the Fund or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt
of
a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders
to purchase, redeem or exchange Portfolio shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day
or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by
the Fund in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed applicable
redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Portfolio's then current summary or statutory prospectus (the
"Prospectus") or SAI and/or waived as instructed by the Distributor as consistent with the Prospectus or SAL The Company
further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Fund and its service providers (including but not limited to the
Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short- term trading of Portfolio shares.
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2.13. The Fund represents and wan-ants that its summary prospectuses and the hosting of such documents prepared by the Fund that, pursuant to Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, will be publicly accessible, free of charge, at the website address specified on the cover page or at the beginning of the summary prospectus, and will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of Rule 498. The Fund and Distributor agree that the website used for hosting the Fund's summary prospectuses will lead Contract owners directly to the current Fund documents required to be posted in compliance with Rule 498, and no other content or links will appear on the website.
ARTICLE III.
PROSPECTUSES AND PROXY STATEMENTS; VOTING
3.1. Subject to Section 6.1 and the Fund's determination to use summary prospectuses, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, the Distributor shall provide the Company with as many copies of the Fund's current Prospectuses as the Company may reasonably request. The Company shall bear the expenses of printing copies of the Fund's Prospectuses: (i) if requested by Contract owners, for the Contracts that will be distributed to existing Contract owners and (ii) that are used in connection with offering the Contracts issued by the Company. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof or if required by applicable law or applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Fund shall provide such documentation (including a final copy of the Fund's summary and/or statutory prospectus in electronic format at the Fund's expense) and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company once each year (or more frequently if the summary prospectus for the Fund is amended) to have the prospectus for the Contracts and the Fund's summary prospectus bound together in one document in accordance with applicable law and regulation, including but not limited to, Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff (such printing to be at the Company's expense). As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it shall: (1) deliver the Fund's summary prospectus, if used, to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements, and (2) adhere to any applicable binding requirements regarding the summary prospectus.
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3.2. The Distributor (or the Fund), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy of the current SAI for the Fund free of charge to the Company for itself and so that the Company can print and deliver the SAI to any owner of a Contract who requests such SAL
3.3. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Fund statutory and/or summary prospectus, including any supplements, SAI, including any supplements, and most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders under Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act ("Fund Documents"), the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Fund Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Fund Document that it has received from the Fund pursuant to Section 3.I above.
3.4. The Fund shall provide the Company with information regarding the Fund's expenses, which information may include a table of fees and related narrative disclosure for use in any prospectus or other descriptive document relating to a Contract. The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information, and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Fund.
3.5. The Fund hereby grants to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty- free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Fund's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the statutory prospectuses, the summary prospectuses and other documents for the Designated Portfolios, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.6. The Fund, at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall provide the Company with copies of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distributing to Contract owners. The Company shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.7. The Company shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
(ii) vote the Fund shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
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(iii) vote Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Fund shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
3.8. Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Portfolio calculates voting privileges as required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Fund may adopt and provide in writing.
ARTICLE IV.
SALES MATERIAL AND INFORMATION
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Fund or its designee, and the Fund will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten days after receipt of such material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such material shall be deemed approved if sent via email to adreview@virtus.com (or such other address as is provided by Distributor's compliance personnel to the Company) and not objected to within ten days after receipt of such material. The Fund or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Fund (or a Designated Portfolio thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Fund or its designee so object.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Fund or concerning the Fund, a Designated Portfolio, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement or applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Fund shares, as such registration statement and Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Fund, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Fund or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Fund or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Fund shall be entitled to review Company's placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company's compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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4.3. The Fund and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that it develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten days after receipt of such material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such material shall be deemed approved if not objected to within ten days after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
4.4. The Fund and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company.
4.5. The Fund will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Fund or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Fund shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Fund without the prior written consent of the Fund or Distributor.
4.6. The Company will provide to the Fund at least one complete copy of all prospectuses (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account and to the extent material to the Fund, Adviser or Distributor, promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Company shall provide to the Fund and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pe1iaining to the Fund or the Designated Portfolios.
4.7. For
purposes of this A1iicle IV, the phrase "sales literature and other promotional materials" includes, but is not limited
to, any of the following that refer to the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund: adve1iisements (such as material published, or
designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display,
signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made
generally available to customers or the
public, including
brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other adve1iisement, sales
literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available
to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any
other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Fund.
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ARTICLEV.
FEES AND EXPENSES
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
5.2. The Fund shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Fund, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Fund shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Fund's shares, preparation and filing of the Fund's Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Fund's shares.
5.3. The Company shall bear the expenses of distributing the Fund's Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Fund's proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
ARTICLE VI.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or unde1iakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Fund and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and unde1iakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Fund or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
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6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.7 and 3.8 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VII.
INDEMNIFICATION
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Fund or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include a written description of a Contract that is not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise
out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration
statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund not supplied by the Company or persons
under its control) or wrongful conduct of the
Company or its
agents or persons under the Company's authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund
Shares; or
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(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such pa1iy of the Company's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Pa1iy shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
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(d) The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Fund shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Fund.
7.2. Indemnification by the Distributor
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or is under common control with the Company (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Fund (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Fund by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Fund or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Fund or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Fund shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Fund or the Distributor; or
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(iv) arise as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement; or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the', Distributor's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
7.3. Indemnification By the Fund
(a) The
Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls
the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or is under common control with the Company (collectively, the
"Indemnified Parties" for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages,
liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the
written
consent of the Fund) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required
to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses,
damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Fund and:
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(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Fund to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Fund in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Fund;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Fund's indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
(b) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party's willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party's duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party's reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Fund, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Fund shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Fund in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Fund of any such claim shall not relieve the Fund from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Fund will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Fund also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Fund to such party of the Fund's election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Fund will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such pa1iy independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The
Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Fund of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any
of its respective officers or
directors in connection with
the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the
Fund.
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ARTICLE VIII.
APPLICABLE LAW
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a), termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Portfolios, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor based upon the Company's dete1mination that shares of a Portfolio are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Portfolios the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to te1minate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Portfolios' shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination
by the Fund or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC,
the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company's duties under this Agreement
or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Fund's shares; provided, however, that
the Fund or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative
proceedings
will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
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(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Fund or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or like official of any state or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Fund or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) te1mination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Portfolio in the event that such Portfolio ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Portfolio may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Fund or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Fund or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Fund or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(i) te1mination by the Company by written notice to the Fund and the Distributor·, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Fund, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
G) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Portfolio of the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 60 days prior written notice to the Fund and Distributor of the date of substitution; or
(k) termination by the Fund if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Portfolio to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or te1minate the offering of shares of any Designated Portfolio; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Fund or any Designated Portfolio, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1; or
(1) termination by any party in the event that the Fund's Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
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9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any te1mination of this Agreement, the Fund and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue, until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Fund and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Portfolios pursuant to the terms and· conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter refe1Ted to as "Existing Contracts"). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Portfolios of the Fund and redeem investments in the Designated Portfolios, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Portfolios in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
(b) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Fund or any Designated Portfolio of the Fund, A1iicles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party's obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
ARTICLE X.
NOTICES
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| If to the Fund: | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust |
| c/o Virtus Investment Partners | |
| 100 Pearl Street | |
| Hartford, CT 06103 | |
| Attention: Counsel | |
| If to the Company: | Jefferson National Life Insurance Company of |
| New York | |
| 10350 Ormsby Park Place | |
| Louisville, KY 40223 | |
| Attention: General Counsel | |
| If to Distributor: | VP Distributors, LLC |
| c/o Virtus Investment Partners | |
| 100 Pearl Street | |
| Hartford, CT 06103 | |
| Attention: Counsel |

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ARTICLE XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
·11.1. All persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Portfolio, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Portfolio had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Fund assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Fund.
11.2. Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent of the affected pa1iy until such time as such information has come into the public domain.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.5. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.6. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
11.7. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.8. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the pa1iies.
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11.9. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. The benefits of and the right to enforce this Agreement shall accrue to the parties and their transferees, successors and assigns. Each party shall promptly notify the other parties of the assignment or other transfer of this Agreement.
11.10. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Fund or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company's annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and
(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable after the filing thereof.
ARTICLE XII.
RULE 22-2 COMPLIANCE
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number ("ITIN"), or other government-issued identifier ("GII") and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 180 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 180 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day.
(b) Form and
Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this
Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received
the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a "financial intermediary," as
that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an
"Indirect
Intermediary") and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information
set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict
or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees
to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated
in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction
information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
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(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Fund or their affiliates from a third party, which is not restricted from sharing such information.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Portfolio shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having engaged in transactions in Portfolio shares (directly or indirectly through the Company's account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Fund or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Portfolio. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ten (10) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor's instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after the instructions have been executed.
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(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following te1ms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term "Contractholder" means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
(ii) The term "Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase" means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Portfolio as a result of "dollar cost averaging" programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one-time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Portfolio through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required "free look" period.
(iii) The term "Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption" means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within. a Contract out of a Portfolio, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a Portfolio as a 'result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Portfolio as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term "Portfolios" shall mean the constituent series of the Fund, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Portfolios excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term "promptly" shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company's receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
(vi) The term "written" includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
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(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term "purchase" does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first listed above.
JEFFERSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Craig Hawley | |
| Title: | General Counsel & Secretary | |
| Date: | ||
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| Date: | ||
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| Date: | ||
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Schedule A
The te1m "Designated Portfolio" of the Fund will include any Portfolio of the Fund (as listed below) as well as any Portfolio of the Fund or any share class of any Portfolio (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Trust:
Virtus International Series
Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Series
Virtus Premium AlphaSector® Series
Virtus Real Estate Securities Series
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Jefferson National Life of New York Annuity Account 1
Contracts:
Monument Advisor New York
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Exhibit h.20
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
among
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation,
the
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND(S)
listed on Schedule A hereto
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the 1st day of October 2021, by and among New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (the “Company”), a life insurance company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”), the VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS listed on Schedule A hereto severally and not jointly (each, the “Trust”), each a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, each Trust engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the “Variable Insurance Products”) to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Trust and Distributor (“Participating Insurance Companies”);
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of each Trust may be divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Series”);
WHEREAS, each Trust may rely on an order (The Phoenix Edge Series Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Trust to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the “Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order”);
WHEREAS, each Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of any Series are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), which serves as investment adviser to each Trust and each Series (if any), is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the “Contracts”) and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
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WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to each Trust, is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”);
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Trust(s) and/or Series as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the “Designated Series”) on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Series, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Series, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Series hereunder shall affect any other Series;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Trust and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
Sale of Trust Shares
1.1. The Trust has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Trust’s shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in the Designated Series. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account, shares of those Designated Series, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) may refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Trust shares of any Designated Series or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Series or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Series.
1.2. The Trust shall redeem, at the Company’s request, any full or fractional Designated Series shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Trust shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Trust may delay redemption of Trust shares of any Designated Series to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
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1.3. Purchase and Redemption Procedures
(a) The Trust hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Trust shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Series made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company as such limited agent of the Trust of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Trust calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Series pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a “Business Day”) prior to the time that the Trust calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the “Valuation Time”) shall constitute receipt by the Trust on that same Business Day, provided that the Company uses its best efforts to provide the Trust or its designated agent notice of such request by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day. The Trust will confirm receipt of each trade (ending share balances by account and Series) by 1:00 p.m. New York time on the day the trade is placed with the Trust (using a mutually agreed upon format).
(b) The Company shall pay for shares of each Designated Series on the same day that it notifies the Trust of a purchase request for such shares. Payment for purchased Designated Series shares shall be made in federal funds transmitted to the Trust by wire to be received by the Trust by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Business Day the Trust is notified of the purchase request for Designated Series shares (which request may be net of redemptions of such shares). If federal funds are not received on time, such funds will be invested, and Designated Series shares purchased thereby will be issued, as soon as practicable and the Company shall promptly, upon the Trust’s request, reimburse the Trust for any charges, costs, fees, interest or other expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with any advances to, or borrowing or overdrafts by, the Trust, or any similar expenses incurred by the Trust, as a result of portfolio transactions effected by the Trust based upon such purchase request. Upon receipt of federal funds so wired, such funds shall cease to be the responsibility of the Company and shall become the responsibility of the Trust.
(c) Payment for Designated Series shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company on the next Business Day after the Trust is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders). The Trust may satisfy a redemption order from the Company by an in-kind distribution of securities of a Series (each a “Redemption In Kind”), as contemplated in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information (“SAI”), only if the Redemption In Kind is permitted in connection with an exemptive order from the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act (the “Substitution Order”) obtained by the Company, and all parties to the Substitution Order agree to such Redemption In Kind. In such cases the Trust and the Adviser to the Trust agree to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in obtaining the Substitution Order. The Trust shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement or crediting of redemption proceeds by the Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Series shares held or to be held in the Company’s general account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Trust’s receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Trust shares so requested is received by the Trust in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus.
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(e) The Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Company’s assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a “Legally Required Redemption”), (iii) as permitted by an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act or any other no action relief, but only if a substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series is consistent with the terms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Trust reasonable assurance that any redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Series that was otherwise available under the Contracts and shall use its best efforts to first give the Trust 30 days notice of its intention to do so.
The Trust shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Series (or class thereof) available to the Company by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Series or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Trust’s statutory prospectus. None of the Trust, any Designated Series, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect information supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Trust or the Distributor.
1.4. The Trust shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Series shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Series shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Series. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Trust shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Series shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
1.5. Issuance and transfer of Trust shares shall be by book entry only. The Trust will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Trust shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Trust may offer and sell shares of its Series to other insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Trust or remove or otherwise change the Trust’s distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Trust if it determines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Trust in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
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1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Trust is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the SEC (a “Registered Account”). The Company agrees to provide the Trust or its agent each year within 60 days of the end of the Trust’s fiscal year, or when reasonably requested by the Trust, information as to the number of shares purchased by a Registered Account and any other Account the interests of which are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Company acknowledges that the Trust intends to rely on the information so provided.
ARTICLE II.
Representations and Warranties
2.1. The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the Trust is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Trust is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Series shares sold pursuant to this Agreement are registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Trust shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Series under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Series to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Trust makes no representations or warranties as to whether any aspect of the Designated Series’ operations, including, but not limited to, investment policies, fees and expenses, complies with the insurance laws and other applicable laws of the various states. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Trust of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Trust or a Designated Series. The Trust shall not be responsible, and the Company shall take full responsibility, for determining any jurisdiction in which any qualification or registration of Trust shares or the Trust by the Trust may be required in connection with the sale of the Contracts or the indirect interest of any Contract in any shares of the Trust and shall advise the Trust at such time and in such manner as is necessary to permit the Trust to comply.
2.2. The Distributor represents and warrants that shares of the Designated Series (i) shall be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that, in the case of such companies, persons or plans communicate to the Trust that they qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Series under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio investments of the Designated Series as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) (“Qualified Persons”), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law and the Distributor shall use its best commercially reasonable efforts to ensure they remain so during the term of this Agreement or shall notify the Company if the Designated Series cease to be registered and qualified for sale in a state where it is required by applicable law.
2.3. Subject to Company’s representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Trust represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Series (and limit communication with current and prospective policyholders) in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions) and that such policyholders will not be considered owners of interested in the Designated Series. Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Trust will make every reasonable effort (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Series so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5.
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2.4. The Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Trust will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Trust will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Series has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other applicable suitability requirements; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance with the laws of the various states if and to the extent required by applicable law. The Trust will ensure the use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the Company, when possible under Rule 498A under the 1933 Act, will make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Trust’s summary prospectuses and any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement provided that the Trust and the Distributor fulfil their obligations under this Agreement. The Company represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a “segregated asset account” and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or premium payments into a “variable contract” within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
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2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Trust and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Trust are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Trust in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Account, in an amount not less than $5 million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Trust and to pay to the Trust any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Trust pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or another bond containing these provisions is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Trust and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program (“AML program”) that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the regulations issued thereunder (the “Patriot Act”). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to “know its customers” in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to permit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
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2.12. The Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Trust or its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Series with the requirements of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Trust’s market timing and excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of applicable provisions of the Trust Documents, as defined below, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by the Company to the Trust or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt of a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by the Trust in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed and/or waived applicable redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Series’ then current Prospectus or SAI and/or as instructed by the Distributor. The Company further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Trust and its service providers (including but not limited to the Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short-term trading of Series shares. To the extent the Company has actual knowledge of violations of Trust policies (as set forth in the then current Prospectus or SAI) regarding (i) the timing of purchase, redemption or exchange orders and pricing of Series shares, (ii) market timing or excessive short-term trading, or (iii) the imposition of redemption fees, if any, the Company agrees promptly to report such known violations to the Distributor.
2.13. The Company or its designee shall host and maintain the website specified in paragraph (j)(1)(iii) of Rule 498A, so that the Trust Documents, as defined below, are publicly accessible and free of charge at that website, in accordance with the conditions set forth in that paragraph, provided that the Trust and the Distributor fulfill their obligations with respect to the Trust Documents under this Agreement.
ARTICLE III.
Trust Documents and Proxy Statements; Voting
3.1. The Trust is responsible for preparing and filing the following documents for the Designated Series (the “Trust Documents”): Summary Prospectuses, Statutory Prospectuses, Statement of Additional Information, most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (under Rule 30e-1 under the 1940 Act), Complete Portfolio Holdings From Shareholder Reports Containing a Summary Schedule of Investments (the “Complete Portfolio Holdings”) and Portfolio Holdings for the most recent first and third fiscal quarters. The Trust shall be responsible for the content and substance of the Trust Documents as provided to the Company, including, but not limited to, the accuracy and completeness of the Trust Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing in any manner, the Trust shall be responsible for ensuring that the Trust Documents as provided to the Company i) meet the applicable standards of the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; the 1940 Act; and all rules and regulations under those Acts; and ii) do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
3.2. The Trust and the Distributor shall provide the Summary Prospectus, Statutory Prospectus, and SAI for the Designated Series to the Company (or its designee) as soon as reasonably practicable and provide updated versions as necessary, in order to facilitate a continuous offering of the Trust’s securities and the Contracts. The Trust and the Distributor shall provide the Shareholder Reports and the Portfolio Holdings to the Company (or its designee) on a timely basis (to facilitate the required website posting) but no later than five (5) calendar days before the date each time that the Shareholder Reports and Portfolio Holdings are required to be posted by Rule 30e-3.
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3.3. Subject to Section 6.1 the Distributor at its expense shall provide the Company with as many paper copies of the current Trust Documents as the Company may reasonably request. Such Company request shall be fulfilled reasonably promptly, but in no event more than three (3) business days after the request from the Company is received by the Trust or the Distributor. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof or if required by applicable law or applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Trust shall provide the relevant Trust Documents in electronic format at the Trust’s expense and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company once each year (or more frequently if the Trust Documents are amended) to have the prospectus for the Contracts and the Trust’s summary prospectus bound together in one document in accordance with applicable law and regulation, including but not limited to, Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff (such printing to be at the Company’s expense). As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it shall: (1) deliver the Trust Documents to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements, and (2) adhere to any applicable binding requirements regarding the Trust Documents.
3.4. The Distributor (or the Trust), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy (including “camera ready” copies of the current Trust Documents as set in type, or at the request of the Company, a diskette in a form suitable to be sent to a financial printer) of the current Trust Documents, and such assistance as is reasonably necessary to have the Trust Documents printed for distribution. The Trust and the Distributor shall provide the Trust Documents to the Company (or its designee) in an electronic format that is suitable for website posting, and in a format, or formats, that i) are both human-readable and capable of being printed on paper in human- readable format (in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of Rule 30e-3 and paragraph (h)(2)(i) of Rule 498A); ii)permit persons accessing the Statutory Prospectus and SAI for the Designated Series to move directly back and forth between each section heading in a table of contents of such document and the section of the document referenced in that section heading (that is, these documents must include linking, in accordance with paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of Rule 498A); iii) are compliant with applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and iv) permit persons accessing the Trust Documents to permanently retain, free of charge, an electronic version of such Documents that meet the requirements of subparagraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of Rule 498A (in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) of Rule 498A).
3.5. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Trust Document, the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Trust Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests, in so far as the Trust fulfils its obligation pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Trust Document that it has received from the Trust pursuant to Section 3.3 above.
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3.6. The Trust shall provide data on the expense ratios and investment performance for each of the Designated Series as listed in (a) – (c) below (the “Portfolio Data”) as the Company shall reasonably request, to facilitate the registration and sale of the Contracts. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, the Trust shall provide the Portfolio Data on a timely basis to facilitate the Company’s preparation of its annually updated registration statements for the Contracts (and as otherwise reasonably requested by the Company), but in no event later than 60 business days after the close of the calendar year:
(a). the gross “Annual Portfolio Company Expenses” for each Designated Series calculated in accordance with:
| (i) | Instruction 16 to Item 4 of Form N-4; and |
| (ii) | Instruction 4(a) to Item 4 of Form N-6); |
(b). the net “Annual Portfolio Company Expenses” (aka “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses”) for each Designated Series calculated in accordance with:
| (i) | Instruction 17 to Item 4 of Form N-4; |
| (ii) | Instruction 4 to Item 17 of Form N-4; |
| (iii) | Instruction 4(b) to Item 4 of Form N-6; and |
| (iv) | Instruction 4 to Item 18 of Form N-6), |
and the period for which the expense reimbursements or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue and whether it can be terminated by the Designated Portfolio (or Fund); and
(c). the “Average Annual Total Returns” for each Designated Series (before taxes) as calculated pursuant to Item 4(b)(2)(iii) of Form N-1A (for the 1, 5, and 10-year periods), and in accordance with:
| (i) | Instruction 7 to Item 17 of Form N-4, and |
| (ii) | Instruction 7 to Item 18 of Form N-6). |
The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information, and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Trust.
3.7. The Trust hereby grants to the Company and its designees a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Trust's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the Trust Documents, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.8. The Trust, at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall provide the Company with copies of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distributing to Contract owners. The Company shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.9. The Company shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
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(ii) vote the Trust shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
3.10. Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Series calculates voting privileges as required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Trust may adopt and provide in writing.
ARTICLE IV.
Sales Material and Information
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Trust or its designee, and the Trust will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Trust or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Trust or its designee so objects.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Trust or concerning the Trust, a Designated Series, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement, applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Trust shares, as such registration statement, Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Trust, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Trust or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Trust or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 and 498A under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Trust shall be entitled to review Company’s placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.3. The Trust and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Company or its designees, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Trust or Distributor develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
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4.4. The Trust and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, applicable prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or applicable SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company or its designee.
4.5. The Trust will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, SAIs, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Trust or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Trust shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company pursuant to Section III above. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Trust without the prior written consent of the Trust or Distributor.
4.6. The Company will provide to the Trust at least one complete copy of all prospectuses (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), SAIs, reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account and to the extent material to the Trust, Adviser or Distributor, promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Company shall provide to the Trust and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pertaining to the Trust or the Designated Series.
4.7. For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase “sales literature and other promotional materials” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that refer to the Trust or any affiliate of the Trust: advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Trust.
ARTICLE V.
Fees and Expenses
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
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5.2. The Trust shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Trust, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Trust shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Trust’s shares, preparation and filing of the Trust’s Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Trust’s shares.
5.3. The Company shall bear the expenses of distributing the Trust’s Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Trust’s proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
ARTICLE VI.
Potential Conflicts
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or undertakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and undertakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Trust or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.9 and 3.10 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
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ARTICLE VII.
Indemnification
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements are related to the sale, acquisition, or redemption of the Trust’s share through the Contracts and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contract issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement, omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust not supplied by the Company or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Company or its agents or persons under the Company’s authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust Shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise out of or as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
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(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The applicable Indemnified Party(ies) will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Trust shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Trust.
7.2. Indemnification by the Distributor
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its trustees/directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Company (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements are related to the sale, acquisition, or redemption of the Trust’s share through the Contracts and:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement, omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Trust by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Trust or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Trust or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
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(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust or the Distributor; or
(iv) arise out of or as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials, including the Trust Documents and Portfolio Data, it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the requirements specified in Section 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the Distributor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
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7.3. Indemnification By the Trust
(a) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Company (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Trust) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Trust and:
(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Trust to provide the services and furnish the materials, including the Trust Documents and Portfolio Data, required under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Trust in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Trust;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Trust’s indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
(b) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Trust, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Trust in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Trust will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Trust also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Trust to such party of the Trust’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Trust will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Trust of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of its respective officers or directors in connection with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the Trust.
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ARTICLE VIII.
Applicable Law
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
Termination
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Series, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor based upon the Company’s determination that shares of a Series are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Series the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to terminate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Series’ shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Trust or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company’s duties under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Trust’s shares; provided, however, that the Trust or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Trust or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Trust or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Series in the event that such Series ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Series may fail to so qualify or comply; or
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(g) termination by the Trust or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Trust or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Trust or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Trust, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(j) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Series of the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 90 days prior written notice to the Trust and Distributor of the date of substitution when possible; or
(k) termination by the Trust if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated Series; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Trust or any Designated Series, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1 provided that the Trust has given at least 60 days prior notice to the Company of such determination or if less than 60 days prior notice has been given, the Trust has used best commercially reasonable efforts to provide at least 60 days prior notice; or
(l) termination by any party in the event that the Trust’s Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 9.2(b), the Trust and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue, until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Trust and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Series pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Series of the Trust and redeem investments in the Designated Series, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Series in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
The Company agrees, promptly after any termination of this Agreement, to take all steps necessary to redeem the investment of the Accounts in the Designated Series within a mutually agreeable time after the date of termination of the Agreement as provided in Article IX. Such steps shall include, but not be limited to, obtaining an order pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act to permit the substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series. The Trust may, in its discretion, permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series beyond one year after termination for an additional year beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter; provided that the Trust agrees in writing to permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series at the beginning of any such year.(b) In the event (i) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 9.1(g) or 9.1(l), at the option of the Trust or the Distributor; or (ii) the one year anniversary of the termination of the Agreement is reached or, after waiver as provided in Section 9.2(a), such subsequent anniversary is reached (each of (i) and (ii) referred to as a “triggering event” and the date of termination as provided in (i) or the date of such anniversary as provided in (ii) referred to as the “request date”), the parties agree that such triggering event shall be considered as a request for immediate redemption of shares of the Designated Series held by the Accounts, received by the Trust and its agents as of the request date, and the Trust agrees to process such redemption request in accordance with the 1940 Act and the regulations thereunder and the Trust’s registration statement.
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(c) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Trust or any Designated Series of the Trust, Articles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party’s obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
ARTICLE X.
Notices
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| If to either Trust: |
[Name of Trust(s)] c/o Virtus Investment Partners One Financial Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel
|
| If to the Company: |
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation 51 Madison Avenue 10SB New York, NY 10010 Attn: Amanda Kuhl
|
| If to Distributor: |
VP Distributors, LLC One Financial Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Attention: Counsel |
ARTICLE XI.
Miscellaneous
11.1. All persons dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Series, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Series had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Trust assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Trust.
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11.2. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that, by reason of its performance under this Agreement, to the extent that it shall have access to, and shall receive from the other party(ies) (and its affiliate, partners, and employees), the confidential information of the other party(ies) (and its affiliates, partners, and employees, including but not limited to the “nonpublic personal information” of their consumers with the meaning of SEC Regulation S-P (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party shall hold all such Confidential Information in the strictest confidence and shall use such Confidential Information solely in connection with its performance under this Agreement and for the business purposes set forth in this Agreement. Under no circumstances may a party cause any Confidential Information of the other party to be disclose to any third party or reused or redistributed without the other party’s express and prior written consent unless such Confidential Information has come into the public domain through no fault of the receiving party, has been provided to a party’s service provider in connection with such party’s performance under this Agreement and for the business purposes set forth in this Agreement, or is required by applicable law or regulation. Each party shall be solely responsible for the compliance of its officers, directors, employees, agents, independent contractors, and any affiliated and non-affiliated third parties (including service providers) with all applicable privacy-related laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Regulation S-P. The provisions of this section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.5. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Designated Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Designated Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Designated Series.
11.6. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.7. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
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11.8. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.9. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties.
11.10. This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, by any party without the prior written consent of all parties hereto. The Company shall promptly notify the Trust and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
11.11. Upon written request, the Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company’s annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable and in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and
(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable after the filing thereof.
ARTICLE XII.
Rule 22c-2 Compliance
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”) and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 90 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 90 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. Such requests shall be made no more frequently than quarterly except as the Trust deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day.
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(b) Form and Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a “financial intermediary,” as that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an “Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision (i) shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates from a third party; and (ii) and shall be consistent with Section 11.2 of this Agreement.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Series shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having engaged in transactions in Series shares (directly or indirectly through the Company’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates. Upon request of the Company, the Distributor agrees to provide to the Company, along with any written instructions to prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Shares by Contractholder(s), information regarding those trades of the Contractholder that violated the Trust’s policies relating to eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the Trust’s outstanding Shares.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ten (10) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor’s instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ten (10) business days after the instructions have been executed.
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(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term “Contractholder” means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
(ii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series as a result of “dollar cost averaging” programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one-time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Series through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required “free look” period.
(iii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract out of a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a Series as a result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Series as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term “Series” shall mean the constituent series of the Trust, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Series excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term “promptly” shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company’s receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
(vi) The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term “purchase” does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first listed above.
NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Amanda Kuhl Sarrubbo | |
| Name: | Amanda Kuhl Sarrubbo | |
| Title: | Vice President & Actuary | |
| Date: | 11/05/2021 | |
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/21/2021 | |
THE MERGER FUND VL
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/21/2021 | |
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 10/21/2021 | |
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Schedule A
The term “Designated Series” of each Trust will include any Series of the Trust (as listed below) as well as any Series of the Trust or any share class of any Series (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Funds
Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust as of the date of this Agreement:
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
Virtus SGA International Growth Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Trust: The Merger Fund VL
Segregated Asset Accounts:
NYLIAC Variable Universal Life Separate Account I
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Exhibit h.21
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
among
PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
the
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUND(S)
listed on Schedule A hereto
and
VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the 1st day of October 2021, by and among PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (the “Company”), an Iowa life insurance company, on its own behalf and on behalf of each segregated asset account of the Company set forth on Schedule A hereto as may be amended from time to time (each account hereinafter referred to as the “Account”), the VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS listed on Schedule A hereto severally and not jointly (each, the “Trust”), each a Delaware statutory trust, and VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC (the “Distributor”), a Delaware limited liability company.
WHEREAS, each Trust engages in business as an open-end management investment company and is available to act as the investment vehicle for separate accounts established for variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts (the “Variable Insurance Products”) to be offered by insurance companies which have entered into participation agreements with the Trust and Distributor (“Participating Insurance Companies”);
WHEREAS, the shares of beneficial interest of each Trust may be divided into several separate series of shares, each representing the interest in a particular managed portfolio of securities and other assets (each, a “Series”);
WHEREAS, each Trust may rely on an order (The Phoenix Edge Series Trust, et al., Investment Company Act Rel. Nos. 25687 (Jul. 26, 2002) (Notice) and 25703 (Aug. 20, 2002)(Order)) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) which, among other relief, grants Participating Insurance Companies and variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts exemptions from the provisions of Sections 9(a), 13(a), 15(a), and 15(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and Rules 6e-2(b)(15) and 6e-3(T)(b)(15) thereunder, if and to the extent necessary to permit shares of the Trust to be sold to and held by variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated life insurance companies (the “Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order”);
WHEREAS, each Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and shares of any Series are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”);
WHEREAS, Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”), which serves as investment adviser to each Trust and each Series (if any), is duly registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Company has issued or will issue certain variable life insurance and/or variable annuity contracts supported wholly or partially by the Account (the “Contracts”) and has registered or will register such Contracts under the 1933 Act if required, and said Contracts are listed in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement;
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| Classification: Internal Use |
WHEREAS, the Company has registered or will register each Account as a unit investment trust under the 1940 Act, if required;
WHEREAS, the Account is duly established and maintained as a segregated asset account, duly established by the Company, on the date shown for such Account on Schedule A hereto, to set aside and invest assets attributable to the aforesaid Contracts;
WHEREAS, the Distributor, which serves as distributor to each Trust, is registered as a broker- dealer with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”);
WHEREAS, to the extent permitted by applicable insurance laws and regulations, the Company intends to purchase shares in the Trust(s) and/or Series as set forth in Schedule A hereto, as it may be amended from time to time by mutual written agreement (the “Designated Series”) on behalf of the Account to fund the aforesaid Contracts, and the Distributor is authorized to sell such shares to the Account at their net asset value; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall be deemed to create a separate participation agreement on the terms hereof with respect to each Designated Series, as if the parties hereto had executed a separate, identical form of participation agreement with respect to each Designated Series, such that no liability or loss that might apply to one Series hereunder shall affect any other Series;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Company, the Trust and the Distributor agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
SALE OF TRUST SHARES
1.1. The Trust has granted to the Distributor exclusive authority to distribute the Trust’s shares, and has agreed to instruct, and has so instructed, the Distributor to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account shares of beneficial interest in the Designated Series. Pursuant to such authority and instructions, and subject to Article IX hereof, the Distributor agrees to make available to the Company for purchase on behalf of the Account, shares of those Designated Series, such purchases to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) may refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to any person, or suspend or terminate the offering of Trust shares of any Designated Series or class thereof, or liquidate any Designated Series or class thereof, if such action is required by law or regulatory authorities having jurisdiction or if, in the sole discretion of the Board acting in good faith, such action is deemed necessary or appropriate in the best interests of the shareholders of such Designated Series.
1.2. The Trust shall redeem, at the Company’s request, any full or fractional Designated Series shares held by the Company on behalf of the Account, such redemptions to be effected at net asset value in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company shall not redeem Trust shares attributable to Contract owners except in the circumstances permitted in Section 1.3 of this Agreement, and (ii) the Trust may delay redemption of Trust shares of any Designated Series to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, and any rules, regulations or orders thereunder.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
| 1.3. | Purchase and Redemption Procedures |
(a) The Trust hereby appoints the Company as an agent of the Trust for the sole and limited purpose of receiving purchase and redemption requests on behalf of the Account (but not with respect to any Trust shares that may be held in the general account of the Company) for shares of those Designated Series made available hereunder, based on allocations of amounts to the Account or subaccounts thereof under the Contracts and other transactions relating to the Contracts or the Account. Receipt by the Company as such limited agent of the Trust of any such request (or relevant transactional information therefor) that is in good order on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Trust calculates the net asset value per share of the Designated Series pursuant to the rules of the SEC (a “Business Day”) prior to the time that the Trust calculates such net asset values per share as described from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act (which as of the date of execution of this Agreement is ordinarily as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange, or 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time)(the “Valuation Time”) shall constitute receipt by the Trust on that same Business Day, provided that the Trust or its designated agent receives notice of such request, as described in 1.3(b) below, by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the next following Business Day.
(b) Fund/SERV Transactions. The parties shall use Fund/SERV or another National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) service agreed to by the parties. In that regard, the following provisions shall apply:
(i) The Company and the Trust or its designee will each be bound by the rules of the NSCC and the terms of any NSCC agreement filed by it with the NSCC. Without limiting the generality of the following provisions of this section, the Company and the Trust or its designee will each perform any and all duties, functions, procedures and responsibilities assigned to it and as otherwise established by the NSCC applicable to Fund/SERV, the Mutual Fund Profile Service, the Networking Matrix Level utilized and any other relevant NSCC service or system (collectively, the "NSCC Systems"). Any information transmitted through the NSCC Systems by any party to the other and pursuant to this Agreement will be accurate, complete, and in the format prescribed by the NSCC. Each party will adopt, implement and maintain procedures reasonably designed to ensure the accuracy of all transmissions through the NSCC Systems and to limit the access to, and the inputting of data into, the NSCC Systems to persons specifically authorized by such party.
(c) (ii) The Company shall communicate to the Trust or its designee for that Business Day, by Fund/SERV, the net aggregate purchase or redemption order (as applicable) for each Account received by the Close of Trading on such Business Day (the "Trade Date") no later than 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (or such other time as may be agreed by the parties from time to time) on the Business Day following the Trade Date. All orders received by the Company after the Close of Trading on a Business Day shall not be transmitted to NSCC prior to the following Business Day. The Trust or its designee shall treat all trades communicated to the Trust or its designee in accordance with this provision as if received prior to the Close of Trading on the Trade Date. All orders are subject to acceptance by the Trust or its designee and become effective only upon confirmation by the Trust or its designee. Upon confirmation, the Trust or its designee will verify total purchases and redemptions and the closing share position for each Account. In the case of delayed settlement, the Trust or its designee shall make arrangements for the settlement of redemptions by wire no later than the time permitted for settlement of redemption orders by the 1940 Act. Payment for Designated Series shares redeemed by the Account or the Company shall be made in federal funds transmitted by wire to the Company or any other person duly designated by the Company on the next Business Day after the Trust is properly notified of the redemption order of such shares (which order may be net of any purchase orders) except that the Trust reserves the right to redeem Designated Series shares in assets other than cash and to delay payment of redemption proceeds to the extent permitted under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act and the Rule or Rules thereunder, and in accordance with the procedures and policies of the Trust as described in the then current statutory prospectus and/or statement of additional information (“SAI”). The Trust shall not bear any responsibility whatsoever for the proper disbursement or crediting of redemption proceeds by the Company; the Company alone shall be responsible for such action.
| - 3 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(d) Any purchase or redemption request for Designated Series shares held or to be held in the Company’s general account shall be effected at the net asset value per share next determined after the Trust’s receipt of such request in good order, provided that, in the case of a purchase request, payment for Trust shares so requested is received by the Trust in federal funds prior to close of business on the applicable Business Day for determination of such value, as defined from time to time in the Trust’s statutory prospectus.
(e) The Company shall not redeem shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Contracts (as opposed to shares of the Designated Series attributable to the Company’s assets held in the Account) except (i) as necessary to implement Contract owner initiated or approved transactions, (ii) as required by state and/or federal laws or regulations or judicial or other legal precedent of general application (hereinafter referred to as a “Legally Required Redemption”), (iii) as permitted by an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, but only if a substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series is consistent with the terms of the Contracts, or (iv) as otherwise permitted under the terms of the Contracts. Upon request, the Company will promptly furnish to the Trust reasonable assurance that any redemption pursuant to clause (ii) above is a Legally Required Redemption. Furthermore, except in cases where permitted under the terms of the Contracts, the Company shall not prevent Contract owners from allocating payments to a Designated Series that was otherwise available under the Contracts without first giving the Trust 45 days notice of its intention to do so.
The Trust shall use its best efforts to make the net asset value per share for each Designated Series (or class thereof) available to the Company by 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time each Business Day, and in any event, as soon as reasonably practicable after the net asset value per share for such Designated Series or class thereof is calculated, and shall calculate such net asset value in accordance with the Trust’s statutory prospectus. None of the Trust, any Designated Series, the Distributor, or any of their affiliates shall be liable for any information provided to the Company pursuant to this Agreement which information is based on incorrect information supplied by the Company or any other Participating Insurance Company to the Trust or the Distributor.
1.4. The Trust shall furnish notice (by wire or telephone followed by written confirmation) to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable of any income dividends or capital gain distributions payable on any Designated Series shares. The Company, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, hereby elects to receive all such dividends and distributions as are payable on any Designated Series shares in the form of additional shares of that Designated Series. The Company reserves the right, on its behalf and on behalf of the Account, to revoke this election and to receive all such dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. The Trust shall notify the Company promptly of the number of Designated Series shares so issued as payment of such dividends and distributions.
1.5. Issuance and transfer of Trust shares shall be by book entry only. The Trust will not issue share certificates to the Company or the Account. Purchase and redemption orders for Trust shares shall be recorded in an appropriate ledger for the Account or the appropriate subaccount of the Account.
1.6. (a) The parties hereto acknowledge that the arrangement contemplated by this Agreement is not exclusive. The Trust may offer and sell shares of its Series to other insurance companies. Similarly, the cash value of the Contracts may be invested in other investment companies.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
(b) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), take any action to operate the Account as a management investment company under the 1940 Act.
(c) The Company shall not, without prior notice to the Trust (unless otherwise required by applicable law), induce or encourage Contract owners to change or modify the Trust or remove or otherwise change the Trust’s distributor or investment adviser.
(d) The Company shall provide prior written notice to the Trust if it determines that it will induce or encourage Contract owners to vote on any matter submitted for consideration by the shareholders of the Trust in a manner other than as recommended by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
1.7. The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to Form 24F-2, the Trust is not required to pay fees to the SEC for registration of its shares under the 1933 Act with respect to its shares issued to an Account that is a unit investment trust that offers interests that are registered under the 1933 Act and on which a registration fee has been or will be paid to the SEC (a “Registered Account”). The Company agrees to provide the Trust or its agent each year within 60 days of the end of the Trust’s fiscal year, or when reasonably requested by the Trust, information as to the number of shares purchased by a Registered Account and any other Account the interests of which are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Company acknowledges that the Trust intends to rely on the information so provided.
ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
2.1. The Trust represents and warrants that (i) the Trust is lawfully organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (ii) the Trust is and shall use its best efforts to remain registered under the 1940 Act during the term of this Agreement, (iii) Designated Series shares sold pursuant to this Agreement are registered under the 1933 Act (to the extent required by that Act) and are duly authorized for issuance, (iv) the Trust shall amend the registration statement for the shares of the Designated Series under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act from time to time as required in order to effect the continuous offering of such shares, and (v) the Board has elected for each Designated Series to be taxed as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Trust makes no representations or warranties as to whether any aspect of the Designated Series’ operations, including, but not limited to, investment policies, fees and expenses, complies with the insurance laws and other applicable laws of the various states. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Trust of any investment restrictions imposed by state insurance law applicable to the Trust or a Designated Series.
2.2. The Distributor represents and warrants that shares of the Designated Series (i) shall be offered and sold in compliance in all material respects with applicable federal securities laws, (ii) are offered and sold only to Participating Insurance Companies and their separate accounts and to persons or plans that communicate to the Trust that they qualify to purchase shares of the Designated Series under Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder without impairing the ability of the Account to consider the portfolio investments of the Designated Series as constituting investments of the Account for the purpose of satisfying the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) (“Qualified Persons”), and (iii) are registered and qualified for sale in accordance with the laws of the various states to the extent required by applicable law.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
2.3. Subject to Company’s representations and warranties in Sections 2.5 and 2.6, the Trust represents and warrants that it will invest the assets of each Designated Series in such a manner as to assure that the Contracts will be treated as annuity or life insurance contracts, whichever is appropriate, under the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (or any successor provisions). Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series has complied and will continue to comply with Section 817(h) of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.817-5, and any Treasury interpretations thereof, relating to the diversification requirements for variable annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts, and any amendments or other modifications or successor provisions to such Section or Regulation. The Trust will make every reasonable effort (a) to notify the Company immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a breach of this Section 2.3 has occurred, and (b) in the event of such a breach, to adequately diversify the Designated Series so as to achieve compliance within the grace period afforded by Treasury Regulation §1.817-5.
2.4. The Trust represents and warrants that each Designated Series is or will be qualified as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M of the Code, that the Trust will make every reasonable effort to maintain such qualification (under Subchapter M or any successor or similar provisions) and that the Trust will notify the Company promptly upon having a reasonable basis for believing that a Designated Series has ceased to so qualify or that it might not so qualify in the future.
2.5. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts (a) are, or prior to issuance will be, registered under the 1933 Act, or (b) are not registered because they are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act or will be offered exclusively in transactions that are properly exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. The Company also represents and warrants that it is an insurance company duly organized and in good standing under applicable law, that it has legally and validly established the Account prior to any issuance or sale thereof as a segregated asset account under relevant state insurance laws, and that it (a) has registered or, prior to any issuance or sale of the Contracts, will register the Account as a unit investment trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act to serve as a segregated investment account for the Contracts, or alternatively (b) has not registered the Account in proper reliance upon an exclusion from registration under the 1940 Act. The Company further represents and warrants that (i) the Contracts will be issued and sold in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities and state securities and insurance laws, (ii) the sale of the Contracts shall comply in all material respects with state insurance and other applicable suitability requirements; (iii) the information provided pursuant to Section 1.7 shall be accurate in all material respects; and (iv) it and the Account are Qualified Persons. The Company shall register and qualify the Contracts or interests therein as securities in accordance with the laws of the various states if and to the extent required by applicable law. If the Trust elects to adopt use of the summary prospectus, as defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, and the Company elects to make use of such summary prospectuses in connection with satisfying prospectus delivery requirements under the 1933 Act, the Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with the requirements of Rule 498 under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder in connection with the delivery of the Trust’s summary prospectuses and any other duties assumed by the Company in this Agreement. Each party represents and warrants that it has reasonable policies and procedures in place to ensure that it can appropriately meet its obligations under this Agreement.
2.6. The Company represents and warrants that the Contracts are currently, and at the time of issuance shall be, treated as life insurance or annuity contracts, under applicable provisions of the Code, that it will make every reasonable effort to maintain such treatment, and that it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing the Contracts have ceased to be so treated or that they might not be so treated in the future. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that each of its Accounts is a “segregated asset account” and that interests in the Accounts are offered exclusively through the purchase of or transfer into a “variable contract” within the meaning of such terms under Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Company will use every reasonable effort to continue to meet such definitional requirements, and it will notify the Trust and the Distributor immediately upon having a reasonable basis for believing that such requirements have ceased to be met or that they might not be met in the future.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
2.7. The Distributor represents and warrants that it is a member in good standing of the FINRA and is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC.
2.8. The Trust and the Distributor represent and warrant that all of their trustees/directors, officers, employees, investment advisers, and other individuals or entities dealing with the money and/or securities of the Trust are and shall continue to be at all times covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage for the benefit of the Trust in an amount not less than the minimum coverage as required currently by Rule 17g-1 of the 1940 Act or related provisions as may be promulgated from time to time. The aforesaid bond shall include coverage for larceny and embezzlement and shall be issued by a reputable bonding company.
2.9. The Company represents and warrants that all of its directors, officers, employees, and other individuals/entities employed or controlled by the Company dealing with the money and/or securities of the Account are covered by a blanket fidelity bond or similar coverage, which would provide coverage for (among other things) the Account, in an amount not less than $5 million. The aforesaid bond includes coverage for larceny and embezzlement and is issued by a reputable bonding company. The Company agrees to hold for the benefit of the Trust and to pay to the Trust any amounts lost from larceny, embezzlement or other events covered by the aforesaid bond to the extent such amounts properly belong to the Trust pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company agrees to make all reasonable efforts to see that this bond or other similar coverage is always in effect, and agrees to notify the Trust and the Distributor in the event that such coverage no longer applies.
2.10. The Company represents and warrants that it shall comply with any applicable privacy and notice provisions of 15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 and any applicable regulations promulgated thereunder (including but not limited to 17 C.F.R. Part 248), and any other applicable federal and state privacy law, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company represents and warrants that it has implemented and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement appropriate security measures for personal information that comply with all applicable law and regulation.
2.11. The Company represents and warrants that it has in place an anti-money laundering program (“AML program”) that does now and will continue at all times during the term of this Agreement to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the relevant provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-56 (2001)) and the regulations issued thereunder (the “Patriot Act”). The Company hereby certifies that it has established and maintains an AML program that includes written policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to identify its Contract owners and has undertaken appropriate due diligence efforts to “know its customers” in accordance with all applicable anti-money laundering regulations in its jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Patriot Act. The Company further confirms that it will monitor for suspicious activity in accordance with the requirements of the Patriot Act. In addition, the Company represents and warrants that it has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the applicable requirements administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Company agrees to provide the Distributor with such information as it may reasonably request, including but not limited to the filling out of questionnaires, attestations and other documents, to enable the Distributor to fulfill its obligations under applicable law, and, upon its request, to file a notice pursuant to Section 314 of the Patriot Act and the implementing regulations related thereto to permit the voluntary sharing of information between the parties hereto. Upon filing such a notice, the Company agrees to forward a copy to the Distributor, and further agrees to comply with all requirements under the Patriot Act and implementing regulations concerning the use, disclosure, and security of any information that is shared.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
2.12. The Company represents and warrants that (a) the Company has, and will maintain, policies and procedures reasonably designed to monitor and prevent market timing or excessive trading activity by its customers and (b) the Company will provide the Trust or its agent with assurances regarding the compliance of its handling of orders with respect to shares of the Designated Series with the requirements of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, regulatory interpretations thereof, and the Trust’s market timing and excessive trading policies upon reasonable request. Additionally, the Company shall comply with the requirements of applicable provisions of the summary prospectus and statutory prospectus (collectively, the “Prospectus”) and SAI of the Trust, and with applicable federal and state securities laws. Among other things, and without limitation of the foregoing, the Company shall be responsible for reasonably assuring that: (a) only orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company or any Indirect Intermediary (as defined below) prior to the Valuation Time shall be submitted directly or indirectly by the Company to the Trust or its transfer agent or other applicable agent for receipt of a price based on the net asset value per share calculated for that day in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act (orders to purchase, redeem or exchange Series shares received by the Company subsequent to the Valuation Time on any given Business Day or on a day that is not a Business Day shall receive a price based on the applicable net asset value per share next determined by the Trust in accordance with Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act); and (b) the Company shall cause to be imposed and/or waived applicable redemption fees, if any, only in accordance with the Series’ then current Prospectus or SAI and/or as instructed by the Distributor. The Company further agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist the Trust and its service providers (including but not limited to the Distributor) to detect, prevent and report market timing or excessive short-term trading of Series shares. To the extent the Company has actual knowledge of violations of Trust policies (as set forth in the then current Prospectus or SAI) regarding (i) the timing of purchase, redemption or exchange orders and pricing of Series shares, (ii) market timing or excessive short-term trading, or (iii) the imposition of redemption fees, if any, the Company agrees promptly to report such known violations to the Distributor.
2.13. The Trust represents and warrants that its summary prospectuses and the hosting of such documents prepared by the Trust that, pursuant to Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, will be publicly accessible, free of charge, at the website address specified on the cover page or at the beginning of the summary prospectus, and will comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of Rule 498. The Trust and Distributor agree that the website used for hosting the Trust’s summary prospectuses will lead Contract owners directly to the current Trust documents required to be posted in compliance with Rule 498, and no other content or links will appear on the website.
ARTICLE III.
PROSPECTUSES AND PROXY STATEMENTS; VOTING
3.1. Subject to Section 6.1 and the Trust’s determination to use summary prospectuses, as such term is defined in Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, the Distributor shall provide the Company with as many copies of the Trust’s current Prospectuses as the Company may reasonably request. The Company shall bear the expenses of printing copies of the Trust’s Prospectuses: (i) if requested by Contract owners, for the Contracts that will be distributed to existing Contract owners and (ii) that are used in connection with offering the Contracts issued by the Company. If requested by the Company in lieu thereof or if required by applicable law or applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Trust shall provide such documentation (including a final copy of the Trust’s summary and/or statutory prospectus in electronic format at the Trust’s expense) and other assistance as is reasonably necessary in order for the Company once each year (or more frequently if the summary prospectus for the Trust is amended) to have the prospectus for the Contracts and the Trust’s summary prospectus bound together in one document and, as a standalone, online document in accordance with applicable law and regulation, including but not limited to, Rules 498 and 498A under the 1933 Act and any applicable guidance from the SEC or SEC staff (such printing to be at the Company’s expense). As required by, and in accordance with, Rule 498 and all other applicable laws and guidance from the SEC or SEC staff, the Company represents and warrants that it shall: (1) deliver the Trust’s summary prospectus, if used, to existing Contract owners and potential investors in a manner that satisfies all applicable legal requirements, and (2) adhere to any applicable binding requirements regarding the summary prospectus.
| - 8 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
3.2. The Distributor (or the Trust), at its expense and upon request of the Company, shall provide an electronic copy of the current SAI for the Trust free of charge to the Company for itself and so that the Company can print and deliver the SAI to any owner of a Contract who requests such SAI.
3.3. Within three (3) Business Days of receiving a request for a paper copy or an electronic copy of a Trust statutory and/or summary prospectus, including any supplements, SAI, including any supplements, and most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders under Rule 30e-1 of the 1940 Act (“Trust Documents”), the Company shall send a paper copy or electronic copy, respectively, of any requested Trust Document to any person requesting such copy at no cost to the Contract owner and by U.S. first class mail or other reasonably prompt means or by email for electronic requests. The Company shall deliver the most current version of the Trust Document that it has received from the Trust pursuant to Section 3.1 above.
3.4. The Trust shall provide the Company with information regarding the Trust’s expenses, which information may include a table of fees and related narrative disclosure for use in any prospectus or other descriptive document relating to a Contract. The Company agrees that it will use such information in the form provided. The Company shall provide prior written notice of any proposed modification of such information, which notice will describe in detail the manner in which the Company proposes to modify the information, and agrees that it may not modify such information in any way without the prior consent of the Trust.
3.5. The Trust hereby grants to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license for the duration of the Agreement to create a hyperlink from the Company's website to the Trust's website. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall be and remain solely responsible for ensuring that the statutory prospectuses, the summary prospectuses and other documents for the Designated Series, comply with Rule 498 and any applicable guidance received from the SEC or from the SEC staff thereunder.
3.6. The Trust, at its expense, or at the expense of its designee, shall provide the Company with copies of its proxy material, reports to shareholders, and other communications to shareholders in such quantity as the Company shall reasonably require for distributing to Contract owners. The Company shall deliver such documents to Contract owners in accordance with applicable laws.
3.7. The Company shall:
(i) solicit voting instructions from Contract owners eligible to vote on a matter;
(ii) vote the Trust shares in accordance with instructions received from such Contract owners; and
(iii) vote Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote for which no instructions have been received in the same proportion as Trust shares of Contract owners eligible to vote on such matter for which instructions have been received,
so long as and to the extent that the SEC continues to interpret the 1940 Act and/or relief and interpretations thereunder to require pass-through voting privileges for variable contract owners or to the extent otherwise required by law.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
3.8. Participating Insurance Companies shall be responsible for assuring that each of their separate accounts participating in a Designated Series calculates voting privileges as required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order and consistent with any reasonable standards that the Trust may adopt and provide in writing.
ARTICLE IV.
SALES MATERIAL AND INFORMATION
4.1. The Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that the Company or its affiliates develop and in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Trust or its designee, and the Trust will use its best efforts for it or its designee to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Trust or its designee reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Trust (or a Designated Series thereof) or the Adviser or the Distributor is named, and no such material shall be used if the Trust or its designee so objects.
4.2. The Company shall not give any information or make any representations or statements on behalf of the Trust or concerning the Trust, a Designated Series, the Adviser or the Distributor in connection with the sale of the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in the registration statement or applicable Prospectus or applicable SAI for the Trust shares, as such registration statement and Prospectus or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in reports or proxy statements for the Trust, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Trust or its designee or by the Distributor for use with the public, except with the written permission of the Trust or the Distributor or the designee of either. The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including Rule 498 under the 1933 Act, when composing, compiling and delivering sales literature or other promotional material. The Trust shall be entitled to review Company’s placement of sales materials with the summary prospectus in order to review Company’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
4.3. The Trust and the Distributor, or their designee, shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Company, each piece of sales literature or other promotional material that it develops and in which the Company, and/or its Account, is named. No such material shall be used until approved by the Company, and the Company will use its best efforts to review such sales literature or promotional material within ten Business Days after receipt of such material. The Company reserves the right to reasonably object to the continued use of any such sales literature or other promotional material in which the Company and/or its Account is named, and no such material shall be used if the Company so objects.
4.4. The Trust and the Distributor shall not give any information or make any representations on behalf of the Company or concerning the Company, the Account, or the Contracts other than the information or representations contained in a registration statement, prospectus (which shall include an offering memorandum, if any, if the Contracts issued by the Company or interests therein are not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts, as such registration statement, prospectus, or SAI may be amended or supplemented from time to time, or in published reports for the Account which are in the public domain or approved by the Company for distribution to Contract owners, or in sales literature or other promotional material approved by the Company or its designee, except with the written permission of the Company.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
4.5. The Trust will provide to the Company at least one complete copy of all summary and/or statutory prospectuses, reports, proxy statements, applications for exemptions to the extent material to the Company, requests for no-action letters to the extent material to the Company, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Trust or its shares promptly after the filing of such document(s) with the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The Trust shall provide copies of registration statements and SAIs upon request of Company. The Company shall not alter any of such documents provided by the Trust without the prior written consent of the Trust or Distributor.
4.6. The Company will make available to the Trust online copies of all prospectuses and SAIs. Those documents can be accessed from the following website: http://connect.rightprospectus.com/Principal?site=VAVL&IsProofing=true. Upon receiving a reasonable request from Trust, the Company will provide Trust with copies of reports, solicitations for voting instructions, sales literature and other promotional materials, applications for exemptions, requests for no-action letters, and all amendments to any of the above, that relate to the Contracts or the Account. The Company shall provide to the Trust and the Distributor any complaints received from the Contract owners pertaining to the Trust or the Designated Series.
4.7. For purposes of this Article IV, the phrase “sales literature and other promotional materials” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that refer to the Trust or any affiliate of the Trust: advertisements (such as material published, or designed for use in, a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical, radio, television, telephone or tape recording, videotape display, signs or billboards, motion pictures, or other public media), sales literature (i.e., any written communication distributed or made generally available to customers or the public, including brochures, circulars, reports, market letters, form letters, seminar texts, reprints or excerpts of any other advertisement, sales literature, or published article), educational or training materials or other communications distributed or made generally available to some or all agents or employees, and registration statements, prospectuses, SAIs, shareholder reports, proxy materials, and any other communications distributed or made generally available with regard to the Trust.
ARTICLE V.
FEES AND EXPENSES
5.1. Except as otherwise provided herein or in a separate agreement entered into by some or all the parties hereto, no party to this Agreement shall pay any fee or other compensation to any other party to this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, all expenses incident to performance by a party under this Agreement shall be paid by such party.
5.2. The Trust shall see to it that all its shares are registered and authorized for issuance in accordance with applicable federal law and, if and to the extent deemed advisable by the Trust, in accordance with applicable state laws prior to their sale. The Trust shall bear the expenses for the cost of registration and qualification of the Trust’s shares, preparation and filing of the Trust’s Prospectuses and registration statement, proxy materials and reports, setting the Prospectuses in type, setting in type and printing the proxy materials and reports to shareholders, the preparation of all statements and notices required by any federal or state law, and all taxes on the issuance or transfer of the Trust’s shares.
5.3. The Company shall bear the expenses of distributing the Trust’s Prospectuses to owners of Contracts issued by the Company and of distributing the Trust’s proxy materials and reports to such Contract owners.
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| Classification: Internal Use |
ARTICLE VI.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS
6.1. The parties to this Agreement agree that the conditions or undertakings required by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order that may be imposed on the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor by virtue of such order by the SEC, including those relating to material irreconcilable conflicts, apply to the activities contemplated in this Agreement and are incorporated herein by reference as terms of this Agreement at all times that the Company, the Trust and/or the Distributor rely on the relief provided by such order. At all times the conditions and undertaking apply as set forth above, each of the parties agree to comply with such conditions and undertakings to the extent applicable to such party, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement otherwise to the contrary. The parties hereto agree that each shall assume that it is relying upon the relief provided by the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order when acting in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Trust or Distributor provides a written notification to each party that the parties are not acting in reliance on the relief provided by such order.
6.2. If and to the extent that Rule 6e-2 and Rule 6e-3(T) are amended, or Rule 6e-3 is adopted, to provide exemptive relief from any provision of the 1940 Act or the rules promulgated thereunder with respect to mixed or shared funding (as defined in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) on terms and conditions materially different from those contained in the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order, then (a) the parties to this Agreement shall take such steps as may be necessary to comply with Rules 6e-2 and 6e-3(T), as amended, and Rule 6e-3, as adopted, to the extent such rules are applicable; and (b) Sections 3.7 and 3.8 of this Agreement shall continue in effect only to the extent that terms and conditions substantially identical to such Sections are contained in such Rule(s) as so amended or adopted.
ARTICLE VII.
INDEMNIFICATION
7.1. Indemnification By the Company
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor and each of its trustees/directors and officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Trust or Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Distributor (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.1) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Company) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statements of any material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus (which shall include a written description of a Contract that is not registered under the 1933 Act), or SAI for the Contracts or contained in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Contracts or in the Contracts or sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
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| Classification: Internal Use |
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust not supplied by the Company or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Company or its agents or persons under the Company’s authorization or control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust Shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI, or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of the Company; or
(iv) arise as a result of any material failure by the Company to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the qualification requirements specified in Section 2.6 of this Agreement); or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.1(b) and 7.1(c) hereof.
(b) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of its obligations or duties under this Agreement.
(c) The Company shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Company in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Company of any such claim shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against an Indemnified Party, the Company shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such action. The Company also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Company to such party of the Company’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Company will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
| - 13 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(d) The Indemnified Parties will promptly notify the Company of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against them in connection with the issuance or sale of the Trust shares or the Contracts or the operation of the Trust.
| 7.2. | Indemnification by the Distributor |
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Company (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.2) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Distributor) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements:
(i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration statement or prospectus or SAI or sales literature or other promotional material of the Trust (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided that this agreement to indemnify shall not apply as to any Indemnified Party if such statement or omission or such alleged statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Distributor or Trust by or on behalf of the Company for use in the registration statement, prospectus or SAI for the Trust or in sales literature or other promotional material (or any amendment or supplement) or otherwise for use in connection with the sale of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(ii) arise out of or as a result of statements or representations (other than statements or representations contained in the registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material for the Contracts not supplied by the Distributor or persons under its control) or wrongful conduct of the Trust or Distributor or persons under their control, with respect to the sale or distribution of the Contracts or Trust shares; or
(iii) arise out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, prospectus, SAI or sales literature or other promotional material covering the Contracts, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement or statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Trust or the Distributor; or
(iv) arise as a result of any failure by the Distributor to provide the services and furnish the materials it is required to provide and furnish under the terms of this Agreement; or
(v) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Distributor in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Distributor;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2(b) and 7.2(c) hereof.
| - 14 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(b) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Distributor shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Distributor of any such claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Party, the Distributor will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Distributor also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Distributor to such party of the Distributor’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Distributor will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company agrees promptly to notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Contracts or the operation of the Account.
| 7.3. | Indemnification By the Trust |
(a) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or who is under common control with the Company (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties” for purposes of this Section 7.3) against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities (including amounts paid in settlement with the written consent of the Trust) or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which the Indemnified Parties may be required to pay or may become subject under any statute or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, expenses, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) or settlements, are related to the operations of the Trust and:
(i) arise as a result of any failure by the Trust to provide the services and furnish the materials under the terms of this Agreement (including a failure, whether unintentional or in good faith or otherwise, to comply with the diversification and other qualification requirements specified in Section 2.3 and 2.4 of this Agreement); or
(ii) arise out of or result from any material breach of any representation and/or warranty made by the Trust in this Agreement or arise out of or result from any other material breach of this Agreement by the Trust;
as limited by and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.3(b) and 7.3(c) hereof. The parties acknowledge that the Trust’s indemnification obligations under this Section 7.3 are subject to applicable law.
| - 15 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(b) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation to which an Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of such Indemnified Party’s willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of such Indemnified Party’s duties or by reason of such Indemnified Party’s reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement or to the Company, the Trust, the Distributor or the Account, whichever is applicable.
(c) The Trust shall not be liable under this indemnification provision with respect to any claim made against an Indemnified Party unless such Indemnified Party shall have notified the Trust in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon such Indemnified Party (or after such Indemnified Party shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it may have to the Indemnified Party against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of this indemnification provision. In case any such action is brought against the Indemnified Parties, the Trust will be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense thereof. The Trust also shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the party named in the action. After notice from the Trust to such party of the Trust’s election to assume the defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by it, and the Trust will not be liable to such party under this Agreement for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such party independently in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
(d) The Company and the Distributor agree promptly to notify the Trust of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any of its respective officers or directors in connection with the Agreement, the issuance or sale of the Contracts, the operation of the Account, or the sale or acquisition of shares of the Trust.
ARTICLE VIII.
APPLICABLE LAW
8.1. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
8.2. This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the 1933, 1934 and 1940 Acts, as amended, and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant (including, but not limited to, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order) and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith. If, in the future, the Mixed and Shared Funding Exemptive Order should no longer be necessary under applicable law, then Article VI shall no longer apply.
ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION
9.1. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to occur of:
(a) termination by any party, for any reason with respect to some or all Designated Series, by six (6) months advance written notice delivered to the other parties; or
| - 16 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(b) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor based upon the Company’s determination that shares of a Series are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, provided, however, that such termination shall apply only to those Series the shares of which are not reasonably available to meet the requirements of the Contracts, and in such event notice of its election to terminate for such cause shall be furnished by the Company promptly; or
(c) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor in the event any of the Designated Series’ shares are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable state and/or federal law or such law precludes the use of such shares as the underlying investment media of the Contracts issued or to be issued by the Company; or
(d) termination by the Trust or Distributor in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Company by FINRA, the SEC, the Insurance Commissioner or like official of any state or any other regulatory body regarding the Company’s duties under this Agreement or related to the sale of the Contracts, the operation of any Account, or the purchase of the Trust’s shares; provided, however, that the Trust or Distributor determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(e) termination by the Company in the event that formal administrative proceedings are instituted against the Trust or Distributor by FINRA, the SEC, or any state securities or insurance department or any other regulatory body; provided, however, that the Company determines in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that any such administrative proceedings will have a material adverse effect upon the ability of the Trust or Distributor to perform its obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor with respect to any Designated Series in the event that such Series ceases to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company under Subchapter M or fails to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements specified in Section 2.4 hereof, or if the Company reasonably believes that such Series may fail to so qualify or comply; or
(g) termination by the Trust or Distributor by written notice to the Company in the event that the Contracts fail to meet the qualifications specified in Section 2.6 hereof; or
(h) termination by either the Trust or the Distributor by written notice to the Company, if either one or both of the Trust or the Distributor respectively, shall determine, in their sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Company has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition, or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(i) termination by the Company by written notice to the Trust and the Distributor, if the Company shall determine, in its sole judgment exercised in good faith, that the Trust, Adviser, or the Distributor has suffered a material adverse change in its business, operations, financial condition or prospects since the date of this Agreement or is the subject of material adverse publicity; or
(j) termination by the Company upon any substitution of the shares of another investment company or series thereof for shares of a Designated Series of the Trust in accordance with the terms of the Contracts, provided that the Company has given at least 90 days prior written notice to the Trust and Distributor of the date of substitution; or
(k) termination by the Trust if the Board has decided to (i) refuse to sell shares of any Designated Series to the Company and/or any of its Accounts; (ii) suspend or terminate the offering of shares of any Designated Series; or (iii) dissolve, reorganize, liquidate, merge or sell all assets of the Trust or any Designated Series, subject to the provisions of Section 1.1; or
| - 17 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(l) termination by any party in the event that the Trust’s Board of Trustees determines that a material irreconcilable conflict exists as provided in Article VI.
9.2. (a) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 9.2(b), the Trust and the Distributor shall, at the option of the Company, continue, until the one year anniversary from the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter if deemed appropriate by the Trust and the Distributor, to make available additional shares of the Designated Series pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for all Contracts in effect on the effective date of termination of this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Existing Contracts”). Specifically, based on instructions from the owners of the Existing Contracts, the Accounts shall be permitted to reallocate investments in the Designated Series of the Trust and redeem investments in the Designated Series, and shall be permitted to invest in the Designated Series in the event that owners of the Existing Contracts make additional premium payments under the Existing Contracts.
The Company agrees, promptly after any termination of this Agreement, to take all steps necessary to redeem the investment of the Accounts in the Designated Series within one year from the date of termination of the Agreement as provided in Article IX. Such steps shall include, but not be limited to, obtaining an order pursuant to Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act to permit the substitution of other securities for the shares of the Designated Series. The Trust may, in its discretion, permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series beyond such one year anniversary for an additional year beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of termination, and from year to year thereafter; provided that the Trust agrees in writing to permit the Accounts to continue to invest in the Designated Series at the beginning of any such year.
(b) In the event (i) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 9.1(g) or 9.1(l), at the option of the Trust or the Distributor; or (ii) the one year anniversary of the termination of the Agreement is reached or, after waiver as provided in Section 9.2(a), such subsequent anniversary is reached (each of (i) and (ii) referred to as a “triggering event” and the date of termination as provided in (i) or the date of such anniversary as provided in (ii) referred to as the “request date”), the parties agree that such triggering event shall be considered as a request for immediate redemption of shares of the Designated Series held by the Accounts, received by the Trust and its agents as of the request date, and the Trust agrees to process such redemption request in accordance with the 1940 Act and the regulations thereunder and the Trust’s registration statement.
(c) The parties agree that this Section 9.2 shall not apply to any terminations under Article VI and the effect of such Article VI terminations shall be governed by Article VI of this Agreement. The parties further agree that, to the extent that all or a portion of the assets of the Accounts continue to be invested in the Trust or any Designated Series of the Trust, Articles I, II, III, VI, VII and VIII will remain in effect after termination.
9.3. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, each party’s obligation under Article VII to indemnify the other parties shall survive.
ARTICLE X.
NOTICES
Any notice shall be sufficiently given when sent by registered or certified mail or overnight delivery service to the other party at the address of such party set forth below or at such other address as such party may from time to time specify in writing to the other party.
| - 18 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
| If to either Trust: | [Name of Trust(s)] | |
| c/o Virtus Investment Partners | ||
| One Financial Plaza | ||
| Hartford, CT 06103 | ||
| Attention: Counsel | ||
| If to the Company: | Principal Life Insurance Company | |
| c/o Annuity Services – Product Director | ||
| 711 High Street | ||
| Des Moines, IA 50392 | ||
| If to Distributor: | VP Distributors, LLC | |
| One Financial Plaza | ||
| Hartford, CT 06103 | ||
| Attention: Counsel |
ARTICLE XI.
MISCELLANEOUS
11.1. All persons dealing with the Trust must look solely to the property of the applicable Designated Series, as appropriate, set forth on Schedule A hereto as though each such Designated Series had separately contracted with the Company and the Distributor for the enforcement of any claims against the Trust. The parties agree that none of the Board, officers, agents or shareholders of the Trust assume any personal liability or responsibility for obligations entered into by or on behalf of the Trust.
11.2. Subject to the requirements of legal process and regulatory authority, each party hereto shall treat as confidential the names and addresses of the owners of the Contracts and all information reasonably identified as confidential in writing by any other party hereto and, except as permitted by this Agreement, shall not disclose, disseminate or utilize such names and addresses and other confidential information without the express written consent of the affected party until such time as such information has come into the public domain.
11.3. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
11.4. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, which may be executed and/or exchanged electronically, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11.5. If the execution of this Agreement predates the date on which the Distributor is the principal underwriter of any Trust and/or Designated Series, the date of this Agreement solely with respect to such Trust and/or Designated Series shall be the date on which the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of such Trust and/or Designated Series.
11.6. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
11.7. Each party hereto shall cooperate with each other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC, FINRA, and state insurance regulators) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, each party hereto further agrees to furnish the applicable Insurance Commissioner with any information or reports in connection with services provided under this Agreement which such Commissioner may request in order to ascertain whether the variable insurance contract operations of the Company are being conducted in a manner consistent with the applicable variable insurance contract laws and regulations and any other applicable law or regulations.
| - 19 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
11.8. The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies, and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.
11.9. This Agreement may be amended only by the mutual written consent of the parties.
11.10. This Agreement or any of the rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned, as that term is defined by and interpreted under the 1940 Act, by any party without the prior written consent of all parties hereto. The Company shall promptly notify the Trust and the Distributor of any change in control of the Company.
11.11. Upon reasonable written request the Company shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished, to the Trust or its designee copies of the following reports:
(a) the Company’s annual statement (prepared under statutory accounting principles) and annual report (prepared under generally accepted accounting principles) filed with any state or federal regulatory body or otherwise made available to the public, as soon as practicable; and
(b) any registration statement (without exhibits) and financial reports of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state insurance regulatory, as soon as practicable.
ARTICLE XII.
RULE 22C-2 COMPLIANCE
12.1. The Company agrees to provide promptly to the Distributor, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government-issued identifier (“GII”) and the Contract owner number or participant account number, if known, of any or all Contractholder(s) of the account, the name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Contractholder(s) or account (if known), and the amount, date and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of shares held through an account maintained by the Company during the period covered by the request. Unless otherwise specifically requested by the Distributor, the Company shall only be required to provide information relating to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions.
(a) Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, normally not to exceed 180 days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Distributor may request transaction information older than 180 days from the date of the request as it deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. If requested by the Distributor, the Company will provide the information specified in this Section 12.1 for each trading day.
| - 20 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(b) Form and Timing of Response. The Company agrees to provide, promptly upon request of the Distributor, the requested information specified in this Section 12.1. The Company agrees to use its best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom it has received the identification and transaction information specified in this Section 12.1 is itself a “financial intermediary,” as that term is defined in Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act (an “Indirect Intermediary”) and, upon request of the Distributor, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in this Section 12.1 for those Contractholders who hold an account with an Indirect Intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the Indirect Intermediary from purchasing shares in nominee name on behalf of other persons. The Company additionally agrees to inform the Distributor whether it plans to perform (i) or (ii) above. Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any Contractholder and transaction information provided to the Distributor should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.
(c) Limitations on Use of Information. The Distributor agrees not to use the information received under this Section 12.1 for marketing or any other similar purpose without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not limit the use of publicly available information, information already in the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates at the time the information is received pursuant to this Section 12.1 or information which comes into the possession of the Distributor, the Trust or their affiliates from a third party.
(d) Agreement to Restrict Trading. The Company agrees to execute written instructions from the Distributor to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Series shares by a Contractholder that has been identified by the Distributor as having engaged in transactions in Series shares (directly or indirectly through the Company’s account) that violate policies established or utilized by the Trust or the Distributor for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by a Series. Unless otherwise directed by the Distributor, any such restrictions or prohibitions shall only apply to Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchases or Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemptions that are effected directly or indirectly through the Company.
(e) Form of Instructions. Instructions must include the TIN, ITIN or GII and the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, GII or the specific individual Contract owner number or participant account number associated with the Contractholder is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Contractholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.
(f) Timing of Response. The Company agrees to execute instructions from the Distributor as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after receipt of the instructions by the Company.
(g) Confirmation by the Company. The Company must provide written confirmation to the Distributor that the Distributor’s instructions to restrict or prohibit trading have been executed. The Company agrees to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after the instructions have been executed.
(h) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 12.1, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:
(i) The term “Contractholder” means the holder of interests in a Contract or a participant in an employee benefit plan with a beneficial interest in a Contract.
| - 21 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
(ii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Purchase” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollment such as a transfer of assets within a Contract to a Series as a result of “dollar cost averaging” programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs, or automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iii) as a result of a one- time step-up in Contract value pursuant to a Contract death benefit; (iv) as a result of an allocation of assets to a Series through a Contract as a result of payments such as loan repayments, scheduled contributions, retirement plan salary reduction contributions, or planned premium payments to the Contract; or (v) pre-arranged transfers at the conclusion of a required “free look” period.
(iii) The term “Contractholder-Initiated Transfer Redemption” means a transaction that is initiated or directed by a Contractholder that results in a transfer of assets within a Contract out of a Series, but does not include transactions that are executed: (i) automatically pursuant to a contractual or systematic program or enrollments such as transfers of assets within a Contract out of a Series as a result of annuity payouts, loans, systematic withdrawal programs, insurance company approved asset allocation programs and automatic rebalancing programs; (ii) as a result of any deduction of charges or fees under a Contract; (iii) within a Contract out of a Series as a result of scheduled withdrawals or surrenders from a Contract; or (iv) as a result of payment of a death benefit from a Contract.
(iv) The term “Series” shall mean the constituent series of the Trust, but for purposes of this Section 12.1 shall not include Series excepted from the requirements of paragraph (a) of Rule 22c-2 by paragraph (b) of Rule 22c-2.
(v) The term “promptly” shall mean as soon as practicable but in no event later than five (5) business days from the Company’s receipt of the request for information from the Distributor.
(vi) The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.
(vii) In addition, for purposes of this Section 12.1, the term “purchase” does not include the automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
[Signature page follows.]
| - 22 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first listed above.
PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Sara Wiener | |
| Name: | Sara Wiener | |
| Title: | AVP – Product Strategy | |
| Date: | 09/30/2021 | |
VIRTUS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 09/30/2021 | |
| THE MERGER FUND VL | ||
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 09/30/2021 | |
| VP DISTRIBUTORS, LLC | ||
| By its authorized officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Heidi Griswold | |
| Name: | Heidi Griswold | |
| Title: | Vice President, Mutual Fund Services | |
| Date: | 09/30/2021 | |
| - 23 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
Schedule A
The term “Designated Series” of each Trust will include any Series of the Trust (as listed below) as well as any Series of the Trust or any share class of any Series (now existing or hereafter created) created subsequent to the date hereof, in the specified class or classes, if applicable.
Virtus Variable Insurance Funds
Trust: Virtus Variable Insurance Trust
Series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust as of the date of this Agreement:
Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series
Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series
Virtus KAR Equity Income Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series
Virtus SGA International Growth Series
Virtus Strategic Allocation Series
Trust: The Merger Fund VL1
Segregated Asset Accounts:
Principal Life Insurance Company Separate Account B
Contracts:
Principal Pivot Series Variable Annuity - and any other Contracts that are available and open to new Contract owners on or after the effective date of this Agreement.
| 1 Effective with respect to this Trust only if and when the Distributor becomes the principal underwriter of this Trust, expected to be October 1, 2021. |
| - 24 - | ||
| Classification: Internal Use |
Exhibit i.2
CONSENT OF SULLIVAN & WORCESTER LLP
We hereby consent to the use of our name and any reference to our firm in the Registration Statement of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (the “Trust”), included as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-05033). In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
/s/ Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
Washington, DC
April 21, 2022
Exhibit j.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust of our report dated February 25, 2022, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in the Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, Virtus KAR Capital Growth Series, Virtus KAR Equity Income Series, Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Series, Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Series, Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Series, Virtus SGA International Growth Series and Virtus Strategic Allocation Series Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2021. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information”, “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”, “Financial Statements”, “Financial Highlights”, and “Glossary” in such Registration Statement.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 20, 2022