REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | □ |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 | ☒ |
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
Amendment No. 47 | ☒ |
Counsel for the Fund: | |
Frank
P. Bruno, Esq.
Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019--6018 |
Benjamin
Archibald, Esq.
BlackRock Advisors, LLC 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York 10055 |
Fund Overview | Key facts and details about the Fund, including investment objective, principal investment strategies, principal risk factors, fee and expense information, and historical performance information | |
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Details About the Fund | Information about how the Fund invests, including investment objective, investment processes, principal strategies and risk factors | |
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Account Information | Information about account services, sales charges and waivers, shareholder transactions, and distribution and other payments | |
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Management of the Fund | Information about BlackRock | |
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Financial Highlights |
Financial Performance of the
Fund
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Glossary |
Glossary of Investment
Terms
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For More Information |
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Inside Back Cover |
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Back Cover |
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$74 | $230 | $401 | $894 |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. |
■ | Income Risk — Income risk is the risk that the Fund’s yield will vary as short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. |
Additionally, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. | |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Regulatory Risk — On July 23, 2014, the SEC adopted amendments to money market fund regulations, which structurally change the way that certain money market funds will be required to operate. The compliance periods for the amendments range between July 2015 and October 2016. When implemented, the changes may affect the Fund’s investment strategies, fees and expenses, portfolio and share liquidity and return potential. |
■ | Repurchase Agreement Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Certain securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities issued by certain government agencies and government sponsored enterprises, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — The absence of an active market for these instruments could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them if the issuer defaults. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
As
of 12/31/15
Average Annual Total Returns |
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
Ready Assets Government Liquidity Fund | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.19% |
Minimum
Initial
Investment |
$5,000
for all accounts except:
• $300 for accounts advised by banks and registered investment advisers. • $100 for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. |
Minimum
Additional
Investment |
$1,000
for all accounts except:
• $100 for accounts advised by banks and registered investment advisers. • $1 for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. |
■ | The Fund seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share. |
■ | The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. For a discussion of dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life, please see the Glossary on page 23. |
■ | Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Fund is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires that the Fund hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the Investment Company Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Fund has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) must consider factors that could affect the Fund’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Fund’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Fund to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements discussed below. |
■ | The Fund will not acquire any illiquid securities ( i.e ., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities. The Fund will not acquire any security other than a daily liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 10% of its total assets would be invested in daily liquid assets, and the Fund will not acquire any security other than a weekly liquid asset unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 30% of its total assets would be invested in weekly liquid assets. For a discussion of daily liquid assets and weekly liquid assets, please see the Glossary on page 23. |
■ | The Fund is ordinarily limited to investing so that, immediately following any acquisition, not more than 5% of its total assets will be invested in securities issued by any one issuer (other than U.S. Government obligations, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities and securities subject to certain guarantees or otherwise providing a right to demand payment) or, in the event that such securities are not First Tier Securities (as defined in Rule 2a-7), not more than ½ of 1% of the Fund’s total assets. In addition, Rule 2a-7 requires that not more than 3% of the Fund’s total assets be invested in Second Tier Securities (as defined in Rule 2a-7) and that Second Tier Securities may only be purchased if they have a remaining maturity of 45 days or less at the time of acquisition. |
■ | Repurchase Agreements — Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund purchases a class of securities with the obligation to resell the securities shortly thereafter at a specified price which reflects interest payable to the Fund. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and cash. |
■ | U.S. Treasury Obligations — Obligations that are direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury. These also include Treasury Receipts where the principal and interest components are traded separately under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”) Program. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations — Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises, and related custodial receipts. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instruments — Instruments that provide for adjustments in the interest rate on certain reset dates (variable) or whenever a specified interest rate index changes (floating). |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Settlement Transactions — The purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued basis, on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. |
■ | Borrowing — The Fund may borrow only to meet redemptions. |
■ | Illiquid/Restricted Securities — The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in illiquid securities that it cannot sell within seven days at approximately current value. The Fund may also invest in restricted securities, which are securities that cannot be offered for public resale unless registered under the applicable securities laws or that have a contractual restriction that prohibits or limits their resale ( i.e. , Rule 144A securities). Restricted securities may include private placement securities that have not been registered under the applicable securities laws. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market and therefore may be considered to be illiquid. Rule 144A securities are restricted securities that can be resold to qualified institutional buyers but not to the general public and may be considered to be liquid securities. |
■ | Securities Lending — The Fund may lend securities with a value up to 33 1 ⁄ 3 % of its total assets to financial institutions that provide cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government as collateral. |
■ | Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. |
■ | Income Risk — The Fund’s yield will vary as the short-term securities in its portfolio mature and the proceeds are reinvested in securities with different interest rates. |
■ | Interest Rate Risk — Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a debt security may fall when interest rates rise. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will go up or down more in response to changes in interest rates than the market price of shorter-term securities. |
Additionally, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. | |
■ | Market Risk and Selection Risk — Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money. |
■ | Regulatory Risk — On July 23, 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to money market fund regulations, which structurally change the way that certain money market funds will be required to operate. The compliance periods for the amendments range between July 2015 and October 2016. When implemented, the changes may affect the Fund’s investment strategies, fees and expenses, portfolio and share liquidity and return potential. |
■ | Repurchase Agreement Risk — If the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money. |
■ | Treasury Obligations Risk — Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Fund. |
■ | U.S. Government Obligations Risk — Obligations of U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Obligations of certain agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises of the U.S. Government are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States ( e.g ., the Government National Mortgage Association); other obligations are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury ( e.g ., the Federal Home Loan Banks) and others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase an agency’s obligations. Still others are backed only by the credit of the agency, authority, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing the obligation. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to any of these entities if it is not obligated to do so by law. |
■ | Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk — The absence of an active market for these instruments could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them if the issuer defaults. |
■ | When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk — When-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Fund buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party to the transaction will not meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Fund may lose both the investment opportunity for the assets it set aside to pay for the security and any gain in the security’s price. |
■ | Borrowing Risk — Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and in the return on the Fund’s portfolio. Borrowing will cost the Fund interest expense and other fees. The costs of borrowing may reduce the Fund’s return. Borrowing may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations. |
■ | Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund’s net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund’s expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund’s expense ratio could be significant. |
■ | Liquidity Risk — Liquidity risk refers to the possibility that it may be difficult or impossible to sell certain positions at an acceptable price. |
■ | Securities Lending Risk — Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund may lose money and there may be a delay in recovering the loaned securities. The Fund could also lose money if it does not recover the securities and/or the value of the collateral falls, including the value of investments made with cash collateral. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Initial Purchase | Determine the amount of your investment |
The
minimum initial investment for the Fund is $5,000 for all accounts except:
• $300 for accounts advised by banks and registered investment advisers • $100 for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your purchase order |
The
price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s net asset value after your order is placed. Any purchase orders placed prior to the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) (generally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will be priced at the net asset value determined that day. Certain Financial Intermediaries, however, may require submission of orders prior to that time. Purchase orders placed after that time will be priced at the net asset
value determined on the next business day. A broker-dealer or financial institution maintaining the account in which you hold shares may charge a separate account, service or transaction fee on the purchase or sale of Fund shares that would be in
addition to the fees and expenses shown in the Fund’s “Fees and Expenses” table.
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Purchase by wire |
If
you maintain an account directly with the Transfer Agent, you may purchase shares of the Fund by wiring Federal Funds to Bank of America, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75202. You should give your financial institution the following wire
instructions:
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Or contact the Transfer Agent | To purchase shares directly, call the Transfer Agent at (800) 221-7210 and request a purchase application. Mail the completed application to the Transfer Agent at the address on the inside back cover of this prospectus. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Add to Your Investment | Purchase additional shares |
The
minimum investment for additional purchases is $1,000 for all accounts except:
• $100 for accounts advised by banks and registered investment advisers • $1 for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans |
Acquire additional shares by reinvesting dividends | All dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested. If you want to receive your dividends in cash, you may enroll in the Accrued Monthly Payout Plan. To make any changes to your dividend and/or capital gains distribution options, please call (800) 221-7210, or contact your Financial Intermediary. | |
Participate in the Automatic Investment Plan (“AIP”) | If you maintain an account directly with the Transfer Agent, you may invest a specific amount ($50 minimum) on a periodic basis through certain Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”) investment or central asset accounts. If your account is not held directly with the Transfer Agent, you should contact your Financial Intermediary. |
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares |
Have your Financial Intermediary submit your sales order |
You
can make redemption requests through your Financial Intermediary. The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of the Fund’s net asset value after your order is placed. For your redemption request to be priced at the net asset
value on the day of your request, you must submit your request to your Financial Intermediary prior to that day’s close of business on the Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Certain Financial Intermediaries, however, may require
submission of orders prior to that time. Any redemption request placed after that time will be priced at the net asset value at the close of business on the next business day.
Automatic Redemption: If you maintain other securities accounts with Merrill Lynch (other than margin accounts), Merrill Lynch may use its automatic redemption procedure to satisfy amounts you may owe either as a result of account fees and expenses or as a result of purchases or other transactions in those securities accounts. Unless you notify Merrill Lynch to the contrary, your securities account will be scanned each day prior to the determination of net asset value of the Fund (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) and, after application of any cash balances in the account, a sufficient number of Fund shares may be redeemed to satisfy any amounts you may owe Merrill Lynch. Such redemption will be made the day before payment is due, and Merrill Lynch will receive redemption proceeds on the day following such redemption. Except under certain circumstances, you will receive all dividends declared and reinvested through the date of redemption. |
Sell through the Transfer Agent |
Methods
of Redeeming
|
Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Full
or Partial
Redemption of Shares (continued) |
Sell through the Transfer Agent (continued) |
signature
guarantee stamp from a bank, securities dealer, securities broker, credit union, savings and loan association, national securities exchange or registered securities association. A notary public seal will not be acceptable. The Transfer Agent will
normally mail redemption proceeds within seven days following receipt of a properly completed request. If you make a redemption request before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may delay
mailing your proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days. Check with the Transfer Agent or your Financial Intermediary for details.
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Your Choices | Important Information for You to Know | |
Transfer
Shares to
Another Financial Intermediary |
Transfer to a participating Financial Intermediary |
You
may transfer your shares of the Fund only to another securities dealer that has entered into an agreement with the Distributor. Certain shareholder services may not be available for the transferred shares. All future trading of these assets must be
coordinated by the receiving firm.
|
Transfer to a non-participating Financial Intermediary |
You
must either:
• Transfer your shares to an account with the Transfer Agent; or • Sell your shares. |
■ | Suspend the right of redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act; |
■ | Postpone the date of payment upon redemption if trading is halted or restricted on the Exchange or under other emergency conditions described in the Investment Company Act or if a redemption request is made before the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares; |
■ | Redeem shares for property other than cash as may be permitted under the Investment Company Act; and |
■ | Redeem shares involuntarily in certain cases, such as when the value of a shareholder account falls below a specified level. |
Average Daily Net Assets |
Rate
of
Management Fee |
First $500 million | 0.500% |
In excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1 billion | 0.400% |
In excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $5 billion | 0.350% |
In excess of $5 billion but not exceeding $10 billion | 0.325% |
In excess of $10 billion but not exceeding $15 billion | 0.300% |
In excess of $15 billion but not exceeding $20 billion | 0.275% |
Greater than $20 billion | 0.250% |
Six
Months
Ended October 31, 2015 (unaudited) |
Year Ended April 30, | |||||
2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||
Per Share Operating Performance | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Net investment income | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 |
Net realized and unrealized gain | 0.0000 1 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0000 1 | 0.0001 |
Net increase from investment operations | 0.0000 | 0.0001 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0000 | 0.0001 |
Distributions from: 2 | ||||||
Net investment income | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 |
Net realized gain | — | (0.0001) | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0000) 3 | (0.0001) |
Total distributions | (0.0000) | (0.0001) | (0.0000) | (0.0000) | (0.0000) | (0.0001) |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 | $ 1.00 |
Total Return 4 | ||||||
Based on net asset value | 0.00% 5 | 0.01% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.01% |
Ratios to Average Net Assets | ||||||
Total expenses | 0.73% 6 | 0.72% | 0.70% | 0.69% | 0.69% | 0.68% |
Total expenses after fees waived and paid indirectly | 0.26% 6 | 0.23% | 0.23% | 0.29% | 0.26% | 0.37% |
Net investment income | 0.00% 6 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period (000) | $2,148,826 | $2,256,152 | $2,383,981 | $2,713,109 | $3,008,136 | $3,287,733 |
1 | Amount is less than $0.00005 per share. |
2 | Distributions for annual periods determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations. |
3 | Amount is greater than $(0.00005) per share. |
4 | Where applicable, assumes the reinvestment of distributions. |
5 | Aggregate total return. |
6 | Annualized. |
■ | Access the website at www.icsdelivery.com/live |
Ticker Symbol
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MRAXX |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Independent Trustees | ||
David O. Beim | David O. Beim has served for over 16 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”) funds. Mr. Beim has served as a professor of finance and economics at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business since 1991 and has taught courses on corporate finance, international banking and emerging financial markets. The Board benefits from the perspective and background gained by his almost 20 years of academic experience. He has published numerous articles and books on a range of topics, including, among others, banking and finance. In addition, Mr. Beim spent 25 years in investment banking, including starting and running the investment banking business at Bankers Trust Company. | |
Collette Chilton | Collette Chilton recently joined as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex. Ms. Chilton has over 20 years of experience in investment management. She has held the position of Chief Investment Officer of Williams College since October 2006. Prior to that she was President and Chief Investment Officer of Lucent Asset Management Corporation, where she oversaw approximately $40 billion in pension and retirement savings assets for the company. These positions have provided her with insight and perspective on the markets and the economy. The Board benefits from this knowledge and experience. | |
Frank J. Fabozzi | Frank J. Fabozzi recently joined as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex. Dr. Fabozzi has served for over 25 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Closed-End Complex and its predecessor funds. Dr. Fabozzi holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant. Dr. Fabozzi was inducted into the Fixed Income Analysts Society’s Hall of Fame and is the 2007 recipient of the C. Stewart Sheppard Award and the 2015 recipient of the James R. Vertin Award, both given by the CFA Institute. The Board benefits from Dr. Fabozzi’s experience as a professor and author in the field of finance. Dr. Fabozzi’s experience as a professor at various institutions, including EDHEC Business School, Yale, MIT and Princeton, as well as Dr. Fabozzi’s experience as a Professor in the Practice of Finance and Becton Fellow at the Yale University School of Management and as editor of the Journal of Portfolio Management demonstrate his wealth of expertise in the investment management and structured finance areas. Dr. Fabozzi has authored and edited numerous books and research papers on topics in management and financial econometrics, and his writings have focused on fixed-income securities and portfolio management, many of which are considered standard references in the investment management industry. Dr. Fabozzi’s long-standing service on the boards of the funds in the Closed-End Complex also provides him with an understanding of the Fund, its operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the Fund. | |
Dr. Matina S. Horner | Dr. Matina S. Horner has served for over ten years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. The Board benefits from her prior service as Executive Vice President of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Fund, which provided Dr. Horner with management and corporate governance experience. In addition, Dr. Horner served as a professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University and served as President of Radcliffe College for 17 years. Dr. Horner also served on various public, private and non-profit boards. |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Rodney D. Johnson | Rodney D. Johnson has served for over 20 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. He has over 25 years of experience as a financial advisor covering a range of engagements, which has broadened his knowledge of and experience with the investment management business. Prior to founding Fairmount Capital Advisors, Inc., Mr. Johnson served as Chief Financial Officer of Temple University for four years. He served as Director of Finance and Managing Director, in addition to a variety of other roles, for the City of Philadelphia, and has extensive experience in municipal finance. Mr. Johnson was also a tenured associate professor of finance at Temple University and a research economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. | |
Cynthia A. Montgomery | Cynthia A. Montgomery has served for over 20 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy MLIM funds. The Board benefits from Ms. Montgomery’s more than 20 years of academic experience as a professor at Harvard Business School where she taught courses on corporate strategy and corporate governance. Ms. Montgomery also has business management and corporate governance experience through her service on the corporate boards of a variety of public companies. She has also authored numerous articles and books on these topics. | |
Joseph P. Platt | Joseph P. Platt has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. Mr. Platt currently serves as general partner at Thorn Partners, LP, a private investment company. Prior to his joining Thorn Partners, LP, he was an owner, director and executive vice president with Johnson and Higgins, an insurance broker and employee benefits consultant. He has over 25 years of experience in the areas of insurance, compensation and benefits. Mr. Platt also serves on the boards of public, private and non-profit companies. | |
Robert C. Robb, Jr. | Robert C. Robb, Jr. has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. Mr. Robb has over 30 years of experience in management consulting and has worked with many companies and business associations located throughout the United States, including being a former director of PNC Bank Board and a former director of Brinks, Inc. Mr. Robb brings to the Board a wealth of practical business experience across a range of industries. | |
Mark Stalnecker | Mark Stalnecker recently joined as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex. Mr. Stalnecker has gained a wealth of experience in investing and asset management from his over 13 years of service as the Chief Investment Officer of the University of Delaware as well as from his various positions with First Union Corporation, including Senior Vice President and State Investment Director of First Investment Advisors. The Board benefits from his experience and perspective as the Chief Investment Officer of a university endowment and from the oversight experience he gained from service on various private and non-profit boards. | |
Kenneth L. Urish | Kenneth L. Urish has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. He has over 30 years of experience in public accounting. Mr. Urish has served as a managing member of an accounting and consulting firm. Mr. Urish has been determined by the Audit Committee to be an audit committee financial expert, as such term is defined in the applicable Commission rules. |
Trustees | Experience, Qualifications and Skills | |
Frederick W. Winter | Frederick W. Winter has served for over 15 years on the boards of registered investment companies, most recently as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex and its predecessor funds, including the legacy BlackRock funds. The Board benefits from Mr. Winter’s years of academic experience, having served as a professor and dean emeritus of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh since 2005, and dean thereof from 1997 to 2005. He is widely regarded as a specialist in marketing strategy, marketing management, business-to-business marketing and services marketing. He has also served as a consultant to more than 50 different firms. | |
Interested Trustees | ||
Barbara G. Novick | Barbara G. Novick recently joined as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex. Ms. Novick has extensive experience in the financial services industry, including more than 26 years with BlackRock. Ms. Novick currently is a member of BlackRock’s Global Executive, Global Operating and Corporate Risk Management Committees and chairs BlackRock’s Government Relations Steering Committee. For the first twenty years at BlackRock, Ms. Novick oversaw global business development, marketing and client service across equity, fixed income, liquidity, alternative investment and real estate products, and in her current role, heads BlackRock’s efforts globally on government relations and public policy. Prior to joining BlackRock, Ms. Novick was Vice President of the Mortgage Products Group at the First Boston Corporation and prior to that, was with Morgan Stanley. The Board benefits from Ms. Novick’s wealth of experience and long history with BlackRock and BlackRock’s management practices, investment strategies and products, which stretches back to BlackRock’s founding in 1988. | |
John M. Perlowski | John M. Perlowski recently joined as a member of the boards of the funds in the Equity-Liquidity Complex. Mr. Perlowski’s experience as Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009, as the Head of BlackRock Global Fund Services since 2009, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackRock-advised Funds provides him with a strong understanding of the BlackRock-advised Funds, their operations, and the business and regulatory issues facing the BlackRock-advised Funds. Mr. Perlowski’s prior position as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and his former service as Treasurer and Senior Vice President of the Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds and as Director of the Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds provides the Board with the benefit of his experience with the management practices of other financial companies. |
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Fund |
Length
of
Time Served 2 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Investment Company Directorships During Past Five Years |
|||||
Independent Trustees 1 | ||||||||||
David
O. Beim
3
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Professor of Professional Practice at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business since 1991; Trustee, Phillips Exeter Academy from 2002 to 2012; Chairman, Wave Hill, Inc. (public garden and cultural center) from 1990 to 2006. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Collette
Chilton
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2015 to present | Chief Investment Officer, Williams College since 2006; Chief Investment Officer, Lucent Asset Management Corporation from 1998 to 2006. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Frank
J. Fabozzi
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2014 to present | Editor of and Consultant for The Journal of Portfolio Management since 2006; Professor of Finance, EDHEC Business School since 2011; Visiting Professor, Princeton University from 2013 to 2014; Professor in the Practice of Finance and Becton Fellow, Yale University School of Management from 2006 to 2011. | 108 RICs consisting of 230 Portfolios | None | |||||
Dr.
Matina S. Horner
4
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Executive Vice President, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Fund from 1989 to 2003. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | NSTAR (electric and gas utility) | |||||
Rodney
D. Johnson
5
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | President, Fairmount Capital Advisors, Inc. from 1987 to 2013; Member of the Archdiocesan Investment Committee of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 2004 to 2012; Director, The Committee of Seventy (civic) from 2006 to 2012; Director, Fox Chase Cancer Center from 2004 to 2011. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Cynthia
A. Montgomery
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Professor, Harvard Business School since 1989; Director, McLean Hospital from 2005 to 2012; Director, Harvard Business School Publishing from 2005 to 2010. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. (manufacturing) | |||||
Joseph
P. Platt
6
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Director, Jones and Brown (Canadian insurance broker) since 1998; General Partner, Thorn Partners, LP (private investments) since 1998; Director, WQED Multi-Media (public broadcasting not-for-profit) since 2001; Director, The West Penn Allegheny Health System (a not-for-profit health system) from 2008 to 2013; Partner, Amarna Corporation, LLC (private investment company) from 2002 to 2008. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (reinsurance company) | |||||
Robert
C. Robb, Jr.
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Partner, Lewis, Eckert, Robb and Company (management and financial consulting firm) since 1981. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None |
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Fund |
Length
of
Time Served 2 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Investment Company Directorships During Past Five Years |
|||||
Mark
Stalnecker
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2015 to present | Chief Investment Officer, University of Delaware from 1999 to 2013; Trustee, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate since 2001; Member of the Investment Committee, Delaware Public Employees’ Retirement System since 2002; Member of the Investment Committee, Christiana Care Health System since 2009; Member of the Investment Committee, Delaware Community Foundation from 2013 to 2014. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Kenneth
L. Urish
7
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Managing Partner, Urish Popeck & Co., LLC (certified public accountants and consultants) since 1976; Immediate past-Chairman of the Professional Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Committee Member thereof since 2007; Member of External Advisory Board, The Pennsylvania State University Accounting Department since 2001; Principal, UP Strategic Wealth Investment Advisors, LLC since 2013; Trustee, The Holy Family Institute from 2001 to 2010; President and Trustee, Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates from 2003 to 2008; Director, Inter-Tel from 2006 to 2007. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Frederick
W. Winter
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2007 to present | Director, Alkon Corporation (pneumatics) since 1992; Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Joseph M. Katz School of Business, University of Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2013 and Dean thereof from 1997 to 2005; Director, Tippman Sports (recreation) from 2005 to 2013; Director, Indotronix International (IT services) from 2004 to 2008. | 33 RICs consisting of 155 Portfolios | None | |||||
Interested Trustees 8 | ||||||||||
Barbara
G. Novick
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee | 2015 to present | Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Chair of BlackRock’s Government Relations Steering Committee since 2009; Head of the Global Client Group of BlackRock, Inc. from 1988 to 2008. | 108 RICs consisting of 230 Portfolios | None | |||||
John
M. Perlowski
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
2015
to present
(Trustee); 2010 to present (President and Chief Executive Officer) |
Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2009; Head of BlackRock Global Fund Services since 2009; Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Global Product Group at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. from 2003 to 2009; Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds from 2003 to 2009 and Senior Vice President thereof from 2007 to 2009; Director of Goldman Sachs Offshore Funds from 2002 to 2009; Director of Family Resource Network (charitable foundation) since 2009. | 136 RICs consisting of 328 Portfolios | None |
1 | Independent Trustees serve until their resignation, retirement, removal or death, or until December 31 of the year in which they turn 75. The Board has determined to extend the terms of Independent Trustees on a case-by-case basis, as appropriate. The Board has unanimously approved extending the mandatory retirement age for David O. Beim and Matina S. Horner until December 31, 2016, which the Board believes is in the best interests of shareholders of the Fund. |
2 | Following the combination of MLIM and BlackRock, Inc. in September 2006, the various legacy MLIM and legacy BlackRock fund boards were realigned and consolidated into three new fund boards in 2007. As a result, although the chart shows certain Independent Trustees as joining the Fund’s Board in 2007, those Independent Trustees first became members of the boards of other legacy MLIM or legacy BlackRock funds as follows: David O. Beim, 1998; Dr. Matina S. Horner, 2004; Rodney D. Johnson, 1995; Cynthia A. Montgomery, 1994; Joseph P. Platt, 1999; Robert C. Robb, Jr., 1999; Kenneth L. Urish, 1999; and Frederick W. Winter, 1999. Frank J. Fabozzi first became a member of the boards of other funds advised by BlackRock or its affiliates in 1988. |
3 | Chair of the Performance Oversight Committee. |
4 | Chair of the Governance Committee. |
5 | Chair of the Board. |
6 | Chair of the Compliance Committee. |
7 | Chair of the Audit Committee. |
8 | Ms. Novick and Mr. Perlowski are both “interested persons,” as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund based on their positions with BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates. |
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Fund |
Length
of
Time Served 1 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Investment Company Directorships |
|||||
Richard
Hoerner, CFA
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Vice President | 2009 to present | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2000; Head of the Global Cash Group since 2013; Co-head of the Global Cash and Securities Lending Group from 2010 to 2013; Member of the Cash Management Group Executive Committee since 2005. | 24 RICs consisting of 135 Portfolios | None | |||||
Jennifer
McGovern
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Vice President | 2014 to present | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2016; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2011 to 2016; Head of Product Structure and Oversight for BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory Group since 2013; Vice President of BlackRock, Inc. from 2008 to 2010. | 61 RICs consisting of 253 Portfolios | None | |||||
Neal
J. Andrews
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Chief Financial Officer | 2007 to present | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2006; Senior Vice President and Line of Business Head of Fund Accounting and Administration at PNC Global Investment Servicing (U.S.) Inc. from 1992 to 2006. | 136 RICs consisting of 328 Portfolios | None | |||||
Jay
M. Fife
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Treasurer | 2007 to present | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2007; Director of BlackRock, Inc. in 2006; Assistant Treasurer of the MLIM and Fund Asset Management, L.P. advised funds from 2005 to 2006; Director of MLIM Fund Services Group from 2001 to 2006. | 136 RICs consisting of 328 Portfolios | None | |||||
Charles
Park
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Chief Compliance Officer | 2014 to present | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer for the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex from 2014 to 2015; Chief Compliance Officer of BlackRock Advisors, LLC and the BlackRock-advised Funds in the Equity-Bond Complex, the Equity-Liquidity Complex and the Closed-End Complex since 2014; Principal of and Chief Compliance Officer for iShares ® Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC since 2012 and BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for the BFA-advised iShares exchange traded funds since 2006; Chief Compliance Officer for BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. since 2012. | 141 RICs consisting of 649 Portfolios | None | |||||
Fernanda
Piedra
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer | 2015 to present | Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2014; Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Regional Head of Financial Crime for the Americas at BlackRock, Inc. since 2014; Head of Regulatory Changes and Remediation for the Asset Wealth Management Division of Deutsche Bank from 2010 to 2014; Vice President of Goldman Sachs (Anti-Money Laundering/Suspicious Activities Group) from 2004 to 2010. |
141
RICs consisting of
649 Portfolios |
None |
Name,
Address
and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held with the Fund |
Length
of
Time Served 1 |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years |
Number
of
BlackRock- Advised Registered Investment Companies (“RICs”) Consisting of Investment Portfolios (“Portfolios”) Overseen |
Public
Company and Investment Company Directorships |
|||||
Benjamin
Archibald
55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
Secretary | 2012 to present | Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc. since 2014; Director of BlackRock, Inc. from 2010 to 2013; Secretary of the iShares exchange traded funds since 2015; Secretary of the BlackRock-advised mutual funds since 2012. | 61 RICs consisting of 253 Portfolios | None |
1 | Officers of the Fund serve at the pleasure of the Board. |
Name of Trustee |
Aggregate
Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate
Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in Supervised Funds |
||
Interested Trustees: | ||||
Barbara G.
Novick
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
John M.
Perlowski
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Independent Trustees: | ||||
David O. Beim
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Collette
Chilton
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Frank J.
Fabozzi
1
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Dr. Matina S. Horner
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Rodney D. Johnson
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Cynthia A. Montgomery
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Joseph P. Platt
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Robert C. Robb,
Jr.
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Mark
Stalnecker
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Kenneth L. Urish
|
None | Over $100,000 | ||
Frederick W. Winter
|
None | Over $100,000 |
1 | Mr. Fabozzi participates in a deferred compensation plan within the Closed-End Complex, as a result his aggregate dollar range of equity securities and share equivalents in the Closed-End Complex is over $100,000. |
Name |
Compensation
from the Fund |
Estimated
Annual
Benefits Upon Retirement |
Aggregate
Compensation from the Fund and Other BlackRock- Advised Funds 1 |
|||
Independent Trustees: | ||||||
David O.
Beim
2
|
$4,564 | None | $355,000 | |||
Collette
Chilton
3
|
$1,398 | None | $345,000 | |||
Frank J.
Fabozzi
|
$4,470 | None | $710,000 | |||
Ronald W.
Forbes
4
|
$3,561 | None | None | |||
Dr. Matina S.
Horner
5
|
$4,612 | None | $355,000 | |||
Rodney D.
Johnson
6
|
$5,444 | None | $455,000 | |||
Herbert I.
London
7
|
$4,470 | None | $345,000 | |||
Ian A.
MacKinnon
8
|
$4,470 | None | $251,250 | |||
Cynthia A.
Montgomery
|
$4,470 | None | $345,000 | |||
Joseph P.
Platt
9
|
$4,612 | None | $355,000 | |||
Robert C. Robb,
Jr.
|
$4,470 | None | $345,000 | |||
Toby
Rosenblatt
7
|
$4,470 | None | $345,000 | |||
Mark
Stalnecker
3
|
$1,398 | None | $345,000 | |||
Kenneth L.
Urish
10
|
$4,658 | None | $355,000 | |||
Frederick W.
Winter
|
$4,470 | None | $345,000 | |||
Interested Trustees: | ||||||
Paul L.
Audet
4
|
None | None | None | |||
Henry
Gabbay
4
|
$2,243 | None | None | |||
Barbara G.
Novick
3
|
None | None | None | |||
John M.
Perlowski
11
|
None | None | None |
1 | For the number of BlackRock-advised Funds from which each Trustee receives compensation, see the Biographical Information chart beginning on page I-9. |
2 | Chair of the Performance Oversight Committee. |
3 | Each of Ms. Chilton, Mr. Stalnecker and Ms. Novick was appointed to serve as a Trustee of the Fund effective January 1, 2015. |
4 | Messrs. Audet and Gabbay resigned as Trustees of the Fund and Mr. Forbes resigned as a Trustee of the Fund and as Co-Chair of the Board effective December 31, 2014. Messrs. Audet and Forbes also resigned as a director or trustee of all other BlackRock-advised Funds effective December 31, 2014. |
5 | Chair of the Governance Committee. |
6 | Chair of the Board. |
7 | Messrs. London and Rosenblatt retired as Trustees of the Fund effective December 31, 2015. Messrs. London and Rosenblatt also retired as a director or trustee of all other BlackRock-advised Funds effective December 31, 2015. |
8 | Mr. MacKinnon resigned as a Trustee of the Fund effective May 18, 2015. Mr. MacKinnon also resigned as a director or trustee of all other BlackRock-advised Funds effective May 18, 2015. |
9 | Chair of the Compliance Committee. |
10 | Chair of the Audit Committee. |
11 | Mr. Perlowski was appointed to serve as a Trustee of the Fund effective September 25, 2015. |
Fiscal Year Ended April 30, |
Paid
to
the Manager |
Waived
by
the Manager 1 |
||
2015
|
$ 9,085,446 | $8,390,840 | ||
2014
|
$10,106,519 | $9,012,164 | ||
2013
|
$11,103,725 | $7,925,219 |
1 | The Manager and BlackRock Investments, LLC (“BRIL”), the Fund’s distributor, have voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of their respective fees and/or reimburse operating expenses to enable the Fund to maintain a minimum level of daily net investment income. The Manager and BRIL may discontinue the waiver and/or reimbursement at any time without notice. |
Fiscal Year Ended April 30, | Paid to State Street | Paid to the Manager | ||
2015
|
$123,052 | $23,471 | ||
2014
|
$132,783 | $26,536 | ||
2013
|
$158,866 | $28,507 |
Paid to BRIL | Waived by BRIL 1 | |
$2,863,417 | $2,863,417 |
1 | BlackRock and BRIL have voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the distribution fee and/or reimburse operating expenses to enable the Fund to maintain a minimum level of daily net investment income. BlackRock and BRIL may discontinue this waiver and/or reimbursement at any time without notice. |
Seven-Day
Period Ended
April 30, 2015 |
||
0.00% |
Regular Broker-Dealer | Debt (D)/Equity (E) | Aggregate Holdings (000’s) | ||
Credit Suisse Securities (USA)
LLC
|
D | $83,401 | ||
Morgan Stanley & Co.
Inc.
|
D | $68,968 | ||
Goldman Sachs &
Co.
|
D | $68,000 | ||
Barclays Capital
Inc.
|
D | $46,000 | ||
JP Morgan Securities
Inc.
|
D | $ 5,000 |
Name | Address | Percentage | ||
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated* |
4800
Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 |
99.25% |
* | Record holder that does not beneficially own the shares. |
• | Portfolio Characteristics: Portfolio characteristics include, but are not limited to, sector allocation, credit quality breakdown, maturity distribution, duration and convexity measures, average credit quality, average maturity, average coupon, top 10 holdings with percent of the fund held, average market capitalization, capitalization range, ROE, P/E, P/B, P/CF, P/S, and EPS. |
• | Portfolio Holdings: Portfolio holdings include, but are not limited to, issuer name, CUSIP, ticker symbol, total shares and market value for equity portfolios and issuer name, CUSIP, ticker symbol, coupon, maturity current face value and market value for fixed income portfolios. Other information that will be treated as portfolio holdings for purposes of the Guidelines includes but is not limited to quantity, SEDOL, market price, yield, WAL, duration and convexity as of a specific date. For derivatives, indicative data may also be provided, including but not limited to, pay leg, receive leg, notional amount, reset frequency, and trade counterparty. Risk related information (e.g. value at risk, standard deviation) will be treated as portfolio holdings. |
Open-End Mutual Funds (Excluding Money Market Funds) | |||
Time Periods (Calendar Days) | |||
Prior
to 5
Calendar Days After Month-End |
5-20
Calendar
Days After Month-End |
20 Calendar Days After Month-End To Date of Public Filing | |
Portfolio
Holdings |
Cannot disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) approval. | May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers (e.g., Lipper, Morningstar and Bloomberg), except with respect to Global Allocation funds* (whose holdings may be disclosed 40 calendar days after quarter-end based on the applicable fund’s fiscal year end). If portfolio holdings are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. | |
Portfolio
Characteristics |
Cannot disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and CCO approval* | May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers (e.g., Lipper, Morningstar and Bloomberg). If portfolio characteristics are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. | |
*Global Allocation: For purposes of portfolio holdings, Global Allocation funds include BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc., BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio of BlackRock Series Fund, Inc. and BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund of BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc. Information on certain portfolio characteristics of BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio and BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund are available, upon request, to insurance companies that use these funds as underlying investments (and to advisers and sub-advisers of funds invested in BlackRock Global Allocation Portfolio and BlackRock Global Allocation V.I. Fund) in their variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies on a weekly basis (or such other period as may be determined to be appropriate). Disclosure of such characteristics of these two funds constitutes a disclosure of Confidential Information and is being made for reasons deemed appropriate by BlackRock and in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Guidelines. |
Money Market Funds | ||
Time Periods (Calendar Days) | ||
Prior
to 5 Calendar Days
After Month-End |
5
Calendar Days After
Month-End to Date of Public Filing |
|
Portfolio
Holdings |
Cannot
disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and CCO approval except the following portfolio holdings information for BlackRock Liquidity Funds, BlackRock Cash Funds, Funds For Institutions and certain BlackRock retail Funds (and
any other Funds approved by portfolio management and the CCO) may be released as follows:
• Weekly portfolio holdings information released on the website at least one business day after week-end. |
May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers. If portfolio holdings are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. |
Portfolio
Characteristics |
Cannot
disclose without non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement and CCO approval except the following information may be released on the Fund’s website daily (although generally will be released T+1):
• Mark-to-market net asset value (“NAV”) • Yields, SEC yields, WAM, current assets • Other information as may be required by Rule 2a-7 |
May disclose to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries, consultants and third-party data providers. If portfolio characteristics are disclosed to one party, they must also be disclosed to all other parties requesting the same information. |
(i) | the preparation and posting of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and/or portfolio characteristics to its website on a more frequent basis than authorized above; |
(ii) | the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to third-party service providers not noted above; and |
(iii) | the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and/or portfolio characteristics to other parties for legitimate business purposes. |
• | Fund Fact Sheets are available to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries and consultants on a monthly or quarterly basis no earlier than the fifth calendar day after the end of a month or quarter. |
• | Money Market Performance Reports are available to shareholders, prospective shareholders, intermediaries and consultants by the tenth calendar day of the month (and on a one day lag for certain institutional funds). They contain monthly money market Fund performance, rolling 12-month average and benchmark performance. |
1. | Funds’ Boards of Trustees and, if necessary, Independent Trustees’ counsel and Fund counsel. |
2. | Funds’ transfer agent |
3. | Funds’ Custodian |
4. | Funds’ Administrator, if applicable. |
5. | Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. |
6. | Funds’ accounting services provider |
7. | Independent rating agencies — Morningstar, Inc., Lipper Inc., S&P, Moody’s, Fitch |
8. | Information aggregators — Markit on Demand, Thomson Financial and Bloomberg, eVestments Alliance, Informa/PSN Investment Solutions, Crane Data, and iMoneyNet |
9. | Sponsors of 401(k) plans that include BlackRock-advised funds — E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company, Inc. |
10. | Consultants for pension plans that invest in BlackRock-advised funds — Rocaton Investment Advisors, LLC, Mercer Investment Consulting, Callan Associates, Brockhouse & Cooper, Cambridge Associates, Morningstar/Investorforce, Russell Investments (Mellon Analytical Solutions) and Wilshire Associates. |
11. | Pricing Vendors — Reuters Pricing Service, Bloomberg, FT Interactive Data (FT IDC), ITG, Telekurs Financial, FactSet Research Systems Inc., JP Morgan Pricing Direct (formerly Bear Stearns Pricing Service), Standard and Poor’s Security Evaluations Service, Lehman Index Pricing, Bank of America High Yield Index, Loan Pricing Corporation (LPC), LoanX, Super Derivatives, iBOXX Index, Barclays Euro Gov’t Inflation-Linked Bond Index, JPMorgan Emerging & Developed Market Index, Reuters/WM Company, Nomura BPI Index, Japan Securities Dealers Association, Valuation Research Corporation and Murray, Devine & Co, Inc. |
12. | Portfolio Compliance Consultants — Oracle/i-Flex Solutions, Inc. |
13. | Third-party feeder funds — Hewitt Money Market Fund, Hewitt Series Fund, Hewitt Financial Services LLC, Homestead, Inc., Transamerica, State Farm Mutual Fund and Sterling Capital Funds, and their respective boards, sponsors, administrators and other service providers. |
14. | Affiliated feeder funds — BlackRock Cayman Prime Money Market Fund, Ltd. and BlackRock Cayman Treasury Money Market Fund Ltd., and their respective boards, sponsors, administrators and other service providers. |
15. | Other — Investment Company Institute, Mizuho Asset Management Co., Ltd. and Nationwide Fund Advisors. |
• | If participants elect to have their contributions invested in the Fund, the contributions will be invested automatically on the business day following the date they are received in the account. There will be no minimum initial or subsequent purchase requirement pursuant to these types of plans. The amount that may be contributed to a Plan in any one year is subject to certain limitations under the Code; however, assets already in a Plan account may be invested without regard to such limitations on contributions. Cash balances of less than $1.00 will not be invested. |
• | Participants in Custodial Plans who opened their accounts prior to December 6, 1999 had two options concerning cash balances that may arise in their accounts. First, participants could have elected to have such balances automatically invested on a daily basis in shares of the Fund or, in some cases, in another money |
market mutual fund advised by the Manager. Second, participants (except for RSAs) could have elected to have such balances deposited in an FDIC-insured money market account with one or more commercial banks. After December 6, 1999, certain Custodial Plan accounts no longer have the first option for cash balances. | |
• | Participants who have elected to have cash balances automatically invested in the Fund will have such funds invested as follows: cash balances arising from the sale of securities held in the Plan account that do not settle on the day of the transaction (such as most common and preferred stock transactions) will be invested in shares of the Fund on the business day following the day that the proceeds are received in the Plan account. Proceeds giving rise to cash balances from the sale of securities held in the Plan account settling on a same day basis and from principal repayments on debt securities held in the account will be invested in shares of the Fund on the next business day following receipt. Cash balances arising from dividends or interest payments on securities held in the Plan account or from a contribution to the Plan are invested in shares of the Fund on the business day following the date the payment is received in the Plan account. |
Aaa | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
Aa | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
A | Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
Baa | Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
Ba | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
B | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
Caa | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
Ca | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
C | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
P-1 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-2 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
P-3 | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. |
NP | Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |
MIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. |
MIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. |
MIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. |
VMIG 1 | This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 2 | This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
VMIG 3 | This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
SG | This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand. |
• | Likelihood of payment — capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; |
• | Nature of and provisions of the obligation and the promise we impute; |
• | Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights. |
AAA | An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. |
AA | An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. |
A | An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. |
BBB | An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
BB;
B; CCC; CC; and C |
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. |
BB | An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CCC | An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
CC | An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poor’s expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
C | An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. |
D | An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
NR | This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. |
A-1 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. |
A-2 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. |
A-3 | A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
B | A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. |
C | A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
D | A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. |
• | Amortization schedule — the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and |
• | Source of payment — the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. |
Standard & Poor’s municipal short-term note rating symbols are as follows: |
SP-1 | Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. |
SP-2 | Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. |
SP-3 | Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. |
AAA | Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. |
AA | Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. |
A | High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. |
BBB | Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. |
BB | Speculative. ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. |
B | Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present. |
CCC | Substantial credit risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. |
CC | Very high levels of credit risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. |
C | Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. ‘C’ indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. |
F1 | Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. |
F2 | Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. |
F3 | Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. |
B | Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. |
C | High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility. |
RD | Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only. |
D | Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation. |
1 | iShares MSCI All Peru Capped ETF, iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF, iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF and iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF have separate Fund Proxy Voting Policies. |
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• | Boards and directors |
• | Auditors and audit-related issues |
• | Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
• | Remuneration and benefits |
• | Social, ethical and environmental issues |
• | General corporate governance matters |
• | establishing an appropriate corporate governance structure; |
• | supporting and overseeing management in setting strategy; |
• | ensuring the integrity of financial statements; |
• | making decisions regarding mergers, acquisitions and disposals; |
• | establishing appropriate executive compensation structures; and |
• | addressing business issues including social, ethical and environmental issues when they have the potential to materially impact company reputation and performance. |
• | current employment at the company or a subsidiary; |
• | former employment within the past several years as an executive of the company; |
• | providing substantial professional services to the company and/or members of the company’s management; |
• | having had a substantial business relationship in the past three years; |
• | having, or representing a shareholder with, a substantial shareholding in the company; |
• | being an immediate family member of any of the aforementioned; and |
• | interlocking directorships. |
• | BlackRock has adopted a proxy voting oversight structure whereby the Corporate Governance Committees oversee the voting decisions and other activities of the Corporate Governance Group, and particularly its activities with respect to voting in the relevant region of each Corporate Governance Committee’s jurisdiction. |
• | The Corporate Governance Committees have adopted Guidelines for each region, which set forth the firm’s views with respect to certain corporate governance and other issues that typically arise in the proxy voting context. The Corporate Governance Committees receive periodic reports regarding the specific votes cast by the Corporate Governance Group and regular updates on material process issues, procedural changes and other matters of concern to the Corporate Governance Committees. |
• | BlackRock’s Global Corporate Governance Oversight Committee oversees the Global Head, the Corporate Governance Group and the Corporate Governance Committees. The Global Corporate Governance Oversight Committee conducts a review, at least annually, of the proxy voting process to ensure compliance with BlackRock’s risk policies and procedures. |
• | BlackRock maintains a reporting structure that separates the Global Head and Corporate Governance Group from employees with sales responsibilities. In addition, BlackRock maintains procedures intended to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers or dissident shareholders are managed consistently and without regard to BlackRock’s relationship with the issuer of the proxy or dissident shareholder. Within the normal course of business, the Global Head or Corporate Governance Group may engage directly with BlackRock clients, and with employees with sales responsibilities, in discussions regarding general corporate governance policy matters, and to otherwise ensure that proxy-related client service levels are met. The Global Head or Corporate Governance Group does not discuss any specific voting matter with a client prior to the disclosure of the vote decision to all applicable clients after the shareholder meeting has taken place, except if the client is acting in the capacity as issuer of the proxy or dissident shareholder and is engaging through the established procedures independent of the client relationship. |
• | In certain instances, BlackRock may determine to engage an independent fiduciary to vote proxies as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest or as otherwise required by applicable law. The independent fiduciary may either vote such proxies or provide BlackRock with instructions as to how to vote such proxies. In the latter case, BlackRock votes the proxy in accordance with the independent fiduciary’s determination. Use of an independent fiduciary has been adopted for voting the proxies related to any company that is affiliated with BlackRock or any company that includes BlackRock employees on its board of directors. |
Exhibit
Number |
Description | |
1(a) | — | Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated May 14, 1987.(a) |
(b) | — | Amendment to Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated April 29, 1988.(a) |
(c) | — | Certification of Amendment to Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated June 26, 2003.(i) |
(d) | — | Certification of Amendment to Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated March 3, 2006.(j) |
(e) | — | Certificate of Name Change Amendment to Declaration of Trust, dated May 4, 2009.(o) |
(f) | — | Certificate of Name Change Amendment to Declaration of Trust, dated December 17, 2015.* |
2 | — | Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, dated December 9, 2008.(m) |
3 | — | None. |
4 | — | Form of Management Agreement between the Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”).(f) |
5 | — | Form of Unified Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and BlackRock Investments, LLC (formerly known as BlackRock Investments, Inc.) (“BRIL”).(d) |
6 | — | None. |
7 | — | Form of Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon.(e) |
8(a) | — | Form of Amended and Restated Unified Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Financial Data Services, Inc.(g) |
(b) | — | Form of Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Unified Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008.(l) |
(c) | — | Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch New Assets Trust and Merrill Lynch New Corporation, Inc.(a) |
(d) | — | Form of Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.(c) |
(e) | — | Form of Third Amended and Restated Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the Registrant and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC.(k) |
(f) | — | Form of Amended Accounting Support Services Agreement between the Registrant and BlackRock Advisors, LLC.(q) |
9 | — | Opinion and Consent of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Registrant.(b) |
10 | — | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* |
11 | — | None. |
12 | — | None. |
13 | — | Form of Shareholder Servicing Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1.(n) |
14 | — | None. |
15(a) | — | Code of Ethics of the Registrant.(p) |
(b) | — | Code of Ethics of BRIL.(p) |
(c) | — | Code of Ethics of the Manager.(p) |
16 | — | Power of Attorney.(h) |
* | Filed herewith. |
(a) | Filed on April 27, 1995 as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (File No. 2-52711) (the “Registration Statement”). |
(b) | Filed on April 26, 1999 as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registration Statement. |
(c) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Focus Growth Fund, Inc. (formerly known as Merrill Lynch Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.) (File No. 333-89775), filed on March 20, 2001. |
(d) | Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Global Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. (File No. 33-28248), filed on October 28, 2008. |
(e) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Mid Cap Value Opportunity Series (formerly known as The Asset Program, Inc.) (File No. 33-53887), filed on March 21, 2002. |
(f) | Filed on April 27, 2007 as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registration Statement. |
(g) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of CMA Money Fund (File No. 2-59311), filed on July 27, 2007. |
(h) | Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 173 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds III. (File No. 33-54126), filed on April 29, 2015. |
(i) | Filed on April 2, 2004 as Exhibit 1(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registration Statement. |
(j) | Filed on April 13, 2006 as Exhibit 1(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registration Statement. |
(k) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock California Municipal Opportunities Fund of BlackRock California Municipal Series Trust (File No. 2-96581) filed on January 26, 2015. |
(l) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Ready Assets U.S.A. Government Money Fund (formerly known as Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves) (File No. 2-78702), filed on December 29, 2008. |
(m) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Ready Assets U.S. Treasury Money Fund (formerly known as Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund) (File No. 33-37537), filed on March 30, 2009. |
(n) | Filed on April 29, 2009 as an Exhibit to Post Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registration Statement. |
(o) | Filed on August 28, 2009 as Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registration Statement. |
(p) | Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Value Opportunities Fund, Inc. (File No. 2-60836), filed on July 28, 2014. |
(q) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(g) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registration Statement of Form N-1A of BlackRock Natural Resources Trust (File No. 2-97095), filed on November 24, 2015. |
READY
ASSETS GOVERNMENT LIQUIDITY FUND
(Registrant) |
|
By: | /s/ John M. Perlowski |
(John
M. Perlowski,
President and Chief Executive Officer) |
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/
John M. Perlowski
(John M. Perlowski) |
Trustee,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
January 4, 2016 | ||
/s/
Neal J. Andrews
(Neal J. Andrews) |
Chief
Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer) |
January 4, 2016 | ||
David
O. Beim*
(David O. Beim) |
Trustee | |||
Collette
Chilton*
(Collette Chilton) |
Trustee | |||
Frank
J. Fabozzi*
(Frank J. Fabozzi) |
Trustee | |||
Dr.
Matina S. Horner*
(Dr. Matina S. Horner) |
Trustee | |||
Rodney
D. Johnson*
(Rodney D. Johnson) |
Trustee | |||
Cynthia
A. Montgomery*
(Cynthia A. Montgomery) |
Trustee | |||
Joseph
P. Platt*
(Joseph P. Platt) |
Trustee | |||
Robert
C. Robb, Jr.*
(Robert C. Robb, Jr.) |
Trustee | |||
Mark
Stalnecker*
(Mark Stalnecker) |
Trustee | |||
Kenneth
L. Urish*
(Kenneth L. Urish) |
Trustee |
Signature | Title | Date | ||
Frederick
W. Winter*
(Frederick W. Winter) |
Trustee | |||
Barbara
G. Novick*
(Barbara G. Novick) |
Trustee | |||
*By:
/s/ Benjamin
Archibald
(Benjamin Archibald, Attorney-In-Fact) |
January 4, 2016 |
EXHIBIT 1(f)
READY ASSETS PRIME MONEY FUND
Certificate of Name Change Amendment
To Declaration of Trust
The undersigned, constituting a majority of the Trustees of Ready Assets Prime Money Fund (the Trust), a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify that the Trustees of the Trust by resolution adopted by all of the members of the Board of Trustees at a meeting duly called and held on July 28, 2015 have duly adopted an amendment to the Trusts Declaration of Trust, changing the name of the Trust from Ready Assets Prime Money Fund to Ready Assets Government Liquidity Fund, and all references to the name of the Trust in the Declaration are hereby accordingly amended.
This Certificate of Name Change Amendment shall become effective on January 4, 2016.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have signed this instrument in duplicate original counterparts and have cause a duplicate original to be lodged among the records of the Trust as of this 17 th day of December, 2015.
/s/ David O. Beim David O. Beim |
/s/ Joseph P. Platt Joseph P. Platt |
|||
/s/ Collette Chilton Collette Chilton |
/s/ Robert C. Robb, Jr. Robert C. Robb, Jr. |
|||
Frank J. Fabozzi |
/s/ Toby Rosenblatt Toby Rosenblatt |
|||
Dr. Matina S. Horner |
Mark Stalnecker |
|||
Rodney D. Johnson |
Kenneth L. Urish |
|||
/s/ Herbert I. London Herbert I. London |
/s/ Frederick W. Winter Frederick W. Winter |
|||
Cynthia A. Montgomery |
/s/ Barbara G. Novick Barbara G. Novick |
|||
/s/ John M. Perlowski John M. Perlowski |
The Declaration of Trust establishing READY ASSETS PRIME MONEY FUND, dated the 14th of May, 1987, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the Declaration), is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of READY ASSETS PRIME MONEY FUND shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of said Trust but the Trust Property only shall be liable.
2
Exhibit 10
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to Registration Statement No. 2-52711 on Form N-1A of our report dated June 22, 2015, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Ready Assets Government Liquidity Fund (formerly Ready Assets Prime Money Fund) (the Fund), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Fund for the year ended April 30, 2015. We also consent to references to us under the headings Financial Highlights and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Prospectus and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Financial Statements in the Statement of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 4, 2016