As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2018

1933 Act Registration No. 333-59221

1940 Act Registration No. 811-08885

 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   
  Pre-Effective Amendment No.   
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 32   

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940   
  Amendment No. 33   

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

 

ALIGHT SERIES TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, IL   60069
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (847) 295-5000

 

 

Copy to:

 

Douglas S. Keith

Alight Solutions, LLC

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

 

Alan Goldberg, Esq.

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1601

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)   (Name and Address of Agent for Process)

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering : As soon as practicable after the Post-Effective Amendment becomes effective.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

 

  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 


Alight Money Market Fund

(Nasdaq Ticker Symbol: HEWXX)

Series of Alight Series Trust

 

 

 


 

Prospectus

April 30, 2018

 


 

 

 


 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

   1

FEES AND EXPENSES

   1

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

   2

MAIN RISKS

   2

PERFORMANCE

   4

MANAGEMENT

   5

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

   5

TAX INFORMATION

   5

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RESTRICTIONS

   6

MAIN RISKS

   8

MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

   10

NET ASSET VALUE

   11

HOW TO BUY SHARES

   12

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

   13

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

   15

TAXES

   15

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS

   16

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   17

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

   18


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The Alight Money Market Fund (the “Fund”), a series of Alight Series Trust (the “Trust”), seeks to provide a high level of income while preserving capital and liquidity.

 

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment):

        

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

     None  

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of offering price)

     None  

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends
(as a percentage of offering price)

     None  

Redemption Fee

     None  

Exchange Fee

     None  

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year
as a percentage of the value of your investment)

        

Management Fees

     0.10

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

     None  

Other Expenses

     0.78

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

     0.88

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement *

     (0.03 )% 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement)

     0.85

*   The Management Fee disclosed is the investment advisory fee payable to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), the investment adviser to the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio (the “Portfolio,” which is a series of the Master Investment Portfolio (“MIP”)), into which the Fund currently invests. BFA has contractually agreed to waive 0.03% of its management fees for MIP. This arrangement is in effect through the close of business on April 30, 2019 and neither BFA nor MIP can discontinue the agreement prior to May 1, 2019 without the consent of the board of trustees of MIP (the “MIP Board”). Alight Solutions, LLC (“Alight”), the Fund’s administrator, has agreed to waive or absorb ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (excluding interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses of the Fund) in an amount equal to the greater of (a) the amount by which the ordinary operating expenses exceed the aggregate per annum rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Fund or (b) an amount sufficient to ensure that the seven day yield of the Fund does not fall below 0%. This arrangement will remain in effect unless and until the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees”) approves its termination.

    

    


 

Example.     This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses are equal to the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement) in the first year and the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses thereafter. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

 

1
Year


  3
Years


    5
Years


    10
Years


 
$87   $ 278     $ 485     $ 1,082  

 

1


PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, which is a series of the MIP. All investments are made at the Portfolio level. This structure is sometimes called a “master/feeder” structure. As a result, the Fund’s investment results will correspond directly to the investment results of the Portfolio. The Portfolio has a similar investment objective and substantially similar investment policies as the Fund and therefore is subject generally to the same risks as the Fund. Like the Fund, the Portfolio is a “government money market fund” under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); therefore, the Portfolio seeks to maintain the value of an investment in its interests at $1.00 per interest.

 

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash. The Portfolio invests in securities maturing in 397 days or less (with certain exceptions) and the Portfolio will have a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate instruments, and transact in securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis.

 

The Portfolio will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. This policy is a non-fundamental policy of the Portfolio, and the Portfolio will not change the policy without providing shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

 

U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The principal and interest of all securities held by the Portfolio are payable in U.S. dollars.

 

The securities purchased by the Portfolio are subject to the quality, diversification, and other requirements of Rule 2a-7 and other rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Portfolio will only purchase securities that present minimal credit risk as determined by the Portfolio’s investment adviser, BFA, pursuant to guidelines approved by the MIP Board.

 

MAIN RISKS

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

 

The following is a summary description of the principal risks of investing in the Fund (and consequently, the Portfolio).

 

   

Credit Risk —Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal 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 Portfolio’s investment in that issuer.

 

2


   

Income Risk —Income risk is the risk that the Portfolio’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. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Portfolio.

 

   

Market Risk and Selection Risk —Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.

 

   

Repurchase Agreements Risk —If the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may lose money.

 

   

Stable Net Asset Value Risk —The Portfolio may not be able to maintain a stable net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Portfolio fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Portfolio, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity.

 

   

Treasury Obligations Risk —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 Portfolio.

 

   

U.S. Government Obligations Risk —Certain securities in which the Portfolio may invest, including securities issued by certain U.S. Government agencies and U.S. 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 securities could make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them if the issuer defaults.

 

   

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk —When-issued and delayed delivery settlement securities and forward contracts involve the risk that the security the Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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.

 

3


PERFORMANCE

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart shows how the Fund’s performance has varied from year to year, which is one indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The table shows the average annual total returns for the Fund for the 1-year, 5-year and 10-year periods and shows how the Fund’s returns have compared with a broad measure of market performance. Please remember that the Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. If BFA and its affiliates had not waived or reimbursed certain Fund expenses during these periods, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The Fund is a money market fund managed pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Effective May 2, 2016, the Fund became a “government money market fund” pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The performance for periods prior to that date reflects the prior investment strategy utilized by the Fund. That prior strategy permitted the Fund to invest in a wider range of money market securities and instruments, and the Fund was not constrained by the requirement to invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash. Additionally, effective May 28, 2010, Rule 2a-7 was amended to impose new liquidity, credit quality and maturity requirements on all money market funds. Fund performance shown prior to May 28, 2010 is based on 1940 Act rules then in effect and is not an indication of future returns.

 

YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL RETURN AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)

 

LOGO

 

During the periods shown in the bar chart above:

 

    Best Quarter Return    


  

    Worst Quarter Return    


0.78% (Q1 2008)    0.00% (Q3 2014)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31/17

 

    

    1 Year    


    

    5 Years    


    

    10 Years    


 

Fund

     0.19      0.07      0.25

I-Money Net Treasury and Repo Institutional Average Index
(reflects no deductions for fees or expenses)

     0.57      0.14      0.22

 

To obtain current 7-day yield information for the shares of the Fund, call 1-800-890-3200.

 

4


MANAGEMENT

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator.     The Fund does not have an investment adviser. BlackRock Fund Advisors (previously defined as “BFA”) is the investment adviser to the Portfolio, into which the Fund invests. Alight Solutions, LLC (previously defined as “Alight”) is the Fund’s administrator.

 

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

 

Generally, no minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements apply to the purchase of shares of the Fund. However, if shares of the Fund are not held with a financial intermediary that maintains record ownership of shares on an omnibus basis for its customers: (i) the initial purchase of shares must be in an amount of $10,000 or more; (ii) subsequent purchases of shares must be $1,000 or more; and (iii) the Fund will have the right to effect a mandatory redemption of those shares if, as a result of one or more redemptions, a shareholder’s account has an aggregate value of less than $5,000. To purchase shares of the Fund, you should contact your financial intermediary or call Alight Financial Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”), at 1-800-890-3200.

 

You may redeem all or a portion of your shares of the Fund on any business day, without any charge by the Fund, by sending a written redemption request to your financial intermediary or to the Distributor, or by calling the Distributor at 1-800-890-3200. Shares are redeemed at their net asset value per share next computed after the receipt of a redemption request with the required information.

 

TAX INFORMATION

 

The Trust intends to declare dividends from its net investment income (after deduction of expenses) daily and to pay those dividends monthly. Dividends from net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, generally are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account.

 

5


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, STRATEGIES AND RESTRICTIONS

 

Investment Objective.     The Fund seeks to provide a high level of income while preserving capital and liquidity.

 

Investment Strategies.     The Fund is a “feeder” fund that pursues its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio. The Portfolio has substantially the same investment objective and same investment policies as the Fund.

 

The Portfolio is a government money market fund managed pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing 99.5% or more of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash.

 

The Portfolio will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. This policy is a non-fundamental policy of the Portfolio and the Portfolio will not change the policy without providing shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

 

The Portfolio invests in securities maturing in 397 days or less (with certain exceptions) and the portfolio will have a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. In addition, the Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate instruments and transact in instruments on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. The principal and interest of all securities held by the Portfolio are payable in U.S. dollars. The Portfolio may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account at the Portfolio’s custodian bank, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the Portfolio is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires that the Portfolio hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Portfolio has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BFA must consider factors that could affect the Portfolio’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Portfolio’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Portfolio to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements discussed below.

 

The Portfolio will not acquire any illiquid security (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 Portfolio) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities.

 

The Portfolio will not acquire any security other than daily liquid assets unless, immediately following such purchase, at least 10% of its total assets would be invested in daily liquid assets, and the Portfolio 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.

 

6


The Portfolio seeks to maintain a NAV of $1.00 per share.

 

The MIP Board has chosen not to subject the Portfolio to liquidity fees or redemption gates due to declines in the Portfolio’s weekly liquid assets.

 

Types of Investments.     Subject to applicable investment strategies and restrictions, BFA purchases and sells securities for the Portfolio based on its assessment of current market conditions and its expectations regarding future changes in interest rates and economic conditions. The Portfolio may invest in the following types of securities:

 

U.S. Government Obligations —These obligations include debt securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations (i) may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States (as with U.S. Treasury obligations and Government National Mortgage Association certificates) or (ii) may be backed solely by, and supported only by the credit of, the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself (as with the Federal National Mortgage Association notes). In the latter case, because the securities are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations —U.S. Treasury obligations are direct obligations of the U.S. Government that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. U.S. Treasury obligations include, among other things, U.S. Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and the separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury if such components are traded independently by BFA.

 

Repurchase Agreements —These agreements involve the purchase of a security by the Portfolio coupled with the agreement of the seller of the security to repurchase that security on a future date and at a specified price together with interest. The maturities of repurchase agreements are typically quite short, often overnight or a few days. The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to securities that it may purchase under its investment policies without regard to the maturity of the securities underlying the agreements. All repurchase transactions are fully collateralized. However, the Portfolio may incur a loss on a repurchase transaction if the seller defaults and the value of the underlying collateral declines or the Portfolio’s ability to sell the collateral is restricted or delayed. For purposes of complying with the Portfolio’s diversification requirements prescribed by Rule 2a-7, the Portfolio’s investment in a repurchase agreement will be deemed to be an investment in the underlying securities so long as, among other criteria, BFA has evaluated the seller’s creditworthiness and the securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement consist of cash items and U.S. Government securities. The Portfolio may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account at the Portfolio’s custodian bank, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

 

Floating-Rate and Variable-Rate Obligations —Debt obligations purchased by the Portfolio may have interest rates that are periodically adjusted at specified intervals or whenever a benchmark rate or index changes. These floating- and variable-rate instruments may include certificates of participation in such instruments. The interest rate adjustments generally limit the increase or decrease in the amount of interest received on the debt instruments. Floating-rate and variable-rate instruments are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk.

 

7


Investment Restrictions.     The Fund and the Portfolio are subject to various additional restrictions on their investments in addition to those described in this Prospectus. Certain of those restrictions are deemed fundamental policies. Those fundamental policies cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. See “Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s SAI.

 

MAIN RISKS

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time.

 

The following is a description of certain risks of investing in the Fund (and consequently, the Portfolio).

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

   

Credit Risk —Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal 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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio’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. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the market value of such securities may vary during the period shareholders own shares of the Portfolio.

 

   

Market Risk and Selection Risk —Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Portfolio 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 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.

 

   

Repurchase Agreements Risk —If the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio may lose money.

 

   

Stable Net Asset Value Risk —The Portfolio may not be able to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share at all times. If the Portfolio fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), the Portfolio, along with other money market funds, could be subject to increased redemption activity.

 

8


   

Treasury Obligations Risk —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 Portfolio.

 

   

U.S. Government Obligations Risk —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 securities could make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of them if the issuer defaults.

 

   

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments Risk —When-issued and delayed delivery settlement securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the security the Portfolio 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 is obligation. If this occurs, the Portfolio 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.

 

Other Risks of Investing in the Fund.     The Fund may also be subject to certain other risks associated with its investments and investment strategies, including the following:

 

   

Expense Risk —The Portfolio’s expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in its net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Portfolio’s net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Portfolio’s expenses will increase as a percentage of the Portfolio’s net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Portfolio’s expense ratio could be significant.

 

   

Investment in Other Investment Companies Risk —As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, are subject to market and selection risk. In addition, if the Portfolio acquires shares of investment companies, including ones affiliated with the Portfolio, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Portfolio (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of the investment companies (to the extent not offset by BFA through waivers to the Portfolio’s management fees). To the extent the Portfolio is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Portfolio itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

 

   

Liquidity Risk —Liquidity risk refers to the possibility that it may be difficult or impossible to sell certain positions at an acceptable price. The Portfolio may be unable to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in this prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons.

 

9


MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

 

Board of Trustees.     The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction and supervision of the Board of Trustees.

 

The Portfolio’s Adviser.     BFA serves as the investment adviser of the Portfolio. BFA manages the investment of the Portfolio’s assets and provides the Portfolio with investment guidance and policy direction in connection with daily portfolio management, subject to the supervision of the MIP Board and in conformity with Delaware law and the stated policies of the Portfolio.

 

For its services to the Portfolio, BFA is entitled to receive a management fee at the annual rate of 0.10% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. BFA has contractually agreed to waive 0.03% of its management fee. If this waiver were reflected in the fees for the Fund’s shares, the management fees for the Fund would be 0.07%. This arrangement is in effect through April 30, 2019. BFA and BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BAL”), the Portfolio’s administrator, have voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of their respective fees and/or reimburse operating expenses to enable the Portfolio to maintain minimum levels of daily net investment income. BFA and BAL may discontinue this waiver and/or reimbursement at any time without notice.

 

BFA is located at 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94105. BFA is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. As of March 31, 2018, BFA and its affiliates had approximately $6.317 trillion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the MIP Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with BFA is available in the Portfolio’s and the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2017.

 

The Fund s Administrator.     Alight, located at 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, provides administration services to the Fund. Services provided in that capacity include, but are not limited to: managing the daily operations and business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees; overseeing the preparation and maintenance of all documents and records required to be maintained by the Fund; preparing or assisting in the preparation of regulatory filings, prospectuses and shareholder reports; providing, at its own expense, the services of its personnel to serve as officers of the Trust; and preparing and disseminating material with respect to the Fund for meetings of the Board of Trustees and meetings of shareholders of the Fund. Alight has contracted with BAL to assist it in performing administrative services on behalf of the Trust relating to its investment in the Portfolio. For the services under this sub-administration agreement, Alight pays BAL a fee equal to 0.015% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

For Alight’s services, the Trust pays Alight a monthly fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.45% of the Fund shares’ average daily net assets. Alight has contractually agreed to waive or absorb such ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including any fees or expenses reimbursements payable to Alight or any of its affiliates, but excluding interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses of the Fund) in an amount equal to the greater of (a) the amount by which the ordinary operating expenses exceed the aggregate per annum rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund or (b) an amount sufficient to ensure that the seven day yield of the Fund does not fall below 0%. The Fund has agreed to repay Alight in the amount of the fees waived and the Fund expenses absorbed, subject to the limitations that: (1) the reimbursement is made only for fees and expenses incurred not more than three years prior to the date of reimbursement; and (2) the reimbursement may not be made if it would cause the annual expense limitation to be exceeded. The arrangement will remain in effect unless and until the Board of Trustees approves its termination.

 

10


Legal Proceedings.     On May 27, 2014, certain purported investors in the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc. (“Global Allocation”) and the BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund (“Equity Dividend”) filed a consolidated complaint (the “Consolidated Complaint”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Investment Management, LLC and BlackRock International Limited (collectively, the “Defendants”) under the caption  In re BlackRock Mutual Funds Advisory Fee Litigation . The Consolidated Complaint, which purports to be brought derivatively on behalf of Global Allocation and Equity Dividend, alleges that the Defendants violated Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act by receiving allegedly excessive investment advisory fees from Global Allocation and Equity Dividend. The Consolidated Complaint seeks, among other things, to recover on behalf of Global Allocation and Equity Dividend all allegedly excessive advisory fees received by the Defendants in the period beginning one year prior to the filing of the lawsuit and ending on the date of the judgment, along with purported lost investment returns on those amounts, plus interest. The Defendants believe the claims in the Consolidated Complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action.

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

The net asset value per share of the Fund is computed as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on each business day. However, on any day the trading markets for both U.S. Government securities and money market instruments close earlier than 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, net asset value will be computed as of the earlier closing time. Shares will not be priced on days which the markets are closed for trading.

 

The net asset value per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets, less its liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the number of shares outstanding. Because the Fund currently invests all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, its assets consist primarily of an interest in the Portfolio. The value of this interest will depend on the value of the assets of the Portfolio and its liabilities and expenses.

 

Investments in the Portfolio are valued based on a shareholder’s proportionate ownership interest (rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent) in the Portfolio’s aggregate net assets (i.e., the value of its total assets, including the securities held by the Portfolio plus any cash or other assets, including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received, less total liabilities, including accrued expenses) as next determined after an order is received in proper form by the Portfolio. The value of the Portfolio’s net assets is generally determined as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (or, if the Portfolio closes early, at such closing time) on each day that the primary markets for the Portfolio’s portfolio securities are open and the Fedwire Funds Service is open.

 

In calculating the Portfolio’s NAV, the Portfolio’s investments are valued using the “amortized cost” method of valuation, meaning that the calculation is based on a valuation of the assets held by the Portfolio at cost, with an adjustment for any discount or premium on a security at the time of purchase. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which the value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price that the Portfolio would receive if the security were sold.

 

The use of amortized cost valuation by the Portfolio, together with the Fund’s policy of declaring daily dividends, is designed to permit the Fund to maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00. However, the Fund does not guarantee that a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share can be maintained.

 

11


HOW TO BUY SHARES

 

Shares of the Fund are available for purchase by individuals and other investors through the Distributor or through securities dealers and other financial intermediaries that have entered into dealer agreements with the Distributor. No sales commissions or other charges are imposed by the Fund when shares are purchased or redeemed.

 

You should contact your financial intermediary or the Distributor to purchase shares of the Fund or call 1-800-890-3200. If you are not purchasing shares through a financial intermediary, you will need to submit a completed Account Application before purchasing shares.

 

For additional information on purchasing shares or to request an Account Application, please call 1-800-890-3200.

 

Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investment Amounts.     Generally, no minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements apply to the purchase of shares of the Fund. However, if shares of the Fund are not held with a financial intermediary that maintains record ownership of shares on an omnibus basis for its customers: (i) the initial purchase of shares must be in an amount of $10,000 or more; (ii) subsequent purchases of shares must be $1,000 or more; and (iii) the Fund will have the right to effect a mandatory redemption of those shares if, as a result of one or more redemptions, a shareholder’s account has an aggregate value of less than $5,000. Before the Fund effects a mandatory redemption of shares, you will be notified and given 60 days to increase the amount of your investment in the Fund.

 

Shareholder Accounts.     The Fund does not issue certificates for shares. Instead, an account is maintained for each shareholder by State Street Bank and Trust Company, the transfer agent for the Fund (the “Transfer Agent”) or by the Distributor as the shareholder servicing agent for the shares of the Fund. Your account will reflect the full and fractional shares that you own. Shareholders are sent confirmations of each transaction in shares and monthly statements showing account balances.

 

General Information.     Shares of the Fund may be purchased on any business day. A business day is any day that the primary markets for the Portfolio’s securities are open and the Fedwire Funds Service is open for business. All purchases of shares are effected at the net asset value per share of the Fund next determined after (i) an order with the necessary information is received by the Distributor or your financial intermediary and (ii) federal funds are received by the custodian for the Fund. Normally, purchase orders received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time are effected at the net asset value per share determined as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on that business day. See “Net Asset Value.” Orders received after 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, are effected at the net asset value per share determined on the next business day. On days that the Portfolio calculates its net asset value earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, the Fund also will calculate its net asset value as of such earlier time. In such cases, orders received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, will be effected at the net asset value per share determined on the next business day.

 

Purchase by Federal Funds Wire.     The Fund does not impose any transaction charges; however, wire charges may be imposed by the bank that transmits the wire. Shares of the Fund may be purchased by wiring federal funds to your financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for the wiring instructions.

 

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance.     The Fund is required to comply with various anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Consequently, the Fund may request additional required information from you to verify your

 

12


identity. Your application will be rejected if it does not contain your name, social security number, date of birth and permanent street address. If at any time the Fund believes a shareholder may be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of suspicious persons, the Fund may choose not to establish a new account or may be required to “freeze” a shareholder’s account. The Fund also may be required to provide a governmental agency with information about transactions that have occurred in a shareholder’s account or to transfer monies received to establish a new account, transfer an existing account or transfer the proceeds of an existing account to a governmental agency. In some circumstances, the law may not permit the Fund to inform the shareholder that it has taken the actions described above. The Trust has delegated responsibility to the Distributor to operate the Trust’s Customer Identification Program, which has been incorporated into the Trust’s anti-money laundering compliance program.

 

Trading of Fund Shares.     The Board of Trustees has considered the issues of frequent trading and market timing, including the fact that money market funds are a type of mutual fund that is designed for maximum liquidity. Because of the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the Board of Trustees has adopted a policy of not monitoring for frequent purchase and redemption (“frequent trading”) activity in the Fund that appears to attempt to take advantage of a potential arbitrage opportunity presented by a lag between a change in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities after the close of the primary markets for those portfolio securities and the reflection of that change in the Fund’s net asset value (“market timing”). The Board of Trustees also has not adopted a policy of monitoring for other frequent trading activity in the Fund. However, frequent trading of Fund shares can adversely affect the Fund’s management and performance.

 

Liquidity Fees and Redemption Gates.     The Board of Trustees has chosen not to subject the Fund to liquidity fees or redemption gates due to declines in the Fund’s weekly liquid assets.

 

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

 

You may redeem all or a portion of your shares of the Fund on any business day without any charge by the Fund. Shares are redeemed at their net asset value per share next computed after the receipt of a redemption request with the required information as described below.

 

Requests to redeem shares of the Fund may be made in writing or by telephone as described below. Redemption proceeds for shares will be paid by check or, if you request, by federal funds wire (minimum wire amount $50,000) to a pre-designated bank account.

 

You may designate, through your financial intermediary, a bank account to receive redemption payments. You may change this designation at any time by providing written instructions to the Distributor. These instructions must be signed by each person shown on the account registration as an owner of the account, and the signatures must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution as described under “Written Redemption Requests” below. Signature guarantees also may be required for you to change your address on the Fund’s records.

 

Telephone Redemption Procedures.     You may redeem shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary or by calling the Distributor at 1-800-890-3200. If you call the Distributor, you will be asked to provide the account name and number and the amount of the redemption. Proceeds of the redemption will be paid by sending you a check, unless you request payment by federal funds wire to a pre-designated bank account (minimum wire amount $50,000). A telephone redemption request may be made only if the telephone redemption procedure has been selected on the Account Application or if written instructions authorizing telephone redemption have been filed with the Distributor.

 

13


The Distributor uses certain reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone redemption requests are genuine, such as recording telephone calls, providing written confirmation of transactions or requiring a form of personal identification or other information prior to effecting a telephone redemption. If these procedures are used, the Fund, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to you for any loss due to fraudulent or unauthorized telephone instructions.

 

During periods of severe market or economic conditions, it may be difficult to contact the Distributor by telephone. In that event, you should either place your redemption request through your financial intermediary or follow the procedures described below for written redemption requests, but send the request by overnight delivery service to your financial intermediary or to the Distributor.

 

Written Redemption Requests.     You may redeem shares of the Fund by sending a written redemption request. The request must include the complete account name and address and the amount of the redemption and must be signed by each person shown on the account registration as an owner of the account. The signature of each person signing the request must be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution if the redemption is $5,000 or more.

 

Organizations that may qualify as eligible guarantor institutions include banks, brokers, dealers, national securities exchanges, clearing agencies, credit unions and savings associations. The Fund reserves the right to request additional information from, and to make reasonable inquiries of, any eligible guarantor institution. Proceeds of the redemption will be paid by sending you a check, unless you request payment by federal funds wire to a pre-designated bank account (minimum wire amount $50,000). Written redemption requests should be sent to your financial intermediary or to the Distributor.

 

For additional information on redeeming shares of the Fund, please call 1-800-890-3200.

 

General Information.     Redemption requests are effected at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a redemption request with the required information by the Distributor or its agent. Normally, requests received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, are effected at the net asset value per share determined as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on that business day. See “Net Asset Value.” Requests received after 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, are effected at the net asset value per share of the Fund determined on the next business day. Redemption proceeds are usually mailed or wired on the business day following the day a redemption is effected. In unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the payment of redemption proceeds for more than seven days as permitted under the 1940 Act. On days that the Portfolio calculates its net asset value earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, the Fund will also calculate its net asset value as of such earlier time. In such cases, orders received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, will be effected at the net asset value per share determined on the next business day.

 

The Fund may pay redemption proceeds by distributing in-kind securities held by the Portfolio, but it will do so only in the unlikely event that the Board of Trustees determines that payment of the proceeds in cash would adversely affect other shareholders of the Fund. A shareholder who, during any 90-day period, redeems shares having a value not exceeding the lesser of (i) $250,000 or (ii) 1% of the net assets of the Fund will not be subject to this procedure.

 

Under normal and stressed market conditions, the Portfolio typically expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio or by selling portfolio assets to generate additional cash.

 

14


DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The Fund pays dividends from its net investment income (after deduction of expenses) and any realized short-term capital gains. These dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of net realized long-term capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by the Fund at the end of its fiscal year. All dividends and other distributions are reinvested automatically in full and fractional shares of the Fund at the net asset value per share in effect on the payment date, unless otherwise requested. Shareholders may request that dividends and other distributions be paid by check by sending a written request to the Distributor. Any requests by shareholders of the Fund to change their dividend reinvestment election must be received at least five business days prior to a payment date in order to be effective on that date.

 

Dividends are payable to all shareholders of record as of the time of declaration. Shares become entitled to any dividend declared beginning on the day on which they are purchased and are entitled to receive any dividends declared through the day before they are redeemed.

 

To satisfy certain distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund may declare special or regular year-end dividend and capital gains distributions during October, November or December. If received by shareholders by January 31, these distributions are deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the prior year.

 

TAXES

 

Taxation of the Fund.     The Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each year, as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Code. If so qualified, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it distributes its net income to shareholders.

 

Federal Taxation of Shareholders.     Dividend distributions, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, will be taxable as ordinary income. Although the Fund does not expect to distribute any long-term capital gains, shareholders of the Fund will also be subject to tax on any capital gains distributions they receive. Since the Fund does not expect to earn dividend income, the dividends and other distributions the Fund pays generally will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate investors or for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income for individual investors. In January of each year, the Fund sends its shareholders a statement showing the tax status of distributions for the past calendar year.

 

The redemption of shares of the Fund is a taxable event and, if the Fund is not successful in maintaining a constant net asset value per share, may result in a gain (or loss) for federal income tax purposes, depending on the amount you receive and the cost of your shares.

 

The Fund is required to withhold a “backup withholding” tax with respect to all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to shareholders who either have not complied with IRS taxpayer identification regulations or are otherwise subject to backup withholding. The current backup withholding rate is 28%. Investors are asked to certify in their Account Applications that their taxpayer identification numbers are correct and that they are not subject to backup withholding. Failure to provide this certification will result in backup withholding.

 

15


State and Local Taxes.     Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund and received by an investor may be subject to state and local taxes. Although shareholders of the Fund do not directly receive interest on U.S. Government securities held by the Fund or the Portfolio, certain states and localities may allow the character of the Fund’s income to pass through to shareholders. If so, the portion of dividends paid by the Fund that is derived from interest on certain U.S. Government securities may be exempt from state and local taxes. Applicable rules vary from state to state, and interest on certain securities of U.S. Government agencies may not qualify for the exemption in some states. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that income from certain types of repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government securities does not constitute interest on U.S. Government securities for this purpose. However, it is not clear whether the Court’s holding extends to all types of repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government securities in which the Portfolio may invest. Any exemption from state and local income taxes does not preclude states from assessing other taxes (such as intangible property taxes) on the ownership of U.S. Government securities.

 

The discussion set forth above regarding federal and state income taxation is included for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers concerning the federal and state tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

 

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS

 

Distributor.     Alight Financial Solutions, LLC, a broker-dealer affiliated with Alight, serves as the Distributor of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor is located at 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069.

 

Shareholder Servicing Arrangements.     The Fund has retained the Distributor to serve as its shareholder servicing agent. In such a capacity, the Distributor is responsible for maintaining records showing the number of shares of the Fund owned by investors who have purchased shares through the Distributor. As shareholder servicing agent, the Distributor also is responsible for sending communications to shareholders or for arranging for these materials to be sent. For these services, the Fund pays the Distributor a monthly fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

16


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Organization.     The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust organized on July 7, 1998 (formerly known as the “Hewitt Series Trust”). It is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act. It is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value. The Fund is the sole series of the Trust. It was organized on August 23, 2000 and commenced operations on December 4, 2000 (formerly known as the “Hewitt Money Market Fund.”) As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has one class of shares outstanding.

 

Information Concerning Investment Structure.     The Fund does not have its own investment adviser and does not invest directly in securities. Instead, the Fund operates as a “feeder” fund by investing all of its assets in the Portfolio, which has an investment objective, strategies and policies substantially identical to those of the Fund. The Portfolio may accept investments from other feeder funds. Certain actions involving other feeder funds, such as a substantial withdrawal, could affect the Portfolio and, therefore, the Fund.

 

Feeder funds, including the Fund, bear the Portfolio’s expenses in proportion to the amount of assets a feeder fund invests in the Portfolio. The Board of Trustees believes that the per share expenses of the Fund (including its share of the Portfolio’s expenses) will be less than or approximately equal to the expenses that the Fund would incur if its assets were invested directly in securities and other investments.

 

The Fund may withdraw its assets from the Portfolio at any time and will do so if the Board of Trustees believes it to be in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. If the Fund withdraws its investment in the Portfolio, it either will invest directly in securities in accordance with the investment policies described in this Prospectus (which will require the retention of an investment adviser and the approval of an investment advisory agreement by the Board of Trustees and the Fund’s shareholders) or will invest in another pooled investment vehicle that has the same investment objective and substantially the same policies as the Fund. In connection with the withdrawal of its interest in the Portfolio, the Fund could receive securities and other investments from the Portfolio instead of cash. This could cause the Fund to incur certain expenses.

 

17


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information in these tables has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders. The Fund’s annual report is available without charge upon request.

 

     Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2017


    Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2016


    Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2015


    Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2014


    Year Ended
Dec. 31,
2013


 

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  

Income from investment operations:

                                        

Net investment income

     0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1) 

Net realized gain (loss)

     0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1)      0.00 (1) 
    


 


 


 


 


Total from investment operations

     0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
    


 


 


 


 


Less distributions from:

                                        

Net investment income

     (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1) 

Net realized gain

     (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1)      (0.00 )(1) 
    


 


 


 


 


Total distributions

     (0.00     (0.00     (0.00     (0.00     (0.00

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  
    


 


 


 


 


Total return

     0.19     0.06     0.03     0.02     0.03 %
    


 


 


 


 


Ratios/Supplemental data:

                                        

Net assets, end of year (000s)

   $ 556,311     $ 717,893     $ 770,327     $ 834,305     $ 835,508  

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets(2),(3)

     0.71     0.40     0.25     0.21     0.24

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to waived fees and reimbursed expenses(2)

     0.93     0.95     0.96     0.97     0.98

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(2),(3)

     0.17     0.05     0.03     0.02 %     0.02 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets prior to waived fees and reimbursed expenses(2)

     (0.05 )%      (0.50 )%      (0.68 )%      (0.74 )%      (0.72 )% 

(1)   Rounds to less than $0.01 or ($0.01).
(2)   Ratios reflect the expenses of both the Fund and the Master Portfolio into which the Fund invests.
(3)   Ratios for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 include waived fees in an amount sufficient to ensure that the seven day yield of the Fund does not fall below 0%.

 

18


ADMINISTRATOR

 

Alight Solutions, LLC

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

 

DISTRIBUTOR

 

Alight Financial Solutions, LLC

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

 

CUSTODIAN

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02110

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Two Commerce Square

2001 Market Street Suite 1800

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1601

Chicago, Illinois 60606


No dealer, sales representative or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus, in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. The Prospectus does not constitute an offer by the Fund or by the Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.

 

This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund and the Trust that you should know before investing. Additional information about the Fund and the Trust has been filed with the SEC in the Fund’s SAI dated April 30, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. The SAI includes a description of the Fund’s policies with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. A copy of the SAI is available without charge by calling 1-800-890-3200 or by writing to the Distributor. Information about the Fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Fund also are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520 or by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

The Fund sends annual and semi-annual reports to its shareholders. These reports contain information regarding the investments of the Portfolio and the investment performance of the Fund and are available without charge from the Distributor. If you have questions regarding the Fund, shareholder accounts, dividends or share purchase and redemption procedures, or if you wish to receive the Fund’s most recent annual or semi-annual report, please call 1-800-890-3200. A copy of the Prospectus is available at www.hewittfs.com, and copies of the SAI and annual and semi-annual reports may be obtained by contacting the Distributor through www.hewittfs.com.

 

Electronic Delivery of Fund Documents.  You may elect to receive the Fund’s prospectus, shareholder reports and other Fund documents electronically in lieu of paper form by enrolling on the Fund’s website (www.hewittfs.com). To receive the Fund’s documents electronically, you must have an e-mail address. You may change your electronic delivery preferences or revoke your election to receive Fund documents electronically at any time.

 

SEC File No. 811-08885

 

LOGO

 

 

Alight

Money Market

Fund

 

Prospectus

April 30, 2018


ALIGHT SERIES TRUST

Alight Money Market Fund

(Nasdaq Ticker Symbol: HEWXX)

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

April 30, 2018

Alight Money Market Fund (the “Fund”) is the sole series of Alight Series Trust (the “Trust”), a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund invests all of its assets into the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), a series of Master Investment Portfolio (“MIP”). This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) contains information about the Fund that supplements the information contained in the Fund’s current Prospectus, dated April 30, 2018. The investment objective and policies of the Fund are described in the Prospectus.

The Fund’s and the Portfolio’s audited financial statements appearing in the Annual Report to shareholders of the Fund, dated December 31, 2018, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s reports thereon are incorporated by reference into this SAI.

This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus and the Annual Reports of the Fund, which contain the referenced statements, may be obtained without charge by writing Alight Financial Solutions, LLC at 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 or by calling 1-800-890-3200.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

INTRODUCTION

     2  

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     2  

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

     5  

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO INFORMATION

     15  

MANAGEMENT

     16  

DISTRIBUTOR

     21  

EXPENSES

     22  

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

     23  

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

     24  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

     25  

TAXES

     27  

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     30  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     31  

 

1


INTRODUCTION

History of the Trust.  The Trust is a statutory trust that was organized on July 7, 1998 under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund is the sole series of the Trust; it was organized on August 23, 2000 and commenced operations on December 4, 2000. The Trust is registered under the 1940 Act, and the Fund is an open-end management investment company. Prior to July 31, 2017, the Trust was called the Hewitt Series Trust, and the Fund was called the Hewitt Money Market Fund.

Investment Objectives and Policies .  The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio. The Portfolio is a series of MIP and has substantially the same investment objective and the same investment restrictions as the Fund. MIP, like the Trust, is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company. Each of the Fund and the Portfolio is a “government money market fund” as defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

The Fund and the Portfolio are each “diversified” funds as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment objective is set forth in the Prospectus. The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and can be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees”) without shareholder approval. The investment objective and investment policies of the Fund determine the types of portfolio securities in which the Fund invests, the degree of risk to which the Fund is subject and, ultimately, the Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be achieved.

Master/Feeder Structure.  The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all of its assets in the Portfolio. The Board of Trustees believes that under normal circumstances, neither the Fund nor its shareholders will be adversely affected by investing the Fund’s assets in the Portfolio. However, if a mutual fund or other investor redeems its interests from the Portfolio, the economic efficiencies (e.g., spreading fixed expenses over a larger asset base) that the Board of Trustees believes may be available through the Fund’s investment in the Portfolio may not be fully achieved. In addition, although unlikely, the master/feeder structure may give rise to accounting or operational difficulties.

The fundamental policies of the Portfolio cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio’s outstanding interests. Whenever the Fund, as an interestholder of the Portfolio, is requested to vote on any matter submitted to interestholders of the Portfolio, the Fund will either hold a meeting of its shareholders to consider such matters and cast its votes in proportion to the votes received from its shareholders (shares for which the Fund receives no voting instructions will be voted in the same proportion as the votes received from the other Fund shareholders) or cast its votes, as an interestholder of the Portfolio, in proportion to the votes received by the Portfolio from all other interestholders of the Portfolio.

Certain policies of the Portfolio that are non-fundamental may be changed by vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of MIP (the “MIP Board”) without interestholder approval. If the Portfolio’s investment objective or fundamental or non-fundamental policies are changed, the Fund may elect to change its objective or policies to correspond to those of the Portfolio. The Fund may redeem its interests from the Portfolio only if the Board of Trustees determines that such action is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, for this or any other reason. Prior to such redemption, the Board of Trustees would consider alternatives, including whether to seek a new investment company with a matching investment objective in which to invest or to retain its own investment adviser to manage the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objective. In the latter case, the Fund’s inability to find a substitute investment company in which to invest or equivalent management services could adversely affect shareholders’ investments in the Fund.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

Fundamental Investment Restrictions . The Fund and the Portfolio are subject to certain investment restrictions that are fundamental policies. These restrictions may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or the Portfolio, as defined in the 1940 Act. A “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund or of the Portfolio means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund or of the

 

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Portfolio represented at a meeting at which holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or the Portfolio.

Under these fundamental restrictions, neither the Fund nor the Portfolio may:

(1) purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if, immediately after the purchase and as a result thereof, the value of the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s investments in that industry would equal or exceed 25% of the current value of the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s total assets, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s (i) investments in securities of other investment companies; (ii) investment in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; or (iii) investments in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities;

(2) purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund or the Portfolio from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business);

(3) purchase or sell commodities, provided that (i) currency will not be deemed to be a commodity for purposes of this restriction; (ii) this restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of futures contracts, forward contracts or options; and (iii) this restriction does not limit the purchase or sale of securities or other instruments backed by commodities or the purchase or sale of commodities acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments;

(4) underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the purchase of permitted investments directly from the issuer thereof or from an underwriter for an issuer and the later disposition of such securities in accordance with the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s investment program may be deemed to be an underwriting; and provided further, that the purchase by the Fund or the Portfolio of securities issued by an open-end management investment company, or a series thereof, with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund or the Portfolio shall not constitute an underwriting for purposes of this paragraph;

(5) borrow money or issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and any orders obtained thereunder;

(6) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s total assets, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer or the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s ownership would be more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s cash or cash items, investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or investments in other investment companies; or

(7) make loans to other parties except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and any orders obtained thereunder. For the purposes of this limitation, entering into repurchase agreements, lending securities and acquiring any debt securities are not deemed to be the making of loans.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in paragraph 1 above, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry and it is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. Accordingly, the policy in paragraph 1 above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The Portfolio may invest in other investment companies that may

 

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concentrate their assets in one or more industries. The Portfolio may consider the concentration of such other investment companies in determining compliance with the Portfolio’s concentration policy.

The Portfolio has delegated to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) the ability to determine the methodology used by the Portfolio to classify issuers by industry. BFA defines industries and classifies each issuer according to the industry in which the issuer conducts its principal business activity pursuant to its proprietary industry classification system. In classifying companies by industry, BFA may draw on its credit, research and investment resources and those of its affiliates, and BFA may (but need not) consider classifications by third-party industry classification systems. BFA believes that its system is reasonably designed so that issuers with primary economic characteristics that are materially the same are classified in the same industry. For example, asset-backed commercial paper may be classified in an industry based on the nature of the assets backing the commercial paper, and foreign banks may be classified in an industry based on the region in which they do business if BFA has determined that the foreign banks within that industry have primary economic characteristics that are materially the same.

A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. To the extent BFA’s classification system results in broad categories, concentration risk may be decreased. On the other hand, to the extent it results in narrow categories, concentration risk may be increased.

With respect to paragraph 5 above, the 1940 Act currently allows the Fund and the Portfolio to borrow up to one-third of the value of its respective total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. In addition, the Portfolio has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) permitting it to borrow through the Interfund Lending Program (discussed below), subject to the conditions of the order. With respect to paragraph 7 above, the 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations currently limit the percentage of the Fund’s securities that may be loaned to one-third of the value of its total assets.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions . Each of the Fund and the Portfolio also are subject to their own respective additional investment restrictions, as set forth below. These restrictions are non-fundamental policies, meaning that they can be changed without shareholder approval by the Board of Trustees or the MIP Board, respectively.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions of the Fund

(1) The Fund may not write, purchase or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads, warrants, options or any combination thereof, except that the Fund may purchase securities with put rights in order to maintain liquidity.

(2) The Fund may not purchase interests, leases or limited partnership interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs.

(3) The Fund may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; provided that the Fund may invest all its assets in a diversified, open-end management investment company, or a series thereof, having substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.

(4) The Fund may not purchase securities on margin (except for short-term credits necessary for the clearance of transactions and except for margin payments in connection with options, futures, and options on futures) or make short sales of securities.

(5) The Fund may invest in shares of other open-end management investment companies, subject to the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investment in such securities currently is limited, subject to certain exceptions, to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company, and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets in the aggregate. Other investment companies in which the Fund invest can be expected to charge fees for operating expenses, such as investment advisory and administration fees, that would be in addition to those charged by the Fund.

 

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(6) The Fund may not acquire (i) an illiquid security if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 5% of its total assets in illiquid securities; (ii) any security other than a Daily Liquid Asset (as defined in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act) if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund would have invested less than 10% of its total assets in Daily Liquid Assets; or (iii) any security other than a Weekly Liquid Asset (as defined in Rule 2a-7) if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund would have invested less than 30% of its total assets in Weekly Liquid Assets.

(7) The Fund may lend securities from its portfolios to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, in amounts not to exceed (in the aggregate) one-third of its total assets. Any such loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized based on values that are marked to market daily. The Fund will not enter into any portfolio security lending arrangement having a duration of longer than one year.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions of the Portfolio

(1) The Portfolio may not make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; provided that the Portfolio may invest all its assets in a diversified, open-end management investment company, or a series thereof, with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Portfolio, without regard to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

(2) The Portfolio may invest in shares of other open-end management investment companies, subject to the limitations of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and exemptive orders obtained thereunder.

(3) The Portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its net assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose, illiquid securities include, among others, (i) securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale, (ii) fixed time deposits that are subject to withdrawal penalties and that have maturities of more than seven days, and (iii) repurchase agreements not terminable within seven days.

(4) The Portfolio may lend securities from its portfolios to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, in amounts not to exceed (in the aggregate) one-third of its total assets. Any such loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized based on values that are marked-to-market daily.

(5) The Portfolio invests at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash.

(6) The Portfolio will invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations. This policy will not be changed without providing Portfolio shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the policy.

General . Unless otherwise specified, all percentage and other restrictions, requirements and limitations on investments set forth in this SAI, as well as those set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus, apply immediately after the purchase of an investment, and subsequent changes and events do not constitute a violation or require the sale of any investment by the Portfolio or the Fund.

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

General . The following information supplements the description of the investment policies and strategies of the Portfolio as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio. To the extent set forth in this SAI, the Fund, through its investment in the Portfolio, may invest in the securities described below to the extent consistent with its status as a government money market fund under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

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The Fund may withdraw its investment from the Portfolio at any time if the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. Upon any such withdrawal, the Fund’s assets would be invested in accordance with the investment policies described below with respect to the Portfolio.

The assets of the Portfolio consist only of obligations maturing within 397 calendar days from the date of acquisition (as determined in accordance with the regulations of the SEC). The dollar-weighted average maturity of the Portfolio Fund may not exceed 60 days and the dollar-weighted average life of the Portfolio may not exceed 120 days. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may not yield as high a level of current income as may be achieved from securities with less liquidity and less safety. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio’s investment objective will be realized as described in the Prospectus.

The Portfolio invests at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and other direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash.

Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio is subject to a “general liquidity requirement” that requires it to hold securities that are sufficiently liquid to meet reasonably foreseeable shareholder redemptions in light of its obligations under Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act regarding share redemptions and any commitments the Portfolio has made to shareholders. To comply with this general liquidity requirement, BFA considers factors that could affect the Portfolio’s liquidity needs, including characteristics of the Portfolio’s investors and their likely redemptions. Depending upon the volatility of its cash flows (particularly shareholder redemptions), this may require the Portfolio to maintain greater liquidity than would be required by the daily and weekly minimum liquidity requirements in Rule 2a-7.

The Portfolio will not acquire any illiquid security (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 Portfolio) if, immediately following such purchase, more than 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets are invested in illiquid securities. The Portfolio 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. The Portfolio 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.

The Portfolio also may invest in any of the instruments or engage in any practice described below.

Commercial Paper and Short-Term Corporate Debt Instruments. The Portfolio may invest in commercial paper (including variable amount master demand notes), which consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and usually has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. Variable amount master demand notes are demand obligations that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Portfolio, as lender, and the borrower. The interest on these notes varies pursuant to the arrangements between the Portfolio and the borrower. Both the borrower and the Portfolio have the right to vary the amount of the outstanding indebtedness on the notes. BFA monitors on an ongoing basis the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand.

The Portfolio also may invest in non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with not more than thirteen months remaining to maturity at the date of settlement. The Portfolio will invest only in such corporate bonds and debentures that are deemed appropriate by BFA in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Subsequent to its purchase by the Portfolio, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. BFA will consider such an event in determining whether the Portfolio should continue to hold the obligation. To the extent the Portfolio continues to hold the obligation, it may be subject to additional risk of default.

Asset-Backed Commercial Paper. The Portfolio may also invest in asset-backed commercial paper. Asset-backed commercial paper is a type of securitized commercial paper product used to fund purchases of financial assets by special purpose finance companies called conduits. The financial assets may include assets such as pools of trade receivables, car loans and leases, and credit card receivables, among others. Asset-backed commercial paper is

 

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typically tracked and rated by one or more credit rating agencies. Some asset-backed commercial paper programs maintain a back-up liquidity facility provided by a major bank, which is intended to be used if the issuer is unable to issue new asset-backed commercial paper.

Floating-Rate and Variable-Rate Obligations. The Portfolio may purchase debt instruments with interest rates that are periodically adjusted at specified intervals or whenever a benchmark rate or index changes. The floating-rate and variable-rate instruments that the Portfolio may purchase include certificates of participation in such instruments. The interest rate adjustments generally limit the increase or decrease in the amount of interest received on the debt instruments. Floating-rate and variable-rate instruments are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk.

The Portfolio may purchase floating-rate and variable-rate demand notes and bonds, which are obligations ordinarily having stated maturities in excess of thirteen months, but which permit the holder to demand payment of principal at any time, or at specified intervals not exceeding 397 days, as defined in accordance with Rule 2a-7 and the 1940 Act. Variable-rate demand notes including master demand notes are demand obligations that permit the Portfolio to invest fluctuating amounts, which may change daily without penalty, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Portfolio, as lender, and the borrower. The interest rates on these notes fluctuate from time to time. The issuer of such obligations ordinarily has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days’ notice to the holders of such obligations. The interest rate on a floating-rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate, such as a bank’s prime rate, and is adjusted automatically each time such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable-rate demand obligation is adjusted automatically at specified intervals. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks.

These obligations are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower. There may not be an established secondary market for these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Portfolio’s right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Such obligations frequently are not rated by credit rating agencies. BFA considers on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuers of the floating-rate and variable-rate demand obligations in the Portfolio’s portfolio.

Forward Commitments, When-Issued Purchases and Delayed-Delivery Transactions. The Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to receive on a when issued basis. The Portfolio may also purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment (including on a “TBA” (to be announced) basis). These transactions involve the purchase or sale of securities by the Portfolio at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Portfolio enters into these transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction. When the Portfolio purchases securities in these transactions, the Portfolio segregates liquid securities in an amount equal to the amount of its purchase commitments.

Pursuant to recommendations of the Treasury Market Practices Group, which is sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Portfolio or its counterparty generally will be required to post collateral when entering into certain forward-settling transactions, including without limitation TBA transactions.

There can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when issued basis will be issued or that a security purchased or sold on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment will be delivered. Also, the value of securities in these transactions on the delivery date may be more or less than the price paid by the Portfolio to purchase the securities. The Portfolio will lose money if the value of the security in such a transaction declines below the purchase price and will not benefit if the value of the security appreciates above the sale price during the commitment period.

If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, the Portfolio may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it has been entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Portfolio on the settlement date. In these cases the Portfolio may realize a taxable capital gain or loss.

 

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When the Portfolio engages in when-issued, TBA or forward commitment transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Portfolio’s incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price considered to be advantageous.

The market value of the securities underlying a commitment to purchase securities, and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value, is taken into account when determining the market value of the Portfolio starting on the day the Portfolio agrees to purchase the securities. The Portfolio does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date.

Regulations adopted by prudential regulators that will begin to take effect in 2019 will require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many agreements with respect to when issued, TBA and forward commitment transactions, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Portfolio, to terminate such agreements, foreclose upon collateral, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. It is possible that these new requirements, as well as potential additional government regulation and other developments in the market, could adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to terminate existing agreements with respect to these transactions or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Funding Agreements. The Portfolio may invest in short-term funding agreements. A funding agreement is a contract between an issuer and a purchaser that obligates the issuer to pay a guaranteed rate of interest on a principal sum deposited by the purchaser. Funding agreements will also guarantee the return of principal and may guarantee a stream of payments over time. A funding agreement has a fixed maturity and may have either a fixed-, variable- or floating-interest rate that is based on an index and guaranteed for a fixed time period. The Portfolio will purchase short-term funding agreements only from banks and insurance companies. The Portfolio may also purchase Guaranteed Investment Contracts.

The secondary market, if any, for these funding agreements is limited; thus, such investments purchased by the Portfolio may be treated as illiquid.

Illiquid Securities . The Portfolio may invest in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist, provided such investments are consistent with its investment objective and investment policies. Such securities may include securities that are not readily marketable, such as privately issued securities and other securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, floating-rate and variable-rate demand obligations as to which the Portfolio cannot exercise a demand feature on not more than seven days’ notice and as to which there is no secondary market, and repurchase agreements providing for settlement more than seven days after notice.

Interfund Lending Program.  Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the SEC (the “IFL Order”), an open-end BlackRock fund (referred to as a “BlackRock fund” in this subsection), including the Portfolio, to the extent permitted by its investment policies and restrictions and subject to meeting the conditions of the IFL Order, has the ability to lend money to, and borrow money from, other BlackRock funds pursuant to a master interfund lending agreement (the “Interfund Lending Program”). Under the Interfund Lending Program, BlackRock funds may lend or borrow money for temporary purposes directly to or from other BlackRock funds (an “Interfund Loan”). All Interfund Loans would consist only of uninvested cash reserves that the lending BlackRock fund otherwise would invest in short-term repurchase agreements or other short-term instruments. Although the Portfolio may, to the extent permitted by its investment policies, participate in the Interfund Lending Program as borrowers or lenders, it typically will not need to participate as a borrower because the Portfolio is a money market fund and is required to comply with the liquidity provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

If a BlackRock fund has outstanding bank borrowings, any Interfund Loans to such BlackRock fund would: (a) be at an interest rate equal to or lower than that of any outstanding bank loan, (b) be secured at least on an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding bank loan that requires collateral, (c) have a maturity no longer than any outstanding bank loan (and in any event not over seven days), and (d) provide that, if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing an outstanding bank loan to the BlackRock fund, that event of default will automatically (without need for action or notice by the lending BlackRock fund) constitute an immediate event of default under the interfund lending agreement, entitling the

 

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lending BlackRock fund to call the Interfund Loan immediately (and exercise all rights with respect to any collateral), and cause such call to be made if the lending bank exercises its right to call its loan under its agreement with the borrowing BlackRock fund.

A BlackRock fund may borrow on an unsecured basis through the Interfund Lending Program only if its outstanding borrowings from all sources immediately after the borrowing total 10% or less of its total assets, provided that if the BlackRock fund has a secured loan outstanding from any other lender, including but not limited to another BlackRock fund, the borrowing BlackRock fund’s borrowing will be secured on at least an equal priority basis with at least an equivalent percentage of collateral to loan value as any outstanding loan that requires collateral. If a borrowing BlackRock fund’s total outstanding borrowings immediately after an Interfund Loan under the Interfund Lending Program exceed 10% of its total assets, the BlackRock fund may borrow through the Interfund Lending Program on a secured basis only. A BlackRock fund may not borrow under the Interfund Lending Program or from any other source if its total outstanding borrowings immediately after the borrowing would be more than 33 1/3% of its total assets or any lower threshold provided for by the BlackRock fund’s investment restrictions.

No BlackRock fund may lend to another BlackRock fund through the Interfund Lending Program if the loan would cause the lending BlackRock fund’s aggregate outstanding loans through the Interfund Lending Program to exceed 15% of its current net assets at the time of the loan. A BlackRock fund’s Interfund Loans to any one BlackRock fund shall not exceed 5% of the lending BlackRock fund’s net assets. The duration of Interfund Loans will be limited to the time required to receive payment for securities sold, but in no event more than seven days, and for purposes of this condition, loans effected within seven days of each other will be treated as separate loan transactions. Each Interfund Loan may be called on one business days’ notice by a lending BlackRock fund and may be repaid on any day by a borrowing BlackRock fund.

The limitations described above and the other conditions of the IFL Order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending BlackRock fund and the borrowing BlackRock fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. When a BlackRock fund borrows money from another BlackRock fund under the Interfund Lending Program, there is a risk that the Interfund Loan could be called on one day’s notice, in which case the borrowing BlackRock fund may have to seek to borrow from a bank, which would likely involve higher rates, seek an Interfund Loan from another BlackRock fund, or liquidate portfolio securities if no lending sources are available to meet its liquidity needs. Interfund Loans are subject to the risk that the borrowing BlackRock fund could be unable to repay the loan when due, and a delay in repayment could result in a lost opportunity by the lending BlackRock fund or force the lending BlackRock fund to borrow or liquidate securities to meet its liquidity needs. No BlackRock fund may borrow more than the amount permitted by its investment restrictions.

Investment Company Securities.  The Portfolio may invest in shares of open-end investment companies, including investment companies that are affiliated with the Portfolio and BFA, that invest exclusively in high-quality, short-term securities to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, including the rules, regulations and exemptive orders obtained thereunder; provided, however, that the Portfolio, if it has knowledge that its beneficial interests are purchased by another investment company investor pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, will not acquire any securities of registered open-end management investment companies or registered unit investment trusts in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act. Other investment companies in which the Portfolio invests can be expected to charge fees for operating expenses, such as investment advisory and administration fees, that would be in addition to those charged by the Portfolio.

Letters of Credit. Certain of the debt obligations (including municipal securities, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations) that the Portfolio may purchase may be backed by an

 

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unconditional and irrevocable letter of credit issued by a bank, savings and loan association or insurance company that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks, savings and loan associations and insurance companies that, in the opinion of BFA, are of comparable quality to issuers of other permitted investments of the Portfolio may be used for letter of credit-backed investments.

Loan Participation Agreements. The Portfolio may purchase interests in loan participations that typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by an intermediary bank or other financial institution or lending syndicate. Under these loan participation arrangements, the Portfolio will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled from the bank selling the loan participation upon receipt by the bank of the payments from the borrower. The borrower in the underlying loan will be deemed to be the issuer of the participation interest except to the extent the Portfolio derives its rights from the intermediary bank that sold the loan participation. Such loans must be made to issuers in whose obligations the Portfolio may invest.

Because the bank issuing the loan participation does not guarantee the participation in any way, the participation is subject to the credit risks associated with the underlying corporate borrower. In addition, it may be necessary under the terms of the loan participation for the Portfolio to assert its rights against the underlying corporate borrower in the event that the underlying corporate borrower should fail to pay principal and interest when due. Thus, the Portfolio could be subject to delays, expenses, and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the Portfolio had purchased a direct obligation of the borrower. Moreover, under the terms of the loan participation, the Portfolio may be regarded as creditors of the issuing bank (rather than of the underlying corporate borrower), so that the Portfolio also may be subject to the risk that the issuing bank may become insolvent. Further, in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, the loan participation might be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of improper conduct by the issuing bank.

The secondary market, if any, for these loan participation interests is limited; thus, such participations purchased by the Portfolio may be treated as illiquid.

Medium-Term Notes. The Portfolio may invest in medium-term notes that have remaining maturities that are consistent with the conditions of Rule 2a-7. Medium-term notes are a form of corporate debt financing. They are often issued on a regular or continuous basis without the requirement to produce a new set of legal documentation at the time of each issuance. Medium-term notes have maturities that range widely based on the needs of the issuer; although they most often mature between nine months and ten years, they may have longer maturities.

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. The Portfolio may invest in mortgage pass-through securities, which are a category of pass-through securities backed by pools of mortgages and issued by one of several U.S. Government entities or U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises including: the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. In the basic mortgage pass-through structure, mortgages with similar issuer, term and coupon characteristics are collected and aggregated into a “pool” consisting of multiple mortgage loans. The pool is assigned a CUSIP number and undivided interests in the pool are traded and sold as pass-through securities. The holder of the security is entitled to a pro rata share of principal and interest payments (including unscheduled prepayments) from the pool of mortgage loans.

The Portfolio may, to the extent permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, invest in mortgage securities issued by private non-government entities. Mortgage securities issued by non-government entities may be subject to greater credit risk than those issued by government entities or government-sponsored enterprises. The performance of privately-issued mortgage securities may depend on the integrity and competence of the institutions that originate the underlying mortgages, yet investors in these mortgage securities may have only limited access to information enabling investors to evaluate the practices of these mortgage originators.

In order to prevent defaults by troubled mortgage borrowers, the sponsors of mortgage securities may have to renegotiate and investors in mortgage securities issued by government entities, government-sponsored enterprises or non-government entities may have to accept less favorable interest rates or other terms on the mortgages underlying these securities. Unanticipated mortgage defaults or renegotiations of mortgage terms are likely to depress the prices of related mortgage securities. Should the government adopt new laws providing mortgage borrowers with

 

10


additional rights to renegotiate interest rates, alter terms, obtain orders to modify their mortgage terms through the bankruptcy courts, or otherwise allow borrowers to modify or restructure existing mortgages, this may negatively impact mortgage securities. Although mortgage securities may be supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations. Guarantees, insurance and other forms of credit enhancement supporting mortgage securities may also be insufficient to cover all losses on underlying mortgages if mortgage borrowers default at a greater than expected rate. Non-government mortgage securities may be subject to greater price changes than government issues.

An investment in a specific pool of pass-through securities requires an analysis of the specific prepayment risk of mortgages within the covered pool (since mortgagors typically have the option to prepay their loans). The level of prepayments on a pool of mortgage securities is difficult to predict and can impact the subsequent cash flows and value of the mortgage pool. In addition, when trading specific mortgage pools, precise execution, delivery and settlement arrangements must be negotiated for each transaction. These factors combine to make trading in mortgage pools somewhat cumbersome. For these and other reasons, the Portfolio may obtain exposure to U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities primarily through the use of “to-be-announced” or “TBA” transactions. “TBA” refers to a commonly used mechanism for the forward settlement of U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities, and not to a separate type of mortgage-backed security. Most transactions in mortgage pass-through securities occur through the use of TBA transactions. TBA transactions generally are conducted in accordance with widely-accepted guidelines that establish commonly observed terms and conditions for execution, settlement and delivery. In a TBA transaction, the buyer and seller decide on general trade parameters, such as agency, settlement date, par amount, and price. The actual pools delivered generally are determined two days prior to the settlement date. The Portfolio may use TBA transactions in several ways. For example, the Portfolio may regularly enter into TBA agreements and “roll over” such agreements prior to the settlement date stipulated in such agreements. This type of TBA transaction is sometimes known as a “TBA roll.” In a TBA roll, the Portfolio generally will sell the obligation to purchase the pools stipulated in the TBA agreement prior to the stipulated settlement date and will enter into a new TBA agreement for future delivery of pools of mortgage pass-through securities. In addition, the Portfolio may enter into TBA agreements and settle such transactions on the stipulated settlement date by accepting actual receipt or delivery of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities stipulated in the TBA agreement. Default by or bankruptcy of a counterparty to a TBA transaction would expose the Portfolio to possible loss because of adverse market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities specified in the TBA transaction. To minimize this risk, the Portfolio will enter into TBA transactions only with established counterparties (such as major broker-dealers) and BFA will monitor the creditworthiness of such counterparties. The use of TBA rolls may cause the Portfolio to experience higher portfolio turnover and to pay higher capital gain distributions, which may result in larger amounts of short-term capital gains allocable to shareholders.

Municipal Securities. The Portfolio may invest in municipal securities. Municipal securities are generally issued by states and local governments and their agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities. Municipal bonds are subject to interest rate, credit and market risk. The ability of a municipal security issuer to make payments on that security could be affected by litigation, legislation or other political events or the bankruptcy of the issuer. Lower-rated municipal bonds are subject to greater credit and market risk than higher quality municipal bonds. Municipal securities in which the Portfolio may invest include, but are not limited to, municipal lease obligations and securities issued by entities whose underlying assets are municipal bonds. There is no guarantee that income from municipal securities will be exempt from federal and state taxes. Changes in federal or state tax treatment of municipal securities may make municipal securities less attractive as investments or cause them to lose value.

The Portfolio will invest in high-quality, long-term municipal bonds, municipal notes and short-term commercial paper with remaining maturities not exceeding 397 calendar days.

Non-U.S. Obligations. The Portfolio may invest in certain securities of non-U.S. issuers. Investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the possibility of expropriation or potentially confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in non-U.S. countries, potential restrictions of the flow of international capital and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual non-U.S. economies may differ favorably or

 

11


unfavorably from the U.S. economy with respect to growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. The Portfolio may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities that are determined by BFA to be of comparable quality to the other obligations in which the Portfolio may invest. The Portfolio may also invest in debt obligations of supranational entities. Supranational entities include international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank. The percentage of the Portfolio’s assets invested in obligations of foreign governments and supranational entities will vary depending on the relative yields of such securities, the economic and financial markets of the countries in which the investments are made and the interest rate climate of such countries.

Participation Interests . The Portfolio may invest in participation interests in any type of security in which the Portfolio may invest. A participation interest gives the Portfolio an undivided interest in the underlying securities in the proportion that the Portfolio’s participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the underlying securities.

Regulation Regarding Derivatives. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) subjects advisers to registered investment companies to regulation by the CFTC if a fund that is advised by the investment adviser either (i) invests, directly or indirectly, more than a prescribed level of its liquidation value in CFTC-regulated futures, options and swaps (“CFTC Derivatives”), or (ii) markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. To the extent the Portfolio uses CFTC Derivatives, it intends to do so below such prescribed levels and will not market itself as a “commodity pool” or a vehicle for trading such instruments. Accordingly, BFA has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the CEA. BFA is not, therefore, subject to registration or regulation as a “commodity pool operator” under the CEA in respect of the Portfolio.

 

12


Repurchase Agreements.  The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the purchaser ( i.e.,  the Portfolio) acquires the security and the seller agrees, at the time of the sale, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the purchaser’s holding period. In accordance with guidance issued by the Staff of the SEC, the Portfolio may also transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements. The MIP Board has established and periodically reviews procedures applicable to transactions involving such joint accounts. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser. If a repurchase agreement is construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities will not be considered to be owned by the Portfolio but only to constitute collateral for the seller’s obligation to pay the repurchase price, and, in the event of a default by the seller, the Portfolio may suffer time delays and incur costs or losses in connection with the disposition of the collateral.

The collateral for a repurchase agreement may include (i) cash items; (ii) obligations issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities; or (iii) obligations that, at the time the repurchase agreement is entered into, are rated in the highest category generally by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSRO”), or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by BFA. Collateral, however, is not limited to the foregoing and may include for example obligations rated below the highest category by NRSROs. Collateral for a repurchase agreement also may include securities that a Portfolio could not hold directly without the repurchase obligation. Irrespective of the type of collateral underlying the repurchase agreement, in the case of a repurchase agreement entered into by a money market fund, the repurchase obligation of a seller must involve minimal credit risk to a Portfolio and otherwise satisfy the credit quality standards set forth in the Portfolio’s Rule 2a-7 procedures.

Repurchase agreements pose certain risks, which are not unique to the Portfolio but are inherent in repurchase agreements. The Portfolio seeks to minimize such risks but because of the inherent legal uncertainties involved in repurchase agreements, such risks cannot be eliminated. Lower quality collateral and collateral with longer maturities may be subject to greater price fluctuations than higher quality collateral and collateral with shorter maturities. If the repurchase agreement counterparty were to default, lower quality collateral may be more difficult to liquidate than higher quality collateral. Should the counterparty default and the amount of collateral not be sufficient to cover the counterparty’s repurchase obligation, the Portfolio would retain the status of an unsecured creditor of the counterparty ( i.e.,  the position the Portfolio would normally be in if it were to hold, pursuant to its investment policies, other unsecured debt securities of the defaulting counterparty) with respect to the amount of the shortfall. As an unsecured creditor, the Portfolio would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the transaction.

Regulations adopted by prudential regulators that will begin to take effect in 2019 will require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Portfolio, to terminate such agreements, take foreclosure action, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. It is possible that these new requirements, as well as potential additional government regulation and other developments in the market, could adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to terminate existing repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Restricted Securities. Restricted securities are subject to legal restrictions on their sale. Difficulty in selling restricted securities may result in a loss or be costly to the Portfolio. Restricted securities generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the restricted security’s holder may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time the holder decides to seek registration and the time the holder may be permitted to sell the security under an effective registration statement. If, during that period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the holder might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.

 

13


Securities Lending. The Portfolio may lend portfolio securities to certain borrowers determined to be creditworthy by BFA, including to borrowers affiliated with BFA. The borrowers provide collateral that is maintained in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned. No securities loan shall be made on behalf of the Portfolio if, as a result, the aggregate value of all securities loans of the Portfolio exceeds one-third of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets (including the value of the collateral received). The Portfolio may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the return of the securities loaned. The Portfolio is paid the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities that it would have otherwise received if the securities were not on loan.

With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. The Portfolio is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, the Portfolio is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral received by the Portfolio for such loans, and uninvested cash, may be invested, among other things, in a private investment company managed by an affiliate of BFA or in registered money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates; such investments are subject to investment risk.

Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process), “gap” risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower), and credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. If a securities lending counterparty were to default, the Portfolio would be subject to the risk of a possible delay in receiving collateral or in recovering the loaned securities, or to a possible loss of rights in the collateral. In the event a borrower does not return the Portfolio’s securities as agreed, the Portfolio may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated, plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities. This event could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Portfolio. The Portfolio could lose money if its short-term investment of the collateral declines in value over the period of the loan. Substitute payments for dividends received by the Portfolio for securities loaned out by the Portfolio will not be considered qualified dividend income. The securities lending agent will take the tax effects on shareholders of this difference into account in connection with the Portfolio’s securities lending program. Substitute payments received on tax-exempt securities loaned out will not be tax-exempt income.

Regulations adopted by prudential regulators that will begin to take effect in 2019 will require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many securities lending agreements, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Portfolio, to terminate such agreements, foreclose upon collateral, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. It is possible that these new requirements, as well as potential additional government regulation and other developments in the market, could adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to terminate existing securities lending agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Unrated Investments. If permitted by its investment strategies, the Portfolio may purchase instruments that are not rated if, in the opinion of BFA, such obligations are of an investment quality that is comparable to other investments that are permitted for purchase by the Portfolio, and they are purchased in accordance with the Portfolio’s procedures adopted by the MIP Board in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. After purchase by the Portfolio, a security may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. If a portfolio security ceases to be an eligible security under Rule 2a-7 (e.g., no longer presents minimal credit risks in the determination of BFA), or there is a default with respect to the portfolio security (other than an immaterial default unrelated to the financial condition of the issuer), or an event of insolvency occurs with respect to the issuer of a portfolio security or the provider of any demand feature or guarantee, the Portfolio shall dispose of such security as soon as practicable consistent with achieving an orderly disposition of the security, unless the MIP Board finds that the disposal of such security would not be in the Portfolio’s best interests.

U.S. Government Obligations.  The Portfolio may invest in U.S. Government obligations, including securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations (i) may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United

 

14


States (as with U.S. Treasury obligations and Ginnie Mae certificates), or (ii) may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself (as with Fannie Mae notes). In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it is not obligated to do so. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. Government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. Government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms.

U.S. Treasury Obligations.  U.S. Treasury obligations are direct obligations of the U.S. Government that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. U.S. Treasury obligations include, among other things, U.S. Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and the separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury if such components are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities Program.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO INFORMATION

The Fund believes frequent and uniform fair disclosure to the public of information of the portfolio holdings of the Fund is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders and potential investors. However, this information is confidential and proprietary until uniform fair disclosure to the public is made. Selective disclosure of such information could have adverse ramifications for the Fund’s shareholders. The Board of Trustees has adopted and implemented a portfolio holdings disclosure policy. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews these policies and procedures to ensure that they adequately protect shareholders. The Board of Trustees shall be updated as needed regarding the Fund’s compliance with these policies, including information relating to any potential conflicts of interest between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of Alight Solutions, LLC (“Alight”) and its affiliates.

The President or Secretary of the Fund may authorize disclosure of the portfolio information prior to public disclosure to the Fund’s principal service providers on an as needed basis. In addition to Alight and its affiliates, these service providers include the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, legal counsel (Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP), and financial printer (R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Inc.). While the Fund does not have separate confidentiality agreements with these service providers, and, accordingly, it is possible that the Fund’s portfolio information could become selectively disclosed, the Board of Trustees believes that such disclosure is unlikely given the industry standards that such companies operate under and the Fund’s past experience with these companies. In addition, public knowledge of the companies’ failure to maintain the confidentiality of this information could likely cause severe reputational damage and therefore is unlikely. The Fund also expects that these service providers will not trade based on the information or use the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. The Fund’s policies prohibit Alight and the Fund’s other service providers from entering into any agreement to disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings information in exchange for any form of consideration. These policies apply to all categories of persons, including, without limitation, individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries, other service providers, and rating and ranking organizations. Certain affiliated persons of the Fund, including the trustees, may receive portfolio information prior to public disclosure in connection with preparation for board meetings and other instances necessary for the operation of the Fund.

The Fund currently discloses its portfolio holdings to the public through its filings with the SEC. The Fund files its portfolio holdings with the SEC for each quarter on Form N-CSR (with respect to each annual period and semi-annual period) and Form N-Q (with respect to the first and third quarters of the year). Shareholders may obtain the Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q filings on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-CSR and N-Q filings may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information about the SEC’s website or the operation of the public reference room.

In addition, information concerning the Fund’s portfolio holdings is filed on a monthly basis with the SEC on Form N-MFP. That information also is available from the Fund’s website, www.hewittfs.com, no later than five business days after the end of each month and will remain available for at least six months thereafter.

 

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After portfolio information has been made public in an SEC filing, it may thereafter be disclosed to anyone and may be used in marketing literature and in communications to shareholders and others.

MANAGEMENT

Trustees and Officers . The Board of Trustees consists of three Trustees, two of whom are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) (the “Independent Trustees”). The Board of Trustees has the overall responsibility for monitoring and supervising the operations of the Trust. The officers of the Trust are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Trust. The MIP Board has similar responsibilities with respect to the operations of the Portfolio.

Each Trustee serves during the continued life of the Trust until he or she dies, resigns, is declared bankrupt or incompetent by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or is removed, or, if sooner, until the next meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing Trustees and until the election and qualification of a successor. Set forth below is information with respect to each of the Trustees and officers of the Trust, including their principal occupations and other directorships held during the past five years.

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

 

 

Name, Address and

Age

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

   # of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  

Other Directorships

Held by Trustee

During Past Five Years

Donald S. Hunt (79)

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

   Trustee    Since 1998    Retired.    1    Director, New Covenant Trust Company, March 2012 to Present; Director, Vision III, Imaging, Inc., 1997 to 2015.

John D. Oliverio (65)

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

   Trustee    Since 1998    Chief Executive Officer and Director, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, June 2000 to Present.    1    Director, Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group, July 2006 to Present; Director, Wheaton Franciscan Ministries, Inc., (1998-2016); Director, United Health System, (1998-2016) Director, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- Southeast Wisconsin, (2006-2016); Director, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Iowa, (2009-2016); Director, Catholic Theological Union, July 2009 to Present; Director, Covenant Health System, June 2011 to Present.

 

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INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

Name, Address and

Age

  

Position(s)

Held with the

Trust

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

   # of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  

Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years

Jeremy Fritz (41)*

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

   President and Trustee    Since 2016    Chief Executive Officer, Alight Financial Advisors LLC (2013-present); Chief Operating Officer, Alight Financial Solutions LLC (2013-present), Director of Client Services/Branch Manager of Alight Financial Solutions LLC (2006-present).    1    None

 

* Mr. Fritz is an “interested person” of the Trust because of his affiliation with the distributor of the Fund’s shares, Alight Financial Solutions, LLC (the “Distributor”).

OFFICERS

 

Name, Address and

Age

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of

Office and

Length of

Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

Jason Krellner (43)

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

   Secretary    Since 2017    Vice President Legal and Assistant General Counsel at Alight Solutions, LLC (2017-present); formerly, Assistant General Counsel at Aon Hewitt (2016-2017); Senior Counsel at Aon Hewitt (2011-2016).

 

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Douglas S. Keith (52)

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

   Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer    Since 2013 (Chief Compliance Officer), and 2005 (Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer)    Chief Financial Officer, Alight Financial Solutions LLC, (2006 to present); formerly, Financial Operations Principal, Aon Benfield Securities, Inc., (2010-2017).

Trustee Experience and Qualifications . The Board of Trustees has determined that each Trustee is qualified to serve on the Board of Trustees because of his or her specific attributes, including prior experience, background and skills. The following outlines each Trustee’s qualifications that led to the conclusion that the Trustee should serve on the Board of Trustees:

Donald S. Hunt . Mr. Hunt has more than 30 years of experience in the banking and financial services industries. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Harris Bankcorp, Inc. Mr. Hunt holds a BA from Carleton College and an MBA from Indiana University. The Board of Trustees concluded that Mr. Hunt is suitable to act as a Trustee because of his academic background and his extensive banking and investment management experience.

John D. Oliverio . Mr. Oliverio, a certified public accountant, has more than 25 years of experience with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, where he is Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Oliverio holds a BA in business administration from Loyola University in Chicago and a masters of management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He has served on the boards of directors of more than 25 health care organizations and associations. The Board of Trustees concluded that Mr. Oliverio is suitable to act as a Trustee because of his academic background, professional experience and extensive service on numerous boards of directors.

Jeremy Fritz.  Mr. Fritz is the Chief Operating Officer of the Distributor. Mr. Fritz graduated from the University of Toledo with a BA in Finance. He is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and holds Financial Industry Regulatory Authority securities licenses Series 4, 6, 7, 24, 53, 63, and 66 licenses. He has 17 years of financial service industry experience, including supervisory responsibilities, customer service delivery, and managing all aspects of advisory and brokerage administration. The Board of Trustees concluded that Mr. Fritz is suitable to act as a Trustee because of his academic background and business experience.

Board Committees . There is one standing committee of the Board of Trustees, which is the Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are Donald S. Hunt and John D. Oliverio, each an Independent Trustee. The Audit Committee is responsible for advising the full Board of Trustees with respect to accounting, auditing and financial matters affecting the Trust. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Audit Committee held two meetings.

Board Leadership Structure . The Board of Trustees is composed of three Trustees, two of whom are Independent Trustees. Mr. Fritz, the president of the Fund and the Chief Executive Officer of the Distributor, is considered an “Interested Trustee” because of his affiliation with the Distributor. While there is no lead Independent Trustee, the two Independent Trustees comprise the standing Audit Committee, as described above, and meet regularly outside the presence of Fund management in executive session or with other service providers to the Fund. Each of the three

 

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Trustees was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees because of his experience, skills and qualifications, as noted above in the section “Trustee Experience and Qualifications.”

The Board of Trustees holds regular quarterly meetings and may hold special meetings as necessary between scheduled meetings. The Board of Trustees also conducts annual assessments of its effectiveness and the effectiveness of the Audit Committee. Based on the above, the Board of Trustees has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate given the size of the Fund and the nature of its business. In particular, the Board of Trustees believes that having Independent Trustees constitute a majority of the Board of Trustees allows it to exercise independent judgment, which enhances effective oversight. The Board of Trustees also believes that including an interested person on the Board of Trustees provides it with the perspective of the Fund’s affiliates, which is, in the view of the Board of Trustees, a crucial element in the Trustees’ decision-making process and aids them in serving the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

Board Oversight of Risk . Day-to-day risk management with respect to the investments of the Portfolio is the responsibility of BFA, which reports to the MIP Board, as well as the Board of Trustees, on a regular and as-needed basis on the risks to which the Portfolio is subject. Alight, as administrator to the Fund, is responsible for the day-to-day risk management function for all other aspects of the Fund’s operations.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board of Trustees’ general oversight of the Fund. The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, state law, other applicable laws, and the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies. The Board of Trustees reviews reports from management, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, and its affiliates regarding risks faced by the Fund.

The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), who oversees the implementation and testing of the Fund’s compliance program, reports directly to the Board of Trustees regarding Fund compliance matters, and presents an annual report to the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures. The CCO also provides to the Board of Trustees updates on the application of the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures and on how these procedures are designed to mitigate risk. The CCO also immediately reports to the Board of Trustees as needed in case any problems associated with the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures could expose (or might have the potential to expose) the Fund to risk.

Trustee Interest in the Fund.  The Trustees own the following amounts in the Fund as of December 31, 2017:

 

Name of Trustee                                    

   Shares of the Fund      Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by Trustee
in Family of Investment
Companies
 

Jeremy Fritz,

Trustee

     None        None  

Donald S. Hunt,

Independent Trustee

     None        None  

John D. Oliverio,

Independent Trustee

     None        None  

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Trust and the Fund.

 

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Trustee Interest in Investment Advisers, Distributor or Affiliates . As of December 31, 2017, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate families own securities beneficially or of record in Alight, BFA or the Distributor, or any of their affiliates.

Compensation . Trustees who are not employed by Alight or one of its affiliates receive a fee of $7,500 for attendance at each regular quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees. Trustees who are not employees of Alight or one of its affiliates (i.e., Independent Trustees) are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their responsibilities, including travel related expenses. No officers of the Trust or other individuals who are affiliated with the Trust receive any compensation from the Trust for services provided to it. Trustee compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, was as follows:

 

Name of Person,

Position

   Aggregate
Compensation
from Fund
     Pension or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of
Trust Expenses
     Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement
     Total
Compensation
from Trust Paid to
Trustees
 

Donald S. Hunt,

Independent Trustee

   $ 37,500      $ 0      $ 0      $ 37,500  

John D. Oliverio,

Independent Trustee

   $ 37,500      $ 0      $ 0      $ 37,500  

Jeremy Fritz,

President and Trustee

   $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0  

The Portfolio Adviser . BFA, located at 400 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94105, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc. (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”). It provides investment advisory services to the Portfolio pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with MIP (the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Portfolio Adviser is responsible for the management of the investments of the Portfolio and makes all decisions regarding, and places all orders for, the purchase and sale of securities for the Portfolio.

As compensation for services rendered and expenses assumed by BFA, the Portfolio pays BFA a monthly management fee that is computed at the annual rate of 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. Because the Fund is an investor in the Portfolio, shareholders of the Fund indirectly bear this fee. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Portfolio paid management fees, net of waivers and/or offsetting credits, of $2,188,867, $3,536,127 and $5,006,968, respectively, to BFA for its advisory services. From time to time BFA may waive such fees in whole or in part. Any such waiver will reduce the expenses of the Portfolio and, accordingly, have a favorable impact on its performance. BFA has contractually agreed to waive 0.03% of its advisory fees (thereby accepting an advisory fee payment, after waivers, at an annual rate of 0.07%) through the close of business on April 30, 2019 with respect to the Portfolio. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, BFA waived management fees payable by the Portfolio of $993,779, $1,549,928 and $2,189,009, respectively. The fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees of MIP, counsel to the Independent Trustees of MIP and the independent registered public accounting firm that provides audit services in connection with the Portfolio are paid directly by the Portfolio. BAL and BFA, as applicable, has contractually undertaken to reimburse or provide an offsetting credit to the Portfolio for such expenses through April 30, 2019. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, BFA provided an offsetting credit of $85,010, $80,373 and $100,720, respectively, against the management fees paid with respect to the Portfolio.

The Advisory Agreement was approved by the MIP Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of MIP. It continues in effect from year to year if approved annually by either (i) the MIP Board or (ii) a vote of a majority

 

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of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act); provided that the continuance also is approved by a majority of the members of the MIP Board who are not “interested persons” of MIP or BFA, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice by the MIP Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. As required by the 1940 Act, the Advisory Agreement provides for its automatic termination in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). Additional information regarding the approval of the Advisory Agreement by the MIP Board can be found in the Fund’s and the Portfolio’s semi-annual report for the period ended June 30, 2017.

Administrator for the Fund . Alight, located at 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, provides administrative services to the Fund pursuant to an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). The Administration Agreement continues in effect from year to year unless terminated by a vote of the Board of Trustees or Alight. The Administration Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, by either party upon 60 days’ written notice. Services provided by Alight pursuant to this agreement include, but are not limited to: managing the daily operations and business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees; overseeing the preparation and maintenance of all documents and records required to be maintained by the Fund; preparing or assisting in the preparation of the Fund’s regulatory filings, prospectuses and shareholder reports; providing, at its own expense, the services of its personnel to serve as officers of the Trust; and preparing and disseminating material for meetings of the Board of Trustees relating to the Fund and meetings of their shareholders. For these services, the Trust pays Alight a monthly fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.45% of the Fund shares’ average daily net assets.

Alight has contracted with BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BAL”), an affiliate of BFA, to assist it in performing administrative services on behalf of the Trust relating to its investment in the Portfolio, pursuant to a sub-administration agreement. For the services under this sub-administration agreement, Alight pays BAL a fee equal to 0.015% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

Custodian . State Street Bank and Trust Company, 100 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, (the “Custodian”) serves as custodian of the Fund and the Portfolio and maintains custody of the securities and similar assets of the Fund and the Portfolio. The Custodian is authorized to hold these assets in securities depositories and to use sub-custodians. Cash held by the Custodian, which may at times be substantial, is insured by the FDIC up to the amount of available insurance coverage limits (presently, $250,000). State Street Bank and Trust Company also maintains the accounting books and records of the Fund and provides sub-administrative services.

Transfer Agent and Dividend-Paying Agent . State Street Bank and Trust Company, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as the transfer agent and dividend-paying agent for the Fund.

Shareholder Servicing Arrangements . The Fund has retained Alight Financial Solutions LLC, the Fund’s Distributor and an affiliate of Alight, to serve as the shareholder servicing agent pursuant to a shareholder servicing agreement (the “Shareholder Servicing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Shareholder Servicing Agreement, the Fund pays the Distributor a monthly fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund shares’ average daily net assets. The Shareholder Servicing Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated by either party to the agreement without penalty on not less than 60 days’ written notice.

DISTRIBUTOR

Alight Financial Solutions, LLC, 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, a broker-dealer affiliated with Alight, serves as the Distributor of the Fund. The Distributor serves as the exclusive distributor of shares of the Fund pursuant to a distribution agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the “Distribution Agreement”). Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is authorized to enter into selling agreements with securities dealers and other financial institutions for the distribution of shares. Shares of the Fund are available for purchase on a continuous basis from the Distributor, as agent, although the Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares.

 

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The Distribution Agreement may be continued in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved annually by the Board of Trustees, including the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either party upon 60 days’ written notice and terminates automatically in the event of an “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is required to bear all of the costs associated with distribution of shares of the Fund, including the incremental cost of printing prospectuses, annual reports and other periodic reports for distribution to prospective investors and the costs of preparing, distributing and publishing sales literature and advertising materials.

EXPENSES

All expenses of the Trust and the Fund not assumed expressly by Alight as the administrator of the Fund are paid by the Fund. In addition, as an investor in the Portfolio, the Fund bears a pro rata portion of the expenses of the Portfolio. Expenses that the Fund and the Portfolio bear include, but are not limited to: fees for investment advisory and administration services; fees paid to the shareholder servicing agent; the fees and expenses of any registrar, custodian, accounting agent, transfer agent or dividend disbursing agent; brokerage commissions; taxes; registration costs; the cost and expense of printing, including typesetting; all expenses of shareholders’ and Trustees’ meetings and of preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and reports to shareholders; fees and travel expenses of Trustees or members of any advisory board or committee who are not employees of Alight or the Distributor; all expenses incident to any dividend, withdrawal or redemption options; charges and expenses of any outside service used for pricing shares of the Fund; fees and expenses of legal counsel; fees and expenses of independent auditors; membership dues of industry associations; interest on borrowings; postage; insurance premiums on property or personnel (including officers and Trustees) of the Trust which inure to its benefit; and extraordinary expenses (including, but not limited to, legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification relating thereto).

The Administration Agreement requires Alight to absorb expenses (excluding interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses) to the extent necessary to assure that total ordinary operating expenses of the Fund’s shares do not exceed annually 0.85% of its average daily net assets, or that the seven-day yield of the Fund does not fall below 0%. Under the Administration Agreement, the Fund will be obligated to reimburse Alight for any fees waived and expenses absorbed, but only if the reimbursement is made within three years from the date waived or absorbed and only to the extent that the reimbursement does not cause the total ordinary operating expenses of the Fund to exceed its expense limitation. The expense limitations of the Fund may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the advisory fee payable by the Fund and the fees payable for administrative, distribution and shareholder services were as follows:

 

The portion of the advisory fee payable by the Portfolio to BFA and the share of the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio attributable to the Fund and the fee payable by the Fund to Alight

   $ 599,314  

Shareholder servicing fee payable to the Distributor on behalf of the Fund

   $ 2,140,007  

Administrative fees payable to Alight on behalf of the Fund

   $ 4,708,014  

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the advisory fee payable by the Fund and the fees payable for administrative, distribution and shareholder services were as follows:

 

The portion of the advisory fee payable by the Portfolio to BFA and the share of the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio attributable to the Fund and the fee payable by the Fund to Alight

   $ 539,593  

 

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Shareholder servicing fee payable to the Distributor on behalf of the Fund

   $ 1,926,732  

Administrative fees payable to Alight on behalf of the Fund

   $ 4,238,810  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the advisory fee payable by the Fund and the fees payable for administrative, distribution and shareholder services were as follows:

 

The portion of the advisory fee payable by the Portfolio to BFA and the share of the ordinary operating expenses of the Portfolio attributable to the Fund and the fee payable by the Fund to Alight

   $ 433,045  

Shareholder servicing fee payable to the Distributor on behalf of the Fund

   $ 1,544,665  

Administrative fees payable to Alight on behalf of the Fund

   $ 3,116,743  

Portions of the fees payable by shares of the Fund were waived and certain Fund expenses were reimbursed during the periods above to satisfy the limitations on the Fund shares’ operating expenses. For the calendar years ended 2015, 2016 and 2017, the fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Alight totaled $5,788,576, $3,969,185 and $1,199,738, respectively.

No administrative or shareholder servicing fees paid by the Fund’s shares for the year ended December 31, 2017 were paid to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for distribution assistance.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

Days and Times Net Asset Value Per Share is Computed . The Prospectus describes the days on which the net asset values per share of the Fund are computed for purposes of purchases and redemptions of shares by investors and also sets forth the times as of which such computations are made.

Shares of the Fund may be purchased on any day that the primary markets for the Portfolio’s portfolio securities (i.e. the bond markets) are open and the Fedwire Funds Service is open for business. Currently, the following days are either days on which the primary markets are scheduled to close or the Fedwire Funds Service is scheduled to close: New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (third Monday in January); Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February); Good Friday (Friday before Easter); Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Independence Day; Labor Day (first Monday in September); Columbus Day (second Monday in October); Veterans’ Day; Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November); and Christmas Day. The holiday schedule is subject to change.

Net asset value generally is computed as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time. Net asset value may be computed as of the closing time of the U.S. Government securities markets on days when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends an early closing of such markets and the Portfolio calculates its net asset value as of such earlier closing time. Early closings may occur the Fridays preceding the following holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday; Presidents’ Day; Memorial Day; Labor Day; and Columbus Day. Early closings also may occur on the business days preceding the following holidays: Independence Day; Veterans’ Day; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day; New Year’s Day, and the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. The holiday schedule is subject to change.

The net asset value of the Fund’s shares is calculated by dividing the value of such Fund’s total assets, less its liabilities (including accrued expenses), by the number of shares of the Fund outstanding. The value of the Portfolio’s net assets (its securities and other assets, less its liabilities, including expenses payable or accrued) is determined at the same time and on the same days as the net asset values per share of the Fund are determined. The Fund seeks to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share. However, no assurance can be given that the Fund will be able to maintain a stable net asset value.

 

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Amortized Cost Valuation . The Fund and the Portfolio use the amortized cost method of valuation to determine the value of their portfolio securities in accordance with the provisions of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. The amortized cost method involves valuing a security at its cost and amortizing any discount or premium over the period until maturity, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the security. This method of valuation does not take into account unrealized capital gains and losses resulting from changes in the market values of the securities due to changes in prevailing interest rate levels or other factors.

While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which the value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price that the Fund or the Portfolio would receive if the security were sold. During these periods the yield to a shareholder may differ somewhat from that which could be obtained from a similar fund that used a method of valuation based upon market prices. Thus, during periods of declining interest rates, if the use of the amortized cost method resulted in a lower net asset value of the portfolio of the Fund or the Portfolio on a particular day, a prospective investor in the Portfolio or the Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than would result from investment in the Fund that used market quotations to value its portfolio of investments. Existing shareholders of the Fund would receive correspondingly less income. The converse would apply during periods of rising interest rates.

Rule 2a-7 provides that in order to value its portfolio using the amortized cost method, the Fund (or to the extent the Fund invests in the Portfolio, the Portfolio) must maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 60 calendar days or less, maintain a dollar-weighted average life of portfolio securities of 120 calendar days or less, purchase securities having remaining maturities (as defined in Rule 2a-7) of 397 calendar days or less and invest only in those high-quality securities that are determined by the Board of Trustees (or the MIP Board) to present minimal credit risks. The maturity of an instrument is generally deemed to be the period remaining until the date when the principal amount thereof is due or the date on which the instrument is to be redeemed. However, Rule 2a-7 provides that the maturity of an instrument may be deemed shorter in the case of certain instruments, including certain variable-rate and floating-rate instruments subject to demand features.

Pursuant to Rule 2a-7, the MIP Board is required to establish procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, the Portfolio’s price per share as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures must include review of the Portfolio’s holdings by the MIP Board at such intervals as the MIP Board deems appropriate, to determine whether the Portfolio’s NAV per share as determined by using available market quotations (or an appropriate substitute which reflects current market conditions) deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. The extent of any deviation will be examined by the MIP Board. If such deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the MIP Board will promptly consider what action, if any, will be initiated. In the event the MIP Board determines that a deviation exists that may result in material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders, the MIP Board will take such corrective action as it regards as necessary and appropriate, such action may include redeeming shares in-kind, selling portfolio securities prior to maturity, reducing or withholding dividends, shortening the average portfolio maturity, reducing the number of outstanding shares without monetary consideration, and utilizing a net asset value per share as determined by using available market quotations.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

The procedures to be used in purchasing and redeeming shares of the Fund are set forth in the Prospectus under “How To Buy Shares” and “How To Redeem Shares.” The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order and to change the amount of the minimum investment and subsequent purchases in the Fund.

The following table shows the calculation of the offering price of shares of the Fund as of December 31, 2017:

 

Net Assets                                 

   Shares Outstanding      Offering Price  
$556,310,595      556,311,128      $ 1.00  

Purchases by Check.  Shares of the Fund may be purchased by check as described in the Prospectus. If a check to purchase shares of the Fund does not clear, the shares purchased may be redeemed by the Distributor and the

 

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investor will be responsible for any loss or expenses incurred by the Fund or the Distributor as a result of the redemption or non-clearance.

Mandatory Redemption of Shares . As described in the Prospectus, shares not held on an omnibus basis by a financial intermediary or the Distributor may be subject to mandatory redemption if the value of the shares held by a shareholder is less than $5,000. The Trust is under no obligation to compel the redemption of any account.

Suspension of Redemptions . Redemption proceeds normally are paid as described in the Prospectus. The payment of redemption proceeds by the Fund may be postponed for more than seven days or the right of redemption suspended (1) for any period during which there is a non-routine closure of the Federal Reserve wire system or applicable Federal Reserve Banks; (2) for any period (a) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or (b) during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (a) disposal of securities owned by the Portfolio is not reasonably practicable or (b) it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio to fairly determine the net asset value of shares of the Portfolio; (4) for any period during which the SEC has, by rule or regulation, deemed that (a) trading shall be restricted or (b) an emergency exists; (5) for any period that the SEC may by order permit for your protection; or (6) for any period during which the Portfolio, as part of a necessary liquidation of the Portfolio, has properly postponed and/or suspended redemption of shares and payment in accordance with Federal securities laws.

Redemption in Kind . In the event that the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of remaining shareholders of the Fund to pay any redemption or redemptions in cash, a redemption payment by the Fund may be made in whole or in part by a distribution in kind of securities, subject to applicable rules of the SEC. Any securities distributed in kind will be readily marketable and will be valued, for purposes of the redemption, in the same manner as such securities normally are valued by the Fund in computing net asset value per share. In the unlikely event that shares are redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder would incur transaction costs in converting the distributed securities to cash. The Trust and MIP have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act and therefore is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. The redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of redemption.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Subject to policies established by the MIP Board, BFA primarily is responsible for the execution of the Portfolio’s transactions and the allocation of brokerage. BFA does not execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for the Portfolio, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While BFA generally seeks reasonable trade execution costs, the Portfolio does not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available, and payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions. The following disclosure provides some more detail regarding the Portfolio’s practices regarding portfolio transactions. Depending on its investment objective, the Portfolio may not engage in some of the transactions described below.

BFA does not consider the provision or value of research, products or services a broker or dealer may provide, if any, as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer or the determination of the reasonableness of commissions paid in connection with portfolio transactions. BFA does not consider sales of shares of the mutual funds it advises as a factor in the selection of brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Portfolio; however, whether or not a particular broker or dealer sells shares of the mutual funds advised by BFA neither qualifies nor disqualifies such broker or dealer to execute transactions for those mutual funds.

The Portfolio’s purchase and sale orders for securities may be combined with those of other accounts that BFA manages or advises, and for which it has brokerage placement authority. If purchases or sales of portfolio securities of the Portfolio and one or more other accounts managed or advised by BFA are considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities are allocated among the Portfolio and the other accounts in a manner deemed

 

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equitable to all by BFA. In some cases, this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Portfolio is concerned. However, in other cases, it is possible that the ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower brokerage commissions will be beneficial to the Portfolio. Payments of commissions to brokers who are affiliated persons of the Portfolio with respect to the Fund (or affiliated persons of such persons), will be made in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.

The Portfolio anticipates that its brokerage transactions involving foreign securities generally will be conducted primarily on the principal stock exchanges of the applicable country. Foreign equity securities may be held by the Portfolio in the form of depositary receipts, or other securities convertible into foreign equity securities. Depositary receipts may be listed on stock exchanges, or traded in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets in the United States or Europe, as the case may be. American Depositary Receipts, like other securities traded in the United States, will be subject to negotiated commission rates. Because the shares of the Fund and interests of the Portfolio are redeemable on a daily basis in U.S. dollars, the Portfolio intends to manage its portfolio so as to give reasonable assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars to the extent necessary to meet anticipated redemptions. Under present conditions, it is not believed that these considerations will have a significant effect on the Portfolio’s portfolio strategies.

The Portfolio may invest in certain securities traded in the OTC market and intends to deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the particular securities, except in those circumstances in which better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Portfolio and persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons are prohibited from dealing with the Portfolio as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the SEC. Since transactions in the OTC market usually involve transactions with the dealers acting as principal for their own accounts, the Portfolio will not deal with affiliated persons, including PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., (“PNC”) and its affiliates, in connection with such transactions.

However, an affiliated person of the Portfolio may serve as its broker in OTC transactions conducted on an agency basis provided that, among other things, the fee or commission received by such affiliated broker is reasonable and fair compared to the fee or commission received by non-affiliated brokers in connection with comparable transactions.

OTC issues, including most fixed income securities such as corporate debt and U.S. Government securities, are normally traded on a “net” basis without a stated commission, through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The Portfolio will primarily engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly with the issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a broker. Prices paid to a dealer with respect to both foreign and domestic securities will generally include a “spread,” which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is willing to purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the dealer’s normal profit.

Purchases of money market instruments by the Portfolio are made from dealers, underwriters and issuers. The Portfolio does not currently expect to incur any brokerage commission expense on such transactions because money market instruments are generally traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission. The price of the security, however, usually includes a profit to the dealer. The Portfolio intends to purchase only securities with remaining maturities of 13 months or less as determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the policies or investment objectives of the Fund and the Portfolio. As a result, the portfolio turnover rates of the Portfolio will be relatively high. However, because brokerage commissions will not normally be paid with respect to investments made by a money market fund, the turnover rates should not adversely affect the Portfolio’s net asset values or net income.

The Portfolio will not purchase securities during the existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such securities of which BFA, PNC or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except pursuant to procedures adopted by the MIP Board in accordance with Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act. In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to BFA, PNC or any affiliated person of the foregoing entities except as permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

Portfolio Turnover.  Because the Portfolio invests in securities with relatively short-term maturities, the Portfolio expects to experience high portfolio turnover. A high portfolio turnover rate should not adversely affect the Portfolio

 

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since portfolio transactions ordinarily will be made directly with principals on a net basis and, consequently, the Portfolio usually will not incur brokerage expenses or excessive transaction costs.

TAXES

It is the policy of the Trust to distribute each fiscal year substantially all of the Fund’s net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders. The Trust intends that the Fund will qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If so qualified, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on that part of its net investment income and net realized capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders. To qualify for such tax treatment the Fund must generally, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments received with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, certain related income, or net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership,” as defined in the Code; and (b) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is represented by cash, Government Securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund’s assets or 10% of the voting securities of any issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in (x) the securities of any one issuer (other than Government Securities) or two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trade or business or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. If the Fund should fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M, then it would be required to pay taxes on any income and realized capital gains, reducing the amount of income and realized capital gains that would otherwise be available for distribution to the Fund’s shareholders.

The Portfolio is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and therefore will not be required to pay any federal or state income or excise taxes. Any interest, dividends, gains and losses of the Portfolio will be deemed to pass through to the Fund in proportion to the Fund’s ownership interest in the Portfolio. Thus, to the extent that the Portfolio accrues but does not distribute income or gains, the Fund will be deemed to have realized and recognized its proportionate share of interest, dividends and gains, regardless of whether there has been a distribution of such items to the Fund. The Portfolio will seek to minimize recognition by its investors, including the Fund, of interest, dividends and gains without a distribution.

The Code requires regulated investment companies to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent they do not distribute by the end of each calendar year 98% of their ordinary income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98.2% of their capital gains, determined on an October 31 year end basis, as well as 100% of any ordinary income and capital gains from the prior year that was not previously distributed and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. The Trust intends to distribute the income and capital gains of the Fund in the manner necessary to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax by the end of each calendar year.

Dividends of the Fund declared in October, November or December and paid the following January will be taxable to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year in which they are declared.

If the Fund fails to meet the annual gross income test described above, the Fund will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test if (i) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (b) the Fund reports the failure pursuant to Treasury Regulations to be adopted, and (ii) the Fund pays an excise tax equal to the excess non-qualifying income. If the Fund fails to meet the asset diversification test described above with respect to any quarter, the Fund will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the requirements for such quarter if the Fund cures such failure within 6 months and either (i) such failure is  de minimis  or (ii) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and (b) the Fund reports the failure under Treasury Regulations to be adopted and pays an excise tax.

If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund would incur regular corporate income tax on its taxable income for that year, it would lose its deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and it would be subject to certain gain recognition and distribution requirements upon requalification. Further distributions of income by the Fund to its shareholders would be treated as dividend income, although such dividend income would

 

27


constitute qualified dividend income for an individual shareholder subject to reduced federal income tax rates if the shareholder satisfies certain holding period requirements with respect to its shares in the Fund.

Distributions from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”) will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If these distributions are paid from the Fund’s investment company taxable income, they will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the Fund’s net capital gain, they will be taxable as long-term capital gain. (Net capital gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) It is not likely that the Fund will earn or distribute any net capital gain. The tax treatment described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

Because the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions are derived from interest paying securities rather than dividends paid from stocks, they will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction or for the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income.

Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital under the Code, which will first reduce an investor’s federal tax basis in Fund shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of shares received in the reinvestment.

Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund (including by exercise of the exchange privilege) a shareholder ordinarily will not realize a taxable gain or loss if the Fund always successfully maintains a constant net asset value per share. If the Fund is not successful in maintaining a constant net asset value per share, a redemption may produce a taxable gain or loss. Any gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s tax holding period for the shares and subject to the special rules described below. Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to automatic dividend reinvestments. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of Fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing discussion.

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains, if any, following the year of the loss (limited to an eight-year period in the case of losses realized during taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010). To the extent subsequent net capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in federal income tax liability to the Fund and as noted above would not be distributed as such to shareholders. However, any losses having an unlimited carryforward period will be required to be utilized prior to the losses having a limited carryforward period. As a result of this ordering rule, capital loss carryforwards having a limited carryforward period may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, capital losses having an unlimited carryforward period will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund’s distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government Securities, provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such Government Securities and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing jurisdictions, although the Fund may in its sole discretion provide relevant information to shareholders.

 

28


The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) all taxable distributions to shareholders, except in the case of certain exempt recipients, i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to which are exempt from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under the backup withholding provisions of Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury regulations, all such reportable distributions may be subject to backup withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number and certain certifications required by the IRS or if the IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The Fund may refuse to accept an application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification number or certification that the number provided is correct. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors should consult their tax advisors about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.

If a shareholder realizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under certain guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies.

As of the date of this SAI, the maximum stated individual U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to (i) ordinary income generally is 37%; (ii) capital gain dividends is 20%; and (iii) long-term capital gains generally is 20%. In addition, a 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on the net investment income (which includes, but is not limited to, interest, dividends and net gain from investments) of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000, or $250,000 if married filing jointly, and of trusts and estates. An individual shareholder also should be aware that the benefits of the favorable tax rates applicable to capital gain dividends and long-term capital gains may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax. Undistributed net investment income of trusts and estates in excess of a specified amount will also be subject to this tax. Dividends paid by the Fund will constitute investment income of the type subject to this tax.

The current corporate U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to ordinary income, capital gain dividends, and long-term capital gains is 21%. Actual marginal tax rates may be higher for some shareholders, for example, through reductions in deductions. Naturally, the amount of tax payable by any taxpayer will be affected by a combination of tax laws covering, for example, deductions, credits, deferrals, exemptions, sources of income and other matters.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law. The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions (if any), and ownership of or gains realized (if any) on the redemption (including an exchange) of Fund shares also may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund in its particular circumstances.

Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. federal income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These investors may be subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the Fund. Capital gain distributions, if any, are not subject to the 30% withholding tax. Unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, certain other payments from the Fund will be subject to backup withholding. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors regarding such treatment and the application of foreign taxes to an investment in the Fund.

 

29


For a shareholder that is a non-U.S. entity, a 30% withholding tax (known as FATCA) is imposed on distributions and on redemptions and proceeds from sales of Fund shares after December 31, 2018, unless such shareholder enters into an information sharing agreement with the IRS or, if applicable, a governmental authority in its own country, with respect to the shareholder’s direct and indirect U.S. owners or otherwise demonstrates its compliance with or exemption from FATCA.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The investment activities of BFA and its affiliates (including BlackRock, Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and their affiliates, directors, partners, trustees, managing members, officers and employees (collectively, the “Affiliates”)) in the management of, or their interest in, their own accounts and other accounts they manage, may present conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Portfolio and its shareholders.

BFA and its Affiliates provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary managed accounts that follow investment programs similar to that of the Portfolio. BFA and its Affiliates are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of financial services and asset management activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients may conflict with those of the Portfolio. One or more Affiliates act or may act as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, commodity pool operator, commodity trading advisor, financier, underwriter, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, lender, index provider, agent and principal, and have other direct and indirect interests in securities, currencies, commodities, derivatives and other instruments in which the Portfolio may directly or indirectly invest. Thus, it is likely that the Portfolio will have multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from, entities for which an Affiliate performs or seeks to perform investment banking or other services. Specifically, the Portfolio may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies with which an Affiliate has developed or is trying to develop investment banking relationships or in which an Affiliate has significant debt or equity investments or other interests. The Portfolio also may invest in securities of, or engage in other transactions with, companies for which an Affiliate provides or may in the future provide research coverage. An Affiliate may have business relationships with, and purchase, or distribute or sell services or products from or to, distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Portfolio or who engage in transactions with or for the Portfolio, and may receive compensation for such services. The Portfolio may also make brokerage and other payments to Affiliates in connection with the Portfolio’s portfolio investment transactions. An Affiliate may engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds that have investment objectives similar to that of the Portfolio and/or that engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and other instruments as the Portfolio. This may include transactions in securities issued by other open-end and closed-end investment companies (which may include investment companies that are affiliated with the Portfolio and BFA, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act). The trading activities of these Affiliates are carried out without reference to positions held directly or indirectly by the Portfolio and may result in an Affiliate having positions in certain securities that are senior or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Portfolio.

No Affiliate is under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Portfolio. As a result, an Affiliate may compete with the Portfolio for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of the Portfolio’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of an Affiliate and of other accounts managed by an Affiliate, and it is possible that the Portfolio could sustain losses during periods in which one or more Affiliates and other accounts achieve profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The opposite result is also possible.

In addition, the Portfolio may, from time to time, enter into transactions in which an Affiliate or its other clients have an adverse interest. Furthermore, transactions undertaken by Affiliate-advised clients may adversely impact the Portfolio. Transactions by one or more Affiliate-advised clients or BFA may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Portfolio.

The Portfolio’s activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to one or more Affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions.

 

30


Under a securities lending program approved by the MIP Board, MIP, on behalf of the Portfolio, has retained BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., an Affiliate of BFA, to serve as the securities lending agent for the Portfolio to the extent that the Portfolio participates in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent will receive a fee from the Portfolio, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Portfolio’s investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, one or more Affiliates may be among the entities to which the Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities under the securities lending program.

The activities of Affiliates may give rise to other conflicts of interest that could disadvantage the Portfolio and its interestholders. BFA has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts of interest.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Description of the Shares in the Trust.  Interests in the Fund are represented by shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value. The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares and may issue shares in series, with each series representing interests in a separate portfolio of investments (a “series”). As of the date of this SAI, shares representing interests in the Fund constitute the only series of the Trust’s shares outstanding. Shares are fully paid and non-assessable and have no preemptive or conversion rights. The shares may be redeemed by the shareholder or at the option of the Trust as discussed in the Prospectus.

The Board of Trustees has the power to establish additional series of shares, representing interests in additional investment portfolios and, subject to applicable laws and regulations, to issue two or more classes of shares of each series. Except for different distribution-related and other specific costs borne by each class of shares, shares of each class have the same voting and other rights. These varying costs will result in different dividends for each class.

Shareholders of the Fund are entitled to vote, together with the holders of any other series of the Trust’s shares, on the election of Trustees when that matter is voted upon at a meeting of shareholders. Annual meetings of shareholders of the Trust will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. A meeting will be held on the removal of a Trustee or Trustees of the Trust if requested in writing by shareholders representing not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. The Trust will assist in communications among shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.

Shareholders will also be entitled to vote on certain other matters as required by the 1940 Act or the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. Each share (and fractional share) is entitled to one vote (or fraction thereof). All shares have non-cumulative voting rights, meaning that shareholders entitled to cast more than 50% of the votes for the election of Trustees can elect all of the Trustees standing for election if they choose to do so. As discussed below, the Fund may pass through to its shareholders the right to vote on Portfolio matters requiring shareholder approval or may vote in the same percentage as the shareholders of the other investors in the Portfolio.

The Board of Trustees has the power to amend the rights related to shares without the need for shareholder approval where it has determined that it is consistent with the fair and equitable treatment of shareholders and shareholder approval is not otherwise required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, shareholder approval shall be required if the amendment would adversely affect to a material degree the rights and preferences of the shares of any series or class or would increase or decrease the par value of the shares of any series or class.

Information Concerning Investment Structure.  A change in the investment objective, policies or restrictions of the Portfolio may cause the Fund to withdraw its investments in the Portfolio. Alternatively, the Fund could seek to change its objective, policies or restrictions to conform to those of the Portfolio. The investment objective and certain of the investment restrictions of the Portfolio may not be changed without the approval of investors in the Portfolio. When the Fund is asked to vote on such a change or on other matters concerning the Portfolio, the Fund

 

31


will hold a shareholders’ meeting or vote its interest in the Portfolio in the same manner as other shareholders of the Portfolio voted.

Shares of the Portfolio are held by investors other than the Fund. These investors may include other series of the Trust, other mutual funds and other types of pooled investment vehicles. When investors in the Portfolio vote on matters affecting the Portfolio, the Fund could be outvoted by other investors. The Fund also may otherwise be adversely affected by other investors in the Portfolio. These other investors offer shares (or interests) to their investors that have costs and expenses that differ from those of the Fund. Thus, the investment returns for investors in other funds that invest in the Portfolio may differ from the investment return of shares of the Fund. These differences in returns are also present in other fund structures. Information about other holders of shares of the Portfolio is available from Alight or the Distributor.

The Portfolio and MIP.  The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing all of its investable assets in the Portfolio. The Portfolio is a series of MIP, an open-end management investment company that is organized as a Delaware statutory trust. MIP was formed on October 20, 1993. In accordance with Delaware law and in connection with the tax treatment sought by MIP, the Declaration of Trust of MIP provides that investors in MIP are personally responsible for Trust liabilities and obligations, but only to the extent that MIP’s property is insufficient to satisfy such liabilities and obligations.

Ownership of the Fund.  Set forth below is information with respect to each person who, to the Trust’s knowledge, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the Fund’s total outstanding shares and their aggregate ownership of the Fund’s total outstanding shares as of March 29, 2018.

 

Name and Address

   Number of Shares      % of Shares  

Pershing LLC (1)

     569,266,229        100

f/b/o Alight

Harborside Financial Center III

6 th  Floor

Jersey City, NJ 07311

     

 

(1) Shares are held of record on behalf of customers, and not beneficially.

Trustee and Officer Liability.  Under the Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws of the Trust, and under Delaware law, the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust are entitled to indemnification under certain circumstances against liabilities, claims and expenses arising from any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which they are made parties by reason of the fact that they are or were such Trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, which prohibit indemnification that would protect such persons against liabilities to the Trust or its shareholders to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of their own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. Similar provisions are contained in the Declaration of Trust of MIP.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, located at Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Trust. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the financial statements of the Fund annually and reviewing the tax returns of the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP also serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of MIP and audits the financial statements of the Portfolio. The selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and MIP is approved annually by their respective Audit committees and Boards of Trustees.

Legal Counsel.  Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1601, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as counsel to the Trust.

 

32


Shareholder Reports.  Shareholders of the Fund are kept fully informed through annual and semi-annual reports showing diversification of investments, securities owned and other information regarding the activities of the Fund.

Registration Statement.  This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement the Trust has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Financial Statements.  The Fund’s and the Portfolio’s audited financial statements appearing in the Annual Report to shareholders of the Fund, dated December 31, 2017, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s reports thereon are incorporated by reference into this SAI. The Annual Reports of the Fund, which contain the referenced statements, are available upon request and without charge.

 

 

33


PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

(a)   Declaration of Trust dated July 6, 1998.(1)
(b)   By-Laws of Registrant dated July 6, 1998.(1)
(c)(1)   Certificate of Trust dated July 6, 1998.(1)
(c)(2)   Certificate of Designation dated August 23, 2000.(3)
(c)(3)   Certificate of Designation dated February 18, 2005.(5)
(c)(4)   Amendment to Certificate of Trust dated July 26, 2017.(*)
(d)   None.
(e)   Distribution Agreement dated May 1, 2017.(*)
(f)   Not Applicable.
(g)(1)   Custodian Agreement dated September 1, 1998.(2)
(g)(2)   Appendix B to the Custodian Agreement dated May 2, 2002.(4)
(h)(1)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated September 1, 1998.(2)
(h)(2)   Third Party Feeder Fund Agreement.(*)
(h)(3)   Shareholder Servicing Agreement dated May 1, 2017.(*)
(h)(4)   Amended and Restated Administration Agreement dated July 1, 2017.(*)
(h)(5)   Sub-Administration Agreement dated July 1, 2012.(6)
(h)(6)   Blue Sky Agreement dated November 1, 2017.(*)
(i)(1)   Legal Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP.(7)
(i)(2)   Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP.(*)
(j)(1)   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.(*)
(k)   Not Applicable.
(l)   Not Applicable.
(m)   None.
(n)   18f-3 Plan dated May 1, 2005.(5)
(p)(1)   Not Applicable as to the Fund (the Fund is a money market fund).
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics of Master Investment Portfolio.(8)
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics of BlackRock Fund Advisors.(8)
(q)(1)   Powers of Attorney of Messrs. Fritz, Hunt and Oliverio.(*)
(q)(2)   Powers of Attorney of Mses. Carter, Chilton, Montgomery and Walton and Messrs. Cotty, Johnson, Platt, Robb, Stalnecker, Urish and Winter.(9)
(q)(3)   Power of Attorney of Mr. Fairbairn.(10)

 

(*) Filed herewith.

 

 

 

1


(1)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s initial filing on Form N-1A, filed July 16, 1998.
(2)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1, filed September 4, 1998.
(3)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Post-Effective Amendment No. 3, filed August 31, 2000.
(4)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Post-Effective Amendment No. 7, filed April 20, 2003.
(5)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Post-Effective Amendment No. 9, filed February 28, 2005.
(6)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Post-Effective Amendment No. 21, filed April 30, 2013.
(7)    Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s previous filing on Form N-1A, Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, filed April 30, 2014.
(8)    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.
(9)    Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 545 to the registration statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds SM  (File No. 33-26305), filed on February 22, 2016.
(10)    Incorporated by reference to an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 839 to the registration statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds SM (File No. 33-26305), filed on February 28, 2018.

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.

The Registrant does not consider that there are any control persons directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the Registrant within the meaning of this item. The information in the prospectus under the caption “Management Arrangements” and in the Statement of Additional Information under the caption “Management” is incorporated by reference.

Item 30. Indemnification.

As permitted by Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and pursuant to Article VI of Registrant’s By-Laws, officers, trustees, employees and agents of Registrant may be indemnified against certain liabilities in connection with Registrant, and pursuant to Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement, Alight Financial Solutions, LLC, as principal underwriter of the Fund, may be indemnified against certain liabilities which it may incur. Such Article VI of the By-Laws and Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Registrant maintains an insurance policy insuring its officers and trustees against certain liabilities, and certain costs of defending claims against such officers and trustees, and to bear the costs of such policy except for such costs as are determined to be attributable to coverage protecting such persons against liabilities to which they may become subject as a consequence of their own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. The insurance policy also insures Registrant against the cost of indemnification payments to officers and trustees under certain circumstances.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of Registrant and the principal underwriter pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer, or controlling person of Registrant and the principal underwriter in connection with the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person or the principal underwriter in connection with the shares being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling

 

2


precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provisions of its By-Laws in a manner consistent with Release No. 11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act so long as the interpretations of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of the 1940 Act remain in effect and are consistently applied.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

The Fund does not have an investment adviser. The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing its assets in the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio, a series of Master Investment Portfolio, a registered open-end management company. The investment adviser of the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio is BlackRock Fund Advisors.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

 

  (a) Not Applicable.

 

  (b) Officers of the principal underwriter, Alight Financial Solutions, LLC (the “Distributor”):

 

Name

  

Positions and Offices

with Distributor

  

Positions and Offices
with Fund

Jeremy Fritz

   Chief Operating Officer    Trustee and President

Matthew A. Chotkowski

   Chief Compliance Officer    None

Douglas S. Keith

   Chief Financial Officer   

Chief Compliance Officer, Chief

Financial Officer and Treasurer

The principal business address of each of the above persons is 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069.

(c) The Distributor does not receive compensation for its services as principal underwriter, except that it is paid a fee for services rendered in connection with the distribution of shares of the Fund. See “Distribution and Servicing Arrangements” in the Registrant’s prospectus and “Distributor” in the Registrant’s Statement of Additional Information.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.

All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Registrant by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained by State Street Bank and Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, which serves as Registrant’s custodian and transfer agent, except for records required by paragraph (b)(4) of Rule 31a-1, which will be maintained at the offices of Alight Solutions, LLC, 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069.

Item 34. Management Services.

Not Applicable.

Item 35. Undertakings.

Not Applicable.

 

 

3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, the Registrant, Alight Series Trust, certifies that it has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Lincolnshire, and the State of Illinois, on the 30th day of April, 2018.

 

Alight Series Trust
By:  

Jeremy Fritz*

  President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement of Registrant has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

Donald S. Hunt*    Trustee    April 30, 2018
John D. Oliverio*    Trustee    April 30, 2018
Jeremy Fritz*   

Trustee and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

   April 30, 2018

/s/ Douglas S. Keith

   Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and    April 30, 2018
Douglas S. Keith    Chief Financial Officer   
   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   

 

*By:  

/s/ Jason Krellner

  Jason Krellner

 

* As Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to the power of attorney, filed herewith.

This Registration Statement contains certain disclosures regarding the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), a series of the Master Investment Portfolio (the “Trust”). The Trust has, subject to the next sentence, duly caused this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Alight Series Trust (the “Registrant”) to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York and the State of New York on the 30th day of April, 2018. The Trust is executing this Registration Statement only in respect of the disclosures contained herein specifically describing the Trust and the Portfolio and hereby disclaims any responsibility or liability as to any other disclosures in this Registration Statement.

MASTER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, ON BEHALF OF

TREASURY MONEY MARKET MASTER PORTFOLIO

 

By:  

/s/ John M. Perlowski

  John M. Perlowski
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Chief Executive Officer)

 

1


This Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Registrant has been signed below by the following persons, solely in the capacities indicated and subject to the next sentence on the 30 th day of April, 2018. Each of the following persons is signing this Registration Statement only in respect of the disclosures contained herein specifically describing the Master Investment Portfolio and the Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio and hereby disclaims any responsibility or liability as to any other disclosures in this Registration Statement.

 

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

/s/ John M. Perlowski

John M. Perlowski

  

President and Chief Executive

Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

   April 30, 2018

/s/ Neal J. Andrews

Neal J. Andrews

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

   April 30, 2018
Susan J. Carter*    Trustee   
Collette Chilton*    Trustee   
Neil A. Cotty*    Trustee   
Rodney D. Johnson*    Trustee   
Cynthia A. Montgomery*    Trustee   
Joseph P. Platt*    Trustee   
Robert C. Robb, Jr.*    Trustee   
Mark Stalnecker*    Trustee   
Kenneth L. Urish*    Trustee   
Claire A. Walton*    Trustee   
Frederick W. Winter*    Trustee   
Robert Fairbairn*    Trustee   

 

*By:   

/s/ Benjamin Archibald

   April 30, 2018
   Benjamin Archibald

 

 

* As Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to the power of attorney filed on February 28, 2018, with Post-Effective Amendment No. 839 to the registration statement on Form N-1A of BlackRock Funds SM  (File No. 33-26305), and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

2


INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

(c)(4)   Amendment to Certificate of Trust dated July 26, 2017.
(e)   Distribution Agreement dated May 1, 2017.
(h)(2)   Third Party Feeder Fund Agreement.
(h)(3)   Shareholder Servicing Agreement dated May 1, 2017.
(h)(4)   Amended and Restated Administration Agreement dated July 1, 2017.
(h)(6)   Blue Sky Agreement dated November 1, 2017.
(i)(2)   Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP.
(j)(1)   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
(q)(1)   Powers of Attorney of Messrs. Fritz, Hunt and Oliverio.

 

1

Exhibit (c)(4)

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO

CERTIFICATE OF TRUST

OF

HEWITT SERIES TRUST

This Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Trust of Hewitt Series Trust (the “Trust”), dated as of July 26, 2017 (this “ Certificate of Amendment ”), is being duly executed and filed pursuant to the provisions of 12 Del. C. § 3810(b) by the undersigned trustee, to amend the Certificate of Trust of the Trust which was filed on July 6, 1998 with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Trust”).

The Certificate of Trust is hereby amended as follows:

1.   The name of the Trust is Alight Series Trust.

2.   This Certificate of Amendment shall be effective upon filing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate of Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

 

/s/ Jeremy Fritz

Name: Jeremy Fritz
Title: Trustee

Exhibit (e)

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Distribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made this 1st day of May, 2017, by and between Hewitt Series Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its portfolio known as Hewitt Money Market Fund (the “Fund”), and Hewitt Financial Services LLC (the “Distributor”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end, management investment company and the Trust has determined to offer shares of the Fund for sale to the public in a continuous offering;

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of February 9, 2017, by and between Aon plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and the indirect parent company of the Distributor (“Parent”), and Tempo Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Buyer”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Parent will cause the equity interests of Hewitt Associates, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company and the direct parent company of the Distributor, to be sold, transferred, conveyed and delivered to Buyer or one of its subsidiaries at the Closing (as such term is defined in the Purchase Agreement);

WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor previously entered into that certain Distribution Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2000, which was subsequently amended and restated on May 1, 2005 (the “Prior Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Prior Agreement terminated automatically as a result of the Closing and therefore the Trust and the Distributor wish to enter into this Agreement to be effective from and after the Closing;

WHEREAS, after the effective date of the post-effective amendment to the Trust’s registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) registering shares of the Trust representing interests in the Fund, par value $0.0001 per share (such shares, the “Shares”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the Trust has commenced the continuous offering of Shares; and

WHEREAS, Shares shall initially be of two classes: Institutional Shares and Administrative Shares;

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1.  Appointment of the Distributor .

(a) The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor to serve as a distributor of the Shares and to arrange for the sale of the Shares to investors on the terms set forth in this Agreement and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act in such capacity hereunder.


(b) The Distributor shall act as agent of and as a distributor for the Trust in connection with the sale of the Shares to investors and dealers, upon the terms described herein and in the Trust’s prospectus (the “Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (the “Statement of Additional Information” or “SAI”) included in the Trust’s Registration Statement, as said Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and Registration Statement may be amended and supplemented from time to time. No sales of the Shares shall be made by the Distributor pursuant to this Agreement unless the Registration Statement under the 1933 Act is effective at the time of such sales.

SECTION 2. Exclusive Nature of Duties .

The Distributor shall be the exclusive distributor of the Shares, except that:

(a) The Trust may, upon written notice to the Distributor, from time to time designate other distributors of the Shares with respect to areas other than the United States as to which the Distributor may have expressly waived in writing its right to act as such. If such designation is deemed exclusive, the right of the Distributor under this Agreement to serve as distributor in the areas so designated shall terminate, but this Agreement shall remain otherwise in full effect until terminated in accordance with the other provisions hereof.

(b) The rights granted to the Distributor to act as agent in connection with the sale of the Shares shall not apply to Shares issued by the Trust: (i) in connection with the merger or consolidation of any other investment company or personal holding company with the Trust or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of all (or substantially all) the assets or the outstanding shares of any such company by the Trust; or (ii) pursuant to reinvestment of dividends, capital gains or other distributions; or (iii) pursuant to any reinstatement privilege afforded redeeming shareholders.

SECTION 3. Purchase of Shares from the Trust and Compensation of Distributor .

(a) Upon the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Trust will commence a continuous offering of Institutional Shares and Administrative Shares. The Trust may establish additional classes of Shares in the future and make continuous offerings of Shares of such classes. During the continuous offering of Shares of a class, the Distributor shall offer and solicit offers to subscribe to the purchase of such Shares from investors.

(b) The Distributor shall not be paid any compensation by the Trust pursuant to this Agreement, however, the Trust may, on behalf of one or more classes of Shares, pay such compensation and make other payments to the Distributor as may be permitted by a separate Plan of Distribution and Related Agreement adopted by the Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Distributor may pay such concessions or reallowances to dealers as the Distributor, in its discretion, may from time to time determine. The Trust and the Distributor agree, however, that no concessions or reallowances shall be paid except in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “NASD”).

(c) The public offering price of each class of the Shares, i.e., the price per share at which the Distributor or Dealers (as hereinafter defined) may sell such Shares to the public, shall be the


net asset value per share of such class of the Shares. If the public offering price does not equal an even cent, the public offering price may be adjusted to the nearest cent.

(d) The net asset value per share of each class of the Shares shall be determined by the Trust or an agent appointed by the Trust, on such days, and at such times and in such manner, as is set forth in the Prospectus and the SAI and in guidelines that may be established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

(e) The Trust shall have the right to suspend the sale of Shares of any or all classes at times when redemption is suspended pursuant to the conditions set forth in Section 4(b) hereof. The Trust shall also have the right to suspend the sale of the Shares if trading on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended, if a banking moratorium shall have been declared by Federal or New York authorities, or if there shall have been some other extraordinary event or if conditions exist, which, in the sole judgment of the Trust, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to sell the Shares.

(f) The Trust, or any agent of the Trust designated in writing by the Trust, shall be promptly advised of all purchase orders for Shares received by the Distributor. Any order may be rejected by the Trust; provided, however, that the Trust will not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause refuse to accept orders for the purchase of Shares. The Distributor will confirm orders upon their receipt, and the Trust (or its agent), upon receipt of payment therefor and instructions, will deliver a statement confirming the issuance of such Shares. The Distributor agrees to cause such instructions and any payments that it may receive to be delivered promptly to the Trust (or its agent).

(g) Nothing contained herein shall require the Trust to offer the Shares of any class, and the Trust may terminate or suspend the continuous offering of the Shares of any class at any time in its sole discretion.

SECTION 4.  Redemption of Shares .

(a) Any of the outstanding Shares may be tendered for redemption at any time, and the Trust agrees to redeem Shares so tendered in accordance with their terms and the procedures and requirements set forth in the Prospectus and the SAI. The price to be paid upon the redemption of the Shares of each class shall be equal to the net asset value per share of such class calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(d) hereof. All payments by the Trust hereunder shall be made in the manner set forth below.

Subject to Section 4(b) hereof, the Trust shall pay the total amount of the redemption price in accordance with applicable provisions of the Prospectus and the SAI on or before the seventh day subsequent to receipt by the Trust (or its agent) of a request for the redemption in proper form.

(b) Redemptions of Shares may be suspended or payment by the Trust upon the redemption of Shares may be postponed for more than seven days at times: (i) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary weekend or holiday closings; (ii) when trading on said Exchange is restricted, or when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Trust of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably


practicable for the Trust fairly to determine the value of its net assets, as provided by SEC rules; or (iii) during any other period when the SEC by order so permits.

SECTION 5.  Duties of the Trust .

(a) The Trust shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of the Shares, including one certified copy, upon request by the Distributor, of all financial statements prepared by the Trust, in respect of the Fund, and examined by independent accountants. The Trust shall, at the expense of the Distributor, make available to the Distributor such number of copies of the Prospectus and the SAI as the Distributor shall reasonably request.

(b) The Trust shall take, from time to time, but subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders, all necessary action to register the Shares under the 1933 Act, to the end that there will be available for sale such number of the Shares as investors may reasonably be expected to purchase.

(c) The Trust shall use its best efforts to qualify and maintain the qualification of an appropriate number of Shares for sale under the securities laws of such states as the Distributor and the Trust may approve. Any such qualification may be withheld, terminated or withdrawn by the Trust at any time in its discretion. As provided in Section 8(b) hereof, the expense of qualification and maintenance of qualification shall be borne by the Trust. The Distributor shall furnish such information and other material relating to its affairs and activities as may be required by the Trust in connection with such qualification.

(d) The Trust shall, at the expense of the Distributor, furnish, in reasonable quantities upon request by the Distributor, copies of annual and interim reports of the Trust.

(e) The Trust shall promptly notify the Distributor if the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is suspended or lapses and shall promptly notify of the termination or withdrawal of qualification under the laws of any state.

SECTION 6.  Duties of the Distributor .

(a) The Distributor shall devote reasonable time and effort to effect sales of the Shares, but shall not be obligated to sell any specific number of Shares. The services of the Distributor hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and nothing herein contained shall prevent the Distributor from entering into distribution or dealer arrangements with other investment companies so long as the performance of its obligations hereunder is not impaired thereby.

(b) Neither the Distributor nor any Dealer nor any other person is authorized by the Trust to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and SAI. Any advertising or sales literature relating to the Trust shall be approved by the Distributor and the contents and use thereof shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including rules and interpretations of the NASD.


(c) The Distributor shall perform its responsibilities hereunder in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including rules and interpretations of the NASD.

SECTION 7.  Selected Dealer and Agency Agreements .

(a) The Distributor shall have the right to enter into selected dealer agreements with securities dealers (and with such other financial institutions as may be authorized under applicable laws and regulations to act as agent in the sale of Shares) of its choice (“Dealers”) for the offering and sale of the Shares by such Dealers and agents. The Distributor may pay such compensation and concessions to Dealers as it determines, consistent with applicable law and the rules of the NASD. Shares offered for sale by Dealers shall be offered on the same terms as would apply to the Distributor as set forth herein.

(b) Within the United States, the Distributor shall enter into selected dealer agreements only with organizations that are either members in good standing of the NASD or financial institutions that are not required to be NASD members.

(c) The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures for the confirmation of sales of Shares to investors and Dealers, the collection of amounts payable by investors and Dealers on such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be necessary to comply with applicable laws and regulations and the requirements of the NASD, as they may from time to time exist.

SECTION 8.  Payment of Expenses .

(a) The Trust shall bear all of its costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of its counsel and auditors, in connection with: (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the SAI, and supplements to the foregoing, and annual and interim reports and proxy materials; and (ii) the expense of printing, mailing and otherwise distributing Prospectuses and SAIs (including supplements), annual and interim reports and proxy materials for use by shareholders. The expense of printing, mailing and otherwise distributing such materials to persons who are not shareholders shall be borne by the Distributor.

(b) The Trust shall bear the cost and expenses of qualification of the Shares for sale, and, if necessary or advisable in connection therewith, of qualifying the Trust as a broker or dealer, in such states of the United States or other jurisdictions as shall be selected by the Trust and the Distributor pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof, and the cost and expenses payable to each such state for continuing qualification therein until the Trust decides to discontinue such qualification pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof.

SECTION 9.  Indemnification .

(a) The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expense and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares, which may be based upon the 1933 Act, or on any other statute or at common law, on the ground that the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the SAI, or any


annual or interim report to shareholders, includes an untrue statement of material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust in connection therewith by or on behalf of the Distributor; provided, however, that in no case (i) is the indemnity of the Trust in favor of the Distributor and any such controlling persons to be deemed to protect such Distributor or any such controlling persons thereof against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Distributor or any such controlling persons would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; or (ii) is the Trust to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the Distributor or any such controlling persons, unless the Distributor or such controlling persons as the case may be, shall have notified the Trust in writing within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor or such controlling persons (or after the Distributor or such controlling persons shall have received notice of such service on any designated agent), but failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to the person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. The Trust will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense, or if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if the Trust elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit. In the event the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and the expenses of any additional counsel retained by them, but, in case the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of any such suit, it will reimburse the Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in the suit, for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Trust shall promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance or sale of the Shares.

(b) The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each of its trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Trust against any loss, liability, claim, damage, or expense described in the foregoing indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, but only with respect to statements or omissions made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor for use in connection with the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the SAI, or the annual or interim reports to shareholders. In case any action shall be brought against the Trust or any person so indemnified, in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Distributor, the Distributor shall have the rights and duties given to the Trust, and the Trust and each person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the Distributor by the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 9.

SECTION 10.  Duration and Termination of This Agreement .


This Agreement shall remain in effect for an initial term of two years from the date hereof and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) or by the Board of Trustees of the Trust; provided, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote of a majority of the trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, which vote must be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; and provided, however, that: (a) the Trust may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon sixty days’ written notice to the Distributor; (b) this Agreement shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (to the extent required by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder) unless such automatic termination shall be prevented by an exemptive order or rule of the SEC; and (c) the Distributor may terminate this Agreement without payment of any penalty on sixty days’ written notice to the Trust.

SECTION 11.  Amendments of this Agreement .

This Agreement may be amended only by the written agreement of the parties; provided that any amendment hereof must be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the directors of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined by the 1940 Act) of any such party, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

SECTION 12.  Governing Law .

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent the applicable laws of the State of Illinois, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

SECTION 13.  Liability of the Trust .

The Declaration of Trust states and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is not executed on behalf of the Trustees of the Trust as individuals, and that the obligations of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders or partners of the Trust individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust.

SECTION 14.  Entire Agreement .

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters described herein.

[Signature page follows.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

HEWITT SERIES TRUST
By:  

/s/ Jeremy Fritz

  Name: Jeremy Fritz
  Title: President
HEWITT FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
By:  

/s/ John Mikowski

  Name: John Mikowski
  Title: Vice President

Exhibit (h)(2)

THIRD PARTY FEEDER FUND

AGREEMENT

AMONG

ALIGHT SERIES TRUST

HEWITT FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC

AND

MASTER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

dated as of

[            ], 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

         Page  

ARTICLE I.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     2    

1.1

 

Trust

     2    

1.2

 

MIP

     4    

1.3

 

Distributor

     5    

ARTICLE II.

 

COVENANTS

     5    

2.1

 

Trust

     5    

2.2

 

MIP

     6    

2.3

 

Reasonable Actions

     9    

ARTICLE III.

 

INDEMNIFICATION

     9    

3.1

 

Trust and Distributor

     9    

3.2

 

MIP

     10  

ARTICLE IV.

 

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     12  

4.1

 

Access to Information

     12  

4.2

 

Confidentiality

     12  

4.3

 

Obligations of Trust and MIP

     13  

ARTICLE V.

 

TERMINATION, SURVIVAL, AMENDMENT

     13  

5.1

 

Termination

     13  

5.2

 

Survival

     13  

5.3

 

Amendment

     13  

ARTICLE VI.

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

     13  

6.1

 

Expenses

     13  

6.2

 

Headings

     13  

6.3

 

Entire Agreement

     13  

6.4

 

Successors

     14  

6.5

 

Governing Law

     14  

6.6

 

Counterparts

     14  

6.7

 

Third Parties

     14  

6.8

 

Notices

     14  

6.9

 

Interpretation

     15  

6.10

 

Operation of Fund

     15  

6.11

 

Relationship of Parties; No Joint Venture, Etc.

     15  

6.12

 

Use of Name

     15  

 

1


AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this [    ] day of [        ], 2017, by and among Alight Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust”), for itself and on behalf of its series, Alight Money Market Fund (“Fund”); Hewitt Financial Services LLC (“Distributor”), an Illinois limited liability company; and Master Investment Portfolio (“MIP”), a Delaware business trust, for itself and on behalf of its series, Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio (“Portfolio”).

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, Trust and MIP are each registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as open-end management investment companies;

WHEREAS, Fund and Portfolio have the same investment objective and substantially the same investment policies;

WHEREAS, Fund desires to pursue its investment objective by investing on an ongoing basis all of its investable assets (the “Assets”) in Portfolio (the “Investments”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises made herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

1.1 Trust .

Trust represents and warrants to MIP that:

(a)     Organization . Trust is a trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and Fund is a duly and validly designated series of Trust. Each of Trust and Fund has the requisite power and authority to own its property and conduct its business as proposed to be conducted pursuant to this Agreement. Neither Trust nor Fund is under the jurisdiction of a court in a proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) or a similar case within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b)     Authorization of Agreement . The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Trust on behalf of Fund and the conduct of business contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Trust’s Board of Trustees and no other action or proceeding is necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Fund, or the performance by Fund of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement when executed

 

2


and delivered by Trust on behalf of Fund shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of Trust, enforceable against Fund in accordance with its terms. No meeting of, or consent by, shareholders of Fund is necessary to approve or implement the Investments.

(c)     1940 Act Registration . Trust is duly registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company, and such registration is, and will be, in full force and effect.

(d)     SEC Filings . Trust has duly filed all forms, reports, proxy statements and other documents (collectively, the “SEC Filings”) required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) and the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Laws”), in connection with the registration of Fund’s shares, any meetings of its shareholders and its registration as an investment company. All SEC Filings relating to Fund comply in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws and do not, as of the date of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(e)     Fund Assets . Fund currently intends on an ongoing basis to invest its Assets solely in Portfolio.

(f)     Registration Statement . Trust has reviewed MIP’s and Portfolio’s registration statement on Form N-lA, as filed with the SEC on [April 28, 2016], and as amended and/or supplemented, and agrees that Fund’s Investments will be subject to the terms thereof. Trust has relied solely upon the documents referenced in the preceding sentence, the advice of its tax or other advisers, and independent investigations made by Trust in making the Investments. No representations or agreements other than those set forth in such documents and this Agreement have been made to Trust by MIP. Fund understands and acknowledges that Portfolio has the right, in its sole discretion, at any time, to limit or reject additional Investments from Fund, provided that MIP shall provide Trust at least thirty (30) days’ advance written notice, or such lesser time as may be agreed to by the parties, of any such limit or rejection.

(g)     Insurance . As of the date of commencement of its operations, Fund has in force reasonable insurance coverage against liabilities that may arise as a result of Fund’s business as a registered investment company.

(h)     Anti-Money Laundering . Trust acknowledges that (i) it is a “financial institution” as defined in the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) and/or (ii) it relies on service providers that are “financial institutions” to perform functions such as handling customer applications, creating shareholder accounts, receiving funds, processing transactions for customer accounts, and withdrawing and distributing funds from customer accounts. Trust also acknowledges that it, and/or its service providers, are required to comply with the BSA and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

3


1.2 MIP . MIP represents and warrants to Trust that:

(a)     Organization . MIP is a trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and Portfolio is a duly and validly designated series of MIP. Each of MIP and Portfolio has the requisite power and authority to own its property and conduct its business as now being conducted. Neither MIP nor Portfolio is under the jurisdiction of a court in a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or a similar case within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b)     Authorization of Agreement . The execution and delivery of this Agreement by MIP on behalf of Portfolio and the conduct of business contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of MIP’s Board of Trustees and no other action or proceeding is necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Portfolio, or the performance by Portfolio of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement when executed and delivered by MIP on behalf of Portfolio shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of MIP and Portfolio, enforceable against MIP and Portfolio in accordance with its terms, subject to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium, and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles. No meeting of, or consent by, interestholders of Portfolio is necessary to approve the issuance of the Interests (as defined below) to Fund.

(c)     Authorization of Issuance of Beneficial Interest . The issuance by MIP of beneficial interests in the Portfolio (“Interests”) in exchange for the Investments by Fund of its assets has been duly authorized by all necessary action, if any, on the part of the Board of Trustees of MIP.

(d)     1940 Act Registration . MIP is duly registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and such registration is, and will be, in full force and effect.

(e)     SEC Filings; Securities Exemptions . MIP has duly filed all SEC Filings, as defined herein, relating to Portfolio required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Laws. Interests in Portfolio are not required to be registered under the 1933 Act, because such Interests are offered solely in private placement transactions which do not involve any “public offering” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act. In addition, Interests in Portfolio are either noticed or qualified for sale or exempt from notice or qualification requirements under applicable securities laws in those states or jurisdictions in which Interests are offered and sold. All SEC Filings relating to Portfolio comply in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws, and do not, as of the date of this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(f)     Tax Status . Based upon applicable IRS interpretations and rulings, Portfolio is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for its current taxable year.

 

4


(g)     Taxable and Fiscal Year . The taxable and fiscal year end of Portfolio is December 31.

1.3      Distributor . Distributor represents and warrants to MIP that the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Distributor have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Distributor and no other action or proceeding is necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Distributor, or the performance by Distributor of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement when executed and delivered by Distributor shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of Distributor, enforceable against Distributor in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE II

COVENANTS

2.1     Trust . Trust covenants that:

(a)     Advance Review of Certain Documents . Trust will furnish MIP at least ten (10) business days prior to the earlier of filing or first use, with drafts of Fund’s registration statement on Form N-lA and any amendments thereto, and also will furnish MIP at least five (5) business days’ prior to the earlier of filing or first use, with drafts of any prospectus or statement of additional information supplements. In addition, Trust will furnish or will cause to be furnished to MIP at least five (5) business days prior to the earlier of filing or first use, as the case may be, any proposed advertising or sales literature that contains language that describes or refers to MIP or Portfolio and that was not previously approved by MIP. Trust agrees that it will include in all such Fund documents any disclosures that may be required by law, and that it will incorporate in all such Fund documents any material and reasonable comments made by MIP. MIP will not, however, in any way be liable to the Trust, Distributor or any other Covered Person (as defined in Section 3.2(a) below) for any errors or omissions in such documents, whether or not MIP makes any objection thereto, except to the extent such errors or omissions result from errors in or omissions in information provided in MIP’s 1940 Act registration statement or otherwise provided by MIP for inclusion therein, or result from the failure of MIP to provide information requested by the Trust (such information may only be reasonably requested) or information otherwise required to be provided to them by MIP under this Agreement. In addition, neither Fund nor Distributor will make any other written or oral representations about MIP or Portfolio other than those contained in such documents without MIP’s prior written consent.

(b)     SEC and Blue Sky Filings . Trust will file all SEC Filings required to be filed with the SEC under the Securities Laws in connection with the registration of Fund’s shares, any meetings of its shareholders, and the Trust’s registration as an investment company (including the Fund’s registration as a series thereof). Trust will file such similar or other documents as may be required to be filed with any securities commission or similar authority by the laws or regulations of any state, territory or possession of the United States, including the District of Columbia, in which shares of Fund are or will be noticed for sale (“State Filings”).

 

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Fund’s SEC Filings will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws, and, insofar as they relate to information other than that supplied or required to be supplied by MIP, will not, at the time they are filed or used to offer Fund shares, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Fund’s State Filings will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and federal law and the rules and regulations thereunder.

(c)     1940 Act Registration . Trust will be duly registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act.

(d)     Tax Status . Fund will qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code for any taxable year during which this Agreement continues in effect, unless such lack of qualification is solely as a result of Portfolio’s failure to meet (i) the income test imposed on regulated investment companies under Section 851(b)(2) of the Code and (ii) the asset test imposed on regulated investment companies under Section 851(b)(3) of the Code, as if such Sections applied to it.

(e)     Fiscal Year . Fund shall take appropriate action to adopt and maintain the same fiscal year end as Portfolio (currently the last day of December).

(f)     Proxy Voting . If requested to vote on matters pertaining to MIP or Portfolio, Fund will either seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to Portfolio’s securities and vote such proxies only in accordance with such instructions, or vote the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of Portfolio’s securities; provided that the Fund will not be obligated to take such action if and to the extent that Fund obtains an exemption from the SEC from Section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii)(aa) of the 1940 Act.

(g)     Compliance with Laws . Trust shall comply, in all material respects, with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in connection with conducting its operations as a registered investment company.

(h)     Insurance . Trust will maintain in full force and effect for so long as this Agreement is in effect insurance coverage against liabilities that may arise as a result of Fund’s business as a registered investment company, in such amount and covering such liabilities as the Board of Trustees of Trust deems reasonable.

(i)     Solely for Investment . The Interests will be acquired solely by and for the account of Fund, solely for investment, and are not being purchased for resale or distribution. With the exception of redemptions made pursuant to the terms of MIP’s registration statement with respect to Portfolio, the Interests are non-transferable, and neither Trust nor Fund will sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of the Interests.

2.2          MIP . MIP covenants that:

 

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(a)     Signature Pages . MIP shall promptly provide all required signature pages to Trust for inclusion in any SEC Filings of Trust, provided Trust is in material compliance with its covenants and other obligations under this Agreement at the time such signature pages are provided and included in the SEC Filing. Trust and Distributor acknowledge and agree that the provision of such signature pages does not constitute a representation by MIP, its Trustees or Officers, that such SEC Filing complies with the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws, or that such SEC Filing does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or does not omit to the state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except with respect to information provided by MIP for inclusion in such SEC Filing or for use by Trust in preparing such filing, which shall in any event include any written information obtained from MIP’s current registration statement on Form N-1A.

(b)     Redemption . Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2.2(b), redemptions of Interests owned by Fund will be effected pursuant to Section 2.2(c). In the event Fund desires to withdraw its entire Investment from Portfolio, either by submitting a redemption request or by terminating this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.1 hereof, MIP, in its reasonable discretion, and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, may effect such redemption “in kind” and in such a manner that the securities delivered to Fund or its custodian for the account of Fund approximate Fund’s proportionate share of Portfolio’s net assets immediately prior to such redemption. In addition, in the event Fund makes a redemption (or series of redemptions over any three (3) consecutive business days) of an amount that exceeds 10% of Portfolio’s net asset value, MIP, at its sole discretion, and in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, may effect such redemption “in kind” and in such a manner that the securities delivered to Fund or its custodian approximate Fund’s proportionate share of Portfolio’s net assets immediately prior to such redemption. In accordance with MIP procedures, a portion of a redemption “in kind” may be paid in cash. Portfolio further agrees that, to the extent legally possible, it will not take or cause to be taken any action without Trust’s prior approval that would cause the withdrawal of Fund’s Investments to be treated as a taxable event to Fund. Portfolio further agrees to conduct its activities in accordance with all applicable requirements of Regulation 1.731-2(e) under the Code or any successor regulation.

(c)     Ordinary Course Redemptions . Portfolio will effect redemptions of Interests in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Section 17 thereof. All redemption requests other than a withdrawal of Fund’s entire Investment in Portfolio under Section 2.2(b) or, in the reasonable discretion of MIP, a redemption (or series of redemptions over any three (3) consecutive business days) of an amount that exceeds 10% of Portfolio’s net asset value, will be effected in cash at the next determined net asset value after the redemption request is received. Portfolio shall settle redemptions in accordance with the MIP registration statement as it pertains to Portfolio.

(d)     SEC Filings . MIP will file all SEC Filings required to be filed with the SEC under the Securities Laws in connection with any meetings of Portfolio’s investors and its registration as an investment company and will provide copies of all such definitive

 

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filings to Trust. Portfolio’s SEC Filings will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws, and will not, at the time they are filed or used, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

(e)     1940 Act Registration . MIP will remain duly registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act.

(f)     Tax Status . Based upon applicable IRS interpretations and rulings, Portfolio will conduct its business and activities so as to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes under the Code. Portfolio will continue to satisfy (i) the income test imposed on regulated investment companies under Section 851(b)(2) of the Code and (ii) the asset test imposed on regulated investment companies under Section 851(b)(3) of the Code as if such Sections applied to it for so long as this Agreement continues in effect.

(g)     Securities Exemptions . Interests in Portfolio have been and will continue to be offered and sold solely in private placement transactions which do not involve any “public offering” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act or require registration under any state law. MIP will file such documents and take such other actions as may be necessary to qualify the offer and sale of Interests for exemption from qualification under any state law.

(h)     Advance Notice of Certain Changes . MIP shall provide Trust with at least ninety (90) days’ advance notice, or such lesser time as may be agreed to by the parties, of any change in Portfolio’s investment objective, and at least sixty (60) days’ advance notice, or if MIP has knowledge that one of the following changes is likely to occur more than sixty (60) days in advance of such event, notice shall be provided as soon as reasonably possible after MIP obtains such knowledge, of any material change in Portfolio’s investment policies or activities, any material increase in Portfolio’s fees or expenses, or any change in Portfolio’s fiscal year or time for calculating net asset value for purposes of Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act.

(i)     Compliance with Laws . MIP shall comply, in all material respects, with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in connection with conducting its operations as a registered investment company.

(j)     Delivery of Information . Upon request, MIP shall provide Trust with such information regarding MIP and Portfolio as may be necessary for Trust and Fund to comply with the Securities Laws and for Fund to comply with the requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code and to make distributions in the amounts necessary to avoid income and excise taxes. MIP shall also provide Trust with such information as may be necessary for Fund to file federal and state tax returns. MIP shall provide the information described in this paragraph a reasonable period of time prior to the date by which Trust or Fund is required to make any filing or send any report or other document the contents of which includes or is based upon such information, provided Trust gives MIP adequate advance notice of the dates by which such information is required, giving due consideration to the actions

 

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that Trust and Fund will be required to take after the information is received to enable such filing to be made or such report or other document to be sent.

(k)     Insurance . MIP will maintain in full force and effect for so long as this Agreement is in effect insurance coverage against liabilities that may arise as a result of Portfolio’s business, in such amounts, and covering such liabilities as the Board of Trustees of MIP deems reasonable.

2.3      Reasonable Actions . Each party covenants that it will, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, from time to time, as and when requested by another party or in its own discretion, as the case may be, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such documents, assignments and other instruments, take or cause to be taken such actions, and do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable in order to conduct the business contemplated by this Agreement and to carry out its intent and purpose.

ARTICLE III

INDEMNIFICATION

3.1      Trust and Distributor .

(a)    Trust and Distributor agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold harmless MIP, Portfolio and Portfolio’s investment adviser, and any director/trustee, officer, employee or agent of MIP, Portfolio or Portfolio’s investment adviser (in this Section, each, a “Covered Person” and collectively, “Covered Persons”), against any and all losses, claims, demands, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, with respect to each Covered Person, the reasonable cost of investigating and defending against any claims therefor and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith, except as provided in subparagraph (b)), that:

(i)    arise out of or are based upon any violation or alleged violation of any of the Securities Laws, or any other applicable statute, rule, regulation or common law, or are incurred in connection with or as a result of any formal or informal administrative proceeding or investigation by a regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization, insofar as such violation or alleged violation, proceeding or investigation arises out of or is based upon any direct or indirect omission or commission (or alleged omission or commission) by Trust or by Distributor or by any of its or their trustees/directors, officers, employees or agents, but only insofar as such omissions or commissions relate to Fund and were not, directly or indirectly, the result of or caused by, in whole or in part, the act or omission of any Covered Person; or

(ii)    arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any advertising or sales literature, prospectus, summary prospectus, registration statement, or any other SEC Filing relating to Fund or any amendments or supplements to the foregoing (in this Section, collectively “Offering Documents”), or arise out of or are based

 

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upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was not made in the Offering Documents in reliance upon and in conformity with MIP’s registration statement on Form N-1A and other written information furnished by MIP to Fund or by any service provider of MIP for use therein or for use by Fund in preparing such documents, including but not limited to any written information contained in MIP’s current registration statement on Form N-1A.

provided, however , that in no case shall Trust or Distributor be liable for indemnification hereunder with respect to any claims made against any Covered Person unless a Covered Person shall have notified Trust or Distributor in writing within a reasonable time after the summons, other first legal process, notice of a federal, state or local tax deficiency, or formal initiation of a regulatory or self-regulatory investigation or proceeding giving information of the nature of the claim shall have properly been served upon or provided to a Covered Person seeking indemnification. Failure to notify Trust or Distributor of such claim shall not relieve Trust or Distributor from any liability that it may have to any Covered Person otherwise than on account of the indemnification contained in this Section.

(b)    Trust and Distributor each will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if Trust and/or Distributor elect(s) to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by Trust and/or Distributor, as applicable. In the event Trust and/or Distributor elect(s) to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, each Covered Person in the suit may retain additional counsel but shall bear the fees and expenses of such counsel unless (A) Trust and Distributor shall have specifically authorized the retaining of and payment of fees and expenses of such counsel or (B) the parties to such suit include any Covered Person and Trust and/or Distributor, and any such Covered Person has been advised in a written opinion by counsel reasonably acceptable to Trust and Distributor that one or more legal defenses may be available to it that may not be available to Trust and/or Distributor, in which case Trust and/or Distributor shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such suit notwithstanding their obligation to bear the fees and expenses of one counsel to such persons. Trust shall not be required to indemnify any Covered Person for any settlement of any such claim effected without its written consent and Distributor shall not be required to indemnify any Covered Person for any settlement of any such claim effected without its written consent, which consent, in each case, shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The indemnities set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.1 will be in addition to any liability that Trust and/or Distributor might otherwise have to Covered Persons.

3.2      MIP .

(a)    MIP agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Trust, Fund, Distributor, and any affiliate providing services to Trust and/or Fund, and any trustee/director, officer, employee or agent of any of them (in this Section, each, a “Covered Person” and

 

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collectively, “Covered Persons”), against any and all losses, claims, demands, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, with respect to each Covered Person, the reasonable cost of investigating and defending against any claims therefor and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith, except as provided in subparagraph (b)), that:

(i)    arise out of or are based upon any violation or alleged violation of any of the Securities Laws, or any other applicable statute, rule, regulation or common law, or are incurred in connection with or as a result of any formal or informal administrative proceeding or investigation by a regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization, insofar as such violation or alleged violation, proceeding or investigation arises out of or is based upon any direct or indirect omission or commission (or alleged omission or commission) by MIP, or any of its or their trustees, officers, employees or agents, but only insofar as such omissions or commissions relate to Portfolio and were not, directly or indirectly, the result of or caused by, in whole or in part, the act or omission of any Covered Person; or

(ii)    arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any advertising or sales literature, or any SEC Filing relating to Portfolio, or any amendments to the foregoing (in this Section, collectively, “Offering Documents”) relating to Portfolio, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein, a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or

(iii)    arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Offering Documents relating to Trust or Fund, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information to Fund by MIP for use therein or for use by Fund in preparing such documents, including but not limited to any written information contained in MIP’s current registration statement on Form N-1A, or was made as a result of the failure of MIP to provide information requested by the Trust, Fund or Distributor or otherwise required to be provided to them under this Agreement.

provided, however , that in no case shall MIP be liable for indemnification hereunder with respect to any claims made against any Covered Person unless a Covered Person shall have notified MIP in writing within a reasonable time after the summons, other first legal process, notice of a federal, state or local tax deficiency, or formal initiation of a regulatory or self-regulatory investigation or proceeding giving information of the nature of the claim shall have properly been served upon or provided to a Covered Person seeking indemnification.

 

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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Portfolio’s indemnity to Covered Persons shall include all relevant liabilities of Covered Persons under the Securities Laws, as if the Offering Documents constitute a “prospectus” within the meaning of the 1933 Act, and MIP had registered its interests under the 1933 Act pursuant to a registration statement meeting the requirements of the 1933 Act. Failure to notify MIP of such claim shall not relieve MIP from any liability that it may have to any Covered Person otherwise than on account of the indemnification contained in this Section.

(b)     MIP will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such liability, but, if MIP elects to assume the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by MIP. In the event MIP elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such counsel, each Covered Person in the suit may retain additional counsel but shall bear the fees and expenses of such counsel unless (A) MIP shall have specifically authorized the retaining of and payment of fees and expenses of such counsel or (B) the parties to such suit include any Covered Person and MIP, and any such Covered Person has been advised in a written opinion by counsel reasonably acceptable to MIP that one or more legal defenses may be available to it that may not be available to MIP, in which case MIP shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such suit notwithstanding its obligation to bear the fees and expenses of one counsel to such persons. MIP shall not be required to indemnify any Covered Person for any settlement of any such claim effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The indemnities set forth in paragraph (a) will be in addition to any liability that MIP might otherwise have to Covered Persons.

ARTICLE IV

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

4.1      Access to Information . Throughout the life of this Agreement, Trust and MIP shall afford each other reasonable access at all reasonable times to such party’s officers, employees, agents and offices and to all relevant books and records and shall furnish each other party with all relevant financial and other data and information as such other party may reasonably request.

4.2      Confidentiality . Each party agrees that it shall hold in strict confidence all data and information obtained from another party (unless such information is or becomes readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or public disclosure of such information is required by applicable law, rule or regulation) and shall ensure that its officers, employees and authorized representatives do not disclose such information to others without the prior written consent of the party from whom it was obtained, except if disclosure is required by the SEC, any other regulatory or self-regulatory body, Fund’s or Portfolio’s respective auditors, or in the opinion of counsel to the disclosing party such disclosure is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, and then only with as much prior written notice to the other parties as is practical under the circumstances. Each party hereto acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 4.2 shall not prevent Trust or MIP from filing a copy of this Agreement as an exhibit to a

 

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registration statement on Form N-1A as it relates to Fund or Portfolio, respectively, and that such disclosure by Trust or MIP shall not require any additional consent from the other parties.

4.3      Obligations of Trust and MIP . MIP agrees that the financial obligations of Trust under this Agreement shall be binding only upon the assets of Fund, and that except to the extent liability may be imposed under relevant Securities Laws, MIP shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the officers, agents, employees, trustees or shareholders of Trust or other classes or series of Trust. Trust agrees that the financial obligations of MIP under this Agreement shall be binding only upon the assets of Portfolio and that, except to the extent liability may be imposed under relevant Securities Laws, Trust shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the officers, agents, employees, trustees or shareholders of MIP or other classes or series of MIP.

ARTICLE V

TERMINATION, SURVIVAL, AMENDMENT

5.1     Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual agreement in writing of all parties, or by any party on sixty (60) days’ advance written notice to the other parties hereto; provided , however , that nothing in this Agreement shall limit Trust’s right to redeem all or a portion of its Interests in accordance with the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.

5.2      Survival . The provisions of Article III and Sections 2.2(j), 4.2 and 4.3 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

5.3      Amendment . This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented at any time in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by all parties to this Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1     Expenses . Except as provided in Article III, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the conduct of business contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

6.2      Headings . The headings and captions contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

6.3      Entire Agreement . Except as set forth below, this Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between the parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and incorporates or supersedes all prior negotiations and understandings. There are no covenants, promises, agreements, conditions or understandings, either oral or written, between the parties

 

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relating to the subject matter of this Agreement other than those set forth herein and the terms, conditions and descriptions set forth in MIP’s Registration Statement, as in effect from time to time.

6.4      Successors . Each and all of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided , however , that neither this Agreement, nor any rights herein granted may be assigned to, transferred to or encumbered by any party, without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.

6.5     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof; provided , however , that in the event of any conflict between the 1940 Act and the laws of California, the 1940 Act shall govern.

6.6      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Agreement by signing one or more counterparts.

6.7      Third Parties . Except as expressly provided in Article III, nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, other than the parties hereto and their successors or assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

6.8      Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered in person or three days after being sent by certified or registered United States mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed:

 

If to Trust:    Alight Series Trust
   4 Overlook Point
   Lincolnshire, IL 60069
   Attn: James M. Flynn, Esq.
copy to:    Douglas S. Keith
   Hewitt Associates LLC
   4 Overlook Point
   Lincolnshire, IL 60069
If to Distributor:    Hewitt Financial Services LLC
   7201 Hewitt Associates Drive
   Charlotte, NC 28262
   Attn: [        ]
copy to:    Douglas S. Keith
   Hewitt Associates LLC

 

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   4 Overlook Point
   Lincolnshire, IL 60069
If to MIP:    Master Investment Portfolio
   400 Howard Street
   San Francisco, CA 94105
   Attn: COO Cash Funds
Copy to:    BlackRock Fund Advisors
   2929 Arch Street, 16 th Floor
   Philadelphia, PA 19104
   Attn: COO Cash Funds

6.9      Interpretation . Any uncertainty or ambiguity existing herein shall not be interpreted against any party, but shall be interpreted according to the application of the rules of interpretation for arms’ length agreements.

6.10      Operation of Fund . Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall not limit the authority of Fund, Trust or Distributor to take such action as it may deem appropriate or advisable in connection with all matters relating to the operation of Fund and the sale of its shares.

6.11      Relationship of Parties; No Joint Venture, Etc . It is understood and agreed that neither Trust nor Distributor shall hold itself out as an agent of MIP with the authority to bind such party, nor shall MIP hold itself out as an agent of Trust or Distributor with the authority to bind such party.

6.12      Use of Name . Except as otherwise provided herein or required by law, rule or regulation ( e.g. , in Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A), neither Trust, Fund nor Distributor shall describe or refer to the name of MIP, Portfolio or any derivation thereof, or any affiliate thereof, or to the relationship contemplated by this Agreement in any advertising or promotional materials without the prior written consent of MIP, nor shall MIP describe or refer to the name of Trust, Fund or Distributor or any derivation thereof, or any affiliate thereof, or to the relationship contemplated by this Agreement in any advertising or promotional materials without the prior written consent of Trust, Fund or Distributor, as the case may be. In addition, the party required to give its consent shall have at least five (5) business days prior to the earlier of filing or first use, as the case may be, to review the proposed advertising or promotional materials.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first written above.

 

 

ALIGHT SERIES TRUST

on behalf of itself and ALIGHT MONEY

MARKET FUND

  By:   

                                          

    Name:       Jeremy Fritz
    Title:       President
  HEWITT FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
  By:  

                                          

    Name:  
    Title:  
 

MASTER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, on

behalf of its series, TREASURY MONEY

MARKET MASTER PORTFOLIO

  By:  

                                          

    Name:  
    Title:       Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit (h)(3)

HEWITT MONEY MARKET FUND

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

This Shareholder Servicing Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made this 1st day of May, 2017, by and between Hewitt Series Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its portfolio known as Hewitt Money Market Fund (the “Fund”), and Hewitt Financial Services LLC (“HFS”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end, management investment company;

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of February 9, 2017, by and between Aon plc, a public limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales and the indirect parent company of HFS (“Parent”), and Tempo Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Buyer”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, Parent will cause the equity interests of Hewitt Associates, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company and the direct parent company of HFS, to be sold, transferred, conveyed and delivered to Buyer or one of its subsidiaries at the Closing (as such term is defined in the Purchase Agreement);

WHEREAS, the Trust and HFS previously entered into that certain Amended and Restated Shareholder Servicing Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2008 (the “Prior Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the Prior Agreement terminated automatically as a result of the Closing and therefore the Trust and HFS wish to enter into this Agreement to be effective from and after the Closing with respect to the furnishing of account related services to certain shareholders of the Fund (“Shareholder Services”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

1.  Appointment . The Trust hereby appoints HFS to serve as shareholder servicing agent of the Fund on the terms set forth in this Agreement, and HFS accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein.

2. Duties as Shareholder Servicing Agent . Subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, HFS, as shareholder servicing agent, undertakes to perform the following specific services:

(a) Maintain records showing the number of the Fund’s shares owned by shareholders; and

(b) Send, or arrange to be sent, all shareholder communications of the Fund to shareholders.


HFS shall have the right to retain one or more other organizations, including its affiliates, to furnish any of the services required to be provided by HFS hereunder; provided, however, that HFS shall remain fully responsible for all such services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

3.  Anti-Money Laundering Program . HFS represents, warrants and covenants to the Trust that:

(a) it has established and maintains, and will continue to maintain and operate, an anti-money laundering program and/or procedures (including the Trust’s Customer Identification Procedures as outlined in the Trust’s Anti-Money Laundering Program) in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of its own jurisdiction including, where applicable, the Bank Secrecy Act (as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “Act”)). HFS further represents that it will adopt appropriate policies, procedures and internal controls to be fully compliant with any additional laws, rules or regulations, including the Act, to which it may become subject, including compliance with the rules adopted by the Treasury Department regarding (1) suspicious activity, and (2) foreign financial institutions;

(b) it applies, and will continue to apply, its anti-money laundering program and/or procedures to all customers/investors of the Fund, and will take appropriate steps in accordance with the laws of its own jurisdiction to ensure that all relevant documentation is retained, as required, including identification relating to those customers/investors;

(c) it will provide an annual certification to the Trust confirming that it has implemented an anti-money laundering program and/or procedures as described in paragraph (a), and that it has performed, and intends to continue to perform, the requirements of the Trust’s Customer Identification Procedures. HFS will provide to the Trust periodic reports on the implementation of the anti-money laundering program and its ability to monitor the program;

(d) it complies with the United States regulations imposed by the Treasury Departments’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), including but not limited to, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. §1701 et seq., The Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq., and any Executive Orders or regulations promulgated thereunder, which prohibit, among other things, the engagement in transactions with, holding the securities of, and the provision of services to certain embargoed foreign countries and specially designated nationals, specially designated narcotics traffickers, terrorist sanctions, and other blocked parties;

(e) it does not believe, has no current reason to believe and will notify the Trust immediately if it comes to have reason to believe that any shareholder of the Fund is engaged in money-laundering activities or is associated with any terrorist or other individual, entity or organization sanctioned by the United States or the jurisdictions in which it does business, or appear on any lists of prohibited persons, entities, and jurisdictions maintained and administered by OFAC; and

(f) if it has delegated to any third party or parties any of its tasks under this Agreement, HFS has secured from that third party such representations, warranties and undertakings as are


necessary to permit HFS to provide the representations, warranties and covenants as are set forth in subparagraphs (a)-(e) above.

4.  Compliance . HFS agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, codes, orders and government rules in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. HFS agrees to provide the Trust with such certifications, reports and other information as the Trust may reasonably request from time to time to assist it in complying with, and monitoring for compliance with, applicable laws, rules and regulations.

5.  Allocation of Expenses . HFS shall bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement, except that the Trust shall reimburse HFS for out-of-pocket costs incurred in transmitting shareholder communications to shareholders.

6.  Fees .

(a) For the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust shall on behalf of the Fund pay HFS the fees set forth in Schedule A, annexed hereto.

(b) HFS will bill the Trust as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar month. The Trust will promptly pay to HFS the amount of such billing.

7.  Limitation of Liability .

(a) HFS shall not be liable to the Fund or the Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the performance of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, except a loss resulting from HFS’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of such obligations and duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof. The Fund and the Trust will indemnify HFS against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence of HFS in the performance of such obligations and duties or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

(b) The Trust and HFS agree that the obligations of the Trust under this Agreement shall not be binding upon any of the members of the Board of Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, of the Trust, individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund, as provided in the Declaration of Trust.

(c) In no event and under no circumstances shall either party to this Agreement be liable to the other party for consequential or indirect loss of profits, reputation or business or any other special damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any act or failure to act hereunder.

8.  Term and Termination .

(a) This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall continue from year to year until terminated by either party. Either party may terminate this Agreement, without


penalty, at any time upon not than less than sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party.

(b) This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder unless such automatic termination shall not be required as a result of an exemptive rule or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

9.  Amendment to this Agreement . No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is bought.

10.  Miscellaneous .

(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

(b) This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be deemed to be an original and which collectively shall be deemed to constitute only one instrument.

(c) The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

(d) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters described herein.

[Signature page follows.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

 

HEWITT SERIES TRUST
By:  

/s/ Jeremy Fritz

Name:   Jeremy Fritz
Title:   President
HEWITT FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC
By:  

/s/ John Mikowski

Name:   John Mikowski
Title:   Vice President


SCHEDULE A

FEE SCHEDULE

The fee payable to HFS under this Agreement shall be computed at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, and shall be paid monthly.

Exhibit (h)(4)

HEWITT MONEY MARKET FUND

AMENDED AND RESTATED

ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 1, 2017, by and between Hewitt Series Trust, a Delaware business trust (the “Trust”), and Hewitt Associates, LLC (“HA”) and amends and restates in its entirety that certain Amended and Restated Administration Agreement dated as of April 29, 2009 by and between the Trust and HA.

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);

WHEREAS, the Trust has established one series of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”), currently called the Hewitt Money Market Fund (the “Fund”);

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain HA to render administrative services to the Trust and the Fund, in the manner and on the terms and conditions set forth below; and

WHEREAS, HA is willing to provide administrative services to the Trust and the Fund, in the manner and on the terms and conditions set forth below;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the Trust and HA agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1

Employment of HA

1.1    The Trust hereby employs HA to administer, or arrange for the administration of, its affairs to the extent requested by, and subject to the supervision and control of, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) for the period and upon the terms herein set forth.

1.2    HA accepts such employment and agrees during such period at its own expense to render the services, or to arrange for the services to be rendered, and to assume the obligations herein set forth.

1.3    HA shall for purposes of this Agreement be deemed to be an independent contractor, and unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized shall have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.

1.4    The services of HA herein provided are not to be deemed exclusive and HA shall be free to render similar services or other services to others so long as its services hereunder shall not be impaired thereby.


ARTICLE 2

Duties of HA

2.1     Administrative Services . Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the supervision and control of the Trustees, HA shall be responsible for all aspects of the Trust’s administration and operation and shall supervise the business and affairs of the Trust and the Fund, providing such services and facilities as may be required for the effective administration of the Trust and the Fund as are not provided by employees or other agents engaged by the Trust; provided that HA shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any such services which are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and HA, any affiliate of HA, or any third party administrator. Such administrative services include, but are not limited to:

(a)    Preparation and maintenance of the Trust’s registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”);

(b)    Preparation and periodic updating of the prospectus and statement of additional information for the Fund (“Prospectus”);

(c)    Preparation, filing with appropriate regulatory authorities, and dissemination of various reports for the Trust, including but not limited to semiannual reports to shareholders under Section 30(d) of the 1940 Act, annual and semiannual reports on Form N-SAR, and notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2;

(d)    Arrangement for all meetings of shareholders, including the collection of all information required for preparation of proxy statements, the preparation and filing with appropriate regulatory agencies of such proxy statements, the supervision of solicitation of shareholders and shareholder nominees in connection therewith, tabulation (or supervision of the tabulation) of votes, response to all inquiries regarding such meetings from shareholders, the public and the media, and preparation and retention of all minutes and all other records required to be kept in connection with such meetings;

(e)    Maintenance and retention of all Trust charter documents and the filing of all documents required to maintain the Trust’s status as a Delaware business trust and as a registered open-end investment company;

(f)    Arrangement and preparation and dissemination of all materials for meetings of the Trustees and committees thereof and preparation and retention of all minutes and other records thereof;

(g)    Preparation and filing of the Trust’s federal, state, and local income tax returns and calculation of any tax required to be paid in connection therewith;

(h)    Calculation of the Fund’s expenses and arrangement for the payment thereof;

(i)    Calculation of and arrangement for payment of all income, capital gain, and other distributions to shareholders of the Fund;

 

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(j)    Determination, after consultation with the officers of the Trust, of the jurisdictions in which Shares shall be qualified for sale, or may be sold pursuant to an exemption from such qualification, and preparation and maintenance of the qualification of the Shares for sale under the securities laws of each such jurisdiction;

(k)    Provision of the services of persons who may be appointed as officers of the Trust by the Trustees (it is agreed that some person or persons may be officers of both the Trust and HA, and that the existence of any such dual interest shall not affect the validity of this Agreement except as otherwise provided by specific provision of applicable law);

(l)    Preparation and dissemination of the Trust’s quarterly financial information to the Trustees and preparation of such other reports relating to the business and affairs of the Trust as the officers and Trustees may from time to time reasonably request;

(m)    Provision of internal legal, accounting, compliance, audit, and risk management services and periodic reporting to the Trustees with respect to such services;

(n)    Negotiation, administration, and oversight of third party services to the Trust including, but not limited to, custody, tax, transfer agency, disaster recovery, audit, and legal services;

(o)    Negotiation and arrangement for insurance desired or required of the Trust and administering all claims thereunder;

(p)    Response to all inquiries by regulatory agencies, the press, and the general public concerning the business and affairs of the Trust, including the oversight of all periodic inspections of the operations of the Trust and its agents by regulatory authorities and responses to subpoenas and tax levies;

(q)    Handling and resolution of any complaints registered with the Trust by shareholders, regulatory authorities, and the general public;

(r)    Monitoring legal, tax, regulatory, and industry developments related to the business affairs of the Trust and communicating such developments to the officers and the Trustees as they may reasonably request or as HA believes appropriate;

(s)    Administration of operating policies of the Trust and recommendation to the officers and the Trustees of the Trust of modifications to such policies to facilitate the protection of shareholders or market competitiveness of the Fund and to the extent necessary to comply with new legal or regulatory requirements;

(t)    Responding to surveys conducted by third parties and reporting of Fund performance and other portfolio information; and

(u)    Filing of claims, class actions involving portfolio securities, and handling administrative matters in connection with the litigation or settlement of such claims.

 

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ARTICLE 3

Allocation of Charges and Expenses

3.1     Charges and Expenses Allocated to HA . HA shall provide all executive, administrative, clerical and other personnel necessary to operate the Trust and shall pay the salaries and other costs of employing all of these persons. HA shall also furnish the Trust with office space, facilities, and equipment and shall pay the day-to-day expenses related to the operation and maintenance of such office space, facilities and equipment.

3.2     Charges and Expenses Allocated to the Trust .

(a)    The Fund shall be responsible for payment of all expenses it may incur in its operation and all of its general administrative expenses, except those expressly assumed by HA as described in Section 3.1 above. These include (by way of description and not of limitation), any share redemption expenses, expenses of portfolio transactions, shareholder servicing costs, pricing costs, interest on borrowings by the Trust, charges of the custodians and transfer agent, if any, cost of auditing services, non-interested Trustees’ fees, all taxes and fees, investment advisory fees (other than subadvisory fees), certain insurance premiums, cost of maintenance of corporate existence, investor services (including allocable personnel and telephone expenses), costs of printing and mailing updated Trust Prospectuses to shareholders and contractholders, preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and shareholder reports to shareholders and contractholders, the cost of paying dividends and capital gains distributions, costs of Trustee and shareholder meetings, dues to trade organizations, and any extraordinary expenses, including litigation costs in legal actions involving the Trust, or costs related to indemnification of Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust.

(b)    In connection with the services to be provided by HA under this Agreement, HA may to the extent that it deems appropriate, make use of subcontractors selected by HA, provided that HA shall supervise and remain fully responsible for the services of all such third parties in accordance with and to the extent provided by this Agreement. All costs and expenses associated with services provided by any such third parties shall be borne by HA or such parties.

(c)    The Trust shall be free to retain at its expense other persons to furnish it with any services whatsoever, including, without limitation, statistical, factual or technical information or advice.

ARTICLE 4

Compensation of HA

4.1    For the services to be rendered, the facilities to be furnished and the payments to be made by HA, as provided herein, the Trust shall pay to HA for each of the Trust’s fiscal quarters on the last day of each such quarter a fee based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund, as applicable, as determined pursuant to the Trust’s registration statement and declaration of trust, at the annual rates of 0.45% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

4


4.2    For the quarter and year in which this Agreement becomes effective or terminates there shall be an appropriate proration on the basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during the quarter and year respectively.

4.3    If, pursuant to the Trust’s registration statement and declaration of trust, the net asset value is not required to be determined on any particular business day, then for the purpose of the foregoing computations, the net asset value of a share as last determined shall be deemed to be the net asset value of a share as of the close of business on that day.

4.4    HA agrees to pay, waive or absorb such ordinary operating expenses of the Fund (including any fees or expense reimbursements payable to HA or any affiliate of HA pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement, but excluding interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses of the Fund) (“Operating Expenses”) in an amount equal to the greater of (A) the amount by which the Operating Expenses exceed the aggregate per annum rate of 0.95% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund or (B) an amount sufficient to ensure that the seven day yield of the Fund does not fall below 0% (either, an “Expense Limitation”).

4.5    The Expense Limitation will remain in effect unless and until the Board of Trustees of the Trust approves its modification or termination. The Expense Limitation shall be compiled on an annual, fiscal year basis, but accrued daily and paid quarterly.

4.6    The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, agrees to carry forward for a period not to exceed three (3) years from the date such expense is paid, waived or absorbed by HA, and to reimburse HA out of assets belonging to the Fund for any Operating Expenses of the Fund in excess of an Expense Limitation that is paid or assumed by HA pursuant to this Agreement. Such reimbursement will be made as promptly as possible, and to the maximum extent permissible, without causing the Operating Expenses of the Fund for any year to exceed its Expense Limitation. This agreement of the Trust to reimburse HA for excess expenses of the Fund paid, waived or absorbed by HA shall terminate in the event HA or any affiliate of HA terminates any agreement now in effect between the Trust on behalf of the Fund and HA (or any affiliate of HA) without the consent of the Trust (other than a termination resulting from an assignment).

ARTICLE 5

Limitations of Liability

5.1     Limitation of Liability of HA . HA shall give the Trust the benefit of HA’s reasonable best judgment and efforts in rendering services under this Agreement; provided, that HA shall not be liable for any error of judgment or import of law, or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except loss resulting from: (i) willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of HA in the performance of its obligations and duties under this Agreement; and (ii) its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

5.2     Limitation of Liability of Trust . HA acknowledges that it has received notice of and accepts the limitations on the Trust’s liability as set forth in the Trust’s Declaration

 

5


of Trust, as amended from time to time. In accordance therewith, HA agrees that the Trust’s obligations hereunder shall be limited to the assets of the Fund, and with respect to the Fund shall be limited to the assets of the Fund, and no party shall seek satisfaction of any such obligation from any shareholder of the Trust, nor from any trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust.

ARTICLE 6

Books and Records

6.1    HA hereby undertakes and agrees to maintain, in the form and for the period required, all records relating to the Trust’s investments that are required to be maintained by the Trust pursuant to applicable law.

6.2    HA agrees that all books and records which it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any such books, records or information upon the Trust’s request. All such books and records shall be made available, within five business days of a written request, to the Trust’s accountants or auditors during regular business hours at HA’s offices. The Trust or its authorized representative shall have the right to copy any records in the possession of HA which pertain to the Trust. Such books, records, information or reports shall be made available to properly authorized government representatives consistent with state and federal law and/or regulations. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, all such books, records or other information shall be returned to the Trust free from any claim or assertion of rights by HA.

6.3    HA further agrees that it will not disclose or use any records or information obtained pursuant to this Agreement in any manner whatsoever except as authorized in this Agreement and that it will keep confidential any information obtained pursuant to this Agreement and disclose such information only if the Trust has authorized such disclosure, or if such disclosure is required by federal or state regulatory authorities.

ARTICLE 7

Duration and Termination of this Agreement

7.1     Effective Date and Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and shall continue in effect from year to year unless terminated as set forth in Section 7.2.

7.2     Termination .

(a)    As to the Fund or the Trust, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by vote of the Trustees or by HA, on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other party.

(b)    This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any penalty by vote of the Trustees in the event that it shall have been established by a court of competent jurisdiction that HA or any officer or director of HA has taken any action which results in a breach of the covenants of HA set forth herein.

 

6


(c)    This Agreement shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of the Trust.

ARTICLE 8

Amendments to this Agreement

8.1    This Agreement may be amended as to the Fund by the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by the Trustees.

ARTICLE 9

Miscellaneous Provisions

10.1     Other Relationships . It is understood that the officers, directors, agents, shareholders and other affiliates of the Trust are or may be interested in HA as officers, directors, agents, shareholders, affiliates or otherwise, and that the officers, directors, shareholders, agents and other affiliates of HA may be interested in the Trust otherwise than as a shareholder.

10.2     Definitions of Certain Terms . The terms “assignment”, “affiliated person” and “interested person”, when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act.

10.3     Applicable Law .

(a)    This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of Illinois without regard to conflicts of law principles or precedents.

(b)    This Agreement shall be subject to the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations and rulings thereunder, including such exemptions from those statutes, rules and regulations as the SEC may grant and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.

10.4     Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

10.5     Captions . The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.

10.6     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in multiple counterparts, each of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

10.7     Cooperation with Authorities . Each party hereto shall cooperate with the other party and all appropriate governmental authorities (including without limitation the SEC) and shall permit such authorities reasonable access to its books and records in connection with any investigation or inquiry relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

7


10.8     Cumulative Rights . The rights, remedies and obligations contained in this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to any and all rights, remedies and obligations, at law or in equity, which the parties hereto are entitled to under state and federal laws.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by their duly authorized officers all on the day and year first above written.

 

  HEWITT ASSOCIATES, LLC
  By:   /s/ Brian Fern                                                              
  Name:  Brian Fern
  Title:  VP-Legal
  HEWITT SERIES TRUST
  By:   /s/ Jeremy Fritz                                                           
  Name: Jeremy Fritz
  Title: President

 

8

Exhibit (h)(6)

BLUE SKY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of November 2017, by and between Alight Series Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of its sole series, the Alight Money Market Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust having its principal office and place of business at 4 Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, and BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC., a Massachusetts corporation having its principal office and place of business at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-0953 (the “Boston Financial”).

WHEREAS, the Trust desires to appoint Boston Financial as its agent to perform for the Fund certain services, as described herein; and

WHEREAS, Boston Financial desires to accept such appointment;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.

Terms of Appointment and Duties

 

  1.1

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Trust hereby employs and appoints Boston Financial to act as, and Boston Financial agrees to act as, its authorized agent in performing certain services for the Fund, as described in Schedule 1.1 to this Agreement (the “Services”).

 

  1.2

Boston Financial shall perform the Services in accordance with its standard procedures, with such changes or deviations therefrom as may be agreed upon in writing by the parties from time to time (the “Procedures”).

 

2.

Fees and Expenses

 

  2.1

Fee Schedule. For the performance by Boston Financial of the Services, the Fund agrees to pay Boston Financial the fees as set forth in the attached fee schedule (“Schedule 2.1”). Such fees may be changed from time to time subject to mutual written agreement between the Trust and Boston Financial.

 

  2.2

Other Fees and Expenses. In addition to the fees paid under Section  2.1 above, the Fund agrees to reimburse Boston Financial for other reasonable fees and expenses incurred in conjunction with performance of the Services and/or at the specific direction of the Fund.

 

  2.3

Increases. The fees and charges set forth on Schedule 2.1 may be increased (i) in accordance with Section  2.5 below; or (ii) upon at least ninety (90) days prior written notice, if changes in laws applicable to Boston Financial’s business or laws applicable to the Fund, which Boston Financial has agreed to abide by and implement, materially increase Boston Financial’s ongoing costs to provide the Services; or (iii) in connection

 

1


 

with the addition of new or additional features, services or modes of operation desired by the Fund. If Boston Financial notifies the Fund of a proposed increase in fees or charges pursuant to subparagraph (ii) of this Section  2.3 , the parties shall confer, diligently and in good faith, and agree upon such new fee or charge to cover the amount necessary, but not more than such amount, to reimburse Boston Financial for the increased costs of operation or new fund features.

 

  2.4

Invoices. The Fund agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the respective invoice, except for any fees or expenses that are subject to good faith dispute. In the event of such a dispute, the Fund may only withhold that portion of the fee or expense subject to the good faith dispute. The Fund shall notify Boston Financial in writing within twenty-one (21) days following the receipt of each invoice if the Fund is disputing any amounts in good faith. If the Fund does not provide such notice of dispute within the required time, the invoice will be deemed accepted by the Fund. The Fund shall settle such disputed amounts within five (5) days of the receipt by the Fund of reasonable supporting documentation or explanation from Boston Financial with respect to such disputed charge. If no agreement is reached, then such disputed amounts shall be settled as may be required by law or legal process.

 

  2.5

Cost of Living Adjustment. After the first year of the Initial Term (as defined in Section  9.1 ), the total fee for all services for each succeeding year shall equal the fee that would be charged for the same services based on the then current fee increased by the percentage increase for the twelve-month period of such previous calendar year of the CPI-W (defined below), or, in the event that publication of the CPI-W is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to both parties. As used herein, “CPI-W” shall mean the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for Boston-Brockton-Nashua, MA-NH-ME-CT, (Base Period: 1982-84 = 100), as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

  2.6

Late Payments. If any undisputed amount in an invoice of Boston Financial (for fees or reimbursable expenses) is not paid when due, Boston Financial may charge the Fund interest thereon (from the due date to the date of payment) at a per annum rate equal to one percent (1.0%) plus the Prime Rate (that is, the base rate on corporate loans posted by large domestic banks) published by The Wall Street Journal (or, in the event such rate is not so published, a reasonably equivalent published rate selected by Boston Financial) on the first day of publication during the month when such amount was due. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, such interest rate shall be no greater than permitted under applicable provisions of Massachusetts law.

 

3.

Representations and Warranties of Boston Financial

Boston Financial represents and warrants to the Trust that:

 

  3.1

It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

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  3.2

It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Organization and By-Laws to enter into and perform the services contemplated in this Agreement.

 

  3.3

All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

4.

Representations and Warranties of the Trust

The Trust represents and warrants to Boston Financial that:

 

  4.1

It is a trust or corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization.

 

  4.2

It is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

  4.3

All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

  4.4

It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

  4.5

A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the Fund is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all shares being offered for sale by the Fund, except where failure to have made, or not to make, such filings would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

 

5.

Indemnification

 

  5.1

Boston Financial shall not be responsible for, and the Trust shall indemnify and hold Boston Financial harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees (including the defense of any lawsuit in which Boston Financial or affiliate is a named party), payments, expenses and liability arising directly out of or attributable to:

(a) Any action of Boston Financial or its agents or subcontractors required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement, provided that such action is taken in good faith and without negligence or willful misconduct;

(b) The Fund’s negligence, willful misconduct or lack of good faith; or

(c) The reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted by Boston Financial, or its agents or subcontractors on: (i) any information, records, or data, which are received by Boston Financial or its agents or subcontractors (whether in hard copy or

 

3


machine readable input, facsimile, data entry, electronic instructions, or other similar means authorized by the Fund), and which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Fund, or any other person or firm on behalf of the Fund, including but not limited to any broker-dealer; (ii) any instructions or requests of the Fund or any of its officers; or (iii) any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons.

 

  5.2

Subject to the provisions of Section  6 , the Trust shall not be responsible for, and Boston Financial shall indemnify and hold the Trust harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising directly out of or attributable to any action by Boston Financial or its agents or subcontractors, or the failure of Boston Financial or its agents or subcontractors to act, as a result of Boston Financial’s negligence willful misconduct or lack of good faith in the performance of its Services hereunder.

 

  5.3

In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section  5 shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which one party may be required to indemnify the other party, the indemnified party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party of such assertion, and shall keep the indemnifying party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The indemnifying party shall have the option to participate with the indemnified party in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the indemnified party. The indemnified party shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnifying party may be required to indemnify the indemnified party except with the indemnifying party’s prior written consent.

 

6.

Standard of Care

 

  6.1

Boston Financial shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts in performing the Services under this Agreement, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors, unless said errors are caused by its negligence or willful misconduct or that of its employees, agents or subcontractors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Boston Financial’s aggregate liability during the term of this Agreement with respect to, arising from or arising in connection with this Agreement, or from all services provided or omitted to be provided by Boston Financial under this Agreement, whether in contract, or in tort, or otherwise, is limited to, and shall not exceed the aggregate of the amounts actually received for the Services under this Agreement by Boston Financial as fees and charges, but not including reimbursable expenses, during the twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding the first event for which recovery from Boston Financial is being sought. The foregoing limitation on liability shall not apply to any loss or damage resulting from any gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct by any of Boston Financial’s employees, agents or subcontractors. For purposes of this Section  6 : (i) “gross negligence” shall mean those acts undertaken or omitted with reckless disregard to the circumstances, in which the person ought to know that such acts or omissions violate this Agreement and are likely to cause damage or harm to the Fund; and (ii) “willful misconduct” shall mean those acts

 

4


 

undertaken or omitted purposefully under the circumstances in which the person knows that such acts or omissions violate this Agreement and are likely to cause damage or harm to the Fund.

 

7.

Confidentiality

 

  7.1

Boston Financial and the Trust agree that they will not, at any time during the term of this Agreement or after its termination, reveal, divulge, or make known to any person, firm, corporation or other business organization, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of the other party used or gained by Boston Financial or the Trust during performance under this Agreement (except where required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation). In the event of breach of the foregoing by either party, the parties agree that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available in law, equity, or otherwise for the disclosure of the Confidential Information in breach of this Agreement, the party whose Confidential Information is disclosed shall be entitled to seek and obtain a temporary restraining order, injunctive relief, or other equitable relief against the continuance of such breach. The above prohibition of disclosure shall not apply to the extent that Boston Financial must disclose such Confidential Information to a sub-contractor or Fund agent for purposes of providing Services under this Agreement.

 

  7.2

For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean: (a) with respect to Confidential Information of the Fund: (i) shareholder lists, cost figures and projections, profit figures and projections, all non-public information (including but not limited to trade secrets, proprietary information, and information about products, business methods and business plans) relating to the business of the Fund, or any other secret or confidential information whatsoever of the Fund; and (ii) all information that the Fund is obligated by law to treat as confidential for the benefit of third parties, including but not limited to Customer Information (defined below); and (b) with respect to Boston Financial’s Confidential Information: all non-public information, including but not limited to trade secrets, proprietary information, and information about products, business methods and business plans, customer names and other information related to customers, fee schedules, price lists, pricing policies, financial information, discoveries, ideas, concepts, software in various stages of development, designs, drawings, specifications, techniques, models, data, source code, object code, documentation, diagrams, flow charts, research, development, processes, procedures, “know-how,” organizational structure, user guides, marketing techniques and materials, marketing and development plans, and data processing software and systems relating to Boston Financial’s business, operations or systems (or to the business, systems or operations of the Boston Financial’s affiliates or other third parties).

 

  7.3

For purposes of this Agreement, “Customer Information” means all the customer identifying data however collected or received, including without limitation, through “cookies” or non-electronic means pertaining to or identifiable to the Fund’s Shareholders, prospective shareholders and plan administrators (collectively, “Fund Customers”), including without limitation, (i) name, address, email address, passwords,

 

5


 

account numbers, personal financial information, personal preferences, demographic data, marketing data, data about securities transactions, credit data or any other identification data; (ii) any information that reflects the use of or interactions with a Fund service, including the Trust’s web site; or (iii) any data otherwise submitted in the process of registering for a Fund service. For the avoidance of doubt, Customer Information shall include all “nonpublic personal information,” as defined under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-102, 113 Stat. 1138) (“GLB Act”) and all “personal information” as defined in the Massachusetts Standards for the Protection of Personal Information, 201 CMR 17.00, et seq. , (“Mass Privacy Act”).

 

  7.4

Boston Financial will use the Confidential Information, including Customer Information, only in compliance with (i) the provisions of this Agreement and (ii) federal and state privacy laws, including the GLB Act and the Mass Privacy Act, as applicable.

 

  7.5

In the event that any requests or demands are made for the inspection of the records of the Fund, Boston Financial will use reasonable efforts to notify the Fund (except where prohibited by law) and to secure instructions from an authorized officer of the Trust as to such inspection prior to permitting such inspection. Boston Financial expressly reserves the right, however, to exhibit the Fund’s records to any person whenever it is advised by counsel that it may be held liable for the failure to exhibit the records to such person. In such circumstance, Boston Financial shall notify the Fund (except where such notification is prohibited by law) that is has exhibited such records and to whom. In the event that Boston Financial is requested or authorized by the Fund, or required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with any investigation, examination or inspection of the Fund by state or federal regulatory agencies, to produce such records of the Fund or Boston Financial’s personnel as witnesses, the Fund agrees to pay Boston Financial for Boston Financial’s time and expenses, as well as the reasonable fees and expenses of Boston Financial’s counsel, incurred in responding to such request, order or requirement.

 

8.

Additional Commitments of the Parties

 

  8.1

Records. Boston Financial shall keep records relating to the services to be performed hereunder (i) in the form and manner as it may deem advisable and as may be required by applicable laws and regulations; and (ii) in accordance with its record retention policies. Records maintained by Boston Financial on behalf of the Trust or Fund shall be maintained by Boston Financial for such periods as may be required by applicable laws and regulations, or (to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations) until such earlier time as Boston Financial has delivered such records into the possession or the Fund or its designee or destroyed them at the Fund’s request.

 

  8.2

Information Security. Boston Financial has implemented and maintains at each service location physical and information security and data protection safeguards reasonbly designed to protect against the destruction, loss, theft, unauthorized access, unauthorized use, or alteration of the Trust’s Confidential Information, including Customer Information, in the possession of Boston Financial that will be no less rigorous than those

 

6


 

in place as of the date of this Agreement, and from time to time enhanced in accordance with changes in regulatory requirements. Boston Financial will, at a minimum, update its policies to remain compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, including those under the GLB Act and the Mass Privacy Act. Boston Financial will meet with the Fund, at its request, on an annual basis to discuss information security safeguards. If Boston Financial or its agents discover or are notified that someone has breached security relating to the Fund’s Confidential Information, including Customer Information, Boston Financial will promptly (a) notify the Fund of such breach, and (b) if the applicable Confidential Information was in the possession or under the control of Boston Financial or its agents at the time of such breach, Boston Financial will promptly (i) investigate such breach, and (ii) advise the Fund as to the steps being taken that to address such breach.

 

  8.3

Business Continuity. Boston Financial will maintain a comprehensive business continuity plan and will provide an executive summary of such plan upon reasonable request of the Fund. Boston Financial will test the adequacy of its business continuity plan at least annually and upon request, the Fund may participate in such test. Upon request by the Fund, Boston Financial will provide the Fund with a letter assessing the most recent business continuity test results. In the event of a business disruption that materially impacts Boston Financial’s provision of services under this Agreement, Boston Financial will promptly notify the Fund of the disruption and the steps being implemented under the business continuity plan.

 

  8.4

Inspections. During the term of this Agreement, authorized representatives of the Fund may conduct periodic inspections of Boston Financial’s facilities and Boston Financial’s records and procedures solely as they pertain to the Services for the Fund under or pursuant to this Agreement. Such inspections shall be conducted at the Fund’s expense and shall occur during Boston Financial’s regular business hours and, except as otherwise agreed to by the parties, no more frequently than once a year. In connection with such inspections, the Fund shall not attempt to access, nor will it review, the records of any other clients of Boston Financial and the Fund shall conduct the inspection in a manner that will not interfere with Boston Financial’s normal and customary conduct of its business activities, including the provision of services to the Fund and to other clients. Boston Financial shall have the right to immediately require the removal of any Fund representatives from its premises in the event that their actions, in the reasonable opinion of Boston Financial, jeopardize the information security of its systems and/or other client data or otherwise are disruptive to the business of Boston Financial. Boston Financial may require any persons seeking access to its facilities to provide reasonable evidence of their authority. Boston Financial may also reasonably require any of the Fund’s non-employee representatives to execute a confidentiality agreement before granting such individuals access to its facilities. Boston Financial will also provide reasonable access to the Fund’s governmental regulators, at the Fund’s expense, solely to (i) the Fund’s records held by Boston Financial and (ii) the procedures of Boston Financial directly related to its provision of services to the Fund under the Agreement.

9.           Termination of Agreement

 

7


  9.1

Term . The initial term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall be five (5) years from the date first stated above unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Section  9 . The term may be renewed for successive periods of one year each (“Renewal Term”). Either Boston Financial or the Trust shall give written notice to the other party at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of the Initial Term or of a Renewal Term if such party desires not to renew the Agreement for an additional one year period and in the absence of such notice, the Agreement shall renew automatically for such one year term. At least one hundred twenty (120) days before the expiration of the Initial Term or a Renewal Term, Boston Financial and the Trust will agree upon a Fee Schedule for the upcoming Renewal Term. In the event the parties fail to agree upon a new Fee Schedule as of such date, the Fee Schedule set forth as Schedule 2.1 hereto shall remain in effect subject to increase under Section  2.5 .

 

  9.2

Deconversion . In the event that this Agreement is terminated or not renewed for any reason by the Trust, Boston Financial, at the Trust’s request, shall offer reasonable assistance to the Fund (the “Deconversion”). Such Deconversion is subject to the recompense of Boston Financial for such assistance at its standard rates and fees in effect at the time and to a reasonable time frame for performance as agreed to by the parties. As used herein “reasonable assistance” and “transitional assistance” shall not include requiring Boston Financial (i) to assist any new service or system provider to modify, to alter, to enhance, or to improve such provider’s system, or to provide any new functionality to such provider’s system, or (ii) to disclose any confidential information of Boston Financial.

 

  9.3

Termination or Non Renewal.

(a) Outstanding Fees and Charges . In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement by the Trust, the Fund will promptly pay Boston Financial any fees and charges for the services provided under this Agreement (i) which have been accrued and remain unpaid as of the date of such notice of termination or non-renewal and (ii) which thereafter accrue for the period through and including the date of the Fund’s Deconversion.

(b) Deconversion Costs. In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, the Fund shall pay Boston Financial for the Deconversion costs as noted in Section  9.2; however , notwithstanding the foregoing, no payment for Deconversion shall be owed to Boston Financial if the Trust does not request Deconversion from Boston Financial, as set forth in Section  9.2 .

(c) Post-Deconversion Support Fees. In the event of termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, the Fund shall pay Boston Financial all reasonable fees and expenses for providing any support services that the Trust requests post Deconversion.

(d) Early Termination for Convenience . In addition to the foregoing, in the event that the Trust terminates this Agreement prior to the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal

 

8


Term other than for cause under Section  9.7 , the Fund shall pay Boston Financial as follows: (i) if such termination occurs on a date more than six months prior to the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term (as applicable), an amount equal to six times the average monthly fee paid by the Fund to Boston Financial under the Agreement; and (ii) if such termination occurs on a date within six months of the end of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term (as applicable), an amount equal to the average monthly fee paid by the Fund to Boston Financial under the Agreement multiplied by the number of months remaining in the Initial or Renewal Term (as applicable). In either of (i) or (ii) above, such average monthly fee will be calculated as set forth on the then current Fee Schedule, on the date notice of termination was given to Boston Financial.

(e) Due Dates for Payments. The amounts under paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) above shall become due and payable and shall be paid by the Fund on the business day immediately prior to the Deconversion. The amounts due under paragraph (c), if applicable, shall be invoiced as incurred and paid promptly by the Fund upon receipt of such invoices.

 

  9.4

Confidential Information . Upon termination of this Agreement, each party shall return to the other party all copies of confidential or proprietary materials or information received from such other party hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by such party under applicable laws or regulations.

 

  9.5

Unpaid Invoices . Except with respect to any amount subject to a good faith dispute within the meaning of Section  2.4 of this Agreement, Boston Financial may terminate this Agreement immediately if (i) an unpaid invoice payable by the Fund to Boston Financial has been outstanding for more than ninety (90) days after receipt by the Fund, and (ii) Boston Financial has made a good faith effort to contact the Fund to alert the Fund about the unpaid invoice prior to the end of that ninety (90) day period.

 

  9.6

Bankruptcy. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by notice to the other party, effective at any time specified therein, in the event that (a) the other party ceases to carry on its business or (b) an action is commenced by or against the other party under Title 11 of the United States Code or a receiver, conservator or similar officer is appointed for the other party and such suit, conservatorship or receivership is not discharged within thirty (30) days.

 

  9.7

Cause. If either of the parties hereto becomes in default in the performance of its duties or obligations hereunder and such default has a material adverse effect on the other party, then the non-defaulting party may give notice to the defaulting party specifying the nature of the default in sufficient detail to permit the defaulting party to identify and cure such default. If the defaulting party fails to cure such default within sixty (60) days of receipt of such notice, or within such other period of time as the parties may agree is necessary for such cure (the “Cure Period”), then the non-defaulting party may terminate this Agreement upon notice to the defaulting party of not less than sixty (60) days [subsequent to the expiration of the Cure Period].

 

  9.8

Within thirty (30) days after completion of a Deconversion, the Fund will give notice to

 

9


 

Boston Financial containing reasonable instructions regarding the disposition of any records or other property belonging to the Fund and then in Boston Financial’s possession and shall make payment for Boston Financial’s reasonable costs to comply with such notice. In no event shall Boston Financial be required to keep archived versions of the Fund’s records beyond the requirements of law applicable to its business and the terms of this Section  9.8 .

 

  10.

Assignment and Third Party Beneficiaries

 

  10.1

Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder may be assigned by either party without the written consent of the other party. Any attempt to do so in violation of this Section shall be void. Unless specifically stated to the contrary in any written consent to an assignment, no assignment will release or discharge the assignor from any duty or responsibility under this Agreement.

 

  10.2

Except as explicitly stated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing under this Agreement shall be construed to give any rights or benefits in this Agreement to anyone other than Boston Financial and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the duties and responsibilities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of Boston Financial and the Trust. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

  10.3

This Agreement does not constitute an agreement for a partnership or joint venture between Boston Financial and the Trust. Neither party shall make any commitments with third parties that are binding on the other party without the other party’s prior written consent.

11.        Subcontractors

 

  11.1

Boston Financial may, without further consent on the part of the Fund, subcontract for the performance hereof with an affiliate of Boston Financial; provided however, that any of the representations, warranties, commitments or other obligations that Boston Financial has made, or is subject to, shall apply to such subcontractor in the same manner as such apply to Boston Financial.

 

  11.2

For purposes of this Agreement, unaffiliated third parties such as, by way of example and not limitation, Airborne Services, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, the United States Postal Service, the NSCC and telecommunication companies, shall not be deemed to be subcontractors of Boston Financial.

 

  12.

Miscellaneous

 

  12.1

Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified by a written agreement executed by both parties.

 

10


  12.2

Massachusetts Law to Apply. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  12.3

Force Majeure. In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes.

 

  12.4

Consequential Damages. Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for special, indirect or consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement or for any special, indirect or consequential damages arising out of any act or failure to act hereunder.

 

  12.5

Survival. All provisions regarding indemnification, warranty, liability, and limits thereon, and confidentiality and/or protections of proprietary rights and trade secrets shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

  12.6

Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

 

  12.7

Priorities Clause. In the event of any conflict, discrepancy or ambiguity between the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and any Schedules or attachments hereto, the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall take precedence.

 

  12.8

Waiver. No waiver by either party or any breach or default of any of the covenants or conditions herein contained and performed by the other party shall be construed as a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or of any other covenant or condition.

 

  12.9

Merger of Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.

 

  12.10

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto on any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

  12.11.

Reproduction of Documents. This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business,

 

11


 

and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

 

  12.12

Notices. All notices and other communications as required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other address or addresses of which the respective party shall have notified the other.

 

  (a)    If to Boston Financial, to:
     Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
     2000 Crown Colony Drive
     Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
     Attention: General Counsel, Legal Department
     Facsimile: 617-483-7091
  (b)    If to the Fund, to:
     Alight Series Trust
     4 Overlook Point
     Lincolnshire, IL 60069
     Attn: Douglas Keith

 

12


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.

 

ALIGHT SERIES TRUST

  

BOSTON FINANCIAL DATA

SERVICES, INC.

 

  By:                                                                           

  

  By:                                                                           

 

  Name:                                                                      

  

  Name:                                                                      

 

  Title:                                                                        

  

  Title:                                                                        

 

 

13


SCHEDULE 1.1

BLUE SKY SERVICES

Fund Responsibilities

In connection with the provision of the Services by Boston Financial, Fund shall:

 

  1.

Identify the states and territories where the Fund’s shares will be offered for sale;

 

  2.

Determine the availability of any exemptions under a jurisdiction’s Blue Sky laws with the assistance of Boston Financial;

 

  3.

Work with Boston Financial to identify what systematic exemptions will be taken by the Fund and coded on the Fund’s Transfer Agent’s system;

 

  4.

Provide written instructions in Boston Financial’s standard format to implement systematic exemptions and exclusions from reporting where practicable on the Fund’s Transfer Agent system or the Boston Financial Blue Sky software system;

 

  5.

Provide written instructions to Boston Financial to remove current permit period sales from Boston Financial’s Blue Sky software database upon determination that such sales qualify for exemptions or exclusion from reporting to the applicable states where registration fees are based on sales;

 

  6.

Facilitate the issuance of a limited power of attorney in favor of Boston Financial in the form set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement in order that Boston Financial may submit Notice Filings and other filings required by the states and territories and payments with respect thereto on behalf of the Fund;

 

  7.

To the extent the Fund is notified by an intermediary of new sales data feeds, notify Boston Financial in writing of any changes to or additions of Blue Sky sales data feeds and work with Boston Financial to facilitate the necessary updates;

 

  8.

Serve as liaison with the Fund to facilitate the transmission of wire transfers for payment by the Fund for invoiced state fees as needed; and

 

  9.

Provide written instruction detailing action to be taken upon receipt of written notification from Boston Financial that a direct broker Blue Sky sales feed is available for activation.

Boston Financial Responsibilities

Boston Financial will perform the Services set forth below.

 

  1.

File Initial Notice Filings, as applicable, in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

  2.

File the Fund’s renewals and amendments to reflect name changes, terminations, domicile changes, issuer address changes, fiscal year end changes, distributor changes, as applicable, in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

14


  3.

File the Fund’s sales reports to the extent required by applicable law, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

  4.

Invoice the Fund for fees owed to each state in accordance with procedures agreed upon in writing by Fund and Boston Financial;

 

  5.

At the direction of the Fund, make payments, at the expense of the Fund, of Notice Filing fees;

 

  6.

File the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information, supplied by the Fund, and any amendments and supplements thereto to the extent required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

  7.

File annual reports and proxy statements, supplied by the Fund to the extent required by the applicable laws of the states and territories;

 

  8.

File all necessary notices to permit the Fund (or class of the Fund, as applicable) that is eligible for reduced fees applicable to money market funds or otherwise to qualify for reduced fees in a state or territory;

 

  9.

File all correspondence and related documentation so as to provide notice of the Fund’s intent to take exemptions if such notice is required by the state or territory in order to permit the Fund to utilize such exemptions;

 

  10.

Advise the Fund prior to communicating with the states and territories regarding any sales in excess of the registered amount for a permit so the Fund can advise in writing the action to be taken;

 

  11.

Provide the Fund information regarding the Sales to Existing Shareholders Exemptions and the Institutional Investor Exemptions available in the states and territories;

 

  12.

Include in sales report filings, all sales reported to Boston Financial via (i) transfer agency Blue Sky sales feed and; (ii) broker Blue Sky sales feeds, including, without limitation, feeds that (a) were transferred as part of the conversion from the Fund’s prior Blue Sky vendor, or (b) confirmed in writing by the Fund to be activated, less any exempt sales that the Fund has directed Boston Financial in writing to remove prior to such filing.

 

  13.

At the direction of the Fund, serve as liaison between the Fund and the applicable Blue Sky jurisdiction:

 

  14.

Provide information concerning Blue Sky reporting requirements and mutual fund industry Blue Sky reporting practices including utilization of exemptions and intermediary data feeds;

 

  15.

Conduct annual due diligence reviews;

 

  16.

In the event that Boston Financial becomes aware of the sale of the Fund’s shares in a jurisdiction in which no Notice Filing has been made, Boston Financial shall report such information to the Fund and the Fund shall instruct Boston Financial with respect to the corrective action to be taken;

 

  17.

File all additional amendments to increase registered amounts in accordance with agreed upon procedures in all states and territories in which the Fund’s shares will be offered, in the form of and as required by the applicable laws of the states and territories; and

 

  18.

Perform such additional services as Boston Financial and the Fund may agree upon in writing and added to this Agreement by amendment.

 

15


SCHEDULE 2.1

FEES AND EXPENSES

Effective date: November 1, 2017 through October 31, 2022

 

Blue Sky Service Fees

  

$101.00 annually, per each state permit

State Registration Filings (billed monthly at the rate of 1/12th of the annual fee)

  

Ongoing Sales Feed Set-Up

  

$1,000.00 per data feed

One-time complex fee for establishing additional transfer agency / broker sales feeds

  

Annual fee per direct broker/dealer linkage

  

$500.00 per data feed

Pricing includes the following expenses associated with Blue Sky Services only: mailing, postage, customized programming/enhancements, telecommunications, and check fees.

 

16

Exhibit (i)(2)

[Letterhead of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP]

April 30, 2018

Alight Series Trust

4 Overlook Point

Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069

Re: Alight Series Trust

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We refer to our opinion to you dated April 30, 2014 (the “Opinion”) concerning the valid issuance of Shares of the Funds referenced therein. We hereby consent to the filing of the Opinion as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Trust’s Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 as filed on or about the date hereof. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. In giving this consent, we do not undertake to, and have not, updated our Opinion in any respect. Our Opinion continues to speak only as of the date thereof and is based on our understandings and assumptions as to the facts on such date and our review of the documents referenced in the Opinion and the application of the Delaware law as the same existed on the date of the Opinion. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise herein defined are used as defined in the Opinion.

 

Very truly yours,
MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL LLP
/s/ Louis G. Hering                            
Louis G. Hering

Exhibit (j)(1)

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Alight Series Trust of our report dated February 26, 2018, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appears in Alight Money Market Fund’s Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended December 31, 2017.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Master Investment Portfolio of our report dated February 26, 2018, relating to the financial statements, which appears in Treasury Money Market Master Portfolio’s Annual Report on Form N-CSR for the year then ended December 31, 2017.

We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 30, 2018

Exhibit (q)(1)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, each being a trustee of the Alight Series Trust (the “Trust”), hereby appoints each of Jason Krellner, Doug Keith and Alan Goldberg as his true and lawful attorney and agent to take any and all action and execute any and all instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Trust to comply with the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules, regulations, orders or other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including specifically, but without limitation of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of said trustee on his behalf to any Registration Statement and to any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and to any instruments or documents filed or to be filed as a part of or in connection with such Registration Statement or amendment or supplement thereto; and the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

For the undersigned, this Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect until revoked by the undersigned in a signed writing delivered to the foregoing attorney and agent.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be executed this 30 th day of April, 2018.

 

/s/ Jeremy Fritz

Jeremy Fritz

/s/ John D. Oliverio

John D. Oliverio

/s/ Donald S. Hunt

Donald S. Hunt