As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2020.
Registration Nos. 333-146374
811-22127


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
Post-Effective Amendment No. 73
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 74
(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800) 345-6611

Christopher O. Petersen, Esq.
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Ryan C. Larrenaga, Esq.
c/o Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Name and Address of Agents for Service)

It is proposed that this filing will become effective immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(d).
This Post-Effective Amendment relates to Variable Portfolio - Partners International Growth Fund.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-146374) is being filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), solely for the purpose of adding exhibits to such Registration Statement. Accordingly, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 consists only of a facing page, this explanatory note, and Part C of the Registration Statement on Form N-1A. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 does not change the form of any prospectus or Statement of Additional Information included in post-effective amendments previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). As permitted by Rule 462(d), this Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 shall become effective upon filing with the SEC.



PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(a)(1) Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 11, 2007 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (a)(1) 9/28/2007
(a)(2) Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 9, 2008 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #2 on Form N-1A (a)(2) 4/21/2008
(a)(3) Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 8, 2009 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #5 on Form N-1A (a)(3) 4/29/2009
(a)(4) Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 14, 2010 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #8 on Form N-1A (a)(4) 4/14/2010
(a)(5) Amendment No. 5 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 6, 2010 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #9 on Form N-1A (a)(5) 4/30/2010
(a)(6) Amendment No. 6 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective November 11, 2010 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #15 on Form N-1A (a)(6) 4/29/2011
(a)(7) Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 13, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #15 on Form N-1A (a)(7) 4/29/2011
(a)(8) Amendment No. 8 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 15, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #20 on Form N-1A (a)(8) 3/2/2012
(a)(9) Amendment No. 9 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 12, 2012 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #20 on Form N-1A (a)(9) 3/2/2012
(a)(10) Amendment No. 10 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective June 14, 2012 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #31 on Form N-1A (a)(10) 4/26/2013
(a)(11) Amendment No. 11 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 13, 2012 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #31 on Form N-1A (a)(11) 4/26/2013
(a)(12) Amendment No. 12 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 16, 2013 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #31 on Form N-1A (a)(12) 4/26/2013
(a)(13) Amendment No. 13 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 17, 2013 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #31 on Form N-1A (a)(13) 4/26/2013
(a)(14) Amendment No. 14 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 11, 2014 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #38 on Form N-1A (a)(14) 4/29/2014
(a)(15) Amendment No. 15 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 14, 2015 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #46 on Form N-1A (a)(15) 5/15/2015
(a)(16) Amendment No. 16 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 19, 2016 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (a)(16) 4/28/2016

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(a)(17) Amendment No. 17 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective November 14, 2016 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #54 on Form N-1A (a)(17) 2/17/2017
(a)(18) Amendment No. 18 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective April 21, 2017 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #55 on Form N-1A (a)(18) 4/27/2017
(a)(19) Amendment No. 19 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective November 14, 2017 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (a)(19) 12/19/2017
(a)(20) Amendment No. 20 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective December 19, 2017 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #61 on Form N-1A (a)(20) 2/21/2018
(a)(21) Amendment No. 21 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective May 1, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (a)(21) 12/7/2018
(a)(22) Amendment No. 22 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective September 13, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (a)(22) 12/7/2018
(a)(23) Amendment No. 23 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective January 31, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #68 on Form N-1A (a)(23) 4/26/2019
(a)(24) Amendment No. 24 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust effective June 19, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (a)(24) 4/28/2020
(b) By-laws, effective September 6, 2007, most recently amended February 10, 2016 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (b) 4/28/2016
(c) Stock Certificate:
Not Applicable.
           
(d)(1) Management Agreement (amended and restated), dated April 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (d)(1) 4/28/2016
(d)(1)(i) Schedule A and Schedule B, effective July 1, 2019, to the Management Agreement (amended and restated), dated April 25, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust 333-89661 Post-Effective Amendment #184 on Form N-1A (d)(1)(i) 7/29/2019
(d)(2) Management Agreement, dated November 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (d)(2) 12/19/2017
(d)(2)(i) Schedule A and Schedule B, effective February 2, 2018, to the Management Agreement between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Post-Effective Amendment #175 on Form N-1A (d)(2)(i) 2/16/2018

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(3) Management Agreement, effective May 1, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CVPCSF Offshore Fund, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Commodity Strategy Fund, a series of Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (d)(3) 4/28/2016
(d)(4) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and American Century Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(4) 5/15/2014
(d)(4)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of September 20, 2017, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and American Century Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (d)(4)(i) 12/19/2017
(d)(5) Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 13, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and AQR Capital Management, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (d)(5) 4/27/2018
(d)(6)(i) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 26, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (d)(6)(i) 4/27/2018
(d)(6)(ii) Sub-Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 26, 2018, between BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and BlackRock International Limited Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (d)(6)(ii) 4/27/2018
(d)(7) Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BMO Asset Management Corp. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #55 on Form N-1A (d)(6) 4/27/2017
(d)(7)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of August 2, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and BMO Asset Management Corp. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(7)(i) 12/7/2018
(d)(8) Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 2, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and CenterSquare Investment Management LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #61 on Form N-1A (d)(7) 2/21/2018
(d)(9) Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, amended December 5, 2013 (Amendment No. 1), between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(9) 5/15/2014

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(9)(i) Amendment No. 2, as of June 5, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, amended December 5, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #41 on Form N-1A (d)(10) 8/20/2014
(d)(9)(ii) Amendment No. 3, as of January 30, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, amended December 5, 2013 and June 5, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #68 on Form N-1A (d)(10)(ii) 4/26/2019
(d)(9)(iii) Amendment No. 4, as of November 20, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 23, 2011, amended December 5, 2013, June 5, 2014 and January 30, 2019, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Post-Effective Amendment #206 on Form N-1A (d)(10)(ii) 12/20/2019
(d)(10) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(14) 5/15/2014
(d)(10)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of June 17, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #42 on Form N-1A (d)(16) 8/20/2014
(d)(10)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of April 21, 2017, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended June 17, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #57 on Form N-1A (d)(15) 9/18/2017
(d)(10)(iii) Amendment No. 3, as of June 28, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended June 17, 2014 and April 21, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(11)(iii) 12/7/2018
(d)(11) Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #55 on Form N-1A (d)(16) 4/27/2017
(d)(11)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of July 13, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(12)(i) 12/7/2018

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(11)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of March 19, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, as amended July 13, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #70 on Form N-1A (d)(12)(ii) 05/20/2019
(d)(12) Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(16) 5/15/2014
(d)(12)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of November 19, 2015, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (d)(17) 4/28/2016
(d)(12)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of October 21, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, as amended November 19, 2015, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (d)(12)(ii) 4/28/2020
(d)(12)(iii) Amendment No. 3, as of February 5, 2020, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, as amended November 19, 2015 and October 21, 2019 between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (d)(12)(iii) 4/28/2020
(d)(13) Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #55 on Form N-1A (d)(21) 4/27/2017
(d)(13)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of May 31, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(15)(i) 12/7/2018
(d)(13)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of November 20, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, as amended May 31, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (d)(13)(ii) 4/28/2020
(d)(14) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Massachusetts Financial Services Company Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(18) 5/15/2014

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(14)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of February 10, 2016, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (d)(20) 4/28/2016
(d)(14)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of September 20, 2017, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended February 10, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Massachusetts Financial Services Company Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (d)(17)(ii) 12/19/2017
(d)(15) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(20) 5/15/2014
(d)(15)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of February 10, 2016, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (d)(22) 4/28/2016
(d)(15)(ii) Amendment No. 2, as of March 27, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended February 10, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(17)(ii) 12/7/2018
(d)(16) Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #55 on Form N-1A (d)(26) 4/27/2017
(d)(16)(i) Amendment No. 1, dated May 31, 2018 to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated February 15, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(18)(i) 12/7/2018
(d)(17)(i) Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 17, 2020, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (d)(17)(i) 5/12/2020
(d)(17)(ii) Sub-Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 17, 2020, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (d)(17)(ii) 5/12/2020
(d)(18) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 18, 2019, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Scout Investments, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #70 on Form N-1A (d)(18) 5/20/2019

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(19) Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 18, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #41 on Form N-1A (d)(27) 8/20/2014
(d)(19)(i) Amendment No. 1, dated March 13, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 18, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(21)(i) 12/7/2018
(d)(20) Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 14, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #53 on Form N-1A (d)(29) 11/14/2016
(d)(20)(i) Amendment No. 1, dated July 24, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 14, 2016, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(22)(i) 12/7/2018
(d)(20)(ii) Amendment No. 2, dated November 9, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 14, 2016, as amended July 24, 2018, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(22)(ii) 12/7/2018
(d)(20)(iii) Amendment No. 3, dated March 19, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated September 14, 2016, as amended July 24, 2018 and November 9, 2018 between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #70 on Form N-1A (d)(22)(iii) 5/20/2019
(d)(21) Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and TCW Investment Management Company Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(26) 5/15/2014
(d)(21)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of November 1, 2019, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and TCW Investment Management Company LLC (formerly TCW Investment Management Company) Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (d)(20)(i) 4/28/2020
(d)(22) Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 11, 2008, last amended January 16, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(27) 5/15/2014
(d)(22)(i) Amendment, as of November 1, 2018, to Amended and Restated Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 11, 2008, last amended January 16, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Threadneedle International Limited Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(24)(i) 12/7/2018

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(d)(23) Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 19, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Victory Capital Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(29) 5/15/2014
(d)(23)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of May 13, 2019, to Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 19, 2013, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Victory Capital Management Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (d)(22)(i) 4/28/2020
(d)(24) Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 17, 2020, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Walter Scott & Partners Limited Filed Herewith Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #73 on Form N-1A (d)(24) 5/15/2020
(d)(25) Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Incorporated Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (d)(30) 5/15/2014
(d)(25)(i) Amendment No. 1, as of July 18, 2014, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Incorporated Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #42 on Form N-1A (d)(34) 10/15/2014
(d)(25)(ii) Amendment No. 2, dated April 21, 2017, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended July 18, 2014, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Incorporated Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #57 on Form N-1A (d)(35) 9/18/2017
(d)(25)(iii) Amendment No. 3, as of June 25, 2018, to the Subadvisory Agreement, dated April 8, 2010, as amended July 18, 2014 and April 21, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (formerly RiverSource Investments, LLC) and Wells Capital Management Incorporated Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #66 on Form N-1A (d)(26)(iii) 12/7/2018
(d)(26) Subadvisory Agreement, dated June 21, 2017, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #57 on Form N-1A (d)(36) 9/18/2017
(d)(27) Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 19, 2019, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and William Blair Investment Management, LLC Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #70 on Form N-1A (d)(26) 5/20/2019
(e)(1) Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement by and between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #50 on Form N-1A (e)(1) 4/28/2016

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(e)(1)(i) Schedule I, effective July 1, 2019, and Schedule II, dated September 7, 2010, to the Distribution Agreement, amended and restated as of March 1, 2016, between Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (e)(1)(i) 4/28/2020
(f) Deferred Compensation Plan, adopted as of December 31, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Post-Effective Amendment #52 on Form N-1A (f) 2/24/2012
(g)(1) Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (g)(1) 5/15/2014
(g)(2) Addendum (related to Columbia Variable Portfolio – Emerging Markets Bond Fund and Columbia Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Fund, now known as Variable Portfolio – Managed Volatility Moderate Growth Fund), dated March 9, 2012, and Addendum (related to Columbia Variable Portfolio – Commodity Strategy Fund), dated March 15, 2013, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #39 on Form N-1A (g)(2) 5/15/2014
(g)(3) Side letter (related to the China Connect Service on behalf of Columbia Variable Portfolio - Emerging Markets Fund and Columbia Variable Portfolio – Overseas Core Fund (formerly known as Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select International Equity Fund)), dated March 6, 2018, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (g)(3) 4/27/2018
(g)(4) Addendum (related to Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Large Cap Equity Fund), dated November 8, 2017, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Global Custody Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated March 7, 2011 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (g)(4) 12/19/2017
(h)(1) Shareholder Services Agreement by and between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., dated July 1, 2017 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #57 on Form N-1A (h)(1) 9/18/2017
(h)(1)(i) Schedule A, effective May 1, 2018, and Schedule B, effective July 1, 2017, to the Shareholder Services Agreement by and between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., dated July 1, 2017 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (h)(1)(i) 4/27/2018

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(h)(2) Amended and Restated Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, effective July 1, 2016, by and among Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Post-Effective Amendment #145 on Form N-1A (h)(5) 6/27/2016
(h)(2)(i) Schedule A, effective July 1, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Fee Waiver and Expense Cap Agreement, effective July 1, 2016, by and among Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., the Registrant, Columbia Funds Series Trust and Columbia Funds Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust 333-89661 Post-Effective Amendment #184 on Form N-1A (h)(2)(i) 7/29/2019
(h)(3) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated September 11, 2007, between RiverSource Variable Portfolio Funds, each a series of a Minnesota corporation, and corresponding RiverSource Variable Portfolio Funds, each a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, now known as Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II, a Massachusetts business trust, and between RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Core Bond Fund, a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, and RiverSource Variable Portfolio – Diversified Bond Fund, a series of RiverSource Variable Series Trust, now known as Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #2 on Form N-1A (h)(5) 4/21/2008
(h)(4) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 20, 2010 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #15 on Form N-1A (h)(9) 4/29/2011
(h)(5) Agreement and Plan of Redomiciling, dated December 20, 2010 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #15 on Form N-1A (h)(10) 4/29/2011
(h)(6) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated October 9, 2012 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust 333-89661 Post-Effective Amendment #117 on Form N-1A (h)(9) 5/30/2013
(h)(7) Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated December 17, 2015 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust 333-208706 Registration Statement on Form N-14 (4) 12/22/2015
(h)(8) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as of December 3, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (h)(7) 12/20/2019
(h)(9) Master Inter-Fund Lending Agreement, dated May 1, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Registration Statement on Form N-1A (h)(11) 5/25/2018

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(h)(9)(i) Schedule A and Schedule B to the Master Inter-Fund Lending Agreement, dated July 1, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (h)(9)(i) 5/12/2020
(i)(1) Opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of the securities being registered Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #38 on Form N-1A (i) 4/29/2014
(i)(2) Opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of the securities being registered for Columbia Variable Portfolio – Select Large Cap Equity Fund Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #59 on Form N-1A (i)(2) 12/19/2017
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: Not Applicable            
(k) Omitted Financial Statements: Not Applicable.            
(l) Initial Capital Agreement: Not Applicable.            
(m)(1) Plan of Distribution and Agreement of Distribution, effective May 1, 2009, amended and restated March 7, 2011, between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #38 on Form N-1A (m)(1) 4/29/2014
(m)(1)(i) Schedule A, effective July 1, 2019, to the Plan of Distribution and Agreement of Distribution, effective May 1, 2009, amended and restated March 7, 2011, between the Registrant and Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (m)(1)(i) 4/28/2020
(n) Rule 18f – 3(d) Plan, amended and restated June 19, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (n) 4/28/2020
(o) Reserved.            
(p)(1) Code of Ethics adopted under Rule 17j-1 for Registrant, effective March 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #68 on Form N-1A (p)(1) 4/26/2019
(p)(2) Columbia Threadneedle Global Personal Account Dealing and Code of Ethics Policy, effective December 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust II 333-131683 Post-Effective Amendment #209 on Form N-1A (p)(2) 2/27/2020
(p)(3) American Century Investment Management, Inc. Code of Ethics, updated August 21, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (p)(3) 5/12/2020
(p)(4) AQR Capital Management, LLC Code of Ethics, as amended April 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust I 2-99356 Post-Effective Amendment #349 on Form N-1A (p)(3) 4/25/2019
(p)(5) BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Code of Ethics, effective November 23, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #68 on Form N-1A (p)(5) 4/26/2019
(p)(6) BNY Mellon Code of Conduct (for Walter Scott & Partners Limited) effective November 2019 Filed Herewith Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #73 on Form N-1A (p)(6) 5/15/2020
(p)(7) BMO Asset Management Corp. Code of Ethics, dated October 30, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust I 2-99356 Post-Effective Amendment #374 on Form N-1A (p)(9) 4/27/2020

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(p)(8) CenterSquare Investment Management LLC Code of Ethics, effective December 5, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(7) 4/28/2020
(p)(9) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Code of Ethics, effective January, 2020 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(8) 4/28/2020
(p)(10) J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Code of Ethics, effective February 1, 2005, last revised December 13, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(9) 4/28/2020
(p)(11) Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated January 1, 2016 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #62 on Form N-1A (p)(12) 4/27/2017
(p)(12) Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Code of Ethics, effective January 14, 2000, as amended April 18, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust I 2-99356 Post-Effective Amendment #332 on Form N-1A (p)(11) 8/27/2018
(p)(13) Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated January 7, 2020 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(12) 4/28/2020
(p)(14) Massachusetts Financial Services Company Code of Ethics, effective December 16, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(13) 4/28/2020
(p)(15) Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. Code of Ethics, effective December 12, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(14) 4/28/2020
(p)(16) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Code of Ethics, dated August 26, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(15) 4/28/2020
(p)(16)(i) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Code of Ethics Supplement, amended September 25, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (p)(15)(i) 5/12/2020
(p)(17) Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. Code of Ethics, effective May 1, 2017, revised May 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #72 on Form N-1A (p)(16) 5/12/2020
(p)(18) Scout Investments, Inc. Code of Ethics, effective August 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(16) 4/28/2020
(p)(19) Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC Code of Ethics, dated October 1, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #68 on Form N-1A (p)(18) 4/26/2019
(p)(20) T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and Its Affiliates Code of Ethics, as of December 1, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(18) 4/28/2020
(p)(21) TCW Investment Management Company LLC Code of Ethics, dated December 16, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust I 2-99356 Post-Effective Amendment #374 on Form N-1A (p)(5) 4/27/2020
(p)(22) Victory Capital Management Inc. Code of Ethics, effective July 1, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(20) 4/28/2020
(p)(23) Wells Capital Management Incorporated Code of Ethics, effective January 2020 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Series Trust I 2-99356 Post-Effective Amendment #374 on Form N-1A (p)(11) 4/27/2020
(p)(24) Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. Code of Ethics, as of August 16, 2019 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (p)(22) 4/28/2020

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description Filed Herewith or
Incorporated by Reference
Information About the Filing that Includes the Document Incorporated by Reference
Registrant
that Made
the Filing
File No.
of Such
Registrant
Type of
Filing
Exhibit of
Document
in that
Filing
Filing
Date
(p)(25) William Blair Investment Management, LLC Code of Ethics, as of July 31, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #70 on Form N-1A (p)(24) 5/20/2019
(q)(1) Trustees’ Power of Attorney to sign Amendments to this Registration Statement, dated January 1, 2018 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #61 on Form N-1A (q)(1) 2/21/2018
(q)(2) Power of Attorney for Michael G. Clarke, dated May 23, 2016 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #52 on Form N-1A (q)(3) 6/1/2016
(q)(3) Power of Attorney for Christopher O. Petersen, dated February 16, 2015 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #44 on Form N-1A (q)(5) 2/20/2015
(q)(4) Power of Attorney for Joseph Beranek, dated January 3, 2020 Incorporated by Reference Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II 333-146374 Post-Effective Amendment #71 on Form N-1A (q)(4) 4/28/2020
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (the investment manager or Columbia Management), as sponsor of the Columbia funds, may make initial capital investments in Columbia funds (seed accounts). Columbia Management also serves as investment manager of certain Columbia funds-of-funds that invest primarily in shares of affiliated funds (the underlying funds). Columbia Management does not make initial capital investments or invest in underlying funds for the purpose of exercising control. However, since these ownership interests may be significant, in excess of 25%, such that Columbia Management may be deemed to control certain Columbia funds, procedures have been put in place to assure that public shareholders determine the outcome of all actions taken at shareholder meetings. Specifically, Columbia Management (which votes proxies for the seed accounts) and the Boards of Trustees of the affiliated funds-of-funds (which votes proxies for the affiliated funds-of-funds) vote on each proposal in the same proportion as the vote of the direct public shareholders vote; provided, however, that if there are no direct public shareholders of an underlying fund or if direct public shareholders represent only a minority interest in an underlying fund, the Fund may cast votes in accordance with instructions from the independent members of the Board.
Item 30. Indemnification
Article VII of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, provides that no trustee or officer of the Registrant shall be subject to any liability to any person in connection with Registrant property or the affairs of the Registrant, and no trustee shall be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrongdoing of any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Registrant or for the act or omission of any other trustee, all as more fully set forth in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is filed as an exhibit to this registration statement. Article 5 of the Registrant’s Bylaws provides that the Registrant shall indemnify and hold harmless its trustees and officers (including persons who serve at the Registrant’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any interest) (Covered Persons) against liabilities and expenses in connection with the defense or disposition of any proceeding in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved or with which such Covered Person may be or may have been threatened by reason of any alleged act or omission as a trustee or officer or by reason of his or her being or having been such a Covered Person, under specified circumstances, all as more fully set forth in the Bylaws, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
Section 17(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) provides that no instrument pursuant to which Registrant is organized or administered shall contain any provision which protects or purports to protect any trustee or officer of Registrant against any liability to Registrant or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
The Registrant’s Declaration of Trust provides that nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect any trustee or officer against any liabilities to the Registrant or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office or position with or on behalf of the Registrant and the Registrant’s Bylaws provides that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s office.

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. agrees to indemnify the Registrant, its officers and trustees against claims, demands, liabilities and expenses under specified circumstances, all as more fully set forth in the Registrant’s Distribution Agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
The Registrant may be party to other contracts that include indemnification provisions for the benefit of the Registrant’s trustees and officers.
The trustees and officers of the Registrant and the personnel of the Registrant’s investment adviser and principal underwriter are insured under an errors and omissions liability insurance policy. Registrant’s investment adviser, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, maintains investment advisory professional liability insurance to insure it, for the benefit of Registrant and its non-interested trustees, against loss arising out of any effort, omission, or breach of any duty owed to Registrant or any series of Registrant by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 1933 Act) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Registrant’s organizational instruments or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and, therefore, is unenforceable.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
To the knowledge of the Registrant, none of the directors or officers of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management), the Registrant’s investment adviser, or any subadviser to a series of the Registrant, except as set forth below, are or have been, at any time during the Registrant’s past two fiscal years, engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature.
(1) Columbia Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., performs investment advisory services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Columbia Management and the directors and principal officers of Columbia Management is also included in the Form ADV filed by Columbia Management with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-25943), which information is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to their position with Columbia Management, certain directors and officers of Columbia Management also hold various positions with, and engage in business for, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. or its other subsidiaries.
(2) American Century Investment Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of American Century Investment Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by American Century Investment Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of American Century Investment Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of American Century Investment Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by American Century Investment Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-8174), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(3) AQR Capital Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of AQR Capital Management, LLC and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s portfolio(s) subadvised by AQR Capital Management, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of AQR Capital Management, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of AQR Capital Management, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by AQR Capital Management, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-55543), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(4) BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-48433), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(5) BlackRock International Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of BlackRock International Limited is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by BlackRock International Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of BlackRock International Limited and the

 

  directors and principal executive officers of BlackRock International Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by BlackRock International Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-51087), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(6) BMO Asset Management Corp. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of BMO Asset Management Corp. and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s portfolio(s) subadvised by BMO Asset Management Corp. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of BMO Asset Management Corp. and the directors and principal executive officers of BMO Asset Management Corp. is also included in the Form ADV filed by BMO Asset Management Corp. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-35533), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(7) CenterSquare Investment Management LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of CenterSquare Investment Management LLC is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by CenterSquare Investment Management LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of CenterSquare Investment Management LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of CenterSquare Investment Management LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by CenterSquare Investment Management LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-111965), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(8) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-16283), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(9) J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-21011), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(10) Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-28257), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(11) Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.is also included in the Form ADV filed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-170), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(12) Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. and certain of its officers is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s portfolio(s) subadvised by Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-60934), which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(13) Massachusetts Financial Services Company performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Massachusetts Financial Services Company is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Massachusetts Financial Services Company and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Massachusetts Financial Services Company and the directors and principal executive officers of Massachusetts Financial Services Company is also included in the Form ADV filed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-17352), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(14) Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-15757), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(15) Nuveen Asset Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-71957), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(16) Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-15834), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(17) Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd and the directors and principal executive officers of Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd is also included in the Form ADV filed by Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-37163), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(18) Scout Investments, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Scout Investments, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Scout Investments, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Scout Investments, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Scout Investments, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Scout Investments, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-60188), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(19) Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-47232), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(20) T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of

 

  Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-856), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(21) TCW Investment Management Company LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of TCW Investment Management Company LLC is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by TCW Investment Management Company LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of TCW Investment Management Company LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of TCW Investment Management Company LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by TCW Investment Management Company LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-29075), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(22) Threadneedle International Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Threadneedle International Limited is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Threadneedle International Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Threadneedle International Limited and the directors and principal executive officers of Threadneedle International Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by Threadneedle International Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-63196), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(23) Victory Capital Management Inc. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Victory Capital Management Inc. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Victory Capital Management Inc. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Victory Capital Management Inc. and the directors and principal executive officers of Victory Capital Management Inc. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Victory Capital Management Inc. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-46878), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(24) Walter Scott & Partners Limited performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Walter Scott & Partners Limited is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Walter Scott & Partners Limited and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Walter Scott & Partners Limited and the directors and principal executive officers of Walter Scott & Partners Limited is also included in the Form ADV filed by Walter Scott & Partners Limited with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-19420), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(25) Wells Capital Management Incorporated performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Wells Capital Management Incorporated is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Wells Capital Management Incorporated and the directors and principal executive officers of Wells Capital Management Incorporated is also included in the Form ADV filed by Wells Capital Management Incorporated with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-21122), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(26) Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. and the directors and principal executive officers of Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. is also included in the Form ADV filed by Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P. with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-69413), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
(27) William Blair Investment Management, LLC performs investment management services for the Registrant and certain other clients. Information regarding the business of William Blair Investment Management, LLC is set forth in the Prospectus(es) and Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant’s series that are subadvised by William Blair Investment Management, LLC and is incorporated herein by reference. Information about the business of William

 

  Blair Investment Management, LLC and the directors and principal executive officers of William Blair Investment Management, LLC is also included in the Form ADV filed by William Blair Investment Management, LLC with the SEC pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (File No. 801-80640), which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter
(a) Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies, including the Registrant:
  Columbia Acorn Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust; Columbia Funds Series Trust I; Columbia Funds Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable Series Trust II; Columbia Funds Variable Insurance Trust and Wanger Advisors Trust.
(b) As to each director, principal officer or partner of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc.
    
Name and
Principal Business Address*
  Position and Offices
with Principal Underwriter
  Positions and Offices with Registrant
William F. Truscott   Chief Executive Officer and Director   Board Member, Senior Vice President
Scott E. Couto   President and Director   None
Michael S. Mattox   Chief Financial Officer   None
Michael E. DeFao   Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Secretary   Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Stephen O. Buff   Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer   None
James Bumpus   Vice President – National Sales Manager   None
Thomas A. Jones   Vice President and Head of Strategic Relations   None
Gary Rawdon   Vice President – Sales Governance and Administration   None
Leslie A. Walstrom   Vice President and Head of North America Marketing   None
Daniel J. Beckman   Vice President and Head of North America Product and Director   None
Marc Zeitoun   Chief Operating Officer, North American Distribution   None
Thomas R. Moore   Secretary   None
Paul B. Goucher   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Amy L. Hackbarth   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   None
Mark D. Kaplan   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   None
Nancy W. LeDonne   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   None
Ryan C. Larrenaga   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Joseph L. D’Alessandro   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Assistant Secretary
Christopher O. Petersen   Vice President and Assistant Secretary   President and
Principal Executive Officer
Shweta J. Jhanji   Vice President and Treasurer   None
Michael Tempesta   Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Identity Theft Prevention Officer   None
Kevin Wasp   Ombudsman   None
Kristin Weisser   Conflicts Officer   None
* The principal business address of Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110.
(c) Not Applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules thereunder include:
Registrant, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
Registrant’s investment adviser and administrator, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
Registrant’s subadviser, American Century Investment Management, Inc., 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111-7709;
Registrant’s subadviser, AQR Capital Management, LLC, Two Greenwich Plaza, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830;
Registrant’s subadviser, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055;

 

Registrant’s sub-subadviser, BlackRock International Limited, Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BL, Scotland;
Registrant’s subadviser, BMO Asset Management Corp., 115 South LaSalle Street, 11th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60603;
Registrant’s subadviser, CenterSquare Investment Management LLC, 630 W Germantown Pike, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462;
Registrant’s subadviser, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One, Austin, TX 78746;
Registrant’s subadviser, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179;
Registrant’s subadviser, Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc., 100 Campus Drive, 2nd Floor West, Florham Park, NJ 07932-0650;
Registrant’s subadviser, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111-2621;
Registrant’s subadviser, Los Angeles Capital Management and Equity Research, Inc., 11150 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025;
Registrant’s subadviser, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02199;
Registrant’s subadviser, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036;
Registrant’s subadviser, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606;
Registrant’s subadviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc., 7 Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018-3706;
Registrant’s sub-subadviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd, 1 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU, UK;
Registrant’s subadviser, Scout Investments, Inc., 1201 Walnut Street, 21st Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106;
Registrant’s subadviser, Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC, 540 West Madison Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60661-2551;
Registrant’s subadviser, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202;
Registrant’s subadviser, TCW Investment Management Company LLC, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90017;
Registrant’s subadviser, Threadneedle International Limited, Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6AG, UK;
Registrant’s subadviser, Victory Capital Management Inc., 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256;
Registrant’s subadviser, Walter Scott & Partners Limited, One Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR, UK;
Registrant’s subadviser, Wells Capital Management Incorporated, 525 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105;
Registrant’s subadviser, Westfield Capital Management Company, L.P., One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111;
Registrant’s subadviser, William Blair Investment Management, LLC, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL, 60606;
Former subadviser, Columbia Wanger Asset Management, LLC, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606;
Former subadviser, Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-2761;
Former subadviser, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85756;
Former subadviser, Denver Investment Advisors LLC, 370 17th Street, Suite 5000, Denver, CO 80202 (merged into Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC, 540 West Madison Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60661-2551);
Former subadviser, Eaton Vance Management, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110;
Former subadviser, FIAM LLC (d/b/a Pyramis Global Advisors), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917;
Former subadviser, Donald Smith & Co., Inc., 152 West 57th Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019;
Former subadviser, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282;
Former subadviser, Holland Capital Management LLC, 303 W. Madison Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60606;
Former subadviser, Invesco Advisers, Inc., 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309;
Former subadviser, Jennison Associates LLC, 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017;
Former subadviser, Kennedy Capital Management, Inc., 10829 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63141;
Former subadviser, The London Company of Virginia, 1800 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23226;
Former subadviser, Marsico Capital Management, LLC, 1200 17th Street, Suite 1600, Denver, CO 80202;
Former subadviser, Mondrian Investment Partners Limited, 10 Gresham Street, 5th Floor, London EC2V7JD, UK;

 

Former subadviser, NFJ Investment Group LLC, 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75201 (merged into Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75201);
Former subadviser, OppenheimerFunds, Inc. 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281;
Former subadviser, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660;
Former subadviser, Palisade Capital Management, L.L.C., One Bridge Plaza North, Suite 695, Fort Lee, NJ 07024;
Former subadviser, River Road Asset Management, LLC, 462 South Fourth Street, Suite 2000, Louisville, KY 40202-3466;
Former subadviser, Sit Investment Associates, Inc., 3300 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402;
Former subadviser, Snow Capital Management L.P., 1605 Carmody Court, Suite 300, Sewickley, PA 15143-8992;
Former subadviser, Turner Investments, L.P., 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, PA 19312 (merged into Turner Investments LLC, 1000 Chesterbrook Boulevard, 1st Floor, Berwyn, PA 19312-2414);
Former subadviser, Winslow Capital Management, LLC, 4400 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402;
Registrant’s principal underwriter, Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
Registrant’s transfer agent, Columbia Management Investment Services Corp., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110;
Registrant’s sub-transfer agent, DST Asset Manager Services, 2000 Crown Colony Dr., Quincy, MA 02169; and
Registrant’s custodian, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, NY 10005.
In addition, Iron Mountain Records Management is an off-site storage facility housing historical records that are no longer required to be maintained on-site. Records stored at this facility include various trading and accounting records, as well as other miscellaneous records. The address for Iron Mountain Records Management is 920 & 950 Apollo Road, Eagan, MN 55121.
Certain information on the above-referenced physical possession of accounts, books and other documents is also included in the Registrant’s filings on Form N-CEN filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2020.
Item 34. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings
Not Applicable.


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II, has duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, and the State of Minnesota on the 15th day of May, 2020.
.
COLUMBIA FUNDS VARIABLE SERIES TRUST II
By: /s/ Christopher O. Petersen
  Christopher O. Petersen
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 15th day of May, 2020.
Signature Capacity Signature Capacity
/s/ Christopher O. Petersen President
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Patricia M. Flynn* Trustee
Christopher O. Petersen Patricia M. Flynn
/s/ Michael G. Clarke* Chief Financial Officer,
Principal Financial Officer
and Senior Vice President
/s/ Brian J. Gallagher* Trustee
Michael G. Clarke Brian J. Gallagher
/s/ Joseph Beranek* Treasurer, Chief
Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer) and Principal Financial Officer
/s/ Anthony M. Santomero* Trustee
Joseph Beranek Anthony M. Santomero
/s/ Catherine James Paglia* Chair of the Board /s/ Minor M. Shaw* Trustee
Catherine James Paglia Minor M. Shaw
/s/ George S. Batejan* Trustee /s/ William F. Truscott* Trustee
George S. Batejan William F. Truscott
/s/ Kathleen A. Blatz* Trustee /s/ Sandra Yeager* Trustee
Kathleen A. Blatz Sandra Yeager
/s/ Pamela G. Carlton* Trustee    
Pamela G. Carlton    
    
* By:
Name:
/s/ Joseph D’Alessandro  
Joseph D’Alessandro**
Attorney-in-fact
 
** Executed by Joseph D’Alessandro on behalf of Michael G. Clarke pursuant to a Power of Attorney, dated May 23, 2016 and incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (q)(3)), filed with the Commission on June 1, 2016, on behalf of Joseph Beranek pursuant to a Power of Attorney, dated January 3, 2020, and incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (q)(4)), filed with the Commission on April 28, 2020 and on behalf of each of the Trustees pursuant to a Trustees Power of Attorney, dated January 1, 2018 and incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registration Statement No. 333-146374 of the Registrant on Form N-1A (Exhibit (q)(1)), filed with the Commission on February 21, 2018.


Exhibit Index
(d)(24) Subadvisory Agreement, dated March 17, 2020, between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC and Walter Scott & Partners Limited
(p)(6) BNY Mellon Code of Conduct (for Walter Scott & Partners Limited) effective November 2019

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

Agreement made as of the 17th day of March, 2020 by and between Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (“Investment Manager”), and Walter Scott & Partners Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of the United Kingdom (“Subadviser”).

WHEREAS, the Fund listed in Schedule A is a series of an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

WHEREAS, Investment Manager entered into a Management Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Fund pursuant to which Investment Manager provides investment advisory services to the Fund.

WHEREAS, Investment Manager and the Fund each desire to retain Subadviser to provide investment advisory services to the Fund, and Subadviser is willing to render such investment advisory services.

WHEREAS, the effective date of this Agreement is May 15, 2020.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

1.

Subadviser’s Duties.

 

  (a)

Portfolio Management. Subject to supervision by Investment Manager and the Fund’s Board of Directors/Trustees (the “Board”), Subadviser shall manage the investment operations and the composition of that portion of the assets of the Fund which is allocated to Subadviser from time to time by Investment Manager (which portion may include any or all of the Fund’s assets), including the purchase, retention, and disposition thereof, in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions as set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus and SAI (as such terms are defined below), and subject to the following understandings:

 

  (i)

Investment Decisions. Subadviser shall determine from time to time what investments and securities will be purchased, retained, or sold with respect to that portion of the Fund allocated to it by Investment Manager, and what portion of such assets will be invested or held uninvested as cash. Subadviser is prohibited from consulting with any other subadviser of the Fund concerning transactions of the Fund in securities or other assets, other than for purposes of complying with the conditions of Rule 12d3-1(a) or (b) of the 1940 Act. Subadviser will not be responsible for voting proxies issued by companies held in the Fund although Investment Manager may consult with Subadviser from time to time regarding the voting of proxies of securities owned by the Fund. Subadviser will not be responsible for taking any action including filing claims or other

 

 

1 | Page


  documents or investigating, initiating or monitoring any class action, securities litigation or other litigation related to securities currently or previously held by that portion of the Fund allocated to it by Investment Manager, although Investment Manager may consult with Subadviser from time to time regarding the filing of claims in class action settlements.

 

  (ii)

Investment Limits. In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, Subadviser shall act in conformity with applicable limits and requirements, as amended from time to time, as set forth in the (a) Fund’s prospectus (“Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”); (b) instructions and directions of Investment Manager and of the Board as provided to the Subadviser; and (c) requirements of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as applicable to the Fund, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Investment Manager agrees to give Subadviser prompt written notice if Investment Manager believes any recommendations, advice or investments to be in violation of (a), (b) or (c) above.

 

  (iii)

Portfolio Transactions.

 

  (A)

Trading. With respect to the securities and other investments to be purchased or sold for the Fund, Subadviser shall place orders with or through such persons, brokers, dealers, or futures commission merchants (including, but not limited to, broker-dealers that are affiliated with Investment Manager or Subadviser) selected by Subadviser; provided, however, that such orders shall be consistent with Subadviser’s securities execution policy; conform with federal securities laws; and be consistent with seeking best execution. The Subadviser may consider the research, investment information, and other services provided by, and the financial responsibility of, prices of, services of, and quality of execution of brokers, dealers, or futures commission merchants who may effect, or be a party to, any such transaction or other transactions to which Subadviser’s other clients may be a party in accordance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To the extent permitted by law, and consistent with its obligation to seek best execution, Subadviser may execute transactions or pay a broker-dealer a commission, spread or markup in excess of that which another broker-dealer might have charged for executing a transaction provided that Subadviser determines, in good faith, that the execution is appropriate or the commission, spread or markup is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and other clients for which it acts as subadviser.

 

 

2 | Page


  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent Subadviser is directed by Investment Manager to use a particular broker or brokers to borrow securities to cover securities sold short, Subadviser shall have no responsibility for setting the rate charged to borrow a security or otherwise ensuring that the rate charged by such broker to borrow a security is favorable.

 

  (B)

Aggregation of Trades. Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities or other investments to be sold or purchased for the Fund as well as other clients of Subadviser in order to seek best execution. In such event, allocation of the securities or futures contracts so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by Subadviser in the manner Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.

 

  (C)

Subadviser will not arrange purchases or sales of securities or other investments between the Fund and other accounts advised by Subadviser or its affiliates unless (a) such purchases or sales are in accordance with applicable law (including Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act) and the Fund’s policies and procedures as provided in writing to Subadviser along with any amendments, and (b) Subadviser determines the purchase or sale is in the best interests of the Fund.

 

  (iv)

Records and Reports. Subadviser (a) shall maintain such books and records for such time periods as are required of an SEC-registered investment adviser to an investment company registered under the 1940 Act, (b) shall render to the Board such periodic and special reports as the Board (or a Committee thereof) or Investment Manager may reasonably request in writing, and (c) shall meet with any persons at the request of Investment Manager or the Board for the purpose of reviewing Subadviser’s performance under this Agreement at reasonable times and upon reasonable advance notice.

 

  (v)

Transaction Reports. Subadviser shall provide Investment Manager a daily trade file with information relating to all transactions concerning the allocated portion of the Fund’s assets for which Subadviser is responsible and shall provide Investment Manager with such other information regarding the Fund upon Investment Manager’s reasonable request. Subadviser shall affirm or send a trade file of these transactions as instruction to the custodian of the Fund.

 

 

3 | Page


  (vi)

Management of Funds with Multiple Subadvisers. Subadviser’s responsibilities for providing services to a Fund shall be limited to the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to Subadviser (“Subadviser Account”). Subadviser shall not, without the prior approval of Investment Manager, effect any transactions that would cause the Subadviser Account, treated as a separate fund, to be out of compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions. Subadviser shall not consult with any other subadviser of a Fund concerning transactions for the Fund in securities or other assets other than for purposes of complying with the conditions of Rule 12d3-1(a) or (b) of the 1940 Act.

 

  (b)

Compliance Program and Ongoing Certification(s). As requested, Subadviser shall timely provide to Investment Manager (i) information and commentary for the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, in a format approved by Investment Manager, and shall (a) certify that such information and commentary does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the information and commentary not misleading, in a format reasonably requested by Investment Manager, as it may be amended from time to time, and (b) provide (i) additional certifications related to Subadviser’s management of the Fund in order to support the Fund’s filings on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q, and the Fund’s Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications under Rule 30a-2 of the 1940 Act, thereon; in a format reasonably requested by Investment Manager, as it may be amended from time to time, (ii) a quarterly sub-certification with respect to compliance matters related to Subadviser and Subadviser’s management of the Fund, in a format reasonably requested by Investment Manager, as it may be amended from time to time; (iii) an annual certification from Subadviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, appointed under Rule 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”), or his or her designee with respect to the design and operation of Subadviser’s compliance program, in a format reasonably requested by Investment Manager, as it may be amended from time to time; and (iv) from time to time Subadviser shall provide such certifications to assist Investment Manager in fulfilling Investment Manager’s obligations under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act, as are reasonably requested by the Fund or Investment Manager. In addition, Subadviser will, from time to time, provide a written assessment of its compliance program in conformity with current industry standards that is reasonably acceptable to Investment Manager to enable the Fund to fulfill its obligations under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act.

 

  (c)

Maintenance of Records. Subadviser shall timely furnish to Investment Manager all information relating to Subadviser’s services hereunder which Subadviser is required by law or regulation to keep and which are needed by Investment Manager to maintain the books and records of the Fund required under the 1940 Act. Subadviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and Subadviser will surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request; provided, however, that Subadviser may retain a copy of such records. Subadviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed under the 1940 Act any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to paragraph 1(a) hereof.

 

 

4 | Page


  (d)

Insurance and Code of Ethics. Subadviser will provide the Fund with reasonable evidence that, with respect to its activities on behalf of the Fund, Subadviser is maintaining (i) commercially reasonable errors and omissions insurance, consistent with industry practices, and (ii) an appropriate Code of Ethics and related reporting procedures.

 

  (e)

Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto agrees that it shall exercise the same standard of care that it uses to protect its own confidential and proprietary information (“Confidential Information”), but no less than reasonable care, to protect the Confidential Information of the other party. As used herein, Confidential Information, includes, but is not limited, to “Fund Portfolio Information,” which refers to confidential and proprietary information with regard to (i) the portfolio holdings and characteristics of the portion of the Fund allocated to Subadviser that Subadviser manages under the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) any copies of any agreements between the Investment Manager and its various counterparties and all the terms and provisions contained therein, which the Investment Manager (which term shall include the Investment Manager’s directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, proposed financing sources, attorneys and accountants) may furnish, disclose or reveal to Subadviser (which term shall include Subadviser’s directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, proposed financing sources, attorneys and accountants). Each party hereby agrees to restrict access to the other party’s Confidential Information to its officers, employees, and agents who will use it only for the purpose of providing services under this Agreement. The foregoing shall not prevent a party from disclosing Confidential Information (1) that is publicly known or becomes publicly known through no unauthorized act; (2) that is rightfully received from a third party without obligation of confidentiality; (3)(a) that, in the case of Investment Manager’s Confidential Information, is approved in writing by Investment Manager for disclosure, (3)(b) that, in the case of Subadviser’s Confidential Information, is approved in writing by Subadviser for disclosure; (4) that is disclosed in the course of a regulatory examination or that is required to be disclosed pursuant to a requirement of a governmental or regulatory agency or law, so long as the disclosing party provides (to the extent permitted under applicable law) the non-disclosing party (i.e., the party whose Confidential Information would be disclosed) with prompt written notice of such requirement prior to any such disclosure; however, Subadviser is not required to provide such notice if information is provided on an aggregate basis without specific attribution to the Fund; (5) to affiliates that have a reason to know such information; (6) to the custodian of the Fund; (7) to brokers and dealers that are counterparties for trades for the Fund; (8) to futures commission merchants executing or clearing transactions in connection with the Fund, if applicable; and (9) to third party service providers to Subadviser subject to confidentiality agreements or duties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent Fund Portfolio Information is similar to investments for other clients of Subadviser, Subadviser may disclose such investments without direct reference to the Fund. Investment Manager agrees that Subadviser may identify Investment Manager or the Fund by name in Subadviser’s current client list. Such list may be used with third parties.

 

 

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  (f)

Cooperation. As reasonably requested by Investment Manager or the Board and in accordance with the scope of Subadviser’s obligations and responsibilities contained in this Agreement, Subadviser will cooperate with, and provide reasonable assistance to, Investment Manager or the Fund as needed in order for Investment Manager and the Fund to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder and the evaluation of any actions under U.S. or foreign securities laws pursuant to which the Fund may be able to assert a potential claim.

 

2.

Investment Manager’s Duties. Investment Manager shall continue to have responsibility for all other services to be provided to the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement and shall oversee and review Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. Investment Manager shall also retain direct portfolio management responsibility with respect to any assets of the Fund which are not allocated by it to the portfolio management of Subadviser as provided in paragraph 1(a) hereof or to any other subadviser. Investment Manager will periodically provide to Subadviser a list of the “affiliated persons” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of Investment Manager, the Fund, or other investment advisers of the Fund, as applicable, to which investment restrictions apply, and will specifically identify in writing (a) all publicly traded companies that issue securities in which the Fund may not invest, together with ticker symbols for all such companies, and (b) any affiliated brokers and any restrictions that apply to the use of those brokers by Subadviser. Neither Subadviser nor any of its directors, officers, partners, principals, employees or agents shall have responsibility whatsoever for, and shall incur no liability on account of (i) diversification, selection or establishment of such investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, (ii) advice on, or management of, any assets for the Fund other than the assets for which Investment Manager has delegated investment discretion to Subadviser, (iii) filing of any tax or information returns or forms, withholding or paying any taxes, or seeking any exemption or refund, (iv) registration of the Fund with any government or agency, (v) administration of the plans and trusts investing in the Fund, or (vi) overall Fund compliance with requirements of the 1940 Act and Subchapter M of the Code, relating to percentage limitations applicable to the Fund’s assets that would require knowledge of the Fund’s holdings other than the assets subject to this Agreement.

 

3.

Documents Provided to Subadviser. Investment Manager has delivered or will deliver to Subadviser current copies and supplements thereto of each of the Prospectus and SAI pertaining to the Fund, and will promptly deliver to it all future amendments and supplements, prior to the effective date of any such amendment or supplement, regarding changes to Subadviser, its services to the Fund or investment policies and strategies, if any.

 

 

6 | Page


4.

Compensation of Subadviser. For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement, Investment Manager will pay to Subadviser, effective from the date of this Agreement, a fee which shall be determined daily and paid monthly, on or before the last business day of the next succeeding calendar month, at the annual rates set forth in the attached Schedule A which Schedule can be modified from time to time upon mutual agreement of the parties to reflect changes in annual rates, subject to appropriate approvals required by the 1940 Act, if any. Prior to the Investment Manager instructing payment to the Subadviser, it shall provide the fee calculation to the Subadvisor giving 24 hours’ notice so as to enable the Subadvisor to verify the calculation via email. If this Agreement becomes effective or terminates before the end of any month, the fee for the period from the effective date to the end of the month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion that such portion of the month bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination occurs. During the term of this Agreement, Subadviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement other than costs in connection with the purchase or sale of securities and other assets (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the Fund.

 

5.

Expenses. Subadviser shall bear all expenses incurred by it and its staff with respect to all activities in connection with the performance of Subadviser’s services under this Agreement, including but not limited to salaries, overhead, travel, preparation of Board materials, review of marketing materials relating to Subadviser or other information provided by Subadviser to Investment Manager and/or the Fund’s distributor, and marketing support. Subadviser agrees to pay to Investment Manager the reasonable cost of generating a prospectus supplement, in an amount not to exceed $30,000 per supplement, which includes preparation, filing, printing, and distribution (including mailing) of the supplement, if the Subadviser makes any changes that counsel to the Fund deems to require disclosure in the prospectus or any required regulatory documents that may be caused by changes to its structure or ownership, to investment personnel, to investment style or management, or otherwise (“Changes”), and at the time of notification to the Fund or Investment Manager by the Subadviser of such Changes, the Fund is not generating a supplement for other purposes or the Fund or the Investment Manager does not wish to add such Changes to a pending supplement. In the event two or more subadvisers, if applicable, each require a supplement simultaneously, the expense (other than the costs of printing and mailing) of a combined supplement will be shared pro rata with such other subadviser(s) based upon the number of pages required by each such subadviser, and each such subadviser shall pay its pro rata share of printing and mailing costs and expenses based upon the number of supplements required to be printed and mailed, provided that Subadviser’s pro rata share of the costs shall not exceed $30,000. All other expenses not specifically assumed by Subadviser hereunder or by Investment Manager under the Advisory Agreement are borne by the applicable Fund.

In the event that there is a proposed change in control of Subadviser that would act to terminate this Agreement, if a vote of shareholders to approve continuation of this Agreement is at that time deemed by counsel to the Fund to be required by the 1940 Act or any rule or regulation thereunder, Subadviser agrees to assume all reasonable costs, in an amount not to exceed $30,000, associated with soliciting shareholders of the appropriate Fund(s), to approve continuation of this Agreement. Such expenses include the reasonable costs of preparation, filing and mailing of a proxy statement, and of soliciting proxies.

 

 

7 | Page


In the event that such proposed change in control of Subadviser shall occur and the Fund is operating under an exemptive order issued by the SEC to Investment Manager with respect to the appointment of subadvisers absent shareholder approval, Subadviser agrees to assume all reasonable costs and expenses (including the costs of preparation, mailing and filing), in an amount not to exceed $30,000, associated with the preparation of an information statement, required by the exemptive order containing all information that would be included in a proxy statement.

 

6.

Representations of Subadviser. Subadviser represents and warrants as follows:

 

  (a)

Subadviser (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not an affiliated person of the Investment Manager or of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act (other than by virtue of serving as a Subadviser to the Fund); (iii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iv) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act; (v) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, detect violations that have occurred, correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide prompt notice of any material violations relating to the Fund to Investment Manager; (vi) has met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) has the authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; and (viii) will promptly notify Investment Manager (1) in the event that Subadviser becomes an affiliated person of the Investment Manager or of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act (other than by virtue of serving as a subadviser to the Fund); (2) of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify Subadviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act, (3) in the event the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or other governmental authority has: censured Subadviser; placed limitations upon the activities, functions or operations of Subadviser; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions, (4) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and (5) of any material fact known to Subadviser respecting or relating to Subadviser that is not contained in the Prospectus, and is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or of any statement relating to Subadviser contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect.

 

 

8 | Page


  (b)

Subadviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and will provide Investment Manager with a copy of the code of ethics. Within 60 days of the end of the last calendar quarter of each year that this Agreement is in effect, a duly authorized officer of Subadviser shall certify to Investment Manager that there has been no material violation of Subadviser’s code of ethics or, if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. To the extent Subadviser has approved any material changes to its code of ethics, such revised code together with an explanation of such amendments shall be promptly (but in no event later than 60 days) provided to Investment Manager.

 

  (c)

Subadviser has provided Investment Manager with a copy of Subadviser’s Form ADV Part 2A, and promptly will furnish a copy of any amendments to such Form ADV Part 2A to Investment Manager (at least annually).

 

  (d)

Subadviser will promptly notify Investment Manager of any changes in the controlling shareholder, in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for managing the assets of the Fund (as stated in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI) or in the Managing Director of Subadviser, or if there is otherwise an actual change in control or management of Subadviser.

 

7.

Representations of Investment Manager. Investment Manager represents and warrants as follows:

 

  (a)

Investment Manager (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect; (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer under Rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act; (iv) has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Advisers Act from occurring, detect violations that have occurred, correct promptly any violations that have occurred, and will provide prompt notice of any material violations relating to the Fund to the Subadviser; (v) has met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; (vi) has the authority, subject to Board approval, to appoint the Subadviser as the subadviser to the Fund and enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement; and (vii) will promptly notify Subadviser (1) of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify Investment Manager from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise, (2) in the event the SEC or other governmental authority has: censured Investment

 

 

9 | Page


  Manager; placed limitations upon its activities, functions or operations; or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions or (3) upon having a reasonable basis for believing that the Fund has ceased to qualify or might not qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

  (b)

Investment Manager agrees that neither it nor any of its affiliates will in any way refer directly or indirectly to its relationship with Subadviser, or any of its affiliates in offering, marketing, or other promotional materials without the prior written consent of Subadviser; provided that Investment Manager shall not be required to obtain Subadviser’s prior written consent to make factual statements regarding the fact that Subadviser serves as subadviser to the Fund, in responding to requests for information, in required disclosures or in responding to regulatory inquiries.

 

  (c)

The Fund is and will continue to be the owner of all assets for which Investment Manager delegates investment discretion to Subadviser from time to time, and there are and will continue to be no restrictions on the pledge, hypothecation, transfer, sale or public distribution of such assets.

 

  (d)

Investment Manager is establishing and will be maintaining the Fund’s account with Subadviser solely for the purpose of investing the relevant assets and not with a view to obtaining information regarding portfolio holdings or investment decisions in order to effect securities transactions based upon such information or to provide such information to another party, and that Investment Manager and its employees, officers and directors shall not use account holdings information for any of the foregoing purposes.

 

  (e)

The Board has approved the appointment of Subadviser pursuant to this Agreement.

 

8.

Liability and Indemnification.

 

  (a)

Except as may otherwise be provided by the 1940 Act or any other federal securities law, Subadviser, any of its affiliates and any of the officers, partners, employees, consultants, or agents thereof shall not be liable for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or litigation (including legal and other expenses) incurred or suffered by the Fund, Investment Manager, or any affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) or controlling persons thereof (as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) ) (collectively, “Fund and Investment Manager Indemnitees”) as a result of any error of judgment or mistake of law by Subadviser with respect to the obligations of Subadviser under this Agreement, except that nothing in this Agreement shall operate or purport to operate in any way to exculpate, waive, or limit the liability of Subadviser for, and Subadviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and Investment Manager Indemnitees against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or litigation (including reasonable legal and

 

 

10 | Page


  other expenses) to which any of the Fund and Investment Manager Indemnitees may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, or under any other statute, at common law, or otherwise arising out of or based on (i) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard, or negligence of Subadviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder; (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact regarding Subadviser contained in the Prospectus and SAI, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the omission to state therein a material fact regarding Subadviser known to Subadviser which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon written information furnished to Investment Manager or the Fund by Subadviser Indemnitees (as defined below) for use therein; provided, however, that Subadviser has had a reasonable opportunity to review information regarding Subadviser contained in the Prospectus and SAI, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to the Fund as set forth in section 11; or (iii) any violation of federal or state statutes or regulations by Subadviser. It is further understood and agreed that Subadviser may rely upon information furnished to it by Investment Manager that it reasonably believes to be accurate and reliable. Subadviser shall be liable for any loss incurred by the Fund, the Investment Manager or their respective affiliates to the extent such losses arise out of any act or omission directly attributable to Subadviser which results, directly or indirectly, in an error in the net asset value of the Fund. The federal securities laws impose liabilities in certain circumstances on persons who act in good faith, and therefore nothing herein shall in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights which Investment Manager may have under any securities laws. Neither Subadviser nor any Subadviser Indemnitees (as defined below) shall be liable for any loss or damage arising or resulting from the acts or omissions of the custodian of the Fund, any broker, financial institution or any other third party with or through whom Subadviser arranges or enters into a transaction in respect of the Fund, except to the extent that Subadviser or its affiliate instructed such broker, financial institution or third party to take such action or omission and such instruction constitutes willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard or negligence of Subadviser or was the result of any violation of federal or state statutes or regulations by Subadviser. Investment Manager understands and acknowledges that Subadviser does not warrant that the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by Subadviser will achieve any particular rate of return or that its performance will match any benchmark index or other standard or objective.

 

  (b)

Except as may otherwise be provided by the 1940 Act or any other federal securities law, Investment Manager and the Fund shall not be liable for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or litigation (including legal and other expenses) incurred or suffered by Subadviser or any of its affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) or controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the 1933 Act) (collectively, “Subadviser Indemnitees”) as a result of any error of judgment or mistake of law by

 

 

11 | Page


  Investment Manager with respect to the Fund, except that nothing in this Agreement shall operate or purport to operate in any way to exculpate, waive, or limit the liability of Investment Manager for, and Investment Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless Subadviser Indemnitees against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) to which any of Subadviser Indemnitees may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, or under any other statute, at common law, or otherwise arising out of or based on (i) any willful misconduct, bad faith, reckless disregard, or negligence of Investment Manager in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder; (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus and SAI, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the omission to state therein a material fact known to Investment Manager which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission concerned Subadviser and was made in reliance upon written information furnished to Investment Manager or the Fund by a Subadviser Indemnitee for use therein, or (iii) any violation of federal or state statutes or regulations by Investment Manager or the Fund.

 

  (c)

After receipt by Investment Manager or Subadviser, its affiliates, or any officer, director, employee, or agent of any of the foregoing, entitled to indemnification as stated in (a) or (b) above (“Indemnified Party”) of notice of the commencement of any action, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any person obligated to provide indemnification under this section (“Indemnifying Party”), such Indemnified Party shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of the commencement thereof as soon as practicable after the receipt of the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim that has been served upon the Indemnified Party; provided that the failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability under this section, except to the extent that the omission results in damages to the Indemnifying Party caused solely as a result of the failure to give such notice. The Indemnifying Party, upon the request of the Indemnified Party, shall retain counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party in the proceeding, and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (1) the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel, or (2) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party and representation by both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.

 

 

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9.

Duration and Termination.

 

  (a)

Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall continue for two years from the date written above. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue automatically for successive periods of 12 months each, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of a majority of the Board members who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, and (ii) by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.

 

  (b)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Subadviser. This Agreement may also be terminated, without the payment of any penalty, by Investment Manager (i) upon 60 days’ written notice to Subadviser; (ii) upon material breach by Subadviser of any representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, if such breach has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of such breach; or (iii) immediately if, in the reasonable judgment of Investment Manager, Subadviser becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations under this Agreement, including circumstances such as the insolvency of Subadviser or other circumstances that could adversely affect the Fund. Subadviser may terminate this Agreement at any time, without payment of any penalty, (1) upon 60 days’ written notice to Investment Manager; or (2) upon material breach by Investment Manager of any representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement, if such breach has not been cured within 20 days after written notice of such breach. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) or upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement.

 

  (c)

In the event of termination of the Agreement, those paragraphs of the Agreement which govern conduct of the parties’ future interactions with respect to Subadviser having provided investment management services to the Fund(s) for the duration of the Agreement, including, but not limited to, paragraphs 1(a)(iv)(a), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 1(f), 8(a), 8(b), 8(c), 15, 17, 18, 20 and 21 shall survive such termination of the Agreement.

 

10.

Subadviser’s Services Are Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the right of Subadviser or any of its partners, officers, or employees to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to the management or other aspects of any business, whether of a similar or a dissimilar nature, or limit or restrict Subadviser’s right to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other mutual fund, corporation, firm, individual, or association or other entity.

 

 

13 | Page


  Subadviser acts as adviser to other clients and may, subject to compliance with its fiduciary obligations, give advice, and take action, with respect to any of those which may differ from the advice given, or the timing or nature of action taken, with respect to the Fund. Subject to its fiduciary obligation to the Fund, Subadviser shall have no obligation to purchase or sell for the Fund, or to recommend for purchase or sale by the Fund, any security which Subadviser, its principals, affiliates or employees may purchase or sell for themselves or for any other clients.    

 

11.

References to Subadviser. Subadviser hereby grants to Investment Manager during the term of this Agreement, the right to use Subadviser’s name as required for public filings and marketing materials in accordance with the terms described herein and the right to display Subadviser’s logo on Investment Manager’s website. Investment Manager agrees to furnish to Subadviser at its principal office all prospectuses, SAI’s, proxy statements, reports to shareholders, sales literature, screenshot images (with respect to the display of Subadviser’s logo on Investment Manager’s website) or other material prepared for distribution to sales personnel, shareholders of the Fund or the public, that refer to Subadviser prior to the use thereof, and not to use such material if Subadviser reasonably objects in writing five (5) business days (or such other time as may be mutually agreed upon) after receipt thereof. Such materials may be furnished to Subadviser hereunder by first-class or overnight mail, electronic or facsimile transmission, or hand delivery.

 

12.

Notices. Any notice, statement, consent or approval required or permitted to be given in connection with this Agreement (“Notice”) shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if delivered (whether in person, by post, by courier service or other personal method of delivery), or if transmitted by facsimile or other electronic means of communication:

In the case of Subadviser:

Colin Wood

Company Secretary

Walter Scott & Partners Limited

One Charlotte Square

Edinburgh

Scotland

Email: cwood@walterscott.com

Tel: +44 131 225 1357

Fax: +44 131 225 7997

with a copy to:

Mark Braid

Head of Client Management

Walter Scott & Partners Limited

One Charlotte Square

Edinburgh

Scotland

Email: mbraid@walterscott.com

Tel: +44 131 225 1357

Fax: +44 131 225 7997

 

 

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In the case of Investment Manager:

Paul Mikelson

Vice President, Subadvised Strategies

Columbia Threadneedle Investments

707 2nd Ave. S, Routing: H16 - 10334

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Tel:       (612) 671-4452

Fax:      (612) 671-0618

with a copy to:

Christopher O. Petersen

Vice President and Lead Chief Counsel

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

5228 Ameriprise Financial Center, Routing: 27/5228

Minneapolis, MN 55474

Tel:       (612) 671-4321

Fax:      (612) 671-2680

Any Notice delivered or transmitted to a party as provided above shall be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is delivered or transmitted, provided that it is delivered or transmitted on any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday in the jurisdiction where the Notice is received (“Business Day”) prior to 5:00 p.m. local time in the place of delivery or receipt. However, if the Notice is delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. local time or if such day is not a Business Day then the Notice shall be deemed to have been given and received on the next Business Day.

Any party may, from time to time, change its address by giving Notice to the other party in accordance with the provisions of this section.

 

13.

Amendments. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent, subject to approval by the Board and the Fund’s shareholders to the extent required by the 1940 Act.

 

14.

Assignment. No assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended) of this Agreement shall be made by Investment Manager or Subadviser without the prior written consent of the Fund, and, if required by law, the Fund’s shareholders, and Investment Manager or Subadviser (as applicable). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assignment shall be deemed to result from any changes in the directors, officers, or employees of Investment Manager or Subadviser except as may be provided to the contrary in the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

 

15 | Page


15.

Governing Law. This Agreement, and, in the event of termination of the Agreement, those paragraphs that survive such termination of the Agreement under paragraph 9(c), shall be governed by the laws of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, or any applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the laws of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any of the provision of this Agreement, conflict with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. The Investment Manager and Subadviser hereby consent to the jurisdiction of a state of federal court situated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in connection with any dispute arising hereunder. Any action or dispute between the Investment Manager and the Subadviser arising out of this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state of federal courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Investment Manager and Subadviser hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which either party may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

16.

Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

17.

Severability. Should any part of this Agreement be held invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement and, in the event of termination of the Agreement, those paragraphs that survive such termination of the Agreement under paragraph 9(c), shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

 

18.

Interpretation. Any questions of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision in the 1940 Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the federal courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations, or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is altered by a rule, regulation, or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, or order.

 

19.

Headings. The headings in this Agreement are intended solely as a convenience and are not intended to modify any other provision herein.

 

20.

Authorization. Each of the parties represents and warrants that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action by such party and when so executed and delivered, this Agreement will be the valid and binding obligation of such party in accordance with its terms.

 

 

16 | Page


21.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries. The Fund is intended to be a third-party beneficiary of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, and without in any way implying that there are any other third-party beneficiaries to the Agreement or any other agreement with respect to the Trust or any of its series, no person other than the Investment Manager and the Subadviser is a party to this Agreement or shall be entitled to any right or benefit arising under or in respect of this Agreement (with the exception of the Fund), and there are no other third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be read to, (i) create in any other person (including without limitation any shareholder of any Fund) any direct, indirect, derivative, or other rights against the Investment Manager or Subadviser, or (ii) create or give rise to any duty or obligation on the part of the Investment Manager or Subadviser (including without limitation any fiduciary duty) to any person other than the Fund, all of which rights, benefits, duties, and obligations are hereby expressly excluded.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC              Walter Scott & Partners Limited
By:  

/s/ David Weiss

    By:  

/s/ Jane Henderson

  Signature       Signature
Name:  

David Weiss

    Name:  

Jane Henderson

  Printed       Printed
Title:  

Assistant Secretary

    Title:  

Managing Director

 

 

17 | Page


SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE A

[SCHEDULE LISTING FUND AND FEE RATE OMITTED]

 

 

18 | Page

Code of

Conduct

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT

 

 

 

●                         

BNY MELLON


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT // 2
HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN // 3
KEY PRINCIPLES OF OUR CODE // 4
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR CODE OF CONDUCT // 5-10
Our values // 5
Purpose of our Code // 6
Who must follow this Code? // 6

Waivers of the Code for executive officers // 6

What is expected of employees? // 7

Cooperating with Regulatory Agencies // 8

What is expected of managers // 8

Managing risk as a manager // 8

Responsibility to ask questions and report concerns // 8

What happens when a concern is reported? // 9

Zero tolerance for retaliation // 9

Cooperating with an investigation // 9

Direct Communication with Government and Regulatory Authorities // 10
Communication of Trade Secrets to Government and Regulatory Authorities // 10
RESPECTING OTHERS // 11-15

Mutual respect and professional treatment // 12

Harassment-free environment // 14

Safety and security // 15

Managers’ responsibilities // 15

AVOIDING CONFLICTS // 17-27
Overview // 18
Gifts and entertainment // 19

Outside employment and business dealings // 22

Outside service as a Director, Trustee, Officer, Investment Committee Member, Partner or Business Owner of a for-profit business or a not-for-profit organization // 24

Ownership of an outside business // 25

Fiduciary appointments // 25
Personal investment decisions // 25

Dealing with family and close personal friends // 26

Corporate opportunities // 27

CONDUCTING BUSINESS // 29-33
Fair competition and anti-trust // 30

Anti-corruption and improper payments // 32

Combating financial crime and money laundering // 33

WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS // 35-37

Your obligations // 36

Basic principles // 37

PROTECTING COMPANY ASSETS // 39-46
Financial integrity // 40
Additional standards for senior financial professionals // 41
Use of company assets // 41
Protecting client and employee records and observing our privacy principles // 42
Records management // 43
Use of computers, systems and corporate information // 43
Inside or proprietary information // 45
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES // 48-51
Political activities // 49
Investor and media relations // 50

Charitable contributions and corporate sponsorship // 51

Participating in trade associations, conferences and speaking engagements // 51

ADDITIONAL HELP // 52-53
 

 

 

The Code of Conduct does not alter the terms and conditions of your employment. Rather, it helps each of us to know what must be done to make sure we always Do What’s Right. The most current version of the Code can be found on MySource. Throughout the Code, references to company policies apply only to global policies that cover all employees and do not include additional policies you must follow that are specific to your location or line of business. The Code is not intended to fully describe the requirements of referenced policies, which can be found in their entirety on MySource.

 

1


DOING WHAT’S RIGHT

AT BNY MELLON, “DOING WHAT’S RIGHT” MEANS

 

    Contributing to an ethical culture is expected and valued,

 

    Conducting business in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and in accordance with the highest ethical standards,

 

    Fostering honest, fair and open communication,

 

    Demonstrating respect for our clients, communities and one another,

 

    Being accountable for your own and team actions, and

 

    Being willing to take a stand to correct or prevent any improper activity or business mistake.

HOW TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT

 

    Put company values, policies and procedures into action,

 

    Know the laws and regulations affecting your job duties and follow them,

 

    Take responsibility for talking to someone if you see a problem, and

 

    Ask questions if you are unsure of the right thing to do.

WHEN YOU ARE UNCERTAIN, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

 

    Could the action affect the company’s reputation?

 

    Would it look bad if reported in the media?

 

    Am I uncomfortable taking part in this action or knowing about it?

 

    Is there any question of illegality?

 

    Will the action be questionable with the passage of time?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” ask more questions. Keep asking until you get a satisfactory answer. Talk to your manager, the Compliance and Ethics Department, Legal or Human Resources, or call the Ethics Office before doing anything further. Don’t stop asking until you get the help you need.

IT’S YOUR OBLIGATION

TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT.

 

 

2


HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN

 

Usually, the best place to start is by talking to your manager. If this makes you uncomfortable, then consider the options below.

Ethics Help Line

(Operated by members of the company’s Ethics Office)

 

    United States and Canada: 1-888-635-5662

 

    Europe: 00-800-710-63562

 

    Brazil: 0800-891-3813

 

    Australia: 0011-800-710-63562

 

    Asia: appropriate international access code +800-710-63562 (except Japan)

 

    Japan: appropriate international access code +800-710-6356

 

    All other locations: call collect to 412-236-7519

Please note that your phone call can be anonymous.

E-mail: ethics@bnymellon.com (To remain anonymous, please use the telephone help line for reporting your concern.)

Ethics Hot Line

(Operated by EthicsPoint, an independent hot line administrator)

 

    United States and Canada: 1- 866-294-4696

 

    Outside the United States dial the AT&T Direct Access Number for your country and carrier, then 866-294-4696

AT&T Direct Access Numbers by Country/Carrier

 

    United Kingdom: British Telecom 0-800-89-0011; C&W 0-500-89-0011; INTL 0-800-013-0011

 

    India: 000-117

 

    Brazil: 0-800-890-0288

 

    Ireland: 1-800-550-000; Universal International Freephone 00-800-222-55288

 

    Japan: Softbank Telecom 00 663-5111; KDDI 00 539-111

 

    Australia: Telstra 1-800-881-011; Optus 1-800-551-155
    Hong Kong: Hong Kong Telephone 800-96-1111; New World Telephone 800-93-2266

 

    Singapore: Sing Tel 800-011-1111; StarHub 800-001-0001

Web Report: http://www.ethicspoint.com (hosted on EthicsPoint’s secure servers and is not part of the company’s web site or intranet).

Please note that all contacts to EthicsPoint can be anonymous.

Incident Reporting

If your concern involves potential criminal or unusual client activity, you must file an Incident Report within 72 hours. In the U.S., you can file an Incident Report using the icon on your PC desktop. In other locations, you should contact your compliance officer for assistance in following country-specific guidelines.

Director’s Mailbox

If your concern involves questionable accounting or auditing matters, you may also report your concern to the Presiding Director of the Board (who is independent of management). You can contact the Presiding Director by sending an e-mail to non-management director@bnymellon.com or by postal mail addressed to:

BNY Mellon Corporation

Church Street Station

PO Box 2164

New York, New York 10008-2164 USA

Attention: Non-Management Director

Please note the postal mail option can be anonymous.

 

 

3


KEY PRINCIPLES OF OUR CODE

RESPECTING OTHERS

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where talented people want to stay and develop their careers. Supporting a diverse, engaged workforce allows us to be successful in building trust, empowering teams, serving our clients and outperforming our peers. We give equal employment opportunity to all individuals in compliance with legal requirements and because it’s the right thing to do.

AVOIDING CONFLICTS

We make our business decisions free from conflicting outside influences. Our business decisions are based on our duty to BNY Mellon and our clients, and not driven by any personal interest or gain. We are alert to any potential conflict of interest and ensure we identify and mitigate or eliminate any such conflict.

CONDUCTING BUSINESS

We secure business based on honest competition in the marketplace, which contributes to the success of our company, our clients and our shareholders. We compete in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We support worldwide efforts to combat financial corruption and financial crime.

WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS

We follow all requirements that apply to doing business with governments. We recognize that practices that may be acceptable when dealing with a private company that is the client may cause problems or be a violation of law when working with a government.

PROTECTING COMPANY ASSETS

We ensure all entries made in the company’s books and records are complete and accurate, and comply with established accounting and record-keeping procedures. We maintain confidentiality of all forms of data and information entrusted to us, and prevent the misuse of information belonging to the company or any client.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

We take an active part in our communities around the world, both as individuals and as a company. Our long-term success is linked to the strength of the global economy and the strength of our industry. We are honest, fair and transparent in every way that we interact with our communities and the public at large.

 

 

4


 

 

At the foundation of our Code of Conduct are our Values – Client Focus, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.

Our values underscore our commitment to be a client-focused, trusted financial institution driven by an empowered global team dedicated to outperforming in every market we serve.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

OUR VALUES

Our values provide the framework for our decision-making and guide our business conduct. Incorporating these values into our actions helps us to do what is right and protect the reputation of the company.

 

    Client Focus: Putting the client at the center of all that we do

 

    Integrity: Acting with the highest ethical standards for our company, our employees and our clients

 

    Teamwork: Fostering collaboration and diversity to empower employees to build relationships and deliver insights

 

    Excellence: Setting the standard for leading-edge solutions, innovation and continuous improvement

WHAT OUR VALUES DO:

 

    Explain what we stand for and our shared culture

 

    Span geographies and lines of business

 

    Represent the promises made to our clients, communities, shareholders and each other

 

    Are critical to our success
 

 

5


PURPOSE OF OUR CODE

Today’s global marketplace is filled with a host of new challenges and changes, but one constant guides us — the mandate to meet the highest standards of legal and ethical integrity.

The Code of Conduct is the foundation of our commitment to Doing What’s Right, but it is not intended to describe every law or policy that applies to you. Nor does it address every business situation you may face. You’re expected to use common sense and good judgment, and seek advice when you’re unsure of the proper response to a particular situation.

The Code provides the framework and sets the expectations for business conduct. It clarifies our responsibilities to each other, clients, suppliers, government officials, competitors and the communities we serve. It outlines important legal and ethical issues. Failing to meet these standards could expose our company to serious damage.

WHO MUST FOLLOW THIS CODE?

All employees worldwide who work for BNY Mellon or an entity that is more than 50 percent owned by the company must adhere to the standards in our Code. No employee is exempt from these requirements, regardless of the position you hold, the location of your job or the number of hours you work. If you oversee vendors, consultants or temporary workers, you must supervise their work to ensure their actions are consistent with the key principles in this Code.

WAIVERS OF THE CODE FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Waivers of the Code are not permitted for any executive officer of BNY Mellon, unless the waiver is made by the company’s Board of Directors (or a committee of the Board) and disclosed promptly to shareholders.

Individuals who are deemed to be “executive officers” of BNY Mellon will be notified as appropriate.

 

 

Compliance with the letter and the spirit of our Code of Conduct, laws and regulations, policies and procedures is not optional.

It’s how we do business: it’s the embodiment of Doing What’s Right.

 

 

6


 

 

Q & A

Q: I work outside of the U.S. Do U.S. laws apply to me?

A: BNY Mellon does business all over the world, which means that you may be subject to laws of countries other than the one in which you live. You must follow those laws that apply to your business duties, wherever you work. BNY Mellon is the parent of our operating companies and is incorporated in the U.S., so U.S. laws may apply to certain business activities even if they are conducted outside of the U.S.

The reverse may also be true other countries may apply their laws outside of their boundaries. If you have questions about the laws that apply to your business activity, ask your manager or contact the Legal representative who supports your line of business.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF EMPLOYEES?

You’re responsible for contributing to our culture of Doing What’s Right by knowing the rules that apply to your job. This includes company policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing the country and businesses in which you work. Some lines of business may have more restrictive policies and procedures, and certain countries may have laws that are unique to a location.

In these situations, you’re expected to follow the more restrictive rules. You’re expected to ask your manager if you have questions about performing your job. If you do not get an adequate response, it’s your duty to keep asking until you get a satisfactory answer. You must question any request that does not comply with company policies, laws or regulations, or is inconsistent with our Code of Conduct.

No manager or leader in our company can ask you to violate a law or regulation, or to act in a manner inconsistent with our Code of Conduct. You should challenge any such request and alert appropriate individuals.

Identifying and managing risk is the responsibility of every employee. You’re required to adhere to the established internal controls in your area of responsibility and promptly elevate all risk, compliance and regulatory concerns to your manager.

You’re expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations and follow this Code, including the spirit of its intent. The penalty for violating any provision may be disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If you violate a criminal law applicable to the company’s business, the matter will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

You are required to use CODE RAP (Code Reports and Permissions) to report or obtain approval for certain activities that are noted throughout the Code of Conduct and various company policies (e.g., gifts, entertainment and certain outside employment or positions). CODE RAP is a web-based system which you can learn more about by visiting MySource, the company’s intranet site. If you need assistance or do not have access to a PC, ask your manager for help.

You’re obligated to comply fully with our Code of Conduct and may be required to certify your compliance with the Code. You will be notified of any required certifications.

 

 

7


COOPERATING WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES

All employees are required to cooperate with regulators. Your communications with regulatory personnel are expected to be responsive, complete and transparent. Any commitments you have made in response to exam findings and any responses to regulatory information requests are to be completed within the agreed time frame. You must notify your manager immediately should situations arise that make it unlikely that you will meet the agreed upon commitments. In addition, your compliance officer should be advised of any delays in meeting regulatory commitments.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MANAGERS?

Those who manage or supervise others have a special obligation to set an example in Doing What’s Right. Some of the ways you’re expected to demonstrate this leadership include:

 

    Creating a culture of risk management, compliance and ethics,

 

    Considering risk in all your decision making,

 

    Reinforcing with your staff the importance of early identification and escalation of potential risks to the appropriate managers,

 

    Ensuring employees have the relevant resources to understand their job duties,

 

    Monitoring compliance with the Code of Conduct, company policies and procedures of the employees you supervise,

 

    Fostering an environment in which employees are comfortable raising questions and concerns without fear of retaliation,

 

    Reporting instances of non-compliance to the proper management level,

 

    Taking appropriate disciplinary action for compliance and ethics violations, and

 

    Reviewing the Code of Conduct no less than annually with your staff.

MANAGING RISK AS A MANAGER

As a manager, you must always consider risk in your decision making. You are required to understand fully the risk, compliance and regulatory issues that may impact the areas you serve. You are required to escalate any concerns immediately to the appropriate management level to ensure the requisite attention is given to the matter. In addition, any corrective measures must be implemented timely, thoroughly and in a sustainable manner.

RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND REPORT CONCERNS

You are required to speak up immediately if you have a question or concern about what to do in a certain situation or if you believe someone is doing — or about to do — something that violates the law, company policy or our Code of Conduct. If you have a genuine concern, you must raise it promptly.

 

 

Q & A

Q: What is my role in managing risk?

A: Each employee plays an important role in managing risk when you:

 

    Perform your job with integrity and in compliance with policies, procedures and the law

 

    Adhere to the controls established for your business

 

    Ask questions if instructions are not clear or if you are unsure of the right thing to do

 

    Escalate issues immediately to your manager (e.g., an error, a missed control, wrongdoing or incorrect instructions)

Doing What’s Right means being accountable for your own and your team’s actions, and being willing to take a stand to correct or prevent any improper activity or a business mistake.

 

 

8


 

Q & A

Q: Where do I go for help if I’m uncomfortable talking to my management?

A: You can contact the Ethics Help Line or the Ethics Hot Line. The contact information is located in the Code of Conduct, on MySource and on the company’s public Internet site.

 

 

Q & A

Q: Can I report a concern anonymously?

A: Yes, you can report your concern to the Ethics Help Line or Ethics Hot Line anonymously if you wish.

If you have a question or concern, your manager is usually a good place to start. Other people you may go to for help or advice are:

 

    Your manager’s manager

 

    Your line of business Compliance officer

 

    Someone in the Human Resources or the Legal department

You must speak up. If your concern is not addressed, raise it through other channels. You can always contact the Ethics Office through the Ethics Help Line or Ethics Hot Line.

You can also visit the Doing What’s Right section of the Compliance and Ethics page on MySource for more information on reporting an issue or incident.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CONCERN IS REPORTED?

When you report a concern to the Ethics Help Line or Ethics Hot Line, your concerns will be taken seriously and investigated fully. Be prepared to give detailed information about your concern. You can choose to be anonymous if you want. Your confidentiality will be protected to the fullest extent possible and every effort will be made to quickly resolve your concern.

These reporting mechanisms are meant to be used only when you have a genuine concern that something is wrong. You will not be provided protection for your own misconduct just because you filed a report or if you knowingly give a false report.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR RETALIATION

Anyone who reports a concern or reports misconduct in good faith, and with the reasonable belief that the information is true, is demonstrating a commitment to our values and following our Code of Conduct. The company has zero tolerance for acts of retaliation. Zero means zero. No one has the authority to justify an act of retaliation. Any employee who engages in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.

COOPERATING WITH AN INVESTIGATION

You’re required to cooperate with any investigation into alleged violations of our Code of Conduct, laws, regulations, policies or procedures, and are expected to be truthful and forthcoming during any investigation. This includes situations where you are an involved party, a witness, or are asked to provide information as part of an investigation. Any attempt to withhold information, sabotage or otherwise interfere with an investigation may be subject to any level of disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Remember, investigations are confidential company matters. To protect the integrity of the investigation, you are not allowed to discuss any aspect of an investigation, even the fact that an investigation is being conducted, with other employees or the public.

 

 

9


At the same time, this requirement for confidentiality does not prohibit you from reporting legal violations to any governmental or regulatory body or official(s) or finance-related self-regulatory organization (collectively, “Governmental Authorities”), and you may do so either during or after your employment without notice to the Company. Furthermore, no BNY Mellon policy or agreement is meant to prohibit you from doing so, or from participating in any benefits involved in such reporting. The only restriction in this regard is that you are not authorized to disclose information covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

The confidentiality of our information and the protection of that information is a theme that recurs several times in this Code and in many of our policies. However, nothing in this Code, in those policies, or in any agreement with BNY Mellon is meant to prohibit you from:

 

    initiating communications directly with, cooperating with, providing relevant information to or otherwise assisting in an investigation by any Governmental Authorities regarding a possible violation of law;

 

    testifying, participating or otherwise assisting in an action or proceeding by a Governmental Authority relating to a possible violation of law; or

 

    participating in any benefits for information provided to Government Authorities in the manner described in the first or second points above. You are permitted to report in this manner both during and after your employment here irrespective of any confidentiality agreements you may have signed or policies in place during your employment and without providing notice to the Company. The only restriction is that you are not authorized to disclose information covered by the Company’s attorney-client privilege.

COMMUNICATION OF TRADE SECRETS

TO GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

While the Code prohibits you from revealing “trade secrets” outside of the Company, you may do so without facing criminal or civil liability if:

 

    the material is revealed in confidence solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; or

 

    the material is revealed in a complaint or other document filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. Note that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to his/her attorney and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding. In such cases, trade secret information must be filed under seal, and it may be disclosed only under a court order.
 

 

10


RESPECTING OTHERS

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where talented people want to stay and develop their careers. Supporting a diverse, engaged workforce allows us to be successful in building trust, empowering teams, serving our clients and outperforming our peers. We give equal employment opportunity to all individuals in compliance with legal requirements and because it’s the right thing to do.

MUTUAL RESPECT AND PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT HARASSMENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT

SAFETY AND SECURITY MANAGERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY PRINCIPLE: RESPECTING OTHERS

LOGO

 

 

11


KEY PRINCIPLE:

RESPECTING OTHERS

MUTUAL RESPECT AND PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT

One of our values is Teamwork and nothing damages a team more quickly than a lack of mutual respect. For our company to be successful, we all must work together toward common goals. Employees and managers share a mutual responsibility to keep one another informed of any information that may be important to job performance and to understanding the organization. You’re expected to treat your fellow employees professionally — it’s what we owe each other in the workplace.

The company recognizes your right to form personal relationships with those you meet in the workplace; however, you’re expected to use good judgment to ensure your personal relationships do not negatively affect your job performance or interfere with your ability to supervise others. Favoritism, open displays of affection, not respecting personal boundaries, and making business decisions based on emotions or personal relationships are inappropriate. You should avoid situations where your personal relationship may create a potential conflict or perception of favoritism, especially if there is a reporting relationship.

Situations that involve borrowing money, or making loans between employees, or between one employee and a family member of another employee must be avoided, unless it is of an incidental nature involving a minimal amount of money. Managers should be particularly sensitive to situations involving lending money to those who report to them and avoid these workplace situations.

(Reference: Gifts, Entertainment and Loans from One Employee to Another)

 

 

Q & A

Q: I asked a question in a staff meeting and the response I received was offensive — several people laughed at me and I was mortified. What should I do?

A: The response you received was inappropriate. Healthy communication can only occur in environments where different opinions can be ex- pressed and respectful debate occurs. It’s okay to disagree with a colleague. However, it must be done in a professional and respectful way. Talk to the person who made the remark. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, speak with your manager or Human Resources.

 

 

12


Similarly, gifts and entertainment between employees (including family members of another employee) can create conflicts. Company policy places limits on the amounts that are permissible and amounts above those established limits require approval via CODE RAP.

(Reference: Gifts, Entertainment and Loans from One Employee to Another)

Managers must also be aware of situations where family members or close personal friends may also work at BNY Mellon. The company prohibits any work situations where there is a direct reporting relationship between family members. In addition, wherever possible, situations should be avoided that involve family members working in the same business unit at the same location, or family members working in positions where they can jointly control or influence transactions. Senior executives must be aware that there are restrictions on hiring family members. If you encounter such a situation or are aware of one, you should contact Human Resources for guidance.

(Reference: Hiring and Continued Employment of Employees’ Relatives or Individuals Sharing Employees’ Household)

LOGO

 

 

13


HARASSMENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT

BNY Mellon will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination. Harassment can be verbal, physical or include visual images where the effect creates an offensive atmosphere. It can take many forms and includes jokes, slurs and offensive remarks, whether delivered verbally, graphically or in electronic media, including e-mail.

Harassment also includes disrespectful behavior or remarks that involve a person’s race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, national origin or any other legally protected status. Certain local laws or regulations may provide additional protection for employees, so check with Human Resources or the Legal department in your local area if you have questions.

Some countries have specific laws concerning sexual harassment that include:

 

    Intentional or unintentional, unwelcome sexual advances with or without touching

 

    Coerced sexual acts

 

    Requests or demands for sexual favors

 

    Other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

Our commitment to a harassment-free environment applies in all work-related settings and activities, whether on or off company premises, and extends to employees’ actions toward clients and vendors. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in the workplace.

 

 

Q & A

Q: A colleague makes comments about my appearance that make me feel uncomfortable. I’ve told my colleague that I don’t like these comments, but they continue and I’m told I’m too sensitive. What am I supposed to do?

A: You should talk to your manager and ask for help. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your manager, talk to Human Resources or call the Ethics Help Line or Ethics Hot Line.

 

 

14


 

 

 

 

 

 

Q & A

Q: I have reason to believe that a colleague is coming to the office intoxicated. What should I do?

A: You should notify your manager immediately. If you’re uncomfortable discussing this with your manager, contact Human Resources.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

BNY Mellon is committed to establishing and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions at all locations and to complying with laws that pertain to employee workplace safety. Listed below are some of the principles of maintaining a safe and secure workplace:

 

    You must contribute to maintaining a workplace free from aggression. Threats, intimidating behavior or any acts of violence will not be tolerated.

 

    You may not use, possess, sell or transfer illegal drugs on company property. In addition, you won’t be permitted to work if you’re using illegal drugs or impaired by alcohol.

 

    You may not bring weapons onto company property. This includes weapons used for sporting purposes or otherwise legal to possess. Weapons of any kind have no place in the work environment.

 

    You should be alert to individuals who are on company premises without proper authorization.

 

    Make sure you observe all physical access rules in your location and report incidents of unauthorized entry to your manager or to security personnel.

(Reference: Company Identification Card Issuance; Display and Use of Company Identification)

MANAGERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of a worldwide financial services organization, managers have a special responsibility to demonstrate our values through their actions. Managers must foster an environment of integrity, honesty and respect. This includes creating a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying of any kind. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and is inconsistent with our values and the Code of Conduct.

Managers also must ensure that all aspects of the employment relationship are free from bias and that decisions are based upon individual performance and merit.

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IT’S YOUR OBLIGATION TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT

 

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AVOIDING CONFLICTS

We make our business decisions free from conflicting outside influences. Our business decisions are based on our duty to BNY Mellon and our clients, and not driven by any personal interest or gain. We are alert to any potential conflict of interest and ensure we identify and mitigate or eliminate any such conflict.

GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS DEALINGS

OUTSIDE SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR GENERAL PARTNER OWNERSHIP OF AN OUTSIDE BUSINESS

FIDUCIARY APPOINTMENTS PERSONAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS

DEALING WITH FAMILY AND CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

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KEY PRINCIPLE: AVOIDING CONFLICTS

OVERVIEW

The way we conduct our daily business dealings with clients, suppliers, vendors and competitors determines our reputation in the marketplace far more than any other actions we take. Each one of us contributes to BNY Mellon’s reputation. You’re expected always to act in a way that reflects our commitment to integrity and responsible business behavior.

A conflict of interest is any situation where your interests and the company’s interests or the interests of our clients are, or could appear to be, in opposition. When you’re in such a situation, it may be difficult to objectively fulfill your job duties and your loyalty to the company or to our clients and may be compromised — or appear to be compromised. Every business decision you make should be in the best interests of the company and our clients and not for your own personal gain or benefit. So you may not engage in any activity that creates, or even appears to create, a conflict of interest between you and BNY Mellon or its clients. You should not take any business action, including any loan or guarantee, for your personal benefit, or to benefit a relative, a spouse or other romantic partner, or a close friend at the expense of the company’s or a client’s best interests. If you believe you have a conflict of interest, or may be perceived to have such a conflict, you must disclose this to your Compliance Officer or to the Ethics Office.

If you believe you have a conflict of interest, or may be perceived to have such a conflict, you must disclose this to your Compliance Officer or to the Ethics Office. You’re expected to cooperate fully with all efforts to resolve any such conflict. The routine activities on the following pages can give rise to an actual or perceived conflict of interest.

(Reference: Business Conflicts of Interest)

 

 

 

Even if the conflict does not create an improper action, the appearance of a conflict of interest can be equally damaging to our reputation.

 

 

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Q & A

Q: My line of business is considering asking a local vendor that we use from time to time to donate small gifts to a local charity. Since we’re not getting anything of value, can we assume this is allowable?

A: No. This is inappropriate. Asking vendors or suppliers to donate gifts, even if nominal in amount and for a charitable purpose, gives the impression that they must honor our request to continue doing business with the company.

GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Our clients, suppliers and vendors are vital to BNY Mellon’s success. That’s why it’s imperative that these relationships remain objective, fair, transparent and free from conflicts. While business gifts and entertainment can be important to building goodwill, they can also affect the relationship if your ability to exercise sound business judgment becomes blurred. To prevent misunderstandings, it’s recommended that, at the beginning of the business relationship, you discuss with your clients, suppliers and vendors what is permissible under our Code.

Fundamentally, interactions with existing or prospective clients, suppliers and vendors are business relationships that should be treated accordingly. The inappropriate giving or receiving of gifts and entertainment can erode the distinction between a business and a personal relationship. An appropriate benchmark is whether public disclosure of any gift or entertainment you accept or give would embarrass you or damage BNY Mellon’s reputation.

If your judgment begins to be influenced inappropriately by a close relationship with a client, supplier or vendor, then you have crossed the line and you should remove yourself from that relationship.

The basic principle is that no gift or entertainment may be accepted or provided if it obligates you, or appears to obligate you, to the individual receiving or giving the gift or entertainment. Gifts and entertainment should be defined in the broadest sense to include money, securities, business opportunities, goods, services, discounts on goods or services, entertainment, corporate tickets, company sponsored events, food, drink, and any similar items.

In addition to the rules noted on the next page that apply across the company, certain lines of business may have more restrictive rules and requirements. You are expected to know and follow the more rigorous standards that may apply to your job or your location.

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The following are NOT allowed, regardless of the value:

 

    Accepting or giving anything as a “quid pro quo”, that is for doing something in return for the gift or entertainment,

 

    Accepting or giving cash or cash equivalents (e.g., checks, cash convertible gift certificates or cards, securities and loans),

 

    Accepting or giving a gift or entertainment that violates any law or regulation or brings harm to BNY Mellon’s reputation,

 

    Accepting or giving anything that could be viewed as a bribe, payoff or improper influence,

 

    Accepting or giving a gift or entertainment that violates any standard of conduct for your profession, especially if you hold a license or a certification,

 

    Using your position in any way to obtain anything of value from prospective or existing clients, suppliers, vendors or persons to whom you refer business,

 

    Providing entertainment that is lavish or too frequent for an existing or prospective client, vendor or supplier,

 

    Participating in any entertainment that is inappropriate, sexually oriented or inconsistent with ethical business practices,

 

    Accepting gifts or entertainment from, or giving them to, any vendor or supplier during the selection or sourcing process, whether or not you are the primary relationship manager or involved directly in the negotiation to secure the products or services,

 

    Participating in any action that would cause the other person to violate their own company’s standards for gifts and entertainment, and

 

    Providing gifts or entertainment to an existing or prospective client, supplier or vendor not recorded properly in the company books and records

 

 

Q & A

Q: I am vacationing in the Caribbean and my client has a home on the island that I’m visiting. She’s been asking me to stay in her home. I’ll make sure we discuss business and I may even be able to get some business referrals from her friends. There won’t be any expense to BNY Mellon. Can I stay in the client’s home?

A: No. Staying in a client’s home is inappropriate. Your client is a business associate, not a personal friend. This type of entertainment could be viewed as improper and could bring harm to the company’s reputation if disclosed to the public. The fact that the company is not paying for any expenses is not relevant. You should thank the client for the kind suggestion, explain our policy and politely decline the offer.

 

 

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Q & A

Q: I’m worried about the impression my office is giving to the community. We host what I consider to be lavish parties for prospective clients and some people seem to be constantly “entertaining” clients. Should I be worried?

A: It depends. It could be that your colleagues are engaging in legitimate business entertainment. It’s possible that the entertainment complies with the Code of Conduct and company policies, and you may not have all the facts. You should talk to your manager or the next level of management about your concern. If you’re uncomfortable doing this or you get an unsatisfactory answer, contact the Ethics Help Line or the Ethics Hot Line to report your concern doing business with the company.

The following require express pre-approval or reporting via CODE RAP before you proceed. Approval is required whether you’re the recipient of the gift or entertainment, or you’re providing such to a client, vendor or supplier:

 

    Accepting a gift or bequest under a will or trust document of a client of BNY Mellon, regardless of the amount,

 

    Attending special, high-profile events, such as World Cup matches or Super Bowl games, regardless of the stated amount on the tickets,

 

    Giving or receiving any gift or entertainment that exceeds amounts permissible in company policy (entertainment includes meals, refreshments or other accommodations, but should only be considered business entertainment if given in connection with a legitimate business meeting), and

 

    Giving gifts or entertainment to any U.S. government employee/entity (U.S. or non-U.S.)

 

    The laws surrounding gifts or entertainment to government officials are complex, so you should ask your manager for assistance or contact the Anti-Corruption and Government Contracting Unit of Compliance with questions.

The following are usually acceptable, but you should raise questions if you’re in doubt:

 

    Gifts based upon obvious family or long-standing, personal relationships (such as those between you and your parents, children, spouse or a childhood friend), where the circumstances make it clear that those relationships are the motivating factor for the gift, rather than the business relationship,

 

    Gifts of a nominal value (under $200 U.S. or local equivalent), but only if the gift is given in connection with a commonly recognized event or occasion (e.g., holiday, job event such as a promotion or retirement, life event such as a wedding, or a business event such as a conference, sports or cultural event). Even in these situations, you must report the gift or entertainment to your direct manager,

 

    Promotional items of a nominal value, such as pens, calendars, paperweights,

 

    Items with little intrinsic value, such as plaques, certificates and trophies recognizing service and accomplishments for civic, charitable, educational or religious organizations,

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    Discounts or rebates on merchandise or services that do not exceed those available to the general public or available to you as an employee of the company, and

 

    Loans from other financial institutions, so long as they are on customary terms for legally permissible purposes.

If you receive a gift not in compliance with these requirements, you must immediately return the gift to the sender. If appropriate, you should send a letter explaining the company’s policy or your business line’s policies.

(Reference: Gifts, Entertainment and Other Expenses to Commercial Clients, Suppliers or Vendors Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy)

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS DEALINGS

Certain types of outside employment or business dealings may cause a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict. It’s your responsibility to recognize these situations. Any activity that diminishes your ability to perform your job duties objectively, benefits you at the expense of BNY Mellon, competes with any business or service provided by the company, or has the potential to damage our reputation will not be permitted.

Certain types of outside employment or business dealings may not be accepted while employed by BNY Mellon, including:

 

    Employment or association with companies or organizations that prepare, audit or certify statements or documents pertinent to the company’s business,

 

    Employment with clients, competitors, vendors or suppliers that you deal with in the normal course of your job duties, and

 

    Any business relationship with a client, prospect, supplier, vendor or agent of the company (other than normal consumer transactions conducted through ordinary retail sources).

 

 

Q & A

Q: A colleague of mine works part-time for a company that provides office supplies, such as paper and pens, to BNY Mellon. Should I be concerned that his outside employment could be a conflict?

A: It does not seem likely this would be a conflict, so long as your colleague is not involved in the decision making process to purchase supplies from the outside company or approve invoices or payments to the supplier. If you’re concerned, you may want to talk with your manager. In addition, you can always contact your Compliance Officer or the Ethics Office for guidance.

 

 

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Certain types of outside employment and business dealings require approval from the company before acceptance. You must seek approval via CODE RAP. Depending upon your job duties or other regulatory requirements, your request may be denied or limits may be placed upon your activities. The following positions require approval:

 

    Employment involving the use of a professional license even if that license is not required for you to perform your current duties (e.g., FINRA, real estate, insurance, certified accountant and attorney),

 

    Employment involving providing tax advice or tax return preparation,

 

    Any type of employment in the financial services industry,

 

    Employment that could compete with the company or divert business opportunities in any way,

 

    Any position that is similar in nature to your present job duties and involves a “knowledge transfer ” to the other organization,

 

    Jobs that adversely affect the quality of your work, distract your attention from your job duties or otherwise influence your judgment when acting on behalf of the company,

 

    Employment of any kind that would negatively impact the company’s financial or professional reputation, and

 

    Serving as an expert witness, industry arbitrator or other similar litigation support that is unrelated to BNY Mellon, as these activities generally take a significant amount of time and have the potential to create conflicts of interest (e.g., taking a position that is contrary to company policies or procedures or otherwise conflicts with the interests of our clients).

Even if your outside employment is approved or permissible under the Code, you may not solicit employees, clients, vendors or suppliers, nor may you utilize the company’s name, time, property, supplies or equipment. All approvals granted for outside employment expire after one year. Annual re-approval via CODE RAP is required since facts and circumstances may change.

(Reference: Outside Affiliations, Outside Employment, and Certain Outside Compensation)

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OUTSIDE SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR, TRUSTEE, OFFICER, INVESTMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER, PARTNER OR BUSINESS OWNER OF A FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS OR A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

You must obtain prior approval from the Ethics Office through CODE RAP if you wish to serve as a Director, Trustee, Officer, Partner or Business Owner of any for-profit business OR for certain not-for-profit (NFP) organizations if any of the following conditions exist:

 

    There is an existing or proposed client, business or financial relationship between the NFP organization and BNY Mellon, including receiving charitable contributions, grants or foundation money from BNY Mellon.

 

    The NFP organization is a trade or industry organization (e.g., Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute).

 

    You receive any type of direct or indirect compensation (e.g., cash, securities, goods, services, tax benefit, etc.).

 

    You have been asked by BNY Mellon to serve the NFP organization.

 

    The organization/entity is any type of government agency or your position/ role is considered to be a public official (whether elected or appointed).

Additionally, you must obtain prior approval from the Ethics Office through CODE RAP to serve as a member of an Investment Committee that makes or oversees decisions or recommendations with respect to investing the assets of a for-profit or a not-for-profit organization.

You may not serve until you have full approval from BNY Mellon as required by policy and documented in CODE RAP. If you are compensated, you may be required to surrender the compensation if there is a potential conflict of interest or you’re serving the outside entity on behalf of BNY Mellon. Annual re- approval via CODE RAP is required as facts and circumstances may change, so you may not be given permission to serve every year.

Even if the service does not require approval, you must notify BNY Mellon of any anticipated negative publicity, and you must follow these guidelines while you serve:

 

    Never attempt to influence or take part in votes or decisions that may lead to the use of BNY Mellon or its affiliates’ products, services or other types of benefit to the company; the entity’s records must reflect that you recused yourself from such a vote or discussion.

 

    You must ensure the entity conducts its affairs lawfully, ethically, and in accordance with prudent management and financial practices. If you cannot, then you must resign.

 

    You cannot divulge any confidential or proprietary information

 

    If you learn of any Material Non Public Information (MNPI) you must contact the Control Room or your local Compliance Officer to report each instance

(Reference: Accepting Compensation When Serving as a Board Member or Senior Officer of an Outside Entity)

 

 

Q & A

Q: I’ve been asked to sit on the board of a local non-profit group. They use our Wealth Management group to manage their charitable giving program. I don’t have any business dealings with the non-profit group and don’t work in Wealth Management. Do I have to report this?

A: Yes. The non-profit entity is a client of BNY Mellon. It does not matter which line of business has the client relationship, or whether or not you have any business dealings with the group. You must submit a CODE RAP form and receive approval before you agree to serve.

 

 

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OWNERSHIP OF AN OUTSIDE BUSINESS

If you own a business (either as a sole proprietor or partial owner), you must seek approval for this ownership via CODE RAP. You’ll be required to provide pertinent details, such as any relationship with BNY Mellon (including employees), any compensation/ payment received, time required and potential conflicts of interest (actual or in appearance). Annual re-approval via CODE RAP is required as facts and circumstances may change.

(Reference: Outside Affiliations, Outside Employment, and Certain Outside Compensation)

FIDUCIARY APPOINTMENTS

Fiduciary appointments are those where you act as a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, assignee, receiver, custodian under a uniform gifts to minors act, investment adviser, or any capacity in which you possess investment discretion on behalf of another or any other similar capacity. In general, you’re strongly discouraged from serving as a fiduciary unless you’re doing so for a family member. All requests to serve as a fiduciary, with the exception of serving for a family member who is not a BNY Mellon client, require approval through CODE RAP.

If there is a client relationship, there may be restrictions or controls placed on your service, or you may be denied the ability to serve in such a fiduciary capacity.

In all situations where you’re acting as a fiduciary, you must follow these guidelines:

 

    Do not represent that you’re performing the same professional services that are performed by a bank, or that you have access to such services,

 

    Do not accept a fee for acting as a co-fiduciary with a bank, unless you receive approval from the board of directors of that bank, and

 

    Do not permit your appointment to interfere with the time and attention you devote to your BNY Mellon job duties.

PERSONAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS

Your personal investments, and those of certain family members, could lead to conflicts of interest. Therefore, you’re required to comply with the company’s Personal Securities Trading Policy, including adhering to the restrictions placed on trading in BNY Mellon securities and a strict prohibition against insider trading.

Certain employees will have additional restrictions placed on their personal investments that may include reporting and pre-clearing various types of securities transactions. You must be familiar with the responsibilities that apply to your job and you’ll be expected to follow those rules.

In addition, if you have (or anyone who reports to you has) responsibility for a client, supplier or vendor relationship as part of your job duties, you must be cautious about potential investments in that business or its securities, particularly for privately held or thinly traded public companies and ensure your full compliance with the Personal Securities Trading Policy.

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DEALINGS WITH FAMILY AND CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS

You should be particularly sensitive to business situations involving family members, household members or close personal friends. In general, a family member or close personal friend should not have any business dealings with you or with anyone who reports to you. This principle also applies to situations where your family members or close personal friends provide an indirect service to a client for whom you have responsibility, as well as to situations in which your family member or close personal friend is affiliated with a vendor of BNY Mellon, or a competitor to BNY Mellon.

You must disclose any such situation to your manager and your Compliance Officer and cooperate with all efforts to resolve such conflicts.

(Reference: Hiring and Continued Employment of Employees’ Relatives or Individuals Sharing Employees’ Household)

 

 

Q & A

Q:A colleague of mine works part-time for a company that provides office supplies, such as paper and pens, to BNY Mellon. Should I be concerned that his outside employment could be a conflict?

A: It does not seem likely this would be a conflict, so long as your colleague is not involved in the decision making process to purchase supplies from the outside company or approve invoices or payments to the supplier. If you’re concerned, you may want to talk with your manager. In addition, you can always contact your Compliance Officer or the Ethics Office for guidance.

 

 

Q & A

Q: My son works for a consulting company that BNY Mellon routinely hires for software development. My job does not require that I interact with him and I have no influence or input over the decision to hire the consulting company. Is this okay?

A: It doesn’t appear that there are any conflicts of interest with your son working for the consulting company and your job at BNY Mellon. To be certain, discuss this matter with your manager or your Compliance Officer, so that you can be sure there are no conflicts with this situation.

 

 

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All transactions with your clients, suppliers or vendors must be handled strictly on an “arm’s- length basis”, meaning that the terms of all transactions must not even suggest the appearance of a personal advantage

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

You owe a duty to BNY Mellon to advance its legitimate business interests when the opportunity arises. You and your family members are prohibited from personally benefiting from opportunities discovered through the use of company property or information that you directly or indirectly obtained through your position at BNY Mellon.

Your actions must not compete in any way with businesses the company engages in, and you may neither ask for, nor accept, a business opportunity that may belong to BNY Mellon or could appear to belong to it.

You may not give legal, tax or other professional advice to clients, prospects, vendors or suppliers of the company. You may not give investment advice to clients, prospects, vendors or suppliers of the company, unless this activity is part of your regular job responsibilities. You must also be cautious if clients, prospects, suppliers or other employees seek your guidance or your recommendation of a third party professional who provides these services, such as an attorney, accountant, insurance broker, stock broker, or real estate agent.

If you make such a recommendation, you must follow these requirements:

 

    Provide several candidates and ensure you show no favoritism toward any of them

 

    Disclose in writing that the recommendations are in no way sponsored or endorsed by the company

 

    Do not accept any fee (now or in the future), nor may you expect any direct or indirect benefit (e.g., more business from a better relationship) from the recommendation

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CONDUCTING BUSINESS

We secure business based on honest competition in the marketplace, which contributes to the success of our company, our clients and our shareholders. We compete in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We support worldwide efforts to combat financial corruption and financial crime.

FAIR COMPETITION AND ANTI-TRUST

ANTI-CORRUPTION AND IMPROPER PAYMENTS

COMBATING FINANCIAL CRIME AND MONEY LAUNDERING

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KEY PRINCIPLE:

CONDUCTING BUSINESS

FAIR COMPETITION AND ANTI-TRUST

BNY Mellon is committed to fair dealing with our clients, suppliers, competitors and employees. The company is also committed to open competition as we believe this benefits our clients, the company and the community at large. We compete vigorously but only in full compliance with the laws and regulations of the numerous jurisdictions in which we do business, and in the spirit of honesty and integrity.

All BNY Mellon entities must comply with the various “fair competition” and “fair dealing” laws that exist in many countries and “anti-trust” laws in the U.S. The general purpose of these laws is to protect the markets from anti-competitive activities. Some examples of such anti-competitive activities are those that involve entering into formal or informal agreements, whether written or oral, with competitors regarding:

 

    Fixing prices or terms, or any information that impacts prices or terms,

 

    Allocating markets, sales territories or clients, including sharing marketing plans or strategic documents,

 

    Boycotting or refusing to deal with certain suppliers, vendors or clients (unless required by a law or governing body, such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control), and

 

    Making the use of a product or service from a supplier or vendor conditional upon their use of our services or products.

The principles of fair dealing require us to deal fairly with our clients, suppliers, competitors and employees. Unfair advantage may not be taken through:

 

    Manipulation,

 

    Concealment,

 

    Abuse of privileged information,

 

    Misrepresentation of material facts, or

 

    Any other unfair-dealing practices.

 

 

Q & A

Q: A close friend works for a competitor of BNY Mellon. We sometimes talk about the challenges we have in marketing certain products and bounce ideas off one another. Is this a problem?

A: Yes. You’re discussing confidential information that belongs to the company. You may also be violating anti-trust or anti-competitive laws. Do not talk about these types of matters with your friend, family members or anyone outside of the company.

 

 

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The competition and anti-trust laws are many and complex, so if you have any question as to whether a particular activity is legal or in compliance with the spirit of these laws, you should contact a member of the Legal department. The following points reinforce the significance and complexity of these laws:

 

    The laws can vary within the same country or organization. For example, several states within the

 

    U.S. have fair competition laws, in addition to the federal anti-trust laws. Likewise, within the EU, individual countries may have laws that apply in addition to EU laws,

 

    The laws of certain countries may apply to conduct that takes place outside of that country (e.g., the U.S. and EU),

 

    Violations of these laws typically carry harsh penalties. Most permit significant monetary penalties for both the company and the individual employee, and some permit convicted individuals to be imprisoned,

 

    Meetings at professional gatherings, trade associations or conferences are particularly vulnerable to potential violations. If you’re involved in any discussion with a competitor that begins to suggest anti-competitive or anti-trust activity, or gives the appearance of this kind of activity, you must inform the competitor that the discussion must cease. If it does not, you must remove yourself from the group. Immediately report the incident to the Legal department to protect both you and the company, and

 

    Many countries’ competition laws have provisions that make it illegal to monopolize or to abuse a dominant position in a market. You should check with the Legal department if you’re a senior manager of a business and have concern about these issues.

Complying with fair competition and anti-trust laws also means that you may not use information or materials that belong to our competitors. This includes using information that a former employee of a competitor may bring with them to BNY Mellon. We succeed in the marketplace based on our own merits and do not engage in corporate “espionage” or unethical means to gain advantage on the competition. You’re expected to comply fully with the letter and the spirit of all fair competition and anti-trust laws

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ANTI-CORRUPTION AND IMPROPER PAYMENTS

Most countries in which we do business have laws that prohibit bribes to governments, their officials and commercial (non-government) clients. The term “officials” can be applied broadly to include officials of political parties, political candidates, employees of governments and employees of government-owned businesses. BNY Mellon employees are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. You must comply with these laws regardless of the line of business in which you work or your country of residence.

Any attempt to pay or offer money or anything of value to influence the actions or decisions of such officials may result in a violation of the above-referenced laws. Violation of these laws is a serious offense which can lead to significant penalties for the company and for you individually. You’re required to comply fully with the Company’s Anti-Corruption Policy and adhere to all associated rules including the following:

 

    Do not offer or give anything of value (including gifts, meals, entertainment or other benefits) to a U.S. or non-U.S. “official” to obtain or retain business or secure any improper advantage.

Note in particular that “things of value” may include jobs or internships or offers thereof. Company Policies require that any and all candidates for employment (whether permanent, limited duration or as an intern) proceed through the formal HR recruiting process. You must not engage in informal recruiting, hiring or hiring discussions outside of the formal HR recruiting process. In addition, “things of value” may also include consulting, contractor or temporary work assignments at BNY Mellon, whether or not a third party employment staffing agency is involved. You must adhere to all internal controls applicable to such arrangements.

 

    Do not agree to hire or exert any influence in the hiring of any client or potential client or any relative or other person in whom the client or potential client may be interested,

 

    Do not accept or present anything if it obligates you, or appears to obligate you and ensure that all hospitality, entertainment and gifts are in accordance with applicable corporate policies and preceded by all required internal approvals,

 

    Do not attempt to avoid laws by making payments through third parties: be cautious when selecting or dealing with agents or other third-party providers,

 

    Never make any payment that you do not record on company books and records, or make misleading accounting entries,

 

    Seek guidance when circumstances are unclear or you’re asked to make or approve a payment or take any other action that makes you uncomfortable, and

 

    Report any observations of others engaging in any behavior that you believe is improper.
 

 

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Q & A

Q: A longtime client started a new company that purchases medical equipment for a facility in the Middle East. The payments are made via wire transfers from an account of another company she owns in the Cayman Islands. The bank account of the Cayman Island company is located in a European country. Should I be concerned?

A: Yes. Transferring funds to or from countries unrelated to the transaction, or transfers that are complex or illogical is a significant red flag. You’re obligated to file an Incident Report no later than 72 hours from the time you identify the activity as suspicious.

COMBATING FINANCIAL CRIME AND MONEY LAUNDERING

Money laundering is the process by which individuals or entities attempt to conceal unlawful funds or otherwise make the source of the funds appear legitimate. As a member of the financial services community, you have a special obligation to support law enforcement throughout the world to combat various types of financial crime, such as attempts to launder money for criminal activity and finance terrorist operations. You’re expected to comply fully with all anti-money laundering laws and only conduct business with reputable clients involved in legitimate business activities that use funds derived from lawful purposes.

It is critical to the health of the company that every employee adheres to the company’s strict “know-your-customer” policies. In addition to our global policies, individual lines of business have detailed policies and procedures that address unique requirements and circumstances. You’re expected to know those procedures and follow them. Ask your manager for guidance. Knowing your customer means following established customer identification protocols for your business line, validating that the individual or entity, and the source of their funds, is legitimate.

Failing to detect suspicious transactions or doing business with any person or entity involved in criminal or terrorist activities puts the company and you at serious risk. Accordingly, the company will not tolerate any circumstance where an individual or business unit circumvents anti-money laundering policies or procedures or fails to report suspicious activity. No amount of revenue and no client relationship are worth the risk of doing business with those involved in criminal or terrorist activity. If you suspect or detect any suspicious activity, you must file an Incident Report as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours after detection. No manager or executive has the authority to suppress such reports.

(References: Global Anti-Money Laundering/Know-Your-Customer Policy; Tax Evasion Prevention Policy; Anti-Money Laundering Training Policy; Policy on Identifying, Investigating, and Reporting Fraud, Money Laundering etc.)

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WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS

We follow all requirements that apply to doing business with governments. We recognize that practices that may be acceptable when dealing with a private company that is the client may cause problems or be a violation of law when working with a government.

YOUR OBLIGATIONS

BASIC PRINCIPLES

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KEY PRINCIPLE:

WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS

YOUR OBLIGATIONS

BNY Mellon conducts business with national and local governments and with government-owned entities. While you must always follow the standard of Doing What’s Right with any client, you should be aware that there are special rules when doing business with a government. Some practices that are acceptable when a private company is your client, such as nominal gifts or entertainment, may cause problems, or in some cases be a violation of law, when working with governments.

If you’re involved in any part of the process of providing services to a government entity, you have a special obligation to follow the basic principles in this section of the Code. These principles also apply in circumstances where you may be supervising the work of third parties in support of a government client (e.g., consultants, contractors, temporary workers or suppliers).

If you’re a manager or recruiter who has responsibility for hiring decisions, you may have additional, unique requirements. For example, certain jurisdictions, such as the U.S., have laws concerning employment discussions and the hiring of former government officials and their family members or lobbyists. Check with your local Human Resources representative or the Legal department in such circumstances to be sure you’re following requirements of the law.

 

 

Q & A

Q: I have clients in a country where some businesses have been “nationalized” and are now owned and run by the state. Are the people I deal with in these circumstances considered to be officials of the government?

A: You should assume the answer is yes. The laws can be complicated, so contact the Legal department for guidance.

 

 

Q & A

Q: I’m hosting a dinner for a few of the larger clients in my region. One of the clients I was going to invite is the representative for the account we manage for the State of New Jersey. Do I have to notify anyone?

A: Yes. You may not proceed until you’ve received approval via CODE RAP from the Anti-Corruption and Government Contracting Unit of Compliance.

 

 

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BASIC PRINCIPLES

 

    Know the restrictions or limitations on presenting and receiving hospitality.

 

    Do not offer or accept gifts to or from representatives of governments that do not comply with company policies,

 

    Never accept or offer anything of value meant to induce or influence government employees or officials as this gives the appearance of a bribe, and

 

    Don’t “tip” government officials or offer “inducement” payments.

 

    Do not accept or present anything if it obligates you, or appears to obligate you.

 

    Observe a “higher standard of care.”

 

    Never destroy or steal government property,

 

    Don’t make false or fictitious statements, or represent that agreements have been met if they haven’t,

 

    Don’t deviate from contract requirements without prior approval from the government, and

 

    Never issue invoices or charges that are inaccurate, incorrect or unauthorized.

 

    Cooperate with government investigations and audits.

 

    Don’t avoid, contravene or otherwise interfere with any government investigation or audit, and

 

    Don’t destroy or alter any company documents (whether electronic or paper) in anticipation of a request for those documents from the government.

It’s important to note that in addition to the basic principles above, if your client is a U.S. federal, state or local government, there are very specific legal requirements and company policies that you must follow.

These obligations apply to all businesses that deal with U.S. federal, state or local entities or officials, regardless of the location or the line of business providing the service, even in locations outside the U.S.

(References: Doing Business with the Government; Government Contracts; Gifts, Entertainment and Payments to Governments)

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PROTECTING COMPANY ASSETS

We ensure all entries made in the company’s books and records are complete and accurate, and comply with established accounting and record-keeping procedures. We maintain confidentiality of all forms of data and information entrusted to us, and prevent the misuse of information belonging to the company or any client.

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY

ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS USE OF COMPANY ASSETS

PROTECTING CLIENT AND EMPLOYEE RECORDS AND OBSERVING OUR PRIVACY PRINCIPLES

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

USE OF COMPUTERS, SYSTEMS AND CORPORATE INFORMATION INSIDE OR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

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KEY PRINCIPLE:

PROTECTING COMPANY ASSETS

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY

BNY Mellon is committed to keeping honest, accurate and transparent books and records. You’re expected to follow established accounting and record-keeping rules, and to measure and report financial performance honestly. Investors count on us to provide accurate information so they can make decisions about our company. All business records must be clear, truthful and accurate, and follow generally accepted accounting principles and laws.

You may not have any secret agreement or side arrangements with anyone — a client, another employee or their family member, or a supplier, vendor or agent of the company.

The financial condition of the company reflects records and accounting entries supported by virtually every employee. Business books and records also include documents many employees create, such as expense diaries and time sheets.

Falsifying any document can impact the financial condition of the company. As a public company, BNY Mellon is required to file reports with government agencies and make certain public statements. Many people and entities use these statements, including:

 

    Accountants — to calculate taxes and other government fees,

 

    Investors — to make decisions about buying or selling our securities, and

 

    Regulatory agencies — to monitor and enforce our compliance with government regulations.

You’re expected to maintain accurate and complete records at all times. Financial integrity is fundamental to our success, and falsification, back- dating, or misrepresentation of any company books, records or reports will not be tolerated.

 

 

Q & A

Q: I think a co-worker is submitting reports that indicate she worked overtime that she did not actually work. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, so what should I do?

A: Reporting hours not worked is a form of theft. This is a serious issue and may be a violation of law. You must report your concern to your manager or Human Resources. If you’re uncomfortable raising this issue with your manager, file an Incident Report or contact the Ethics Help Line or the Ethics Hot Line to report your concern

 

 

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ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS

If you’re responsible for the accuracy of the company’s financial filings with regulators, you have a higher duty to ensure your behavior follows the most stringent standards of personal and professional conduct. This includes the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Company Controller, and such other individuals as determined by the General Counsel. Individuals in this group must adhere to the following additional standards:

 

    Disclose to the General Counsel and Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer any material transaction or relationship that could reasonably be expected to be a conflict of interest,

 

    Provide stakeholders with information that is accurate, complete, objective, fair, relevant, timely and understandable, including information in filings and submissions to the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies,

 

    Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing your independent judgment to be compromised,

 

    Never mislead or improperly influence any authorized audit or interfere with any auditor engaged in the performance of an internal or independent review of the company’s system of internal controls, financial statements or accounting books and records, and

 

    Promptly report any possible violation of the company’s Code of Conduct to the General Counsel and Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer.

USE OF COMPANY ASSETS

Company assets include, but are not limited to, company funds, equipment, facilities, supplies, postal and electronic mail, and any type of company-owned information. It also includes your time and the time of those with whom you work — you’re expected to use your time at work responsibly. Company assets are to be used for legitimate business purposes and not for your personal gain. You’re expected to use good judgment to ensure that assets are not misused or wasted.

The company’s name and brand is a vital asset. To ensure that we maintain the integrity and value of the brand, it is imperative to adhere to the brand guidelines when using the name, logo or any reference to the brand. Details about the brand and brand guidelines are listed at the Brand Center site on MySource.

In addition to keeping within brand guidelines to ensure that the name and brand are used appropriately, the following is another important principle to protect these assets. You should not imply, directly or indirectly, any company sponsorship, unless you have prior and proper approval. This includes refraining from using the company’s name to endorse a client, supplier, vendor or any third party without the approval of Corporate Marketing. You may not proceed with any such use of the company’s name or endorsement without first receiving approval through CODE RAP.

(Reference: Use of the Company’s Name in Advertising or Endorsements of Customers and Others)

Careless, wasteful, inefficient or inappropriate use of any company assets is irresponsible and inconsistent with our Code of Conduct. Any type of theft, fraud or embezzlement will not be tolerated.

 

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PROTECTING CLIENT AND EMPLOYEE RECORDS AND OBSERVING OUR PRIVACY PRINCIPLES

The company is responsible for ensuring the privacy, confidentiality and controlled access to all client and employee information. This includes personal information related to prospective clients and job candidates. All of our stakeholders expect us to collect, maintain, use, disseminate and dispose of information only as necessary to carry out responsibilities or as authorized by law.

Nearly every employee in the company has access to private information, so you’re expected to adhere to the following key principles concerning privacy:

 

    Collection of client and employee information must be controlled. This means that the collection of such information must be permitted under law and only for a legitimate business purpose. Accessing external accounts for clients using client passwords is not permitted under any circumstances, regardless of whether it is authorized and provided by the client.

 

    Storage and transport of all forms of collected client and employee information must be controlled and safeguarded. This means that information collected must be maintained in a secured environment, transported by approved vendors and access provided only to those who need to view the information to perform their job duties.

 

    Use of client and employee information must be controlled. If the law or company policy provides that the client or employee be given a right to “opt-out” of certain uses of information, then you must respect that right.

 

    Disposal of client and employee information must be controlled. You should only retain information for the time period necessary to deliver the service or product and in compliance with applicable retention periods. When it’s necessary to dispose of information (regardless of the media on which the information is stored) you must do so in a manner appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.

 

    Any compromise of client or employee information must be reported. If you’re aware of or suspect that client or employee information has been lost, stolen, missing, misplaced or misdirected, or that there’s been unauthorized access to information, you must immediately report the matter through the company’s incident reporting process.

Know how to protect records and make sure to follow company policies at all times. The loss of any protected data can be extremely harmful to the company financially and damage our reputation.

(Reference: Information Privacy Policy, Corporate Information Protection Policy)

 

 

Q & A

Q: As part of my group’s job duties, we’re able to view the accounts of wealthy clients. I overheard one of my colleagues talking to his brother on the phone about the balance in a client’s account that happens to be a very prominent sports figure. I don’t think this is right, but what should I do?

A: You’re correct in being concerned. Your colleague had no right to disclose personal information about a client to anyone who has no legitimate business need for the information. File an Incident Report or contact the Ethics Help Line or the Ethics Hot Line to report your concern.

 

 

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GLOBAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

You must follow company and local policies for retention, management and destruction of records. If there’s an investigation, or if litigation is pending or anticipated, certain records may need to be retained beyond established destruction periods. In most cases you’ll be notified of the need to retain documents by the Legal department, if appropriate.

Records should be defined in the broadest sense — meaning that they include any information created or received that has been recorded on any medium or captured in reproducible form. Records also include any document that is intentionally retained and managed as final evidence of a business unit’s activities, events or transactions, or for operational, legal, regulatory or historical purposes.

The media and formats of records take many forms, including:

 

    Papers, e-mails, instant messages, other electronically maintained documents,

 

    Microfilms, photographs and reproductions,

 

    Voice, text and audio tapes,

 

    Magnetic tapes, floppy and hard disks, optical disks and drawings, and

 

    Any other media, regardless of physical form or characteristics that have been made or received in the transaction of business activities.

(Reference: Records Management Program)

USE OF COMPUTERS, SYSTEMS AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

As an employee, you have access to the company’s computers, systems and corporate information to do your job. This access means you also have the obligation to use these systems responsibly and follow company policies to protect information and systems.

Electronic systems include, but are not limited to:

 

    Personal computers (including e-mail and instant messages) and computer networks,

 

    Telephones, cell phones, voice mail, pagers and fax machines, and

 

    Other communications devices, such as PDAs (e.g. Blackberry, iPad, etc.)

Never send sensitive or confidential data over the Internet or over phone systems without following established company policies to protect such information.

You should have no expectation of privacy when you use these systems, except as otherwise provided by applicable law. You’re given access to the company’s systems to conduct legitimate company business and you’re expected to use them in a professional and responsible manner. The company reserves the right to intercept, monitor and record your communication on these systems in accordance with applicable law.

You’re expected to protect the security of these systems and follow company policies concerning access and proper use (such as maintaining passwords). In rare cases, where there is a necessary and legitimate business reason, you may disclose your password to another employee who has the right to access the information associated with your password; however, you must file a CODE RAP report immediately and observe all necessary steps to restore

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the confidentiality of your password. Also, the occasional use of company systems for personal purposes is acceptable, but you’re expected to use good judgment and comply with company policies. Keep personal use to a minimum and use company systems wisely and in a manner that would not damage the company’s reputation.

You’re permitted to use the company’s systems if you follow these rules:

 

    Messages you create should be professional and appropriate for business communication, including those created via e-mail or instant messaging.

 

    Never engage in communication that may be considered offensive, derogatory, obscene, vulgar, harassing or threatening (e.g., inappropriate jokes, sexual comments or images, comments that may offend, including those based upon gender, race, age, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other basis defined by law).

 

    Do not distribute copyrighted or licensed materials improperly.

 

    Do not transmit chain letters, advertisements or solicitations (unless they’re specifically authorized by the company).

 

    Never view or download inappropriate materials.

Notwithstanding the above, employees in Luxembourg are prohibited from using the company’s corporate email for non-employment and non-business related purposes.

(References: Electronic Mail Policy; Corporate Information Protection Policy)

 

 

Q & A

Q: My co-worker sometimes sends sensitive client data via the Internet to a vendor we use to help solve problems. I’m concerned because I don’t think this information is protected properly. He says it’s okay because the vendor is authorized to receive the data and the problems that need to be resolved are time-sensitive. Should I be worried?

A: Yes. This is a serious matter, and you must talk to your manager immediately. Your co-worker could be putting clients and BNY Mellon at great risk. If you don’t raise your concern, you may be as responsible as your co-worker for violating company policies. If you’re uncomfortable raising this issue with your manager, file an Incident Report or contact the Ethics Help Line or the Ethics Hot Line to report your concern.

 

 

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Q & A

Q: I discovered that an investor in one of our funds has requested to withdraw a significant amount of money from the fund. I manage a client’s money and he has an investment in the same fund. To protect my client’s interest, I want to pull his money out of the fund because its performance will likely drop. Even though the withdrawal is not yet known by the public, is this okay because I have a fiduciary duty to my client and I’m not benefiting personally by trading on behalf of my client?

A: No. You’re in possession of material non- public information and you may not trade the securities of that fund. Your duty to comply with securities laws supersedes any duty you have to your client. You should immediately contact the Legal department to discuss this situation.

INSIDE OR PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

As an employee, you may have knowledge about the company’s businesses or possess confidential information about the private or business affairs of our existing, prospective or former clients, suppliers, vendors and employees. You should assume all such information is confidential and privileged and hold it in the strictest confidence. Confidential information includes all non-public information that may be of use to competitors, or harmful to the company or its clients, if disclosed.

It is never appropriate to use such information for personal gain or pass it on to anyone outside the company who is not expressly authorized to receive such information. Other employees who do not need the information to perform their job duties do not have a right to it. You’re expected to protect all such information and failure to do so will not be tolerated.

If you’re uncertain about whether you have inside or proprietary information, you should treat the information as if it were and check with your manager or a representative from the Legal department. The following list contains examples of “inside” or “proprietary” information.

Inside Information

Inside information is material non-public information relating to any company, including BNY Mellon, whose securities trade in a public market. Information is deemed to be material if a reasonable investor would likely consider it important when deciding to buy or sell securities of the company, or if the information would influence the market price of those securities.

If you’re in possession of material non-public information about BNY Mellon or any other company, you may not trade the securities of that company for yourself or for others, including clients. Nearly all countries and jurisdictions have strict securities laws that make you, the company and any person with whom you share the information, legally responsible for misusing inside information. The company’s Securities Firewalls Policy provides instructions on the proper handling of inside information and the company will not tolerate any violation of this policy. Certain employees have significant restrictions placed on their trading in BNY Mellon securities or the securities of other companies. You must know the restrictions relative to your job and follow company policies and applicable securities laws.

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Proprietary Information

Proprietary information includes business plans, client lists (prospective and existing), marketing strategies, any method of doing business, product development plans, pricing plans, analytical models or methods, computer software and related documentation and source code, databases, inventions, ideas, and works of authorship. Any information, inventions, models, methods, ideas, software, works or materials that you create as part of your job responsibilities or on company time, or that you create using information or resources available to you because of your employment by the company, or that relate to the business of the company, belong to the company exclusively and are considered proprietary information.

Proprietary information also includes business contracts, invoices, statements of work, requests for investment or proposal, and other similar documents. Any information related to a client, supplier or vendor financial information (including internal assessments of such), or credit ratings or opinions is considered proprietary. You should also assume all information related to client trades, non-public portfolio holdings and research reports are proprietary. The same is true regarding reports or communications issued by internal auditors, external regulators or accountants, consultants or any other third-party agent or examiner.

Company-produced policies, procedures or other similar work materials are proprietary and, while they may be shared with other employees, they cannot be shared with anyone outside of the company without prior consent of the policy owner and legal counsel.

These restrictions on the communication of proprietary information notwithstanding, employees are permitted to communicate certain proprietary information to regulatory authorities as detailed in the sections Direct Communication with Government and Regulatory Authorities and Communication of Trade Secrets to Government and Regulatory Authorities above.

(References: Securities Firewalls, Personal Securities Trading Policy, Ownership and Protection of Intellectual Property)

Your obligation to protect inside or proprietary information extends beyond the period of your employment with the company. The information you use during your employment belongs to the company and you may not take or use this information after you leave the company.

 

 

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SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

We take an active part in our communities around the world, both as individuals and as a company. Our long- term success is linked to the strength of the global economy and the strength of our industry. We are honest, fair and transparent in every way we interact with our communities and the public at large.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

INVESTOR AND MEDIA RELATIONS

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

PARTICIPATING IN TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, CONFERENCES AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

 


 

 

Q & A

Q: An outside attorney with whom I work from time to time on company business cannot attend an exclusive fundraiser for a high-level political candidate. He offered me his ticket. The event is to be held at a very wealthy person’s home in my community and this will be a great way to solicit business. The company is not paying for the ticket and the fundraiser will be on my own time. May I attend?

A: Only if you have the written approval of the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer. Your attendance at this event is indirectly related to your job and may give the appearance that you’re acting as a representative of the company or that the company sponsors the political candidate. It does not matter that BNY Mellon did not purchase the event ticket or that you’re going on your own time. To the public, your attendance is connected to the company. So you may not go without obtaining proper authorization prior to the event.

KEY PRINCIPLE:

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Personal Political Activity

BNY Mellon encourages you to keep informed of political issues and candidates and to take an active interest in political affairs. However, if you do participate in any political activity, you must follow these rules:

 

    Never act as a representative of the company unless you have written permission from the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel, and the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer of the company.

 

    Your activities should be on your own time, with your own resources. You may not use company time, equipment, facilities, supplies, clerical support, advertising or any other company resources.

 

    You may not use company funds for any political activity, and you will not be reimbursed or compensated in any way for a political contribution.

 

    Your political activities may not affect your objectivity or ability to perform your job duties.

 

    You may not solicit the participation of employees, clients, suppliers, vendors or any other party with whom the company does business.

 

    You may be required to pre-clear personal political contributions made by you, and in some cases, your family members.

(Reference: Political Contributions Policy)

Lobbying

Lobbying is generally defined as any activity that attempts to influence the passage or defeat of legislation. Lobbying activities are broad and may cover certain “grass roots” activities where groups of people, such as company employees, are contacted to encourage them to call public officials for the purpose of influencing legislation. Lobbying is prevalent in the U.S. and is gaining influence within the EU and other locations.

If you are engaged in lobbying, there may be disclosure requirements and restrictions on certain activities. If your job duties include any of the following activities, you must contact Marketing & Corporate Affairs or the Legal department for guidance:

 

 

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    Government contract sales or marketing

 

    Efforts to influence legislation or administrative actions, such as accompanying trade associations in meetings with government officials concerning legislation

 

    Meeting with legislators, regulators or their staffs regarding legislation

Lobbying does not include situations where a government agency is seeking public comment on proposed regulations.

(Reference: Procurement Lobbying)

Corporate Political Activities

The laws of many countries, including the U.S., set strict limits on political contributions made by corporations. Contributions are defined broadly to include any form of money, purchase of tickets, use of company personnel or facilities, or payment for services. BNY Mellon will make contributions only as permissible by law, such as those through company-approved political action committees.

INVESTOR AND MEDIA RELATIONS

Investor Relations

All contacts with institutional shareholders or securities analysts about the company must be made through the Investor Relations group of the Finance department. You must not hold informal or formal discussions with such individuals or groups, unless you are specifically authorized to do so. Even if you are authorized, you cannot provide special access or treatment to shareholders or analysts. All investors must have equal access to honest and accurate information.

Media Relations

Corporate Communications must approve all contacts with the media, including speeches, testimonials or other public statements made on behalf of the company or about its business. You may not respond to any request for interviews, comments or information from any television channel, radio station, newspaper, magazine or trade publication, either on or off the record, unless you have express authorization from Corporate Communications.

If you are contacted or interviewed about matters unrelated to your job or to the company, you may not identify BNY Mellon as your employer, and you may not make comments about BNY Mellon.

(Reference: Inquiries from the Media, Financial Analysts, and Securities Holders; Use of the Company’s Name in Advertising or Endorsements of Customers and Others)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q & A

Q: I have been asked to provide a statement about BNY Mellon’s experience with a vendor’s product that we use. The vendor wants to use my quote on their website or in other marketing materials. Is this okay?

A: It depends. Before agreeing to any such arrangement, you should contact Corporate Communications. BNY Mellon carefully protects its reputation by being highly selective in providing such endorsements. Do not proceed until you have the approval of your manager and Corporate Communications.

 

 

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CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

The company encourages you to take part in charitable, educational, fraternal or other civic affairs, as long as you follow these basic rules:

 

    Your activities may not interfere or in any way conflict with your job duties or with company business.

 

    You may not make any gifts or contributions to charities or other entities in the name of, or on behalf of, the company.

 

    You may not imply the company’s sponsorship for or support of any outside event or organization without the approval of the most senior executive of your line of business.

 

    You may not use your position for the purpose of soliciting business or contributions for any other entity.

 

    You must be cautious in the use of company letterhead, facilities or even your business card so that there is no implied or presumed corporate support for non-company business.

From time to time the company may agree to sponsor certain charitable events. In these situations, it may be proper to use company letterhead, facilities or other resources (such as employees’ time or company funds). Ask your manager if you’re unclear whether or not the event in question is considered to be company sponsored.

(Reference: Use of the Company’s Name in Advertising or Endorsements of Customers and Others)

PARTICIPATING IN TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, CONFERENCES AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

You may participate in trade association meetings and conferences. However, you must be mindful that these situations often include contact with competitors. You must follow the rules related to fair competition and anti-trust referenced in this Code and company policies.

In addition, meetings where a client, vendor or supplier pays for your attendance should be rare and only occur when it is legally allowed, in compliance with company policy and pre-approval has been obtained via CODE RAP.

If you perform public speaking or writing services on behalf of BNY Mellon, any form of compensation, accommodations or gift that you or any of your immediate family members receive must be reported through CODE RAP. Remember, any materials that you may use must not contain any confidential or proprietary information. The materials must be approved by the Legal Department and the appropriate level of management that has the topical subject matter expertise.

(Reference: Outside Affiliations, Outside Employment, and Certain Outside Compensation)

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ADDITIONAL HELP

This section contains additional questions and answers about the requirements of our Code. Remember, ignorance or a lack of understanding is not an excuse for violating the Code. The company has established many resources to help deal with questions you may have regarding compliance with the Code. You’re expected to take advantage of these resources.

 

Q: A friend of mine is running for political office and I would like to help her out with her campaign. Can I do this?

A: Yes. Your personal support is your personal business. Just make sure that you do not use company assets, including company time or its name to advance the campaign. In addition, be aware that certain political contributions must be reported and/or per-cleared.

Q: I was leaving the office and a journalist asked me if I could answer a few questions. I told him no and left the car park, but I felt bad about not talking to him. Should I have answered his questions?

A: Not at that time. You did the right thing by saying no. You should contact Corporate Communications and tell them of the request. They will determine whether it will be all right for you to talk to the media. If you receive a future request, suggest the journalist contact Corporate Communications directly.

Q: I am running for the local school board and I want to use the office copier to make copies of my campaign flyer. Is that okay?

A: No. Company property and equipment may not be used for a political purpose without authorization from Marketing & Corporate Affairs. Running for any public office is considered to be a political purpose. Accepting any political appointment or running for office requires approval via CODE RAP.

 

Q: To thank a client of mine, I want to give him tickets to attend a local football match. He mentioned that his company does not permit this type of entertainment, but I know he would love to go to the match. If he doesn’t care about his own company’s policy, can I give him the tickets?

A: No. If you know that giving him the tickets will violate his own company’s policy, do not give the gift. Just as we want clients to respect our limits on gifts, we must do the same.

Q: One of the vendors we’re considering for an assignment offered to take me to a local golf course to play a round and have dinner. He wants to talk about his company’s proposal so that we can make a more informed decision. We’ll be talking about business, and there won’t be much money spent on a round of golf and a modest dinner. Is this okay?

A: No. You’re evaluating vendors to provide a service. It’s always inappropriate to receive or give entertainment when the company is in the middle of a selection process.

Q: One of my vendors offered to send me to a conference at no cost to BNY Mellon. Can I accept the invitation?

A: No. Accepting a free trip from a vendor is never permissible. If you’re interested in attending the conference, speak to your manager. Most costs associated with your attendance at the conference must be paid by your department. You’ll be required to file a CODE RAP form if your manager agrees it’s appropriate to attend the conference and you’re requesting permission to permit the vendor to pay for part of your conference attendance.

 

 

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Q: We’re entitled to a large payment from a government client if we certify that we’ve met

all service level agreements on time. We’re not sure whether a few very minor items have been completed, but they’re not that important to the service. It’s close to the end of the quarter and we’d like to realize the payment. Is it okay to send the invoice and certify that the agreements have all been met now?

A: No. You cannot submit the invoice and certification until you’re certain that all requirements of the agreement have been met. Submission of an incorrect certification could subject the company, and you, to criminal penalties, so it is vitally important that any certification submitted to the government be completely accurate.

Q: A colleague called while on vacation requesting that I check her e-mail to see if she received an item she was expecting. She gave me her logon identification and password, requesting that I call her back with the information. Can I do this?

A: No. Passwords and other login credentials must be kept confidential and cannot be used by, or shared with, fellow employees. In rare instances when there is a business need that requires you to share your password, you’re required to file a CODE RAP form immediately afterward.

 

Q: I would like to take a part-time job working for my brother’s recycling business. His business has no relationship with the company and the work I’ll be doing for him is not at all similar to what I do in my job here at the company. Can I do this and do I have to file any forms?

A: Yes you may, as long as the time you spend there does not interfere with your job at the company and you don’t use any company equipment or supplies. You don’t need to file a CODE RAP form, since you’re not the sole proprietor or partial owner of the business. However, if you work in certain lines of business (such as a broker dealer), you may need to notify Compliance. Check with your manager or Compliance officer if you’re uncertain.

Q: I observed a colleague in our supply area filling up a box full of pens, paper and other items. I asked her what she was doing, and she told me that her son’s school was short on supplies, so she was trying to help out. She said our company can afford the supplies more than her son’s school and that it was the right thing to do. I am friendly with my colleague and I don’t want to get her in trouble. What should I do?

A: Your colleague is stealing from the company and you must file an Incident Report. The supplies purchased by our company are to be used for business needs only. Your colleague had no right to take these supplies for any purpose, even if it seems like a good cause.

 

 

REMEMBER

All BNY Mellon employees are expected to follow the Code of Conduct, even if they disagree with its contents.

If faced with a situation in which you’re unsure of the correct action to take, contact your manager, an Ethics Officer, Compliance Officer, Legal Representative or Human Resources Business Partner for help. There are many resources at your disposal to help you. Don’t hesitate to use them and Do What’s Right!

 

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