UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 11, 2020
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF
SPONSORED BY GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York | 001-38620 | 61-1848163 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
240 Greenwich Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10286
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(212) 635-6314
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
PERTH MINT PHYSICAL GOLD ETF
SPONSORED BY GOLD CORPORATION AND EXCHANGE TRADED CONCEPTS, LLC
2 Hanson Place
Brooklyn, New York 11217
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ |
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
||
Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Shares | AAAU | NYSE Arca |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒
Introductory Note.
This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed in connection with the consummation at 4:01 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 11, 2020 (the “Closing”) of the Goldman Sachs Transaction (as defined below) previously disclosed in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (formerly known as Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF) (the “Trust”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 29, 2020.
As of the Closing, Gold Corporation, as the prior custodial sponsor (the “Prior Custodial Sponsor”) of the Trust, and Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, as the prior administrative sponsor of the Trust (the “Prior Administrative Sponsor,” and together with the Prior Custodial Sponsor, the “Prior Sponsors”) transferred the roles of the Prior Sponsors to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (the “Goldman Sachs Transaction”). As of the Closing, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. serves as the sponsor of the Trust (the “Sponsor”), which combines the roles of the Prior Custodial Sponsor and the Prior Administrative Sponsor. As of the Closing, investors do not have the right to take delivery of the physical gold bullion in exchange for the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Shares (the “Shares”) owned by such investors.
The following events took place in connection with the Goldman Sachs Transaction.
Item 1.01 |
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
As of the Closing, the Sponsor and The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as trustee of the Trust (the “Trustee”) entered into a First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement (the “Trust Agreement”) primarily to reflect (1) the change of the name of the Trust, effective that same day, to “Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF” as approved and directed by the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust, (2) the transfer of the roles of the Prior Sponsors to the Sponsor and (3) certain operational updates based on the New Custody Agreement (as defined below).
The Shares continue to trade on NYSE Arca under the symbol “AAAU.” Along with the name change, the Shares have been assigned a new CUSIP number, which is 38150K103.
As of the Closing, the Trustee, the Sponsor and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London branch (in its role as the new custodian of the Trust, the “New Custodian”) entered into an Allocated Gold Account Agreement and an Unallocated Gold Account Agreement (collectively, the “New Custody Agreement”) providing for the custody of the Trust’s gold bullion by the New Custodian. Under the New Custody Agreement, the Custodian maintains an Allocated Account and an Unallocated Account (collectively, “Accounts”) on behalf of the Trust, facilitates the transfer of gold in and out of the Accounts, and provides the Trustee with access to certain information with respect to the gold held in the Accounts.
As of the Closing, the Trustee, the Sponsor and each of certain registered broker-dealers or other securities market participants (each an “Authorized Participant”) entered into an Amendment to the Authorized Participant Agreement (the “Amendment”) to reflect (1) the transfer of the roles of the Prior Sponsors to the Sponsor and (2) certain changes to the creation and redemption procedures.
The foregoing descriptions of the Trust Agreement, the New Custody Agreement and the Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Trust Agreement, the Allocated Gold Account Agreement, the Unallocated Gold Account Agreement and a form of the Amendment, which are filed as Exhibit 4.1, Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 4.2 hereto and are incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1.02 |
Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement. |
As of the Closing, Gold Corporation resigned as the custodian of the Trust’s gold bullion (in its role as custodian of the Trust, the “Prior Custodian”) under the Trust Allocated Metal Account Agreement and the Trust Unallocated Metal Account Agreement, each dated July 26, 2018, between the Prior Custodian and the Trustee (collectively, the “Prior Custody Agreement”), at which point the Treasurer of Western Australia, in the name and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of Western Australia, ceased its guarantee of the payment of the cash
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equivalent of gold due, payable and deliverable on behalf of the Trust. In accepting the Prior Custodian’s resignation, each of the Sponsor and the Trustee waived the requirement under the Prior Custody Agreement for the Prior Custodian to provide not less than six months advance notice of its resignation as the Prior Custodian and to continue to serve as custodian pursuant to the terms of the Prior Custody Agreement for a reasonable period of time following the Closing. Immediately following the Closing, the custody of all gold of the Trust will be governed by the New Custody Agreement. No cost or expense is expected to be incurred by the Trust or the holders of Shares in connection with the termination of the Prior Custody Agreement or its replacement with the New Custody Agreement.
Item 3.03 |
Material Modification to the Rights of Security Holders |
The information set forth in Item 1.01 relating to the Trust Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4.01. |
Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant. |
(a) |
Former independent registered public accounting firm |
On December 11, 2020, the Sponsor approved the dismissal of KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm.
KPMG’s audit reports on the Trust’s financial statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and period from July 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and period from July 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018, and the subsequent interim period through December 11, 2020, the effective date of KPMG’s dismissal, there were: (i) no disagreements (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K (“Regulation S-K”) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) between the Trust and KPMG on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to KPMG’s satisfaction, would have caused KPMG to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports on the Trust’s financial statements for such years or any subsequent interim period through the date of dismissal; and (ii) no “reportable events” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
The Trust provided KPMG with a copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K prior to its filing with the SEC, and requested that KPMG furnish a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether it agrees with the statements contained herein and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of KPMG’s letter, dated December 11, 2020, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(b) |
New independent registered public accounting firm |
On December 11, 2020, the Sponsor approved the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2020.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and period from July 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018 and the subsequent interim period through December 11, 2020, neither the Trust nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with PwC regarding: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Trust’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Trust that PwC concluded was an important factor considered by the Trust in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K; or (iii) any “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).
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Item 5.02 |
Departure of Principal Officers; Appointment of Principal Officers. |
As of the Closing, J. Garrett Stevens and Jay Baker, who are officers of the Prior Administrative Sponsor, no longer perform certain functions with respect to the Trust that, if the Trust had executive officers, would typically be performed by the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, respectively.
As of the Closing, Michael Crinieri and Joseph DiMaria, who are officers of the Sponsor, will perform certain functions with respect to the Trust that, if the Trust had executive officers, would typically be performed by the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, respectively.
Michael Crinieri, 55, has served as the global head of Exchange Traded Funds within the Sponsor since 2014 and performs the functions with respect to the Trust that, if the Trust had executive officers, would typically be performed by the Principal Executive Officer. Prior to this role, he headed the global ETF business in the Securities Division of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC. Prior to joining the Sponsor, Mr. Crinieri worked for ten years at Morgan Stanley, where he held various positions across ETF trading, marketing and product development.
Joseph DiMaria, 52, has served as a Managing Director of the Sponsor and has managed the Goldman Sachs Consumer Investment Management Division (CIMD) Fund Controllers team since 2015 and performs the functions with respect to the Trust that, if the Trust had executive officers, would typically be performed by the Principal Financial and Accounting Officer. He currently serves as the principal financial officer, treasurer and principal accounting officer of the Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund and Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund. Prior to joining the Sponsor, Mr. DiMaria spent 12 years with Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
Item 8.01 |
Other Events. |
On December 14, 2020, the Sponsor issued a press release announcing the Closing, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
As of the Closing, the Prior Sponsors terminated a Marketing Services Administration Agreement and an Administrative & Operational Services Agreement, each dated September 8, 2017. As of the Closing, the Sponsor and ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Marketing Agent”) entered into a Marketing Agent Services Agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) under which the Marketing Agent will provide certain marketing services to the Sponsor in connection with the Trust.
As of the Closing, the Trustee and the Trust amended (the “Amendment to License Agreement”) a License Agreement (the “License Agreement”), dated as of June 21, 2018, under which the Trustee granted to the Trust a non-exclusive, personal and non-transferable license under the Trustee’s patents and patent applications for purposes of establishing, operating and marketing any gold investment product that is sold, sponsored or issued by the Trust, to reflect the change of the sub-licensee from the Prior Sponsors to the Sponsor.
The foregoing descriptions of the Marketing Agreement, the License Agreement and the Amendment to License Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Marketing Agreement, the License Agreement and the Amendment to License Agreement which are filed as Exhibit 99.2, Exhibit 99.3 and Exhibit 99.4, respectively, hereto and are incorporated by reference herein.
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Item 9.01 |
Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
4.1 | First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement | |
4.2 | Form Amendment to the Form Authorized Participant Agreement | |
5.1 | Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (including consent of such firm) | |
8.1 | Tax Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP (including consent of such firm) | |
10.1 | Allocated Gold Account Agreement | |
10.2 | Unallocated Gold Account Agreement | |
16.1 | Letter from KPMG LLP, dated December 11, 2020 | |
23.1 | Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
23.2 | Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (including in Exhibit 8.1) | |
99.1 | Press release dated December 14, 2020 | |
99.2 | Marketing Agent Services Agreement | |
99.3 | License Agreement | |
99.4 | Amendment to License Agreement | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. Sponsor of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF |
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By: |
/s/ Michael Crinieri |
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Michael Crinieri* | ||||||
Global Head of Exchange Traded Funds | ||||||
Dated: December 14, 2020 |
* The registrant is a trust and the person is signing in his capacity as an officer of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., the Sponsor of the Registrant.
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Exhibit 4.1
EXECUTION VERSION
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT
Between
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.,
as Sponsor,
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Trustee
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF
Dated as of December 11, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Rules of Construction |
8 | ||||
ARTICLE II CREATION AND DECLARATION OF TRUST; FORM OF CERTIFICATES; DEPOSIT OF GOLD; DELIVERY, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF SHARES |
8 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
Creation and Declaration of Trust; Business of the Trust |
8 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Form of Certificates; Book-Entry System; Transferability of Shares |
9 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Deposit of Gold |
10 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Delivery of Shares; Liability for Taxes and Other Charges Connected with the Issuance of Shares |
12 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Registration of Shares and Transfers Thereof; Combination and Split-up of Certificates |
12 | ||||
Section 2.6. |
Surrender of Shares and Withdrawal of Trust Property |
13 | ||||
Section 2.7. |
Limitations on Delivery, Registration of Transfer and Surrender of Shares |
14 | ||||
Section 2.8. |
Lost Certificates, etc |
15 | ||||
Section 2.9. |
Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Certificates |
15 | ||||
Section 2.10. |
Splits and Reverse Splits of Shares |
15 | ||||
ARTICLE III CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANTS |
15 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
Liability of Authorized Participants for Taxes and other Governmental Charges |
15 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Warranties on Deposit of Gold |
16 | ||||
ARTICLE IV ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST |
16 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Evaluation of Gold |
16 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Responsibility of the Trustee for Evaluations |
17 | ||||
Section 4.3. |
Trust Evaluation |
17 | ||||
Section 4.4. |
Cash Distributions |
18 | ||||
Section 4.5. |
Other Distributions |
18 | ||||
Section 4.6. |
Fixing of Record Date |
18 | ||||
Section 4.7. |
Payment of Expenses; Gold Sales |
19 | ||||
Section 4.8. |
Statements and Reports; Fiscal Year |
20 | ||||
Section 4.9. |
Further Provisions for Gold Sales |
20 | ||||
Section 4.10. |
Counsel |
21 | ||||
Section 4.11. |
Grantor Trust |
21 | ||||
Section 4.12. |
Reserve Account |
21 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE V THE TRUSTEE, CUSTODIAN & SPONSOR |
22 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Trustee |
22 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
Prevention or Delay in Performance by Sponsor or the Trustee |
22 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
Obligations of Sponsor and the Trustee |
22 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Resignation or Removal of the Trustee; Appointment of Successor Trustee |
28 | ||||
Section 5.5. |
The Custodian |
29 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
Indemnification |
31 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Fees, Charges and Expenses of the Trustee |
32 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Charges of Sponsor |
33 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Retention of Trust Documents |
33 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Federal Securities Law Filings |
34 | ||||
Section 5.11. |
Prospectus Delivery |
34 | ||||
Section 5.12. |
Discretionary Actions by the Trustee; Consultation |
34 | ||||
ARTICLE VI AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
35 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Amendment |
35 | ||||
Section 6.2. |
Termination |
35 | ||||
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS |
38 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Counterparts |
38 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Third-Party Beneficiaries |
38 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Severability |
38 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Certain Matters Relating to Beneficial Owners |
38 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Notices |
39 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Agent for Service |
40 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Governing Law |
40 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
EXHIBITS |
|
|||||
Exhibit A |
Form of Certificate |
A-1 |
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FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT
THIS FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT dated as of December 11, 2020, between GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as the sponsor (the Successor Sponsor), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, a New York banking corporation, as the trustee (the Trustee).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (originally named the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF), a trust (the Trust), was created pursuant to the terms of that certain Depository Trust Agreement dated as of July 26, 2018 (the Original Trust Agreement), among Gold Corporation, a body corporate established under section 4 of the Gold Corporation Act 1987 (WA), as the custodial sponsor (Gold Corporation or the Initial Sponsor), Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company (ETC), as the administrative sponsor, and the Trustee, as trustee;
WHEREAS, the Successor Sponsor, Gold Corporation, and ETC entered into a Sponsorship Transfer Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, pursuant to which, among other things, Gold Corporation and ETC transferred to the Successor Sponsor sponsorship of the Trust, together with certain assets related thereto; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend and restate the Original Trust Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein contained, the Sponsor and the Trustee hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1. Definitions.
Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Agreement.
Agreement means this First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement, as the same may be further amended, restated, modified or supplemented in accordance with its terms.
Allocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Allocated Gold Account (No. 48041), as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an allocated basis pursuant to the Allocated Account Agreement for the purpose of holding Gold on behalf of the Trust.
Allocated Account Agreement means the Allocated Gold Account Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Current Custodian, the Sponsor and the Trustee, as it may be further amended or supplemented from time to time, pursuant to which the Allocated Account is established and operated.
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AP Account means a loco London account maintained on an Unallocated Basis by the Custodian or another LPMCL clearing bank for the Authorized Participant, as specified in the applicable instructions given pursuant to the Allocated Account Agreement.
Authorized Participant means a Person that, at the time of submitting a Purchase Order or Redemption Order, (i) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant, such as a bank or other financial institution, which, but for an exclusion from registration as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act, would be required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions, (ii) is a DTC Participant, (iii) has in effect a valid Authorized Participant Agreement, and (iv) has established an AP Account.
Authorized Participant Agreement means a written agreement among the Trustee, Sponsor and an Authorized Participant that authorizes the Authorized Participant to submit Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders under this Agreement. The Trustee shall not have any duty or liability to any Person on account of the selection of any Authorized Participant.
Authorized Participant Procedures means the procedures for Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders attached to an Authorized Participant Agreement, as modified by the Sponsor and the Trustee from time to time.
Basket means at least 25,000 Shares, except that the Sponsor, upon prior written notice to the Trustee, may from time to time increase or decrease the number of Shares comprising a Basket.
Basket Gold Amount means the amount of gold that must be deposited for issuance of one Basket or that is deliverable on Surrender of one Basket, determined as provided in Section 2.3(b).
Benchmark Price means, as of any day, (i) such days LBMA Gold Price PM or such days LBMA Gold Price AM if such days LBMA Gold Price PM is not available; or (ii) such other publicly available price which is reasonably available to the Trustee at no cost to the Trustee and which the Sponsor may determine fairly represents the commercial value of gold held by the Trust and instructs the Trustee to use as the Benchmark Price.
Beneficial Owner means any Person owning a beneficial interest in any Shares.
Book-Entry System has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.3(f)(ii).
Business Day means any day other than a day: (1) when the Exchange is closed for regular trading; or (2), if the order or other transaction requires the receipt or delivery, or the confirmation of receipt or delivery, of gold in the United Kingdom or in some other jurisdiction on a particular day, (A) when banks are authorized to close in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction or when the London gold market is closed or (B) when banks in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction are, or the London gold market is, not open for a full business day and the order or other transaction requires the execution or completion of procedures which cannot be executed or completed by the close of the business day.
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Certificate means a certificate that is executed and delivered by the Trustee evidencing Shares.
CFTC means the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
Clearing Agency has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.3(f)(ii).
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commission means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
Corporate Trust Office means the office of the Trustee at which its corporate trust business that relates to this Agreement is administered, which, at the date of this Agreement, is located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286.
Current Custodian means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a National Association incorporated in the United States of America, whose principal place of business in England is at 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, EC14 5JP, as custodian of the Trusts gold under the Custody Agreement.
Custodian means the Current Custodian and any substitute or additional custodian of the Trusts assets appointed by the Trustee at the direction of the Sponsor as provided in Section 5.5 and, where the context permits, any sub-custodians employed by the Current Custodian or any such substitute or additional custodian. Custodian shall also mean, where the context permits, the Original Custodian.
Custody Agreement means each of the Unallocated Account Agreement and the Allocated Account Agreement or any custodian or custody agreement entered into pursuant to Section 5.5(a) with a substitute or additional Custodian. Custody Agreement shall also mean, where the context permits, the Original Custody Agreement.
Delivery means (i) obtaining an acknowledgement from the Custodian of a credit of gold on an Unallocated Basis to the account of the Person entitled to that delivery and (ii) when used with respect to Shares, one or more book-entry transfers of those Shares to an account or accounts at the Depository designated by the Person entitled to instruct such delivery, and, as applicable, for further credit as specified by that Person.
Depository means DTC and any other successor depository of Shares selected by the Sponsor, as provided herein.
Dollars or $ (or dollars) refers to United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
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DTC means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors.
DTC Participant means a Person that, pursuant to DTCs governing documents, is entitled to deposit securities with DTC in its capacity as a participant.
ETC has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.
Exchange means the exchange or other securities market on which the Shares are principally traded, which shall initially be NYSE Arca, or such other exchange or securities market which may be specified from time to time by the Sponsor, who shall have the sole authority to sign all listing documents and applications with the applicable Exchange on behalf of the Trust.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Fine Ounce means an Ounce of 100% pure gold, Fine Ounces being determined, as to physical gold, by multiplying the gross weight in Ounces by the fineness, expressed as a fraction of the fine metal content in parts per 1000 in accordance with London Good Delivery Standards and, as to gold held on an Unallocated Basis, by the number of Fine Ounces credited to the applicable unallocated account from time to time (such account being denominated in Fine Ounces).
GC Metal Account means one or more Gold accounts of which Gold Corporation, in its individual capacity, is the registered owner maintained with one or more LBMA Gold clearing members on an Unallocated Basis in such location or locations as Gold Corporation may determine and used by Gold Corporation exclusively for transfers of Gold to and from the Trust in connection with the creation and redemption of Baskets.
Gold or gold means (i) Physical Gold held by the Custodian or any sub-custodian under the Allocated Account Agreement and/or (ii) any credit to an account, including the Unallocated Account, on an Unallocated Basis, as the context requires.
Gold Corporation has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.
Government Guarantee means the guarantee provided by the State of Western Australia pursuant to Section 22 of the Gold Corporation Act 1987 (Western Australia) which provides (among other things) that the payment of the cash equivalent of gold due, payable and deliverable by Custodian under the Act is guaranteed by the Treasurer of Western Australia, in the name and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of Western Australia.
Gross Asset Value has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.3(a).
Indirect Participant means a Person that, by clearing securities through, or maintaining a custodial relationship with, a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly, has access to the DTC clearing system.
Initial Sponsor has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting has the meaning ascribed to such term in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) adopted by the Commission under the Exchange Act.
LBMA means The London Bullion Market Association or its successors.
LBMA Gold Price AM means the price of a troy ounce of gold as determined by ICE Benchmark Administration, the third party administrator of the London gold price selected by the LBMA, or any successor administrator of the London gold price, at or about 10:30 a.m. London, England time.
LBMA Gold Price PM means the price of a troy ounce of gold as determined by ICE Benchmark Administration, the third party administrator of the London gold price selected by the LBMA, or any successor administrator of the London gold price, at or about 3:00 p.m. London, England time.
London Bar means a gold bar meeting the London Good Delivery Standards.
London Good Delivery Standards means the specifications for good delivery gold bars, including the specifications for weight, dimensions, fineness (or purity), identifying marks and appearance of gold bars, set forth in the good delivery rules promulgated by the LBMA from time to time.
LPMCL means London Precious Metals Clearing Limited or its successors.
Net Asset Value means the net value of the Trust determined under Section 4.3(a).
Net Asset Value per Share means the value of a Share determined under Section 4.3(a).
Order Cutoff Time means, with respect to any Business Day, (i) 3:59:59 p.m. (New York time) on such Business Day or (ii) another time agreed to by the Sponsor and the Trustee and as to which the Sponsor has notified Registered Owners and all existing Authorized Participants.
Order Date means, with respect to a Purchase Order, the date specified in Section 2.3(a) and, with respect to a Redemption Order, the date specified in Section 2.6(a).
Original Custodian means Gold Corporation, in its role as custodian of the Trust under the Original Custody Agreement.
Original Custody Agreement means, collectively, (i) the Trust Allocated Metal Account Agreement dated July 26, 2018 between the Original Custodian and the Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time and (ii) the Trust Unallocated Metal Account Agreement dated July 26, 2018 between the Original Custodian and the Trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
Original Trust Agreement has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.
Ounce means one troy ounce, equal to 31.103 grams.
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Person means any natural person or any limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Physical Gold or physical gold means gold bullion that meets the London Good Delivery Standards.
Purchase Order has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.3(a).
Qualified Bank means a bank, trust company, corporation or national banking association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or any State of the United States that is authorized under those laws to exercise corporate trust powers and that (i) is a DTC Participant or a participant in such other Depository as is then acting with respect to the Shares, (ii) is a bank as defined in section 408(n) of the Code (unless counsel to Sponsor, the appointment of which is acceptable to the Trustee, determines that complying with such definition is not necessary for the exception under section 408(m) (3) of the Code to apply), and (iii) had, as of the date of its most recent annual financial statements, an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $150,000,000.
Redemption Order has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.6(a).
Registered Owner means the Person in whose name Shares are registered on the books of the Registrar maintained for that purpose.
Registrar means any bank or trust company that is appointed to register Shares and transfers of Shares, which shall be the Trustee unless another Registrar is appointed as herein provided.
Reserve Account means the account described in Section 4.12.
Rules means the rules, regulations, practices and customs of the LBMA, LPMCL, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Bank of England and such other regulatory authority or other body, applicable to the parties and/or to the activities contemplated by this the Allocated Account Agreement or the activities of a Subcustodian.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Share means a unit of beneficial interest in the Trust created under this Agreement, having no par value and representing a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust which undivided interest shall equal a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the total number of Shares outstanding. The name of the Shares shall be Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Shares.
Sponsor means, from the date of the Original Trust Agreement up until the time immediately preceding the effective date of this Agreement, the Initial Sponsor and, from the effective date of this Agreement, the Successor Sponsor, or its successor.
Sponsor Fee has the meaning specified in Section 5.8(a).
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Sponsor Indemnified Party has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.6(b).
Subcustodian shall mean a LBMA-member gold clearing bank engaged by the Custodian in accordance with the Custody Agreement as a sub-custodian of gold held for the Trust by the Custodian.
Successor Sponsor has the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph.
Surrender means, when used with respect to Shares, one or more book-entry transfers of Shares to the Trustees account with the Depository or surrender to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office of one or more Certificates evidencing Shares. A Surrendering Authorized Participant and Surrendered Shares, Baskets or Certificates mean, respectively, an Authorized Participant and Shares, Baskets or Certificates, involved in a Surrender.
Transaction Fee has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.7(d).
Trust has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals.
Trust Property means the gold owned by the Trust that the Custodian credits to the Allocated Account and Unallocated Account in accordance with the Custody Agreement, any cash and all other property held by the Custodian for the account of the Trust, and any cash or other property that is received by the Trustee in respect thereof or that is otherwise being held by or for the Trust under this Agreement.
Trustee has the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph.
Trustee Indemnified Party has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 5.6(a).
Unallocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Unallocated Metal Account (No. 48040) as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an Unallocated Basis pursuant to the Unallocated Account Agreement.
Unallocated Account Agreement means the Unallocated Gold Account Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Current Custodian, the Sponsor and the Trustee, as it may be further amended or supplemented from time to time, pursuant to which the Unallocated Account is established and operated.
Unallocated Basis means, with respect to the Unallocated Account maintained with the Custodian, that the person in whose name the account is held is entitled to delivery in accordance with the relevant Rules of an amount of Gold equal to the amount of Gold standing to the credit of such persons account but is not entitled to specific Gold.
Unallocated Gold means gold held on an Unallocated Basis.
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Section 1.2. Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied in the United States;
(c) or is not exclusive;
(d) the words herein, hereof, hereunder and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision thereof;
(e) including means including without limitation;
(f) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(g) references to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns; and
(h) a term defined in any part of speech shall have the corresponding meaning when capitalized and used herein in another part of speech.
ARTICLE II
CREATION AND DECLARATION OF TRUST; FORM OF CERTIFICATES;
DEPOSIT OF GOLD; DELIVERY, REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER AND
SURRENDER OF SHARES
Section 2.1. Creation and Declaration of Trust; Business of the Trust.
(a) The Trustee acknowledges that on or about July 26, 2018 it received confirmation from the Original Custodian that the Original Custodian had received an initial deposit of gold from Virtu Financial BD LLC, the initial purchaser of the first Baskets, and credited such deposit to the Allocated Account. In exchange for the initial deposit of gold, the Trustee issued a global Certificate to DTC substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A to the Original Trust Agreement and, upon effectiveness of the initial registration statement for the sale of the Shares, directed DTC to credit the initial depositor of gold with the number of Baskets represented by such initial deposit. The Trustee declared then, and hereby reaffirms, that all Trust Property is and shall be owned by the Trust and the Trustee as trustee thereof for the benefit of the Beneficial Owners for the purposes of, and subject to and limited by the terms and conditions set forth in, this Agreement. The trust created by this Agreement was originally named the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF, but is now, and shall continue to be, named Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF.
(b) The Trust shall not engage in any business or activities other than those authorized by this Agreement or incidental and necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities set forth in this Agreement. The Trust shall not issue or sell any certificates or other obligations other than the Shares and shall not otherwise incur, assume or guarantee any indebtedness for money borrowed, except as provided in Section 2.3(e) of this Agreement.
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Section 2.2. Form of Certificates; Book-Entry System; Transferability of Shares.
(a) Other than the initial global Certificate, the Certificates evidencing Shares shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A attached to this Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. No Shares shall be entitled to any benefits under this Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless a Certificate evidencing those Shares has been executed by the Trustee by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Trustee and, if a Registrar (other than the Trustee) for the Shares shall have been appointed, countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar. The Trustee shall maintain books on which the registered ownership of each Share and transfers, if any, of such registered ownership shall be recorded. Certificates evidencing Shares bearing the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Trustee and the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar, if applicable, who was, at the time such Certificates were executed, a proper signatory of the Trustee or Registrar, if applicable, shall bind the Trustee, notwithstanding that such signatory has ceased to hold such office prior to the delivery of such Certificates.
(b) The Certificates may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement as may be required by the Trustee or required to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any Exchange on which Shares may be listed or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which the Shares evidenced by a particular Certificate are subject.
(c) ETC, as administrative sponsor, and the Trustee applied to DTC for acceptance of the Shares in its book-entry settlement system. The Sponsor and the Trustee, as the case may be, shall enter into such customary agreements as may be required by DTC in connection therewith. Shares deposited with DTC shall be evidenced by one or more global Certificates that shall be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, and shall bear the following legend:
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (DTC), TO THE AGENT AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUER FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
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(d) So long as the Shares are eligible for book-entry settlement with DTC and such settlement is available, unless otherwise required by law, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2.2(a) and (b), all Shares shall be evidenced by one or more global Certificates the Registered Owner of which is DTC or a nominee of DTC and (i) no Beneficial Owner of Shares will be entitled to receive a separate Certificate evidencing those Shares, (ii) the interest of a Beneficial Owner in Shares represented by a global Certificate will be shown only on, and transfer of that interest will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or a DTC Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner holds that interest and (iii) the rights of a Beneficial Owner with respect to Shares represented by a global Certificate will be exercised only to the extent allowed by, and in compliance with, the arrangements in effect between such Beneficial Owner and DTC or the DTC Participant or Indirect Participant through which that Beneficial Owner holds an interest in Shares. So long as DTC or another authorized Depository selected by Sponsor is the Registered Owner, the Trustee and Sponsor may treat DTC or such other Depository as the absolute owner of the Shares for all purposes whatsoever, including with respect to the payment of distributions and the giving of notices of redemption, tender and other matters with respect to the Shares.
(e) If, at any time when Shares are evidenced by a global Certificate, DTC ceases to make its book-entry settlement system available for such Shares, the Trustee shall execute and deliver separate Certificates evidencing Shares to a successor authorized Depository identified by Sponsor and available to act, or, if no successor Depository is identified and able to act, the Trustee shall terminate the Trust in accordance with Section 6.2.
(f) Title to a Certificate evidencing Shares (and to the Shares evidenced thereby), when properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument under the laws of New York; provided, however, that the Trustee, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Registered Owner of Shares as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the Person entitled to any distribution or to any notice provided for in this Agreement and for all other purposes.
Section 2.3. Deposit of Gold.
(a) The issuance and Delivery of Shares will take place only in integral numbers of Baskets and in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, as supplemented by the Authorized Participant Procedures (to the extent they are not inconsistent with this Agreement). Authorized Participants wishing to acquire from the Trustee one or more Baskets must place an order therefor with the Trustee (a Purchase Order) prior to the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day. The Order Date for Purchase Orders received by the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time on a Business Day shall be that Business Day. A Purchase Order received after the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day will not be accepted. As consideration for each Basket acquired, an Authorized Participant must deposit with the Custodian, in the time frame set forth under the Authorized Participant Procedures, the Basket Gold Amount, as such amount is determined by the Trustee on the Order Date of the corresponding Purchase Order. Gold may only be delivered to the Custodian by credit to the Unallocated Account. The Authorized Participant shall bear all risk of any loss until the gold is credited to the Unallocated Account, and none of the Trustee, the Sponsor or the Trust shall have any liability for any such loss.
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(b) The Trustee shall determine the Basket Gold Amount for each Business Day, and each such determination thereof and the Trustees resolution of questions concerning the composition of the Basket Gold Amount shall be final and binding on all Persons interested in the Trust. The initial Basket Gold Amount is 500 Fine Ounces. After the initial deposit of gold into the Trust, the Basket Gold Amount for each Business Day shall be an amount of gold equal to:
(a) minus (b)
(c) divided by (d)
Where:
(a) = |
the total number of Fine Ounces (including fractions thereof) held in the Trust as of the opening of business on such Business Day | |
(b) = |
the number of Fine Ounces (including fractions thereof) equal in value to the Trusts unpaid expense accrual as of the opening of business on such Business Day | |
(c) = |
the total number of Shares outstanding as of the opening of business on such Business Day | |
(d) =
|
25,000 (or other number of Shares in a Basket for such Business Day) |
Fractions of a Fine Ounce included in the Basket Gold Amount smaller than 0.001 Fine Ounces shall be disregarded. The Sponsor shall publish, or shall designate another Person to publish, for each Business Day, the Basket Gold Amount.
(c) If the Trust Property (other than the Reserve Account) includes money or any property other than gold, no deposits of gold will be accepted until after a record date for distribution of that money or property, or proceeds of that property, has passed.
(d) All Gold deposited with the Trust shall be owned by the Trust and held for the Trust by the Custodian or a Subcustodian. Cash and any assets of the Trust other than gold shall be held by the Trustee at such place and in such manner as the Trustee shall determine.
(e) Pursuant to and except as may be otherwise provided in the Custody Agreement, (i) at the end of each London Business Day the Custodian shall allocate, or cause to be allocated, ownership of gold to the Allocated Account such that no amount of gold remains standing to the credit of the Unallocated Account at the close of such London Business Day and (ii), the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to minimize the amount of gold held for the Trust in the Unallocated Account at all times during each London Business Day. In order to ensure that all gold deposited into the Trust is fully allocated into Physical Gold, the Trust may from time to time borrow no more than 430 Fine Ounces from the Custodian pursuant to the terms of the Custody Agreement, in order to ensure that the Trust is always fully allocated. Additionally, to the extent that, in connection with a Purchase Order, the Custodian is permitted to allocate Physical Gold to the Allocated Account in excess of the amount of gold deposited into the Unallocated Account for such Purchase Order pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Trust may borrow an amount of Fine Ounces equal to the amount of the number of Fine Ounces in excess of the amount of gold deposited, with such borrowed amount of Fine Ounces to be recorded as a corresponding amount due to the Custodian in the Unallocated Account, in accordance with the Custody Agreement. Furthermore, to the extent that the Custodian is permitted to substitute other
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Physical Gold for Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account pursuant to the Custody Agreement and such substitution results in the total number of Fine Ounces of Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account exceeding the total number of Fine Ounces of Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account immediately prior to such substitution, the Trust may borrow an amount of Fine Ounces equal to the amount of the excess number of Fine Ounces resulting from such substitution, with such borrowed amount of Fine Ounces to be recorded as a corresponding amount due to the Custodian in the Unallocated Account, in accordance with the Custody Agreement.
Section 2.4. Delivery of Shares; Liability for Taxes and Other Charges Connected with the Issuance of Shares.
Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Purchase Order from an Authorized Participant and the other documents required as above specified, if any, and a confirmation from the Custodian that the Basket Gold Amount has been Delivered to the Custodian for each Basket requested in such Purchase Order and that the Custodian has allocated the Basket Gold Amount to the Allocated Account, the Trustee, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as supplemented by the Authorized Participant Procedures (to the extent they are not inconsistent with this Agreement) and the practices of the Depository, shall Deliver to the Authorized Participant the number of Baskets issuable in respect of such deposit as requested in the corresponding Purchase Order, but only upon payment to the Trustee of the applicable transaction fees and expenses, including the Trustees fee and all taxes, governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit, the transfer of gold and the issuance and Delivery of Shares. An Authorized Participant is responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, recording tax, value added tax or similar tax or other governmental charge applicable to the transfer of gold and the issuance and Delivery of Shares pursuant to its Purchase Order, regardless of whether such tax or charge is imposed directly on the Authorized Participant; and by placing a Purchase Order an Authorized Participant agrees to indemnify the Sponsor, the Trustee and the Trust if any of them is required by law to pay any such tax or charge, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax and interest thereon.
Section 2.5. Registration of Shares and Transfers Thereof; Combination and Split-up of Certificates.
(a) The Trustee shall keep or cause to be kept a register of Registered Owners of Shares and shall provide for the registration of Shares and the registration of transfers of Shares.
(b) The Trustee, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall register transfers of ownership of Shares on its transfer books from time to time, upon the Surrender of a Certificate evidencing such Shares, by the Registered Owner in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States. Thereupon, the Trustee shall execute a new Certificate or Certificates evidencing such Shares and shall deliver the same to or upon the order of the Person entitled thereto.
(c) The Trustee, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall, upon Surrender of a Certificate or Certificates evidencing Shares for the purposes of effecting a split-up or combination of that Certificate or Certificates, execute and deliver one or more new Certificates evidencing those Shares.
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(d) The Trustee may, with the written approval of the Sponsor (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting registration of transfers of Shares and combinations and split-ups of Certificates at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Trustee. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Registered Owners or Persons entitled to Shares and will be entitled to protection and indemnity to the same extent as the Trustee. Likewise, such co-transfer agent will be held to the same standards of care to which the Trustee is held under this Agreement, including the same standards of care that govern the eligibility of the Trustee to be indemnified under this Agreement.
(e) The previous paragraphs of this Section 2.5 notwithstanding, for so long as the Shares are eligible for deposit with a Depository, the sole Registered Owner shall be such Depository or its nominee and transfer of Shares shall be effected solely by the Depository in accordance with its customary practices in effect from time to time.
Section 2.6. Surrender of Shares and Withdrawal of Trust Property.
(a) Surrender of Shares by Authorized Participants. Upon Surrender by an Authorized Participant of any integral number of Baskets for the purpose of withdrawing the amount of Trust Property represented thereby and payment to the Trustee of the applicable transaction fees and expenses, including the Trustees fee, and all taxes, governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such Surrender and withdrawal of Trust Property, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as supplemented by the Authorized Participant Procedures (to the extent they are not inconsistent with this Agreement) and the practices of the Depository, an Authorized Participant acting for its own account or on authority of the Beneficial Owner of those Shares will be entitled to Delivery of the amount of Trust Property at the time represented by such Baskets, including the Basket Gold Amounts corresponding to such Baskets on the applicable Order Date (determined as provided below). Authorized Participants wishing to redeem one or more Baskets must place an order with the Trustee (a Redemption Order) prior to the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day. The Order Date for Redemption Orders received by the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time shall be that Business Day. A Redemption Order received after the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day will not be accepted. Upon a Surrender of an integral number of Baskets and satisfaction of all the conditions for withdrawal of Trust Property, the Trustee shall instruct the Custodian to Deliver to or to the order of the Surrendering Authorized Participant the amount of gold represented by the Surrendered Shares on the Order Date, and the Trustee shall pay or deliver to or to the order of the Surrendering Authorized Participant the amount of any other Trust Property represented by the Surrendered Shares. Unless otherwise agreed between the Custodian and the Authorized Participant, gold will be withdrawn from the Allocated Account and credited to the Unallocated Account and thereafter will be Delivered, as provided in the Custody Agreement, as a credit to (i) an account of the Authorized Participant maintained on an Unallocated Basis by an LBMA Gold clearing member identified by the Authorized Participant to the Custodian and the Trustee or (ii) an account of the Authorized Participant maintained on an Unallocated Basis with the Custodian. The Authorized Participant shall bear all risk of any loss from the time the gold is transferred from the Unallocated Account for Delivery to the unallocated account of the Authorized Participant, and none of the Trustee, the Sponsor, or the Trust shall have any liability for any such loss.
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(b) The Trustee may require that a Certificate evidencing Shares Surrendered for the purpose of withdrawal of Trust Property is properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank.
Section 2.7. Limitations on Delivery, Registration of Transfer and Surrender of Shares.
(a) As a condition precedent to the issuance, Delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination or Surrender of any Shares or withdrawal of any Trust Property, the Trustee or Registrar: (i) may require payment from the applicable Authorized Participant of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charges and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to any securities being withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees as herein provided, (ii) may require the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature and (iii) may also require compliance with any regulations the Trustee may establish consistent with the provisions of this Agreement, including, this Section 2.7. The applicable Authorized Participant, Registered Owner or Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Sponsor, the Trustee and the Trust if any of them is required by law to pay any such tax, charge or fee, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax and interest thereon.
(b) The acceptance of Purchase Orders, the Delivery of Shares against deposits of Gold or the registration of transfer of Shares may, and upon direction of the Sponsor shall, be suspended generally, or refused with respect to a particular Purchase Order, Delivery of Shares or registration, by the Trustee (i) during any period when the transfer books of the Trustee are closed, (ii) if the Custodian has informed the Trustee and the Sponsor that it is unable to allocate gold to the Allocated Account either in connection with a particular Purchase Order (in which case, unless otherwise instructed by the Sponsor, the Trustee will reject all other Purchase Orders having the same Order Date) or generally, or (iii) if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Sponsor, for any reason in its sole discretion at any time or from time to time. The Trustee shall reject any Purchase Order that is not in proper form. Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall be liable to any Person by reason of the suspension, refusal or rejection of any Purchase Order or Delivery of Shares against deposits of gold or of any registration of transfer of Shares.
(c) Except as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Agreement, the Surrender of Shares for the purpose of withdrawing Trust Property pursuant to Section 2.6(a) may, and upon the direction of the Sponsor shall, be suspended or rejected generally or with respect to a particular Redemption Order, by the Trustee (i) during any period in which regular trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted or the Exchange is closed for other than scheduled holiday or weekend closings, (ii) during an emergency as a result of which delivery, disposal or evaluation of Gold is not reasonably practicable, including where transportation services acceptable to the Custodian are not available, or (iii) for such other period as the Sponsor may determine to be necessary for protection of Registered Owners. The Trustee shall reject any Redemption Order that is not in proper form. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor shall be liable to any Person by reason of any such suspension, postponement or rejection. The Trustee shall reject any Redemption Order by an Authorized Participant pursuant to Section 2.6(a) the fulfilment of which its counsel or the Custodian advises may be illegal under applicable laws and regulations, and the Trustee shall have no liability to any Person for rejecting a Redemption Order in such circumstances. In the event that the Surrender of Shares for the purpose of withdrawing Trust Property pursuant to Section
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2.6(a) is suspended or rejected generally during an emergency as a result of which delivery, disposal or evaluation of Gold is not reasonably practicable, the Sponsor shall promptly notify the Exchange of such emergency.
Section 2.8. Lost Certificates, etc.
The Trustee shall execute and deliver a new Certificate of like tenor in exchange and substitution for a mutilated Certificate upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate, if the Registered Owner of the Shares evidenced thereby has (a) filed with the Trustee (i) a request for such execution and delivery before the Trustee has notice that the Shares evidenced by the Certificate have been acquired by a protected purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond, and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Trustee.
Section 2.9. Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Certificates.
All Certificates Surrendered to the Trustee shall be canceled by the Trustee. The Trustee is authorized to destroy Certificates so canceled.
Section 2.10. Splits and Reverse Splits of Shares.
(a) If requested in writing by the Sponsor, the Trustee shall effect a split or reverse split of the Shares as of a record date set by the Trustee in accordance with procedures determined by the Trustee and the Depository.
(b) If so directed by Sponsor, the Trustee shall not distribute any fraction of a Share in connection with a split or reverse split of the Shares. The Trustee may sell the aggregated fractions of Shares that would otherwise be distributed in a split or reverse split of the Shares or the amount of Trust Property that would be represented by those Shares and distribute the net proceeds of those Shares or that Trust Property to the Registered Owners entitled to them.
(c) The amount of Trust Property represented by each Share and the Basket Gold Amount shall be adjusted as appropriate as of the open of business on the Business Day following the record date for a split or reverse split of the Shares.
Section 2.11. Delivery of Gold to and from the Trust. None of the Trustee, the Sponsor or the Trust shall have any liability for any loss resulting from the use of the GC Metal Account or for any act or inaction of Gold Corporation related to the GC Metal Account.
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANTS
Section 3.1. Liability of Authorized Participants for Taxes and other Governmental Charges.
An Authorized Participant is responsible for any transfer tax, sales or use tax, recording tax, value added tax or similar tax or other governmental charge applicable to the redemption of
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Shares or the transfer of Shares or gold in connection therewith, regardless of whether such tax or charge is imposed directly on the Authorized Participant. If any such tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Trustee with respect to any redemption of Shares or the transfer of Shares or gold in connection therewith, (a) such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Authorized Participant redeeming Shares to the Trustee, (b) the Trustee (i) shall refuse to effect any registration of transfer of such Shares or any withdrawal of Trust Property represented by such Shares, as the case may be, until such payment is made, (ii) may withhold any distributions or sell for the account of such Authorized Participant such Trust Property or Shares, and (iii) may apply such distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of such tax or other governmental charge, and (c) the Authorized Participant redeeming such Shares shall remain liable for any deficiency; and by placing a Redemption Order or requesting a transfer of Shares, an Authorized Participant agrees to indemnify Sponsor, the Trustee and the Trust if any of them is required by law to pay any such tax or other governmental charge, together with any applicable penalties, additions to tax and interest thereon. The Trustee shall distribute any net proceeds of a sale made under the preceding sentence that remain, after payment of the tax or other governmental charge, to the Authorized Participant entitled thereto as in the case of a distribution in cash through the procedures of the Depository. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability for any such taxes or other governmental charges and, to the extent the Trustee incurs any liability, cost or expense in connection with any such taxes or other governmental charges, the Trustee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Trust from the assets of the Trust for the amount of any such liability, cost or expense.
Section 3.2. Warranties on Deposit of Gold.
Every Authorized Participant depositing gold under this Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (a) the deposited gold represents the right to receive gold that meets the London Good Delivery Standards without any additional cost, (b) the Authorized Participant making such deposit is duly authorized to do so and (c) at the time of Delivery, the gold is free and clear of any lien, pledge, encumbrance, right, charge or any other claim whatsoever (other than the rights created by this Agreement). All representations and warranties deemed made under this Section 3.2 shall survive the deposit of gold, Delivery or Surrender of Shares and termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST
Section 4.1. Evaluation of Gold.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the Order Cutoff Time on each Business Day, the Trustee shall determine the value of the gold held or receivable by the Trust (i) on the basis of the Benchmark Price for that day or (ii) if no Benchmark Price is announced for that day, on the basis of the most recently announced Benchmark Price prior to the evaluation time. However, if the Sponsor determines that the Benchmark Price specified in the preceding sentence is inappropriate as a basis for evaluation, it shall identify an alternative basis for evaluation to be employed by the Trustee. Gold deliverable under a Purchase Order shall be included in the evaluation beginning on the first Business Day following the Order Date therefor. Gold deliverable
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under a Redemption Order shall not be included in the evaluation on and after the first Business Day following the Order Date therefor. Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall be liable to any Person for the determination that the most recently announced Benchmark Price is not appropriate as a basis for evaluation of the gold held or receivable by the Trust or for any determination as to the alternative basis for evaluation, provided that such determination is made in good faith.
(b) If Sponsor determines that the Benchmark Price should have the meaning set forth in part (ii) of the definition of that term set forth in Section 1.1, the Trustee shall give notice thereof to the Registered Owners identifying the price determined by Sponsor to be used for the purpose of the evaluation of gold, and the Trustee shall apply the new meaning to the evaluation of gold beginning 60 days after the date of that notice.
Section 4.2. Responsibility of the Trustee for Evaluations.
The Sponsor, Authorized Participants, Registered Owners and Beneficial Owners may rely on any evaluation or determination of any amount made by the Trustee, and, except for any determination made pursuant to Section 4.l(b), Sponsor shall have no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. The determinations made by the Trustee under this Agreement shall be made in good faith upon the basis of, and the Trustee shall not be liable for any errors contained in, information reasonably available to it. The Trustee shall be under no liability to the Sponsor, or to Authorized Participants, Registered Owners or Beneficial Owners, for errors in judgment; provided, however, that this provision shall not protect the Trustee against any liability to which it would otherwise be subject by reason of gross negligence or bad faith in the performance of its duties.
Section 4.3. Trust Evaluation.
(a) As promptly as practicable after completion of the evaluation required under Section 4.1(a) on each Business Day, the Trustee shall add to the total value of the gold determined by the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1(a) the value of all other assets of the Trust (other than any amount credited to the Reserve Account, if any), including cash, if any; the resulting figure is the Gross Asset Value of the Trust. The Trustee shall then subtract from the Gross Asset Value of the Trust all accrued but unpaid fees, expenses and other liabilities of the Trust, including liabilities identified in Section 4.7; the resulting figure is the Net Asset Value of the Trust. The Trustee shall also divide the Net Asset Value of the Trust by the number of Shares outstanding as of the close of business on the date of the evaluation then being made, which figure is the Net Asset Value per Share. All fees, expenses and other liabilities of the Trust that are or will be incurred or accrued through the close of business on a Business Day shall be included in the calculations required by this Section 4.3 for that Business Day. For purposes of this Section 4.3: (i) Shares deliverable under a Purchase Order shall be considered to be outstanding beginning on the first Business Day following the Order Date therefor; and (ii) Shares deliverable under a Redemption Order shall not be considered to be outstanding on and after the first Business Day following the Order Date therefor. Fractions smaller than $0.01 shall be disregarded in such evaluations.
(b) Gross Asset Value, Net Asset Value and Net Asset Value per Share shall be computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied in the
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United States. Any estimate of the accrued but unpaid fees, expenses and liabilities of the Trust for purposes of the computations required by this Section 4.3 made by the Trustee in good faith shall be conclusive upon all Persons interested in the Trust, and no revision or correction in any computation made under this Agreement will be required by reason of any difference in amounts estimated from those actually paid.
Section 4.4. Cash Distributions.
Whenever the Trustee distributes any cash, the Trustee shall distribute the amount available for the distribution to the Registered Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of Shares held by them respectively; provided, however, that, if the Trustee is required to withhold and does withhold from such cash an amount on account of taxes, the amount distributed to the Registered Owners shall be reduced accordingly. The Trustee shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Registered Owner a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest whole cent.
Section 4.5. Other Distributions.
Whenever the Trustee receives any property in respect of Trust Property other than cash proceeds of a sale of Trust Property or, in respect to any claim that accrues in favor of the Trust on account of any loss of deposited gold or other Trust Property, any cash proceeds received in respect to any such claim, the Trustee shall cause the securities or other property received by it to be distributed to the Registered Owners entitled thereto, in proportion to the number of Shares held by them respectively, after deduction or upon payment of the expenses of the Trustee, in such manner as the Sponsor may deem lawful, equitable and feasible for accomplishing such distribution; provided, however, that if in the opinion of the Sponsor such distribution cannot be made proportionately among the Registered Owners entitled thereto, or if for any other reason (including any requirement that the Trustee withhold an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges or that securities must be registered under the Securities Act in order to be distributed to Registered Owners) the Sponsor deems such distribution not to be lawful and feasible, the Trustee shall adopt such method as the Sponsor deems lawful, equitable and feasible for the purpose of effecting such distribution, after deduction or upon payment of the expenses of the Trustee, including the public or private sale of the securities or property thus received, or any part thereof, and the net proceeds of any such sale shall be distributed by the Trustee to the Registered Owners entitled thereto as in the case of a distribution received in cash. The Trustee shall not be liable for any loss or depreciation resulting from any sale or other disposition of property made by the Trustee pursuant to Sponsors instruction or otherwise made by the Trustee in good faith.
Section 4.6. Fixing of Record Date.
Whenever any distribution will be made, or whenever the Trustee receives notice of any solicitation of proxies or consents from Registered Owners, or whenever for any reason there is a split, reverse split or other change in the outstanding Shares, or whenever the Trustee shall find it necessary or convenient in respect of any matter, the Trustee, in consultation with Sponsor, shall fix a record date for the determination of the Registered Owners who shall be entitled to (i) receive such distribution, (ii) give such proxies or consents in respect of any such solicitation, (iii) receive Shares as a result of any such split, reverse split or other change or (iv) act in respect of any other matter for which the record date was set.
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Section 4.7. Payment of Expenses; Gold Sales.
(a) The following charges shall or may be accrued and paid by the Trust:
(i) the Sponsor Fee payable to the Sponsor as set forth in Section 4.7(d);
(ii) expenses of the Trust not assumed by the Sponsor pursuant to Section 5.3(g) and the Trustees expenses not reimbursed by the Sponsor pursuant to Section 5.7(b);
(iii) taxes and other governmental charges;
(iv) expenses and costs of any extraordinary services performed by the Trustee or the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust or action taken by the Trustee or Sponsor to protect the Trust or the interests of Registered Owners or Beneficial Owners, including expenses, costs and disbursements the Sponsor incurs pursuant to the last sentence of Section 5.6(b) and expenses, costs and disbursements the Trustee incurs pursuant to Sections 5.7(c) and 5.12(a) and;
(v) indemnification of the Trustee as provided in Section 5.6(a); and
(vi) indemnification of the Sponsor as provided in Section 5.6(b).
(b) The Trustee shall, when directed by the Sponsor, and in the absence of such direction may, in its discretion, sell Gold in such quantity and at such times in accordance with Section 4.9(b) as may be necessary to permit payment of expenses under this Agreement, including amounts payable by the Sponsor to the Trustee if not paid when due, as provided in Section 5.7(a). The Trustee is authorized to sell Gold at such times and in the smallest amounts required to permit payment of expenses as they come due, it being the intention to avoid or minimize the Trusts holdings of assets other than Gold. Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall be liable or responsible in any way for loss or depreciation resulting or incurred by reason of any sale made pursuant to this Section 4.7.
(c) If at any time and from time to time, the Trustee and Sponsor determine that the amount of cash included in the Trust Property exceeds the anticipated expenses of the Trust for the following month, the Trustee shall distribute the excess to the Registered Owners under Section 4.4.
(d) Payment of the Sponsor Fee and amounts reimbursable to the Sponsor pursuant to Section 5.8(b) shall be made in Dollars by payment of cash from the Trust Property or the sale of gold in accordance with Section 4.7(b) and Section 4.9(b). The Sponsor Fee shall be payable in arrears on the second Business Day of each month or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter in respect of the prior month (or on the date of termination of this Agreement, in respect of the period commencing on the first day of the period beginning after the last period in respect of which the Sponsor Fee was paid and ending on such termination date). Amounts reimbursable to the Sponsor pursuant to Section 5.8(b) shall be payable in Dollars from Trust Property or the sale of gold in accordance with Section 4.7(b) and Section 4.9(b) on the second Business Day of
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each month or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter in respect of the prior month in which reimbursement was sought by the Sponsor (or on the date of termination of this Agreement or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter in respect of the period commencing on the first day of the period beginning after the last period in respect of which reimbursement was paid and ending on such termination date).
Section 4.8. Statements and Reports; Fiscal Year.
(a) After the end of each fiscal year and within the time period required by applicable laws, rules and regulations, the Trustee shall send to the Registered Owners, at the Sponsors expense, an annual report of the Trust for such fiscal year containing financial statements prepared by the Sponsor from information furnished by the Trustee concerning the operations of the Trust and audited by independent accountants designated by the Sponsor and such other information as may be required by such laws, rules and regulations or otherwise, or that the Sponsor determines shall be included. The Trustee may distribute the annual report by any permitted means to the Registered Owners.
(b) The Trustee shall provide the Sponsor with such certifications, supporting documents and other evidence regarding the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting established and maintained by the Trust, and used by the Trustee in connection with its furnishing of information to the Sponsor for Sponsors preparation of the financial statements of the Trust, as may be reasonably necessary in order to enable the Sponsor to prepare and file or furnish to the Commission any certifications regarding such matters that may be required to be included with the Trusts periodic reports under the Exchange Act.
(c) The Trustee shall make such elections, file such tax returns, and prepare, disseminate and file such tax reports, as it is advised by its counsel or accountants are from time to time required by any statute, rule or regulation of the United States, any State or political subdivision thereof, or other jurisdiction having taxing authority in respect of the Trust or its administration.
(d) The expense of accountants employed to prepare such annual reports, tax returns and tax reports shall be borne by the Sponsor as required under Section 5.3(g).
(e) The fiscal year of the Trust shall initially be the period ending December 31 of each year. The Sponsor shall have the continuing right to select an alternate fiscal year permitted by the Code and other applicable law.
Section 4.9. Further Provisions for Gold Sales.
(a) In addition to selling gold in accordance with Section 4.7, the Trustee shall sell Gold or other Trust Property whenever any one or more of the following conditions exists:
(i) Sponsor has notified the Trustee, or counsel to the Trustee has advised, that such sale is required by applicable law or regulation; or
(ii) this Agreement has been terminated and the Trust Property is to be liquidated in accordance with Section 6.2.
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(b) When selling Gold, the Trustee shall endeavour to place orders with dealers (which may include the Custodian) as directed by the Sponsor or, in the absence of such direction, with the Custodian or, if the Custodian is unable or unwilling to execute such orders, with dealers through which the Trustee may reasonably expect to obtain a favorable price and good execution of the orders. Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall be liable or responsible in any way for depreciation or loss resulting or incurred by reason of any sale made pursuant to this Section 4.9.
Section 4.10. Counsel.
Sponsor may from time to time employ counsel to act on behalf of the Trust and perform any legal services in connection with the Trust, including any legal matters relating to the possible disposition or acquisition of any gold. The fees and expenses of such counsel for routine legal services shall be paid by the Sponsor in accordance with Section 5.3(g).
Section 4.11. Grantor Trust.
Nothing in this Agreement, the Custody Agreement, or otherwise shall be construed to give the Trustee the power to vary the investment of the Beneficial Owners (within the meaning of Treasury regulation section 301.7701-4(c) under the Code or any similar or successor provision of the regulations under the Code), nor shall the Sponsor give the Trustee any direction that would vary the investment of the Beneficial Owners. Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall be liable to any Person for any failure of the Trust to qualify as a grantor trust under the Code or any comparable provision of the laws of any State or other jurisdiction where that treatment is sought, except that this sentence shall not limit the Trustees or Sponsors responsibility for the administration of the Trust in accordance with this Agreement.
Section 4.12. Reserve Account.
The Trustee shall open and maintain a separate non-interest bearing account with the Trustee or such other banking institution specified by Sponsor, or if the Sponsor fails so to specify, as selected by the Trustee, in the name, and for the benefit, of the Trust, subject only to draft or order by the Trustee acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account all cash that it has credited to such account to reflect the reserves for taxes or other governmental charges and other contingent liabilities payable out of the Trust that the Trustee has determined from time to time to be required by generally accepted accounting principles. Such account shall be known as the Reserve Account. The Trustee shall not be required to distribute to the Registered Owners any of the amounts held in such account; provided, however, that if the Trustee, in its sole discretion, determines that such amounts are no longer necessary for payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental charges or other contingent liabilities, then it shall promptly cause such amounts to be distributed to the Registered Owners.
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ARTICLE V
THE TRUSTEE, CUSTODIAN AND SPONSOR
Section 5.1. Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Trustee.
(a) Until termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Trustee shall maintain facilities for the execution and Delivery, registration, registration of transfers and Surrender of Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) The Trustee shall keep a copy of this Agreement and books for the registration of Shares and transfers of Shares at its Corporate Trust Office or such other office as it may designate by notice to Sponsor and the Registered Owners. Such items shall be open for inspection during normal business hours upon reasonable advance notice by any Person establishing to the Trustees reasonable satisfaction that such Person is a Beneficial Owner.
(c) The Trustee may, and at the reasonable written request of Sponsor shall, close the transfer books at any time or from time to time if such action is deemed necessary or advisable in the reasonable judgment of the Trustee or Sponsor.
(d) If any Shares are listed on one or more stock exchanges in the United States, the Trustee shall act as Registrar or, with the written approval of Sponsor (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), appoint a Registrar or one or more co-Registrars for registry of such Shares in accordance with any requirements of such exchange or exchanges.
Section 5.2. Prevention or Delay in Performance by Sponsor or the Trustee.
Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee nor any of their respective directors, officers, managers, members, employees, agents or affiliates shall incur any liability to any Registered Owner, Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant if, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or by reason of any act of God or war or terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control, the Sponsor or the Trustee is prevented or forbidden from, or would be subject to any civil or criminal penalty on account of, or is delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing that by the terms of this Agreement it is provided shall be done or performed and, accordingly, Sponsor or the Trustee does not do that thing or does that thing at a later time than would otherwise be required. Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee shall incur any liability to any Registered Owner, Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant by reason of any non-performance or delay in the performance of any act or thing which by the terms of this Agreement it is provided may be done or performed, or by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Agreement.
Section 5.3. Obligations of Sponsor and the Trustee.
(a) Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee assumes any obligation nor shall either of them be subject to any liability under this Agreement to any Registered Owner, Beneficial Owner, Authorized Participant or other Person (including liability with respect to the worth of the Trust Property), except that each of them agrees to perform its obligations specifically set forth in this Agreement without gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall have any obligation or liability for, or otherwise related to, any services Gold Corporation may, directly or indirectly, separately offer or provide to any Beneficial Owner.
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(b) Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be under any obligation to prosecute any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Trust Property or in respect of the Shares on behalf of a Registered Owner, Beneficial Owner, Authorized Participant, or other Person.
(c) Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be liable for any action or non-action by it in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any Authorized Participant, any Registered Owner, any Beneficial Owner, or any other Person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information.
(d) (i) No party to this Agreement shall be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor that assumes the role of such party pursuant to this Agreement, whether in connection with a previous act or omission of such party or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the resignation or removal of such party, provided that, in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises, such party performed its obligations without gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith while it acted under this Agreement.
(ii) The Sponsor is authorized to negotiate the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement to be entered into with each Authorized Participant, including any Authorized Participant that is an affiliate, subsidiary or other related party of Sponsor. Sponsor shall have no liability for any loss or damage incurred by the Trust resulting from any such agreement negotiated in good faith. The Trustee shall have no liability with respect to the negotiation of the terms of any Authorized Participant Agreement or the form of any Authorized Participant Agreement (other than the Trustees due execution, delivery and performance thereof). The terms of an Authorized Participant Agreement shall not adversely affect the duties, rights and responsibilities of the Trustee unless the Trustee expressly consents thereto, which consent shall be evidenced by the Trustees execution and delivery of such Authorized Participant Agreement.
(e) Neither Sponsor nor the Trustee shall have an obligation to comply with any direction or instruction from any Registered Owner, Beneficial Owner or Authorized Participant regarding Shares, except to the extent specifically provided for in this Agreement.
(f) The Trustee shall be a fiduciary under this Agreement; provided, however, that the fiduciary duties and responsibilities and liabilities of the Trustee shall be limited by, and shall be only those specifically set forth in, this Agreement. The Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk any of its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties under this Agreement, except as may be specifically provided for herein. Without limiting the foregoing, all duties, rights, privileges and liabilities of the Trustee set forth in this Agreement shall be subject to the following:
(i) The Trustee shall not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action that in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless it shall be furnished with reasonable security and indemnity against such expense or liability. Subject to the foregoing, the Trustee may, in its sole discretion, take such actions as are provided for in Section 5.12(a).
(ii) Assets of the Trust, exclusive of gold or cash, shall be held by the Trustee either directly or through the commercial book-entry system operated by the Federal
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Reserve Bank (Book-Entry System), DTC, or any other clearing agency or similar system (a Clearing Agency), if available. The Trustee shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for ascertaining or acting upon any calls, conversions, exchange offers, tenders, interest rates changes, or similar matters relating to securities held at the Depository or with any Clearing Agency unless the Trustee shall have received actual and timely written notice of the same, nor shall the Trustee have any responsibility or liability for the actions or omissions to act of the Book-Entry System, the Depository or any Clearing Agency. All moneys held by the Trustee hereunder shall be held by it, without interest thereon or investment thereof, as a deposit for the account of the Trust. Such monies held hereunder shall be deemed segregated by maintaining such monies in an account or accounts for the exclusive benefit of the Trust.
(iii) If at any time the Trustee is served with any judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, writ or other form of judicial or administrative process that in any way affects the Trust or the Trust Property (including orders of attachment or garnishment or other forms of levies or injunctions or stays relating to the transfer of any assets of the Trust), the Trustee is authorized to comply therewith in any manner that it or legal counsel of its own choosing deems appropriate; however, the Trustee to the extent practicable will promptly inform Sponsor of such order, judgment, decree, writ or other form of judicial or administrative process that in any way affects the Trust and consult in good faith with Sponsor as to the course of action by the Trustee. If the Trustee complies with any such order, judgment, decree, writ or other form of process, the Trustee shall not be liable to Sponsor or to any other Person even though such order, judgment, decree, writ or process may be subsequently modified or vacated or otherwise determined to have been without legal force or effect.
(iv) In no event shall the Trustee be liable (A) for acting in accordance with or conclusively relying upon any direction, any instruction, notice, demand, certificate or document (I) from Sponsor or the Custodian, or any entity acting on behalf of either, that the Trustee believes is given pursuant to or is authorized by this Agreement or the Custody Agreement, respectively, or (II) from or on behalf of any Authorized Participant that the Trustee believes is given pursuant to or is authorized by an Authorized Participant Agreement (provided that the Trustee has complied with the verification procedures specified in the Authorized Participant Agreement); (B) for any indirect, consequential, punitive or special damages, regardless of the form of action and whether or not any such damages were foreseeable or contemplated; or (C) for an amount in excess of the value of the assets of the Trust. The Trustee may consult with legal counsel of its own choosing as to any matter relating to this Agreement and shall not incur any liability in acting in good faith in accordance with any advice from such counsel. The reasonable expense of such counsel shall be paid as provided in Section 5.7(b) or 5.7(c), as applicable.
(v) The Trustee shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument or other writing delivered to it under this Agreement without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity or the service thereof. The Trustee may act in conclusive reliance upon any instrument or signature believed by it to be genuine and may assume that any Person purporting to give receipt or advice or to make any statement or execute any document in connection with the provisions of this Agreement, the Custody Agreement or any Authorized Participant Agreement has been duly authorized to do so; provided, however, that where a list of authorized officials of a person and their signatures are on file with the Trustee, the Trustee shall
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compare such manual signatures to the signature on any such documents. Such requirement shall not apply to personal identification numbers or PINS or other forms of electronic security devices that function as a proxy for a manual signature.
(vi) The Trustee shall not be responsible for (A) the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement, the Custody Agreement, any Authorized Participant Agreement, the Certificates or any other custody or other agreement entered into by the Trustee at the direction or with the approval of the Sponsor or otherwise in connection with the Trustees administration of the Trust, or (B) the due execution hereof by Sponsor or of the Custody Agreement by the Custodian, or for the due execution of any other agreement entered into by the Trustee in connection with the administration of the Trust by any party thereto other than the Trustee.
(vii) The Trustee shall not be responsible in any respect for the form, execution, validity, value, collectability or genuineness of documents, instruments or securities deposited with or delivered to or held by it under this Agreement, or for any description therein, or for the identity, authority or rights of Persons executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver any such document, instrument or security.
(viii) At any time the Trustee (A) may request an instruction in writing in English from the Sponsor, the Custodian, an Authorized Participant or other applicable Person with respect to any action that any of them is authorized to direct the Trustee to take under this Agreement, the Custody Agreement, any Authorized Participant Agreement or any other agreement entered into by the Trustee in connection with the Trustees administration of the Trust and (B) may, at its own option, include in such request the course of action it proposes to take and the date on which it proposes to act, regarding any matter arising in connection with its duties and obligations under any such agreement. The Trustee shall not be liable for acting in accordance with such a proposal on or after the date specified therein, provided that the specified date shall be at least three Business Days after Sponsor, the Custodian, the Authorized Participant or other applicable Person receives the Trustees request for instructions and its proposed course of action, and provided further that, prior to so acting, the Trustee has not received the written instructions requested.
(ix) When the Trustee acts on any information, instructions, communications (including communications with respect to the delivery of securities or the wire transfer of funds) sent by telex, facsimile, email or other form of electronic or data transmission, the Trustee, absent gross negligence, shall not be responsible or liable in the event such communication is not an authorized or authentic communication of the party sending it or is not in the form the party sent or intended to send (whether due to fraud, distortion or otherwise), provided that this paragraph shall not limit the Trustees obligation to obtain such confirmations as may be specified in this Agreement or any Authorized Participant Agreement. The Trustee shall be indemnified as provided in Section 5.6 against any loss, liability, claim or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) it may incur in acting in accordance with any such information, instruction or communication. This paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Trust or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
(x) The Trustee may construe any provision of this Agreement that it believes to be ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provision(s) hereof, and any reasonable
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construction of any such provision by the Trustee in good faith shall be binding upon the parties hereto, each Authorized Participant, and all Registered Owners and Beneficial Owners. In the event of any ambiguity or inconsistency or any other uncertainty in any notice, instruction or other communication received by the Trustee under this Agreement, the Trustee shall notify the Sponsor, and the giver thereof and may, in its sole discretion, refrain from taking any action other than to retain possession of the Trust Property, unless the Trustee receives such further written instructions, from the Sponsor or otherwise, that eliminate such ambiguity, inconsistency or uncertainty.
(xi) The Trustee shall have no responsibility for the contents of any writing of the arbitrators or any third party that may be used as a means to resolve disputes among third parties with respect to their interest in the Trust, Trust Property or Shares and may conclusively rely without any liability upon the contents thereof.
(xii) In no event shall the Trustee be personally liable for any taxes or other governmental charges imposed upon or in respect of the gold or its custody, moneys or other assets from time to time held hereunder, or on the income therefrom or the sale or proceeds of sale thereof, or upon it as Trustee hereunder (except that it shall be personally liable for any income or other taxes on the amounts it receives pursuant to Section 5.7(a)) or upon or in respect of the Trust or the Shares, that it may be required to pay under any present or future law of the United States or of any other taxing authority having jurisdiction in the premises. For all such taxes and charges and for any expenses, including reasonable counsels fees, that the Trustee may sustain or incur with respect to such taxes or charges, the Trustee shall be reimbursed and indemnified out of the assets of the Trust as provided in Section 5.6, and the payment of such amounts shall be secured by a lien on such assets. This paragraph shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and the Trust or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
(xiii) The Trustee shall not be answerable for the default or misconduct of the Current Custodian or any Custodian or any agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors and other professionals appointed by Sponsor to provide services on behalf of the Trust. The Trustee also may employ custodians for Trust assets other than gold, agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors and other professionals (including any affiliate of the Trustee or of the Sponsor), but shall not be responsible for the default or misconduct of any such custodians, agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors or other professionals if such custodians, agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors or other professionals were selected with reasonable care. The fees and expenses charged by such custodians, agents, attorneys, accountants, auditors or other professionals, exclusive of fees for services to be performed by the Trustee, shall be paid as provided in Section 5.7(b) or 5.7(c), as applicable, without reduction of the compensation due the Trustee for its services as such hereunder. Fees paid for custody of assets other than gold shall be an expense of the Trustee.
(xiv) The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may own or hold Shares, or be an underwriter or dealer in respect of Shares, and may deal in any manner with the same rights and powers as if it were not the trustee hereunder.
(g) (i) In consideration of receiving the Sponsor Fee, the Sponsor has agreed to assume and be responsible for the payment of the following expenses, up to a maximum amount equal to the greater of $500,000 per annum and the amount that is equal to 0.15% of the average Gross Asset Value of the Trust over the relevant fiscal year (the Fee Cap): fees for the Trustees
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ordinary services and reimbursement of its ordinary out-of-pocket expenses as provided in Section 5.7(a), the Custodians fees and expenses reimbursable to the Custodian pursuant to any Custody Agreement, the marketing expenses of the Trust, the listing fees of the Trust on the Exchange, registration fees associated with the Trust charged by the Commission, printing and mailing costs, expenses for the maintenance of any website of the Trust, audit fees and expenses, routine legal fees and expenses associated with the ordinary course of the Trusts operations and the expense of the first two examinations of the Custodians records relating to the Unallocated Account and the first two audits of the Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account during any fiscal year (with the expense of any further examinations or audits during such fiscal year to be an expense of the Trust). Within a reasonable time before the end of the Trusts fiscal year, the Sponsor shall advise the Trustee if the anticipated expenses of the Trust for the coming fiscal year are reasonably expected to exceed the Fee Cap in the coming year. The Sponsor shall not be responsible for any other expenses, including litigation expenses associated with the Trust, any expense covered by Section 4.7(a), any expenses that are in excess of the Fee Cap, or any extraordinary expenses incurred on behalf of the Trust. Extraordinary expenses shall include any fixing fees charged in connection with sales of Gold made pursuant to Section 4.9.
(ii) Sponsor may perform, or may instruct others to perform, assaying of Physical Gold and other services relating to the safe custody of Physical Gold, as necessary.
(iii) Sponsor may request the Trustee to order Custodian audits as permitted under the Custody Agreement.
(iv) Sponsor shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon any order, judgment, certification, demand, notice, instrument or other writing delivered to it under this Agreement without being required to determine the authenticity or the correctness of any fact stated therein or the propriety or validity or the service thereof. Sponsor may act in conclusive reliance upon any instrument or signature believed by it to be genuine and may assume that any Person purporting to give receipt or advice or to make any statement or execute any document in connection with the provisions of this Agreement, the Custody Agreement or any Authorized Participant Agreement has been duly authorized to do so.
(v) When Sponsor acts on any information, instructions, communications (including communications with respect to the conversion of gold, the Delivery of Shares or the payment of fees) sent by telex, facsimile, email or other form of electronic or data transmission, Sponsor, absent gross negligence, shall not be responsible or liable in the event such communication is not an authorized or authentic communication of the party sending it or is not in the form the party sent or intended to send (whether due to fraud, distortion or otherwise), provided that this paragraph shall not limit the Sponsors obligation to obtain such confirmations as may be specified in this Agreement. The Sponsor shall be indemnified as provided in Section 5.6 against any loss, liability, claim or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) it may incur in acting in accordance with any such information, instruction or communication. This paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Trust or the resignation of the Sponsor.
(vi) Except, and solely to the extent as may otherwise be agreed to in writing between the Sponsor and the Custodian, in no event shall the Sponsor be personally liable
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for any taxes or other governmental charges imposed upon or in respect of the gold, or on the income therefrom or the sale or proceeds of sale thereof, or upon it as Sponsor hereunder (except that the Sponsor shall be personally liable for any income or other taxes on the amounts it receives from the Trust pursuant to Section 5.8(a)) or upon or in respect of the Trust or the Shares, that it may be required to pay under any present or future law of the United States or of any other taxing authority having jurisdiction in the premises. For all such taxes and charges and for any expenses, including reasonable counsels fees, Sponsor may sustain or incur with respect to such taxes or charges, Sponsor shall be reimbursed and indemnified out of the assets of the Trust as provided in Section 5.6. This paragraph shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and the Trust or the resignation of the Sponsor.
Section 5.4. Resignation or Removal of the Trustee; Appointment of Successor Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may at any time resign as trustee hereunder by notice of its election so to do delivered to Sponsor, and, subject to Section 6.2, such resignation shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor trustee and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
(b) Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, remove the Trustee as trustee hereunder by notice given to the Trustee in the manner provided in Section 7.5 no more than 120 and at least 90 days prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement or, thereafter, by notice delivered to the Trustee no more than 120 and at least 90 days prior to the last day of any subsequent three-year period. Subject to Section 6.2, such removal shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor trustee and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
(c) If at any time the Trustee
(i) ceases to be a Qualified Bank,
(ii) is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within 30 days after receipt of notice from Sponsor or Registered Owners acting on behalf of at least 25% of the outstanding Shares specifying such breach in reasonable detail and requiring the Trustee to cure such breach, or
(iii) fails to consent to the implementation of an amendment to the Trusts Internal Control Over Financial Reporting reasonably deemed necessary by the Sponsor and, after consultation, Sponsor and the Trustee fail to resolve their differences regarding such proposed amendment, the Sponsor, acting on behalf of the Registered Owners, may remove the Trustee as trustee hereunder by notice given to the Trustee in the manner provided in Section 7.5. Such removal shall take effect upon the appointment of a successor trustee and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
(d) If the Trustee acting hereunder resigns or is removed, the Sponsor shall use its reasonable efforts to appoint a successor trustee, which shall be a Qualified Bank. Every successor Trustee shall execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Sponsor, acting on behalf of the Registered Owners, an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor Trustee, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor; but such predecessor, nevertheless,
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upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Sponsor, acting on behalf of the Registered Owners, shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest in the Trust Property to such successor, and shall deliver to such successor a list of the Registered Owners of all outstanding Shares. Upon effective resignation or removal hereunder, the resigning or removed Trustee shall be discharged from all duties and responsibilities under this Agreement and shall no longer be liable in any manner hereunder except as to acts or omissions occurring prior to such resignation or removal, and the successor Trustee shall thereupon undertake and perform all duties and responsibilities and be entitled to all rights and compensation as Trustee under this Agreement. The successor Trustee shall not be under any liability hereunder for acts or omissions occurring prior to execution of an instrument accepting its appointment as Trustee. The Sponsor or any such successor Trustee shall promptly give notice of the appointment of such successor Trustee to the Registered Owners.
(e) Any corporation or other entity into which the Trustee may be merged, consolidated or converted in a transaction in which the Trustee is not the surviving corporation or any corporation or other entity otherwise succeeding to substantially all of the business of the Trustee shall be the successor Trustee without the execution or filing of any document or any further act. During the 90-day period following the effectiveness of a merger, consolidation or conversion or other transaction described in the preceding sentence, the Sponsor may, by notice to the corporation or other entity described in that sentence (i.e., the successor Trustee), remove the latter as trustee hereunder and designate a successor Trustee in compliance with the provisions of subsection (d) above.
Section 5.5. The Custodian.
(a) Neither the Trustee nor Sponsor shall have any liability for the selection of the Custodian or any Subcustodian engaged by the Custodian. The Trustee is hereby directed to enter into the Allocated Account Agreement and the Unallocated Account Agreement with the Current Custodian, and the Trustee shall have no liability for the terms thereof. The Custodian will be subject to the directions of the Trustee as provided in such Custody Agreement and will be responsible solely to the Trustee, the Beneficial Owners and, as applicable, the Sponsor to the extent English law requires, in accordance with the Custodians obligations under the Custody Agreement (provided, however, that any discretionary action to be taken, or decision to be made, by the Trustee pursuant to any Custody Agreement shall only be taken or made if and as directed by the Sponsor and the directed action or decision does not, in the Trustees reasonable discretion, adversely affect the Trustees rights and obligations thereunder). The Custodian may only resign as custodian as permitted by, and in the manner provided by, the Custody Agreement. If upon the resignation of any Custodian there would be no Custodian acting hereunder, the Trustee shall, promptly after receiving notice of such resignation, appoint a substitute custodian or custodians selected by the Sponsor, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian hereunder. If any event occurs which, pursuant to a Custody Agreement, permits the Trustee to terminate the Custody Agreement or if, pursuant to a Custody Agreement, the Trustee otherwise has a right to terminate the Custody Agreement, the Sponsor may direct the Trustee to terminate such Custody Agreement in the manner provided by such Custody Agreement. When so directed by the Sponsor, and to the extent permitted by, and in the manner provided by, the relevant Custody Agreement, the Trustee shall remove the Custodian and appoint a substitute custodian or appoint an additional
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custodian or custodians selected by the Sponsor, each of which shall thereafter be a Custodian hereunder. Each such substitute or additional custodian shall, forthwith upon its appointment, enter into one or more Custody Agreements in form and substance approved by the Sponsor (provided, however, that the rights and duties of the Trustee hereunder and under the then-existing Custody Agreements shall not be materially altered by such new Custody Agreements without its consent). After the date of this Agreement, the Trustee shall not enter into or amend any Custody Agreement with a Custodian without the written approval of the Sponsor. When instructed by the Sponsor, the Trustee shall demand that a Custodian deliver such of the gold held by it as is requested of it to any other Custodian or such substitute or additional Custodian or Custodians directed by the Sponsor. In connection with such delivery the Trustee will, solely if and in the manner directed by the Sponsor, cause the Physical Gold to be weighed or assayed and any such weighing and assay shall be an expense of the Trust pursuant to Section 4.7(a)(ii). The Trustee shall have no liability for any delivery of gold or weighing or assaying of delivered physical gold directed by the Sponsor pursuant to the preceding provisions of this paragraph, and in the absence of such direction shall have no obligation to effect such a delivery or to cause the delivered physical gold to be weighed, assayed or otherwise validated.
(b) The Trustee shall have no obligation to monitor the activities of the Custodian or any Subcustodian other than to receive and review such reports of the gold held for the Trust by the Custodian and of transactions in gold held for the account of the Trust made by the Custodian pursuant to the Custody Agreement. The gold owned by the Trust and the accounts and operations of the Custodian shall be audited or examined by accountants or other inspectors selected by the Sponsor at such times as directed by the Sponsor as permitted by the Custody Agreement. In no event shall the Trustee be liable for (i) any loss or damage resulting from the actions or omissions of, or the insolvency of, the Custodian or any Subcustodian or loss or damage to the gold while in the possession of, or in transit to or from, the Custodian or any Subcustodian, (ii) the amount, validity or adequacy of insurance maintained by the Custodian or any Subcustodian, if any, (iii) any defect in gold held by the Custodian or any Subcustodian, (iv) any failure of the gold to conform to the requirements of the London Good Delivery Standards or otherwise to conform to the requirements of Physical Gold and (v) any failure of the gold to conform to a description thereof provided by the Custodian to the Trustee.
(c) Upon the appointment of any successor Trustee hereunder, the Custodian shall forthwith become, without any further act or writing, the agent hereunder of such successor Trustee, and the appointment of such successor Trustee shall in no way impair the authority of the Custodian; but the successor Trustee so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of the Custodian, execute and deliver to the Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to the Custodian full and complete power and authority as agent hereunder of such successor Trustee.
(d) In no event shall the removal or alteration of the Government Guarantee affect the continued operation of the Trust or otherwise act to terminate the Trust. In the event that the Trust has a claim under the Government Guarantee due to any loss of Gold held by the Custodian for the benefit of the Trust, the Sponsor shall be responsible for submitting and otherwise administering the claim for reimbursement of losses under the Government Guarantee. Neither the Trustee nor the Sponsor shall have any responsibility for the terms or sufficiency of the Government Guarantee.
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(e) The Custodian, in its individual or any other capacity, may own or hold Shares and may deal in any manner with the same rights and powers as if it were not the Custodian hereunder.
Section 5.6. Indemnification.
(a) The Trustee and its directors, officers, employees, shareholders, agents and affiliates (as such term is defined under the Securities Act) (each, a Trustee Indemnified Party) shall be indemnified from the Trust and held harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) arising out of or in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and under each other agreement entered into by the Trustee in furtherance of the administration of the Trust (including the Custody Agreement and any Authorized Participant Agreement, including the Trustees indemnification obligations thereunder), or otherwise by reason of the Trustees acceptance or administration of the Trust, to the extent such loss, liability or expense was incurred without (i) gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or willful malfeasance on the part of such Trustee Indemnified Party in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any such other agreement, or any actions taken in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or any such other agreement or (ii) reckless disregard on the part of such Trustee Indemnified Party of its obligations and duties under this Agreement or any such other agreement. Each Trustee Indemnified Party shall be indemnified from the Trust and held harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) arising out of or in connection with any services Gold Corporation may have, directly or indirectly, separately offered or provided to any Beneficial Owner. Such indemnities shall also include payment from the Trust of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such Trustee Indemnified Party in investigating or defending itself against any such loss, liability or expense or any claim therefor, provided that such Trustee Indemnified Party shall repay to the Trust the amount of any such reasonable costs and expenses paid by the Trust to the extent it may be ultimately determined that such Trustee Indemnified Party was not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 5.6(a) because clause (i) or clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section 5.6(a) applied. Any amounts payable to a Trustee Indemnified Party under this Section 5.6(a) may be payable in advance or shall be secured by a lien on the Trusts assets.
(b) The Sponsor and its members, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates (as such term is defined under the Securities Act) (each, a Sponsor Indemnified Party) shall be indemnified from the Trust and held harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) arising out of or in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and under each other agreement entered into by Sponsor in furtherance of the administration of the Trust (including Authorized Participant Agreements to which Sponsor is a party, including Sponsors indemnification obligations thereunder) or any actions taken in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, to the extent such loss, liability or expense was incurred without (i) gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or willful malfeasance on the part of such Sponsor Indemnified Party in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any such other agreement or any actions taken in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, or any such other agreement or (ii) reckless disregard on the part of such Sponsor Indemnified Party of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or any such other agreement. Each
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Sponsor Indemnified Party shall be indemnified from the Trust and held harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) arising out of or in connection with any services Gold Corporation may have, directly or indirectly, separately offered or provided to any Beneficial Owner. Such indemnities shall also include payment from the Trust of the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such Sponsor Indemnified Party in investigating or defending itself against any such loss, liability or expense or any claim therefor, provided that such Sponsor Indemnified Party shall repay to the Trust the amount of any such reasonable costs and expenses paid by the Trust to the extent it may be ultimately determined that such Sponsor Indemnified Party was not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 5.6(b) because clause (i) or clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section 5.6(b) applied. Any amounts payable to a Sponsor Indemnified Party under this Section 5.6(b) may be payable in advance or shall be secured by a lien on the Trusts assets. The Sponsor may, in its discretion, undertake any action that it may deem necessary or desirable in respect of this Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties hereto and the interests of the Beneficial Owners; and, in such event, the reasonable legal expenses and costs and other disbursements of any such actions shall be expenses and costs of the Trust, and the Sponsor shall be entitled to be reimbursed therefor by the Trust as provided in Section 5.8(b).
(c) The indemnities provided by, and the lien rights securing payments under, this Section 5.6 shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and the Trust or the resignation or removal of the Trustee or the Sponsor, respectively.
Section 5.7. Fees, Charges and Expenses of the Trustee.
(a) The Trustee is entitled to receive from the Sponsor fees for its ordinary services and reimbursement for its out-of-pocket expenses (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding amounts payable by the Trust under Sections 4.7(a), 5.7(c) and 5.12(a)), in accordance with a written agreement between the Sponsor and the Trustee. Should the Sponsor fail to pay the same, the Trustee shall be authorized to charge the same to the Trust, in an amount not exceeding the amount that could be charged to the Trust under Section 5.8(a) in respect of the Sponsor Fee (and the Trustee may charge the same to the Trust to such extent without regard to whether, because of the Sponsors default, fee waiver or other reason, the Sponsor may not then be entitled to such fee), and any subsequent amount paid to the Sponsor pursuant to Sections 4.7(a)(i), 4.7(d) and 5.8(a) shall be net of amounts so withheld. The Trustees right of reimbursement shall be secured by a lien on amounts chargeable to the Trust under Section 5.8(a), without giving effect to any fee waiver then in effect, prior to the interest of the Custodian, Sponsor, the Registered Owners, the Beneficial Owners and any other Person.
(b) The Trustee is entitled to charge, and to be reimbursed by, the Trust for all expenses and disbursements incurred by it in the performance of its duties hereunder, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of its legal counsel and expenses identified in the Custody Agreement as payable by the Trustee, other than (i) amounts specified in Section 5.7(a), (ii) expenses and disbursements incurred by it prior to the commencement of trading of Shares on the Exchange and (iii) fees of agents for performing services the Trustee is required to perform under this Agreement. The Trustees right of reimbursement for expenses and disbursements under this paragraph shall constitute a lien on, and the amount thereof shall be deductible against, the assets of the Trust.
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(c) Any pecuniary cost, expense or disbursement of the Trustee resulting from actions taken to protect the Trust and the rights and interests of the Registered Owners or Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including the Trustees appearance in, prosecution of or defense of any action that it considers necessary or desirable to protect the Trust or the interests of the Registered Owners or Beneficial Owners, shall be expenses of the Trust and shall be deductible from, and constitute a lien on, the assets of the Trust.
(d) Each Authorized Participant depositing gold, and each person surrendering Shares for the purpose of withdrawing Trust Property, shall pay to the Trustee a fee of $500 per transaction for the Delivery of Shares pursuant to Section 2.4 and the Surrender of Baskets of Shares pursuant to Section 2.6 or 6.2 (or such other fee as the Trustee, with the prior written consent of Sponsor, may from time to time announce) (the Transaction Fee).
Section 5.8. Charges of Sponsor.
(a) The Sponsor shall be entitled to receive from the Trust, chargeable as an expense of the Trust, a fee (the Sponsor Fee) for its services hereunder at an annualized rate of 0.18% of the Trusts Net Asset Value, accrued on a daily basis computed on the prior Business Days Net Asset Value and paid monthly in arrears in the manner provided in Section 4.7(d). The Sponsor may, at its sole discretion and from time to time, waive all or a portion of the Sponsor Fee for such period(s) of time it specifies in a notice of such fee waiver to the Trustee. The Sponsor is under no obligation to waive any portion of its fees hereunder or reimbursements pursuant to Section 5.8(b), and any such waiver shall create no obligation to waive any such fees or reimbursements during any period not covered by the waiver. Any fee or reimbursement waiver by the Sponsor shall not operate to reduce the Sponsors obligations hereunder, including its obligations under Section 5.3(g). The Sponsor may instruct the Trustee from time to time to withhold a portion of the Sponsors Fee otherwise payable to the Sponsor and to pay such withheld portion to Persons identified by the Sponsor for the purpose of satisfying certain expenses of the Trust for which the Sponsor is responsible under Section 5.3(g).
(b) The Sponsor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement from the Trust in the manner provided by Section 4.7(d) for all expenses, costs and other disbursements incurred by it under the last sentence of Section 5.6(b) or that are of the type described in Sections 4.7(a)(ii), (iii), (iv), and (vi), except that the Sponsor shall not be entitled to charge the Trust for (i) expenses and disbursements incurred by it prior to the commencement of trading of Shares on the Exchange or (ii) fees of agents for performing services the Sponsor is required to perform under this Agreement.
Section 5.9. Retention of Trust Documents.
The Trustee shall retain documents, records, bills and other data compiled during the term of this Agreement for the respective periods required by the laws or regulations governing the Trustee and any other applicable laws (including the federal securities laws and the Code), and is authorized to destroy any of such data at the times permitted by such laws or regulations, unless Sponsor reasonably requests the Trustee in writing to retain any such item(s) for a longer period.
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Section 5.10. Federal Securities Law Filings.
(a) The Sponsor shall (i) prepare and file registration statements, including a prospectus, with the Commission (registration statement and prospectus, respectively) and take such action as is necessary from time to time to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the federal securities laws, including the preparation and filing of amendments and supplements to the registration statement, (ii) promptly notify the Trustee of any amendment or supplement to the registration statement or prospectus, of any order preventing or suspending the use of the prospectus, or of any request for amending or supplementing the registration statement or prospectus, (iii) provide the Trustee from time to time with copies, including copies in electronic form, of the prospectus, as amended and supplemented if such be the case, in such quantities as the Trustee may reasonably request and (iv) prepare and file any periodic reports or updates that may be required under the Exchange Act. The Sponsor shall promptly notify the Trustee if any event or circumstance occurs that is known to the Sponsor as a result of which the registration statement or prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Trustee shall furnish to the Sponsor any information from the records of the Trust that the Sponsor reasonably requests in writing that is needed to prepare any filing or submission that the Sponsor or the Trust is required to make under the federal securities laws of the United States, and the Sponsor is entitled to rely on such information so furnished by the Trustee.
(b) The Sponsor shall have all necessary and exclusive power and authority to (i) from time to time adopt, implement or amend such disclosure controls and procedures as are necessary or desirable, in the Sponsors reasonable judgment, to ensure compliance with the disclosure and ongoing reporting obligations under any applicable securities laws, (ii) appoint and remove the auditors of the Trust and (iii) seek from the relevant securities or other regulatory authorities such relief, clarification or other action as the Sponsor shall deem necessary or desirable regarding the disclosure or financial reporting obligations of the Trust.
(c) The policies and procedures comprising the Trusts Internal Control Over Financial Reporting have been adopted as of the date of this Agreement, and copies thereof have been delivered to the appropriate officers of the Sponsor and the Trustee. Amendments to such initial Internal Control Over Financial Reporting may be proposed from time to time by the Sponsor, but such amendments may not be adopted in connection with the Trustees furnishing of information to the Sponsor for the Sponsors preparation of the Trusts financial statements without the Trustees consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
Section 5.11. Prospectus Delivery.
The Sponsor shall, if required by the federal securities laws, in any manner permitted by such laws, deliver at the time of issuance of Shares an electronic copy of the prospectus, as most recently furnished to the Trustee by Sponsor, to each Authorized Participant.
Section 5.12. Discretionary Actions by the Trustee; Consultation.
(a) Subject to Section 5.3(f)(i), the Trustee may, in its sole discretion, undertake any action that it considers necessary or desirable to protect the Trust or the rights and interests of the Registered Owners or the Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Pursuant
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to Section 5.7(c), the expenses, costs and disbursements incurred by the Trustee in connection with taking any action under the preceding sentence (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel) shall be expenses of the Trust, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for those expenses by the Trust.
(b) The Trustee shall notify and consult with the Sponsor before undertaking any action under subsection (a) above or if the Trustee becomes aware of any development or event that affects the administration of the Trust but is not contemplated or provided for in this Agreement.
(c) The Sponsor shall notify and consult with the Trustee before undertaking any action under the last sentence of Section 5.6(b) or if Sponsor becomes aware of any development or event that affects the administration of the Trust but is not contemplated or provided for in this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Amendment.
Subject to Section 4.11, the Trustee and the Sponsor may amend any provision of this Agreement without the consent of any Person, including any Registered Owner or Beneficial Owner, provided that any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than taxes and other governmental charges, registration fees or other such expenses), or that otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of the Registered Owners or the Beneficial Owners, will not become effective as to outstanding Shares until 30 days after notice of such amendment is given to the Registered Owners. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sponsor shall have the right to increase or decrease the amount of the Sponsor Fee (i) upon three (3) Business Days prior notice of the increase or decrease being posted on the website of the Trust and (ii) upon three (3) Business Days prior written notice of the increase or decrease being given to the Trustee. Every Registered Owner and Beneficial Owner, at the time any amendment so becomes effective, shall be deemed, by continuing to hold any Shares or an interest therein, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by this Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the right of the Authorized Participants to Surrender Shares and receive therefor the amount of Trust Property represented thereby pursuant to Section 2.6(a), except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
Section 6.2. Termination.
(a) The Trustee shall set a date on which this Agreement and the Trust will terminate and mail notice of that termination to the Registered Owners at least 30 days prior to the date set for termination if any of the following occurs:
(i) The Trustee is notified that the Shares are delisted from a national securities exchange and are not approved for listing on another national securities exchange within five Business Days of their delisting;
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(ii) Registered Owners acting in respect of at least 75% of the outstanding Shares notify the Trustee that they elect to terminate the Trust;
(iii) 60 days have elapsed since the Trustee notified Sponsor of the Trustees election to resign or since the Trustee was removed and a successor trustee has not been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4;
(iv) any sole Custodian then acting resigns or is removed and no successor custodian has been employed pursuant to Section 5.5(a) within 90 days (or, if applicable, within such shorter period that equals the period the Custodian is required to continue as custodian after such resignation or removal under a Custody Agreement) of such resignation or removal;
(v) the Commission determines that the Trust is an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Trustee has actual knowledge of such Commission determination;
(vi) the CFTC determines that the Trust is a commodity pool under the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936, as amended, and the Trustee has actual knowledge of that determination;
(vii) the Trust fails to qualify for treatment, or ceases to be treated, as a grantor trust for federal tax purposes, and the Trustee receives notice from the Sponsor that the Sponsor has determined that, because of that tax treatment or change in tax treatment, the termination of the Trust is advisable;
(viii) the Trustee receives notice from the Sponsor of its decision to terminate the Trust;
(ix) 60 days have elapsed since DTC or another Depository has ceased to act as depository with respect to the Shares and the Sponsor has not identified another Depository that is willing to act in such capacity;
(x) if the law governing the Trust limits the maximum period during which the Trust may continue, upon the expiration of 21 years after the death of the last survivor of all of the descendants of Elizabeth II, Queen of England, living on the date of the Original Trust Agreement; or
(xi) as provided in Section 6.2(c).
(b) On and after the date of termination of this Agreement, the Trustee shall not accept any deposits of gold, shall discontinue the registration of transfers of Shares, shall not make any distributions to Registered Owners, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Agreement, except that the Trustee shall continue to collect distributions pertaining to Trust Property and hold the same uninvested and without liability for interest, shall pay the Trusts expenses and sell gold as necessary to meet those expenses and shall continue to deliver Trust Property, together with any distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any other property, in exchange for Shares Surrendered to the Trustee by Authorized Participants in accordance with Section 2.6(a) (after deducting or upon payment of, in
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each case, the applicable transaction fee payable to the Trustee for the Surrender of Shares and any expenses for the account of the Registered Owner of such Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and any applicable taxes or other governmental charges). At any time after the expiration of 60 days following the date of termination of this Agreement, the Trustee shall sell the Trust Property then held under this Agreement pursuant to Sponsors direction, or if Sponsor fails to provide direction, as the Trustee determines, and may thereafter hold the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it under this Agreement, uninvested and without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the Registered Owners of Shares that had not theretofore been Surrendered. The Trustee shall have no liability for loss or depreciation resulting from any sale made pursuant to Sponsors direction or otherwise made by the Trustee in good faith. After making such sale, the Trustee shall be discharged from all obligations under this Agreement, except to deliver to such Registered Owners against Surrender of Shares (and, if DTC is the Registered Owner, in accordance with its rules and procedures for such Surrender and delivery) their pro rata portion of the net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, in each case, any accrued fees and expenses, including the Sponsor Fee, and any taxes, other governmental charges or liabilities payable by the Trust, and any expenses for the account of the Registered Owner of such Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement). Upon the termination of this Agreement, the Sponsor shall be discharged from all obligations under this Agreement except that its obligations to the Trustee under Section 5.7 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
(c) If the Sponsor fails to undertake or perform, or becomes incapable of undertaking or performing, any of the duties that by the terms of this Agreement are required to be undertaken or performed by it and such failure or incapacity is not cured within 30 days following receipt of notice from the Trustee of such failure or incapacity, or if the Sponsor is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the Sponsor or of its property is appointed, or a trustee or liquidator or any public officer takes charge or control of Sponsor or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, then in any such case the Sponsor shall be deemed conclusively to have resigned effective immediately upon the occurrence of any of the specified events, or if the Sponsor resigns by sending notice of resignation to the Trustee without the appointment by the resigning Sponsor of a successor Sponsor qualified to assume the duties of the resigning Sponsor, the Trustee may do any one or more of the following: (i) it may appoint a successor Sponsor to assume, with such compensation from the Trust as the Trustee may deem reasonable under the circumstances, the duties and obligations of the Sponsor hereunder by an instrument of appointment and assumption executed by the successor Sponsor and the Trustee; or (ii) it may terminate and liquidate the Trust and distribute its remaining assets pursuant to this Section 6.2. Any appointment of a successor Sponsor by the resigning Sponsor in accordance with this paragraph (c) is subject to the prior written consent of the Trustee which may not be unreasonably withheld. The Trustee shall have no obligation to appoint a successor Sponsor or to assume the duties of the Sponsor or any liability to any Person because the Trust is or is not terminated pursuant to this paragraph (c).
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ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission (such as pdf or tif format) shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.
Section 7.2. Third-Party Beneficiaries.
This Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, any Sponsor Indemnified Party, any Trustee Indemnified Party, the Registered Owners and the Beneficial Owners and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other Person.
Section 7.3. Severability.
In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
Section 7.4. Certain Matters Relating to Beneficial Owners.
(a) By the purchase and acceptance or other lawful delivery and acceptance of Shares, each Beneficial Owner thereof shall be deemed to be a beneficiary of the Trust created by this Agreement and vested with beneficial undivided interest in the Trust to the extent of the Shares owned beneficially by such Beneficial Owner, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon issuance as provided herein, Shares shall be fully paid and non-assessable.
(b) Subject to and in accordance with Section 2.6, Shares may at any time prior to the date specified by the Trustee in connection with the termination of the Trust be tendered to the Trustee for redemption.
(c) The death or incapacity of any Beneficial Owner shall not operate to terminate this Agreement or the Trust, nor entitle such Beneficial Owners legal representatives or heirs to claim an accounting or to take any action or proceeding in any court for a partition or winding up of the Trust, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them. Each Beneficial Owner expressly waives any right such Beneficial Owner may have under any rule of law, or the provisions of any statute, or otherwise, to require the Trustee at any time to account, in any manner other than as expressly provided in the Agreement, in respect of the Trust Property from time to time received, held and applied by the Trustee hereunder.
(d) Except in connection with Sections 5.4(c)(ii) or 6.2(a)(ii), no Beneficial Owner shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise to control the operation or management of the Trust or the obligations of the parties hereto. Nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be construed so as to constitute the Beneficial Owners from time to time as partners or members of an association; nor shall any Beneficial Owner ever be liable to any third Person by reason of any action taken by the parties to this Agreement or for any other cause whatsoever.
- 38 -
(e) The rights of Beneficial Owners must be exercised by DTC Participants or participants of any successor Depository acting on their behalf in accordance with its rules and procedures.
Section 7.5. Notices.
(a) All notices given under this Agreement must be in writing.
(b) Any notice to be given to the Trustee or the Sponsor shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when it is actually delivered by a messenger or recognized courier service, (ii) five days after it is mailed by registered or certified mail, postage paid, or (iii) when receipt of an email or facsimile transmission is acknowledged via a return receipt or receipt confirmation as requested by the original transmission, in each case to or at the address set forth below:
To the Trustee:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
240 Greenwich Street
8th Floor
New York, New York 10286
Attention: ETF Services
Telephone: (718) 315-4591
Facsimile: (732) 667-9585
Email: etfservicesgs@bnymellon.com
or to any other place to which the Trustee may have transferred its Corporate Trust Office with notice to the Sponsor.
To the Sponsor:
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
200 West Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10282
Attn: Michael Crinieri
Telephone: (212) 357-7445
Email: Michael.crinieri@gs.com
With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Clifford Chance US LLP
31 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Attn: Clifford Cone and David Brinton
Telephone: (212) 878-8000
Email: clifford.cone@cliffordchance.com
david.brinton@cliffordchance.com
- 39 -
or to any other place to which the Sponsor may have transferred its principal office with notice to the Trustee.
(c) Any and all notices to be given to a Registered Owner shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when actually delivered by messenger or a recognized courier service, (ii) when mailed, postage prepaid, or (iii) when sent by email or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, in each case at or to the address of such Registered Owner as it appears on the transfer books of the Trustee, or, if such Registered Owner shall have filed with the Trustee a written request that any notice or communication intended for such Registered Owner be delivered to some other address, at the address designated in such request, provided that, if the Registered Owner is DTC, notices may be given to the Registered Owner in any manner consistent with the rules of DTC as they may exist from time to time. Notices to Beneficial Owners shall be delivered to Authorized Participants and DTC Participants designated by DTC or any successor Depository.
Section 7.6. Submission to Jurisdiction.
Each party hereto, each Authorized Participant by its delivery of an Authorized Participant Agreement and each Registered Owner and Beneficial Owner by the acceptance of a Share irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, and of any federal court located in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in such State, in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding arising out of or relating to the Shares, the Trust Property or this Agreement or any action taken or omitted under this Agreement and waives any claim of forum non conveniens and any objections as to laying of venue. Each party further waives personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that service thereof may be made by certified or registered mail directed to such Person at such Persons address last specified for purposes of notices hereunder.
Section 7.7. Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be interpreted under, and all rights and duties under this Agreement shall be governed by, the internal substantive laws (but not the choice of law rules) of the State of New York.
[Signature Page Follows]
- 40 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement as of the day and year first set forth above.
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. | ||
as Sponsor | ||
By: |
/s/ Michael Crinieri |
|
Name: | Michael Crinieri | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, | ||
as Trustee | ||
By: |
/s/ Robert Snyder |
|
Name: | Robert Snyder | |
Title: | Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement]
- 41 -
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF CERTIFICATE
THE SHARES EVIDENCED HEREBY REPRESENT RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO UNDERLYING TRUST PROPERTY (AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) HELD BY THE TRUST AND DO NOT EVIDENCE AN OBLIGATION OF, OR AN INTEREST IN, AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY, THE SPONSOR OR THE TRUSTEE OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. NEITHER THE SHARES NOR THE UNDERLYING TRUST PROPERTY ARE INSURED UNDER ANY AGREEMENT THAT DIRECTLY BENEFITS THE TRUST OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR ANY OTHER PERSON, EXCEPT THAT, FOR SO LONG AS IT IS IN EFFECT, THE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE(AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) APPLIES TO ANY GOLD (AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) FORMING ANY PART OF THE UNDERLYING TRUST PROPERTY AND TO ANY PHYSICAL GOLD (AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) YET TO BE DELIVERED BY THE CUSTODIAN (AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) TO ANY PERSON (AS DEFINED IN THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DEPOSITORY TRUST AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (DTC), TO THE AGENT AUTHORIZED BY THE ISSUER FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
A-1
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF SHARES
ISSUED BY
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF REPRESENTING
FRACTIONAL INTERESTS IN DEPOSITED GOLD
AND ANY OTHER TRUST PROPERTY
No. |
1Shares |
CUSIP:38150K103
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee (hereinafter called the Trustee), hereby certifies that Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, or registered assigns, is the owner of * Shares issued by GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF, each representing a fractional undivided interest in the net assets of the Trust, as provided in the Agreement referred to below. The Trustees Corporate Trust Office and the Trustees principal executive office are each located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
This Certificate is issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement dated as of December 11, 2020 (the Agreement) between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (the Sponsor) and the Trustee. By becoming a Registered Owner or Beneficial Owner, or by depositing gold, a Person is bound by all the terms and conditions of the Agreement. The Agreement sets forth the rights of Authorized Participants and Registered Owners and the rights and duties of the Trustee and the Sponsor. Copies of the Agreement are on file at the Trustees Corporate Trust Office in New York City.
The Agreement is hereby incorporated by this reference into and made a part of this Certificate as if set forth in full in this place. Capitalized terms not defined herein and the term gold shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
|
1 |
That number of Shares held at The Depository Trust Company at any given in time. |
A-1
This Certificate shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless it is executed by the Trustee by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Trustee and, if a Registrar (other than the Trustee) for the Shares shall have been appointed, countersigned by the manual signature of a duly authorized officer of the Registrar.
Dated: , 2020 |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee |
|||||
By: |
|
THE TRUSTEES CORPORATE TRUST OFFICE ADDRESS IS
240 GREENWICH STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10286
A-2
Exhibit 4.2
FORM AMENDMENT TO AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
This Amendment (this Amendment) to the AP Agreement (as defined below) is entered into as of December 11, 2020, among (i) [Authorized Participant]1 (the Authorized Participant), (ii) the Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation acting in its capacity as trustee (in such capacity, Trustee) of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (the Trust), created under New York law pursuant to the Depository Trust Agreement among (a) the Trustee, (b) Gold Corporation, a body corporate established under section 4 of the Gold Corporation Act 1987 (WA) (Gold Corp), in its capacity as custodian of the Trust, and (c) Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust (the Sponsor) dated July 26, 2018, as it may be amended from time to time (the Trust Agreement), and (iii) the Sponsor.
WHEREAS, the Authorized Participant, Trustee and Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company (ETC), entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement (the AP Agreement) dated as of [ , ];
WHEREAS, the Sponsor, Gold Corp, and ETC (together with Gold Corp, collectively the Sellers) entered into a Sponsorship Transfer Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020 (the Transfer Agreement), pursuant to which, among other things, the Sellers have agreed to sell, assign, transfer and convey to Sponsor all of their right, title and interest in and to the Sponsorship and the Sponsorship Assets (as such terms are defined in the Transfer Agreement);
WHEREAS, the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Transfer Agreement (the Closing) are subject to certain closing conditions, including entering into this Amendment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Transfer Agreement, ETC has agreed to transfer, assign, convey, grant and deliver to the Sponsor, and the Sponsor has agreed to assume and accept, ETCs right, title and interest in and to the AP Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment, the parties agree to the following terms and conditions effective as of the Closing:
1. |
ETC shall be removed as a party to the AP Agreement and replaced by Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P., in its capacity as Sponsor, and accordingly (i) all references to Exchange Traded Concepts LLC shall be deleted and replaced with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and (ii) all references to Administrative Sponsor shall be deleted and replaced with Sponsor. |
2. |
All references to Custodial Sponsor shall be deleted and replaced with Sponsor; |
3. |
All references to Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF shall be deleted and replaced with Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF; |
|
1 |
NTD: This is a form amendment, so the name of the Authorized Participant and other details specific to each respective Authorized Participant will be added when the Amendment is finalized. |
4. |
Section 6(ii) of the AP Agreement shall be deleted and replaced with the following: |
(ii) If to the Sponsor:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10282
Attn: Michael Crinieri
Telephone: (212) 357-7445
Email: Michael.crinieri@gs.com
5. |
Section 6(iv) of the AP Agreement shall be deleted. |
6. |
Schedule 1 of the AP Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the Creation and Redemption Procedures attached to this Amendment as Schedule 1. |
7. |
The parties hereto agree to hold this Amendment in strict confidence and to not disclose the execution of this Amendment until the consummation of the Closing. The parties hereto further agree that the effectiveness of this Amendment is conditioned upon the Closing and if the Closing is not consummated, this Amendment will be void and non-binding and the current AP Agreement with the current Administrative and Custodial Sponsors will continue in accordance with its terms and conditions. |
8. |
Except as amended hereby, the parties acknowledge and agree that the AP Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. |
9. |
No party to this Amendment shall assign any rights, or delegate the performance of any obligations, arising hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided that any entity into which a party hereto may be merged or converted, or with which it may be consolidated, or any entity resulting from any merger, consolidation or conversion to which a party hereunder shall be a party, shall be the successor of such party hereunder without further action. The party resulting from any such merger, conversion, consolidation or succession shall promptly notify the other parties hereto of the change. Any purported assignment or delegation in violation of this Section 9 shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any successor Trustee appointed in compliance with the Trust Agreement shall automatically become a party hereto and shall assume all the obligations of, and be entitled to all the rights and remedies of, Trustee hereunder with respect to the Trust. |
10. |
This Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Facsimile or PDF or similar format signatures shall be acceptable and binding. |
11. |
This Amendment and all the transactions hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable New York conflict law principles) as to all matters, including, without limitation, matters of validity, construction, effect, performance and remedies. |
- 2 -
[Signature Page to Follow]
- 3 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party to this Amendment has caused it to be executed as of the date first set forth above.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, in its capacity as Trustee of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., in its capacity as Sponsor of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
[AUTHORIZED PARTICIPANT], in its capacity as Authorized Participant of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Amendment to [Authorized Participant Name] Authorized Participant Agreement]
SCHEDULE 1 CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
See attached.
Sch. I-1
SCHEDULE 1
CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS - SCHEDULE 1
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION |
||||||
Section 1.01 |
Definitions |
3 | ||||
Section 1.02 |
Interpretation |
6 | ||||
ARTICLE II CREATION PROCEDURES |
||||||
Section 2.01 |
Initial Creation of Shares |
7 | ||||
Section 2.02 |
Subsequent Creation of Shares |
7 | ||||
ARTICLE III REDEMPTION PROCEDURES |
||||||
Section 3.01 |
Redemption of Shares |
10 | ||||
ANNEX I TO CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES |
||||||
Creation/Redemption Order Form |
A-1 | |||||
ANNEX II TO CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES |
||||||
Order Entry System Terms and Conditions |
AII-1 |
Sch. I-2
CREATION AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
Adopted by the Sponsor and Trustee (each as defined below) as of December 11, 2020.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
Section 1.01. Definitions. For purposes of these Procedures, and the Standard Terms incorporated by reference into the Authorized Participant Agreement to which these Procedures are attached, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms will have the following meanings:
Affiliate shall have the meaning given to it by Rule 501(b) under the Securities Act.
AP Account means a Gold account maintained for the Authorized Participant on an Unallocated Basis by the Custodian or a LBMA Gold clearing bank approved by the Custodian.
AP Indemnified Party shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 6.01a of the Standard Terms.
Authorized Participant shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in the introductory paragraph of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Authorized Participant Agreement shall mean each Authorized Participant Agreement among the Authorized Participant, the Trustee and the Sponsor authorizing the Authorized Participant to submit Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders and into which these Procedures are attached as Schedule 1 thereto, and the Standard Terms, attached as Schedule 2 thereto, shall have been incorporated by reference.
Authorized Participant Client means any party on whose behalf the Authorized Participant acts in connection with an Order (whether a customer or otherwise).
Authorized Representative shall mean, with respect to an Authorized Participant, each individual who, pursuant to the provisions of the Authorized Participant Agreement, has the power and authority to act on behalf of the Authorized Participant in connection with the placement of Purchase Orders or Redemption Orders and is in possession of the personal identification number (PIN) assigned by the Trustee for use in any communications regarding Purchase Orders or Redemption Orders on behalf of such Authorized Participant.
Basket shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Basket Gold Amount shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Benchmark Price shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Sch. I-3
Beneficial Owner shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Business Day shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Creation means the process that begins when an Authorized Participant first indicates to the Trustee its intention to purchase one or more Baskets pursuant to these Procedures and concludes with the issuance by the Trustee and Delivery to such Authorized Participant of the corresponding number of Shares.
Creation and Redemption Line shall mean a telephone number designated as such by the Trustee and specified in Annex I of the Procedures or otherwise communicated to each Authorized Participant in compliance with the notice provisions of the respective Authorized Participant Agreement.
Custodian shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Custody Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Delivery shall mean a delivery of Gold or Shares, as applicable, in each case effected according to the definition of Delivery in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Depositor shall mean any Authorized Participant that deposits Gold into the Trust, either for its own account or on behalf of another Person that is the owner or beneficial owner of that Gold.
Deposit Property means property which, in compliance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement, must be transferred by the Authorized Participant to the Trust, directly through the AP Account, in exchange for the Trusts Shares.
Dollars or $ (or dollars) refers to United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
DTC shall mean The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors.
DTC Participant shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Fine Ounce shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Gold or gold shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Sch. I-4
Initial Creation shall mean the initial creation of Shares pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.01 hereof.
LBMA shall mean the London Bullion Market Association or its successor.
London Good Delivery Standards shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Order shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1 of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Order Cutoff Time means, with respect to any Business Day, (i) 3:59:59 p.m. (New York time) on such Business Day or (ii) another time agreed to by the Sponsor and the Trustee and as to which the Sponsor has notified Registered Owners and all existing Authorized Participants.
Order Date shall have, (i) with respect to a Purchase Order, the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 2.3(a) of the Trust Agreement; and (ii) with respect to a Redemption Order, the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 2.6(a) of the Trust Agreement.
Person shall mean any natural person or any limited liability company, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Procedures shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1 of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Prospectus or Prospectuses means the current prospectus of the Trust included in its effective registration statement, as supplemented or amended from time to time.
Purchase Order shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1 of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Redemption Order shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1 of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Registered Owner shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Shares means shares issued by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Agreement.
Sponsor means Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Sch. I-5
Sponsor Indemnified Party shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Sections 6.01b of the Standard Terms.
Standard Terms shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 2 of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Transaction Fee means a fee of $500 to be paid by the Authorized Participant to the Trustee for each Purchase Order or Redemption Order. The fee may be changed by the Trustee with the prior written consent of the Sponsor.
Trustee shall mean The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, in its capacity as Trustee under the Trust Agreement, and any successor thereto in compliance with the provisions thereof.
Trust shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in the introductory paragraph of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Trust Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in the introductory paragraph of the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Trust Allocated Metal Account shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Trust Documents shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 6.01a of the Standard Terms.
Trust Unallocated Metal Account shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
Unallocated Basis shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.1 of the Trust Agreement.
VAT shall mean (a) any tax imposed pursuant to or in compliance with the Sixth Directive of the Council of the European Economic Communities (77/388/EEC) including, in relation to the United Kingdom, value added tax imposed by the Value Added Tax Act 1994 and legislation and regulations supplemental thereto; and (b) any other tax of a similar nature, whether imposed in a member state of the European Union or elsewhere, in substitution for, or levied in addition to, such tax referred to in (a).
Section 1.02. Interpretation. In these Procedures:
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Sections, clauses, paragraphs, schedules or exhibits, are to Sections, clauses, paragraphs, schedules or exhibits in or to these Procedures.
To the extent that term(s) defined in Section 1.01 apply before the Trust has commenced operations, such term(s) shall not be operative and any provisions relating to the Trust and its Shares contained in the Authorized Participant Agreement shall have no effect until the Trust commences operations and its Trust Agreement and Custody Agreement have been executed and delivered whereupon such terms and provisions shall become automatically operative and effective without any further action by the parties to the Authorized Participant Agreement.
Sch. I-6
The words hereof, herein, hereunder and words of similar import shall refer to these Procedures as a whole, and not to any individual provision in which such words may appear.
A reference to any statute, law, decree, rule, regulation or other applicable norm shall be construed as a reference to such statute, law, decree, rule, regulation or other applicable norm as re-enacted, re-designated or amended from time to time.
A reference to any agreement, instrument or document shall be construed as a reference to such agreement, instrument or document as the same may have been amended from time to time in compliance with the provisions thereof.
ARTICLE II
CREATION PROCEDURES
Section 2.01 Initial Creation of Shares. The initial creation of Shares took place in accordance with the Trust Agreement.
Section 2.02. Subsequent Creation of Shares. After the Initial Creation, the issuance and Delivery of Shares shall take place only in integral numbers of Baskets in compliance with the following rules:
(a) Authorized Participants wishing to acquire from the Trustee one or more Baskets shall place a Purchase Order with the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day. Purchase Orders received by the Trustee on or after the Order Cutoff Time on a Business Day shall be cancelled.
(b) For purposes of Section 2.02a. above, a Purchase Order shall be deemed received by the Trustee only when either of the following has occurred prior to the Order Cutoff Time:
(i) Telephone/fax Order An Authorized Representative shall have placed a telephone call to the Trustees Creation and Redemption Line and has received an Order Number from the Trustee for insertion in the Purchase Order, or
(ii) Web-based Order An Authorized Representative shall have accessed the Trustees online services (https://connect.bnymellon.com), the use of which is subject to the terms and conditions of the Order Entry System Terms and Conditions set forth on Annex II to these Procedures, and placed a Purchase Order.
in either case informing the Trustee that the Authorized Participant wishes to place a Purchase Order for a specified number of Baskets and, in the case of a telephone order, within 15 minutes following such telephone call, the Trustee shall have received a properly completed, irrevocable Purchase Order in the form set out in Annex I to these Procedures executed by an Authorized Representative of such Authorized Participant, via facsimile at the number specified in such Annex I or via email at the email address specified in such Annex I.
Sch. I-7
(c) The Trustee shall provide a written summary to the Sponsor and the Custodian of all accepted Purchase Orders for such Order Date no later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time).
(d) As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of a properly completed Purchase Order but not later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date for such Purchase Order, the Trustee shall send to the Authorized Participant (with copy to the Custodian), via facsimile or email message, a copy of the corresponding Purchase Order endorsed Accepted by the Trustee and indicating the Basket Gold Amount that the Authorized Participant shall Deliver to the Custodian in respect of each Basket. Prior to the transmission of the Trustees acceptance as specified above, a Purchase Order will only represent the Authorized Participants unilateral offer to deposit Gold in exchange for Baskets and will have no binding effect upon the Trust or any other party. Following the transmission of the Trustees acceptance as specified above, a Purchase Order will be a binding agreement among the Trust and the Authorized Participant for the creation and purchase of Baskets and the deposit of Gold pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Order and these Procedures. If a Purchase Order is rejected, the Trustee shall send to the Authorized Participant (with copy to the Custodian), via facsimile or email message, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date for such Purchase Order, a copy of the corresponding Purchase Order endorsed Declined by the Trustee. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, Purchase Orders not accepted by 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date shall be deemed cancelled. A Purchase Order which is not properly completed will be deemed invalid and rejected by the Trustee; the Authorized Participant may submit a corrected Purchase Order within the time period specified in Section 1.09 of the Standard Terms, currently within fifteen (15) minutes of such contact with the Authorized Participant, provided that the corrected Purchase Order must be received by the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time.
(e) Each Purchase Order shall settle on the second Business Day (T+2) following the Order Date. The Basket Gold Amount corresponding to each Basket must be deposited in the Trust Unallocated Metal Account no later than 4:00 p.m. (London time) on the second Business Day following the Order Date, such deposit being made from the AP Account. The Authorized Participant shall bear all risk of any loss until the Gold is credited to the Trust Unallocated Metal Account. The Custodian shall transfer any Gold received in the Trust Unallocated Metal Account directly from the AP Account to the Trust Allocated Metal Account, with such Gold being allocated to the Trust Allocated Metal Account no later than the second Business Day following the Order Date.
(f) By 11:00 am (New York time) on the second Business Day following the Order Date, the Custodian shall advise the Trustee in writing with respect to each Purchase Order of (i) the deposits which have been made to the Trust Unallocated Metal Account and (ii) any deposits which should have been made to the Trust Unallocated Metal Account but which have not been received.
(g) On the second Business Day following the Order Date corresponding to a Purchase Order, or on such earlier date and time as the Trustee, the Custodian and the
Sch. I-8
Authorized Participant may mutually agree, the Trustee shall issue the aggregate number of Shares corresponding to the Baskets ordered by the Authorized Participant and Deliver them, by credit to the account at DTC which the Authorized Participant shall have identified for such purpose in its Purchase Order, provided that, by 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date such issuance and Delivery is to take place:
(i) the Custodian shall have reported in writing to the Trustee that the corresponding required amount of Gold has been deposited in the Trust Unallocated Metal Account in compliance with the provisions of Section 2.02e. above,
(ii) the Custodian shall have reported in writing to the Trustee that the corresponding required amount of Gold has been allocated to the Trust Allocated Metal Account and the Custodian is holding that Gold for the account of the Trust, and
(iii) The Trustee shall have received the applicable Transaction Fee from the Authorized Participant, and the Authorized Participant shall have paid or agreed to pay, or reimbursed or agreed to reimburse, the Custodian, the Trustee and the Trust the amount of any and all taxes, governmental charges and fees payable in connection with such deposit, the transfer of Gold and the issuance and Delivery of Shares.
(h) In all other cases, the Trustee shall issue the aggregate number of Shares corresponding to the Baskets ordered by the Authorized Participant and Deliver them by credit to the account at DTC which the Authorized Participant shall have identified for such purpose in its Purchase Order on the Business Day following the date on which all of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 2.02g. above shall have been met. In the event that, by 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the second Business Day following the Order Date of a Purchase Order, the Custodian has advised the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.02f. above that the Trust Unallocated Metal Account has not been credited with the required amount of Gold in compliance with the provisions of Section 2.02e. above, the Trustee shall, by the Trustees close of business (New York time), send to the Authorized Participant and the Custodian via fax or email message notice of such fact and the Authorized Participant shall have two (2) Business Days following receipt of such notice to correct such failure. If such failure is not cured within such two (2) Business Day period, the Trustee shall, unless the Sponsor shall otherwise direct, cancel such Purchase Order and will send via fax or electronic mail message notice of such cancellation to the Authorized Participant and the Custodian, and the Authorized Participant will be solely responsible for all damages, losses, costs and expenses incurred by the Trust, the Sponsor, the Trustee or the Custodian related to the cancelled Order.
(i) The foregoing provisions notwithstanding, neither the Trustee nor the Custodian shall be liable for any failure or delay in making Delivery of Shares in respect of a Purchase Order arising from nuclear fission or fusion, radioactivity, war, terrorist event, invasion, insurrection, civil commotion, riot, strike, act of government, public authority, public service or utility problems, power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures, act of God such as fires, floods or extreme weather conditions, market conditions or activities causing trading halts, systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Trustee, the Custodian or sub-custodian and similar extraordinary events beyond the Custodians or the Trustees reasonable control. In the event of any such delay, the time to complete Delivery in respect of a Purchase Order will be extended for a period equal to that during which the inability to perform continues.
Sch. I-9
(j) Except as provided in Sections 2.02d., 2.02f., 2.02h. and the Standard Terms, none of the Trustee, the Sponsor or the Custodian are under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any Purchase Order or the Delivery of the Basket Gold Amount, and shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
(k) The Creation of Shares may be suspended or rejected under the circumstances specified in the Trust Agreement, these Procedures or the Standard Terms.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
Section 3.01. Redemption of Shares. Redemption of Shares shall take place only in integral numbers of Baskets in compliance with the following rules:
(a) Authorized Participants wishing to redeem one or more Baskets shall place a Redemption Order with the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day. Redemption Orders received by the Trustee on or after the Order Cutoff Time on any Business Day shall be cancelled.
(b) For purposes of Section 3.01a. above, a Redemption Order shall be deemed received by the Trustee only when either of the following has occurred prior to the Order Cutoff Time:
(i) Telephone/fax Order An Authorized Representative shall have placed a telephone call to the Trustees Creation and Redemption Line and has received an Order Number from the Trustee for insertion in the Redemption Order, or
(ii) Web-based Order An Authorized Representative shall have accessed the Trustees online services (https://connect.bnymellon.com), the use of which is subject to the terms and conditions of the Order Entry System Terms and Conditions set forth on Annex II to these Procedures, and placed a Redemption Order.
in either case informing the Trustee that the Authorized Participant wishes to place a Redemption Order for a specified number of Baskets and, in the case of a telephone order, within 15 minutes following such telephone call, the Trustee shall have received a duly completed, irrevocable Redemption Order in the form set out in Annex I to these Procedures executed by an Authorized Representative of such Authorized Participant, via facsimile at the number specified in such Annex I or via email at the address specified in such Annex I.
The Trustee shall provide a written summary to the Sponsor and the Custodian of all accepted Redemption Orders for such Order Date no later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time).
(c) Upon receipt of a properly completed Redemption Order, the Trustee shall send to the Authorized Participant (with copy to the Custodian), via facsimile or email message, as soon
Sch. I-10
as reasonably practicable, but not later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date for such Redemption Order a copy of the corresponding Redemption Order endorsed Accepted by the Trustee and indicating the Basket Gold Amount that the Custodian shall Deliver to the Authorized Participant in respect of each Basket being redeemed. Prior to the transmission of the Trustees acceptance as specified above, a Redemption Order will only represent the Authorized Participants unilateral offer to deposit Baskets in exchange for a Delivery of Gold and will have no binding effect upon the Trust or any other party. Following the transmission of the Trustees acceptance as specified above, a Redemption Order will be a binding agreement among the Trust and the Authorized Participant for the redemption of Baskets and the Delivery of Gold pursuant to the terms of the Redemption Order and these Procedures. If a Redemption Order is rejected, the Trustee shall send to the Authorized Participant (with copy to the Custodian), via facsimile or email message, as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date for such Redemption Order, a copy of the corresponding Redemption Order endorsed Declined by the Trustee. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, Redemption Orders not accepted by 5:30 p.m. (New York time) on the Order Date shall be deemed cancelled. A Redemption Order which is not properly completed will be deemed invalid and rejected by the Trustee; the Authorized Participant may submit a corrected Redemption Order within the time period specified in Section 1.09 of the Standard Terms, currently within fifteen (15) minutes of such contact with the Authorized Participant, provided that the corrected Redemption Order must be received by the Trustee prior to the Order Cutoff Time.
(d) The Trustee shall, by 9:30 a.m. New York time on the second Business Day following the Order Date of a Redemption Order, confirm in writing to the Custodian whether each of the following has occurred:
(i) the Authorized Participant has Delivered by 9:00 a.m. New York time on the second Business Day following the Order Date to the Trustees account at DTC the total number of Shares to be redeemed by such Authorized Participant pursuant to such Redemption Order; and
(ii) the Trustee shall have received the applicable Transaction Fee from the Authorized Participant, and the Authorized Participant shall have paid or agreed to pay, or reimbursed or agreed to reimburse, the Custodian, the Trustee and the Trust the amount of any and all taxes, governmental charges and fees payable in connection with the transfer of Gold and the Delivery of Shares, as well as any expense associated with the Delivery of Gold other than by credit to an account of the Authorized Participant maintained on an Unallocated Basis by the Custodian or a LBMA Gold clearing bank approved by the Custodian.
Upon the Delivery of the total number of Shares to be redeemed to the Trustees account at DTC and the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in clause (ii) of Section 3.01d, the Trustee shall cancel such Shares in accordance with its usual practice. Provided that the Custodian has received written confirmation from the Trustee that the conditions set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 3.01d. above have been satisfied, the Custodian shall, by 4:00 p.m. London time (usually 11:00 a.m. New York time) on the second Business Day following the Order Date, Deliver, as applicable to the specific Redemption Order, unallocated Gold in the amounts specified in the communication sent in compliance with Section 3.01c. above, to the account
Sch. I-11
indicated by the redeeming Authorized Participant in its Redemption Order (which shall be the AP Account). Having made such Delivery, the Custodian shall send written confirmation thereof to the Trustee. The Authorized Participant shall bear all risk of any loss from the time the Gold is transferred from the Trust Unallocated Metal Account to the AP Account.
(e) In all other cases, Delivery must be completed by the Custodian as soon as, in the reasonable judgment of the Custodian, it is practicable following receipt of written confirmation from the Trustee that the conditions set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 3.01d. above have been satisfied.
(f) The foregoing provisions notwithstanding, neither the Trustee nor the Custodian shall be liable for any failure or delay in making Delivery of Gold in respect of a Redemption Order arising from nuclear fission or fusion, radioactivity, war, terrorist event, invasion, insurrection, civil commotion, riot, strike, act of government, public authority, public service or utility problems, power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures, act of God such as fires, floods or extreme weather conditions, market conditions or activities causing trading halts, systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Trustee, the Custodian or sub-custodian and similar extraordinary events beyond the Custodians and the Trustees reasonable control. In the event of any such delay, the time to complete Delivery in respect of a Redemption Order will be extended for a period equal to that during which the inability to perform continues.
(g) In the event that, by 9:00 a.m. (New York time) on the second Business Day following the Order Date of a Redemption Order, the Trustees account at DTC shall not have been credited with the total number of Shares corresponding to the total number of Baskets to be redeemed pursuant to such Redemption Order, the Trustee shall send to the Authorized Participant and the Custodian via fax or email message notice of such fact and the Authorized Participant shall have two (2) Business Days following receipt of such notice to correct such failure. If such failure is not cured within such two (2) Business Day period, the Trustee (in consultation with the Sponsor) will cancel such Redemption Order and will send via fax or email message notice of such cancellation to the Authorized Participant and the Custodian, and the Authorized Participant will be solely responsible for all damages, losses, costs and expenses incurred by the Trust, the Sponsor, the Trustee or the Custodian related to the cancelled Order.
(h) The redemption of Shares may be suspended or rejected under the circumstances specified in the Trust Agreement, these Procedures or the Standard Terms.
(i) Except as provided in Sections 3.01c., 3.01g. and the Standard Terms, none of the Trustee, the Sponsor or the Custodian are under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any Redemption Order or the Delivery of the Shares, and shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
[Signatures Follow on Next Page]
Sch. I-12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Sponsor and the Trustee have executed these Creation and Redemption Procedures as of the date set forth above.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, in its capacity as Trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title:: | ||
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., in its capacity as Sponsor of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit 5.1
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
31 WEST 52ND STREET NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
TEL +1 212 878 8000 FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com |
December 14, 2020
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282
Re: |
Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, in its capacity as the sponsor (in such capacity, the Sponsor) of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (the Trust) in connection with the registration statement on Form S-1 (the Registration Statement) filed by the Trust with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for the continuous offering of shares representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in the net assets of the Trust (the Shares).
In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have examined copies of the following documents:
1. |
The First Amended and Restated Depositary Trust Agreement (the Trust Agreement), dated as of December 11, 2020, between the Sponsor and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (in such capacity, the Trustee). |
2. |
The Allocated Gold Account Agreement, dated December 11, 2020, by and among the Trustee, the Sponsor and JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch, as custodian (in such capacity, the Custodian). |
3. |
The Unallocated Gold Account Agreement, dated December 11, 2020, by and among the Trustee, the Sponsor and the Custodian. |
4. |
The Registration Statement. |
5. |
Such other records or documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinion set forth herein. |
In such examination, we have assumed the following: (i) the authenticity of original documents and the genuineness of all signatures; (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; and (iii) the accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have reviewed.
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
In rendering the opinion contained herein, we have relied with respect to certain factual matters solely upon the representations, certifications and other information contained in the documents listed in the second paragraph of this letter. We have not made or undertaken to make any independent investigation to establish or verify the accuracy or completeness of such factual representations, certifications and other information.
We express no opinion as to matters of law in any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this letter, our opinions are based solely upon the law and the facts as they exist on the date hereof and we undertake no, and disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any subsequent change in law or facts or circumstances which might affect any matter or opinion set forth herein.
Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, including the receipt by the Custodian, on behalf of the Trust, of the consideration required for the issuance of the Shares, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K that shall be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the caption Legal Matters in the prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not concede that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulation of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP
Exhibit 8.1
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
31 WEST 52ND STREET NEW YORK, NY 10019-6131
TEL +1 212 878 8000 FAX +1 212 878 8375
www.cliffordchance.com |
December 14, 2020
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street
New York, New York 10282
Re: |
Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as legal counsel to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), in connection with the registration statement on Form S-1 (the Registration Statement) filed by the Trust with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, relating to the continuous offering of shares (the Shares) representing units of fractional undivided beneficial interest in and ownership of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (the Trust), a trust governed by the First Amended and Restated Depositary Trust Agreement dated December 11, 2020 (the Trust Agreement), entered into by and between the Partnership as sponsor and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation in its capacity as the trustee of the Trust and the registered and beneficial owners from time to time of Shares and all persons that deposit gold for creation of Shares. In connection therewith, you have requested our opinion with respect to certain U.S. federal income tax matters. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Trust Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and relied on the Trust Agreement; the Registration Statement; originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of all such agreements, certificates and other statements of corporate officers and other representatives of the Partnership; and such other documents, records and instruments as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to render the opinion referred to in this letter.
In our examination of the foregoing documents, we have assumed, with your consent, that all documents reviewed by us are original documents, or true and accurate copies of original documents, and have not been subsequently amended; the signatures of each original document
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
are genuine; each party who executed the document had proper authority and capacity; all representations and statements set forth in such documents are true and correct; and all obligations imposed by any such documents on the parties thereto have been or will be performed or satisfied in accordance with their terms.
Our opinions are based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, pertinent judicial decisions, current interpretive rulings and pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), and such other authorities as we have considered relevant, in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to legislative, judicial or administrative change or differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Our opinions are not binding on the IRS, and no assurance can be given that the conclusions expressed herein will not be challenged by the IRS or sustained by a court.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we confirm that the discussion in the Registration Statement under the caption Federal Income Tax Consequences, to the extent it consists of statements of law and legal conclusions, and subject to the limitations and qualifications set forth therein, constitutes our opinion as to the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that will apply under currently applicable law to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Shares.
The opinions stated above represent our conclusions as to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws existing as of the date of this letter. Further, the opinions set forth above represent our conclusions based upon the assumptions, documents, facts and representations referred to above. Any material amendments to such documents, changes in any significant facts or inaccuracy of such assumptions or representations could affect the accuracy of our opinions. Although we have made such inquiries and performed such investigations as we have deemed necessary to fulfill our professional responsibilities as counsel, we have not undertaken an independent investigation of all of the facts referred to in this letter and the certificates and other statements of corporate officers and other representatives of the Partnership.
The opinions set forth in this letter are (i) limited to those matters expressly covered and no opinion is expressed in respect of any other matter, (ii) as of the date hereof, and (iii) rendered by us at the request of the Partnership. We assume no obligation to update our opinions for events or changes in the law occurring after the effective date of the Registration Statement.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K that shall be incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and to the references to us in the prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
- 2 -
CLIFFORD CHANCE US LLP
Very truly yours,
/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP
- 3 -
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION VERSION
DATED December 11, 2020
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT,
L.P.,
AND
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
solely in its capacity as trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF and not
individually
ALLOCATED GOLD ACCOUNT AGREEMENT
CONTENTS
Clause | Page | |||||
1. |
INTERPRETATION |
4 | ||||
2. |
ALLOCATED ACCOUNT |
7 | ||||
3. |
DEPOSITS |
8 | ||||
4. |
WITHDRAWALS |
8 | ||||
5. |
INSTRUCTIONS |
10 | ||||
6. |
CONFIDENTIALITY |
11 | ||||
7. |
CUSTODY SERVICES |
11 | ||||
8. |
SUB-CUSTODIANS |
12 | ||||
9. |
REPRESENTATIONS |
13 | ||||
10. |
SANCTIONS |
13 | ||||
11. |
FEES AND EXPENSES |
14 | ||||
12. |
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY |
15 | ||||
13. |
TERMINATION |
17 | ||||
14. |
VALUE ADDED TAX |
18 | ||||
15. |
NOTICES |
19 | ||||
16. |
GENERAL |
20 | ||||
17. |
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
21 |
THIS ALLOCATED GOLD ACCOUNT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made on December 11, 2020,
BETWEEN
(1) |
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A a National Association incorporated in the United States of America, whose principal place of business in England is at 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, EC14 5JP (the Custodian); |
(2) |
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. acting in its capacity as Sponsor; and |
(3) |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON a New York banking corporation, solely in its capacity as trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF formerly known as the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (the Trust) created under the Trust Agreement identified below and not individually (the Trustee), which expression shall, whenever the context so admits, include the named Trustee and all other persons or companies for the time being the trustee or trustees of the Trust Agreement as trustee for the Shareholders (as defined below). |
Each a Party and together the Parties.
INTRODUCTION
(1) |
In connection with the initial formation of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF, Gold Corporation (the original custodian), entered into a custody arrangement with the Trustee pursuant to the terms of the original Trust Allocated Metal Account Agreement and the Trust Unallocated Metal Account Agreement, each dated as of July 26, 2018. |
(2) |
Gold Corporation, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (ETC), and the Sponsor entered into a Sponsorship Transfer Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, pursuant to which, among other things, Gold Corporation and ETC are transferring to the Sponsor Gold Corporations role of custodial sponsor of the Trust and ETCs role of administrative sponsor of the Trust (the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement). |
(3) |
Contemporaneously with the Closing (as defined in the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement), the Trustee and the Sponsor will enter into the First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement (the Trust Agreement), dated as of December 11, 2020, pursuant to which the Trustee and the Sponsor establish the terms on which gold may be deposited and safely stored in the Trust, provide for the creation of shares representing fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust and provide for the other terms and conditions on which the Trust shall be administered. |
(4) |
Contemporaneously with the Closing (as defined in the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement) ETC, the Sponsor, Gold Corporation, and the Trustee will enter into the Resignation and Appointment Agreement, whereby Gold Corporation and ETC will resign as custodial sponsor and administrative sponsor of the Trust, respectively, and will appoint the Sponsor as the Successor Sponsor (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Trust (the Resignation and Appointment Agreement). |
3
(5) |
Pursuant to the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement and Resignation and Appointment Agreement, Gold Corporation will resign its role as custodian of the Trust, and pursuant to instructions from the Sponsor, the Trustee is authorized and directed to enter into this Agreement and the Allocated Account Agreement (defined herein) appointing the Custodian as the Current Custodian (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Trust. |
(6) |
The Custodian has agreed to transfer Gold from the Allocated Account (as defined below) into the Unallocated Account pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. |
(7) |
The Allocated Account will be established in the name of the Trustee for the account of the Trust, and the Trustee will have the sole right to give instructions for the making of any transfers into or out of the Allocated Account. |
(8) |
The Custodian, as a member of LPMCL (as defined below), have agreed to open and maintain for the Trustee the Allocated Account (as defined below) and to provide other services to the Trustee and the Trust in connection with such Allocated Account. This Agreement sets out the terms under which the Custodian will provide those services to the Trustee and the Trust and the arrangements which will apply in connection with those services. |
IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS
1. |
INTERPRETATION |
1.1 |
Definitions: In this Agreement: |
Account Balance means, in relation to the Allocated Account, the specific Gold held for the Trustee by the Custodian as from time to time identified (whether by bar serial numbers or otherwise) in, and recorded on, the Allocated Account.
Allocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Allocated Gold Account (No. 48041), as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an allocated basis pursuant to this Agreement for the purpose of holding Gold on behalf of the Trust.
AURUM means the electronic matching and settlement system operated by LPMCL.
Bankruptcy or Insolvency Event means of any of the following: (i) the admission by the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of its inability to pay its debts when and as they become due; (ii) the execution by the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (iii) the filing by or against the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of a petition in bankruptcy or any petition for relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtors relief law, or the continuation of such petition without dismissal for a period of sixty (60) days or more, or, in the case of any involuntary filing of a petition against the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor; (iv) the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take possession of the property or assets of the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor; or (v) any action to liquidate, dissolve, transfer, or wind up the business of the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor, in furtherance of the foregoing.
Business Day means any day other than a day: (1) when the Exchange is closed for regular trading; or (2), if the order or other transaction requires the receipt or delivery, or the
4
confirmation of receipt or delivery, of gold in the United Kingdom or in some other jurisdiction on a particular day, (A) when banks are authorized to close in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction or when the London gold market is closed or (B) when banks in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction are, or the London gold market is, not open for a full business day and the order or other transaction requires the execution or completion of procedures which cannot be executed or completed by the close of the business day.
Custodial Fee Letter means the Custodial Fee Letter, by and between the Sponsor and the Custodian, dated as of December 11, 2020.
eBTS means the electronic Bullion Transfer System website developed by the Custodian.
Exchange means the exchange or other securities market on which the Shares are principally traded, which shall initially be NYSE Arca, or such other exchange or securities market which may be specified from time to time by the Sponsor.
Gold means (i) Physical Gold held by the Custodian or any sub-custodian under this Agreement and/or (ii) any credit to an account, including the Unallocated Account, on an Unallocated Basis, as the context requires.
LBMA means The London Bullion Market Association or its successors.
London Good Delivery Standards means the specifications for good delivery gold bars, including the specifications for weight, dimensions, fineness (or purity), identifying marks and appearance of gold bars, set forth in the good delivery rules promulgated by the LBMA from time to time.
London Precious Metals Markets means the London Bullion market and such other markets for Gold or precious metals operating in London as may be agreed among the Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor from time to time.
LPMCL means London Precious Metals Clearing Limited or its successors.
Metal Accounts means the Allocated Account and the Unallocated Account.
Point of Delivery means such location, date, and time that the relevant parties (or such agent acting on behalf of a party) agree in writing for the receipt or delivery to the recipient (or its agent) of the Gold.
Physical Gold means gold bullion that meets the London Good Delivery Standards.
Rules means the rules, regulations, practices and customs of the LBMA, LPMCL, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Bank of England and such other regulatory authority or other body, applicable to the Parties and/or to the activities contemplated by this Agreement or the activities of a Sub-Custodian.
Sanctioning Body means any of the following:
(i) |
the United Nations Security Council; |
(ii) |
the European Union; |
5
(iii) |
Her Majestys Treasury and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation of the United Kingdom; and |
(iv) |
The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of Treasury of the United States of America. |
Sanctions means economic or financial sanctions, boycotts, trade embargoes and restrictions relating to terrorism imposed, administered or enforced by a Sanctioning Body from time to time.
Sanctions List means any list of specifically designated nationals or blocked or sanctioned persons or entities (or similar) imposed, administered or enforced by a Sanctioning Body in connection with Sanctions from time to time.
Shareholder means the beneficial owner of one or more Shares.
Share means a unit of beneficial interest in the Trust created under the Trust Agreement, having no par value and representing a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust which undivided interest shall equal a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the total number of Shares outstanding. The name of the Shares is Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Shares.
Sponsor means Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., its successors and assigns and any successor Sponsor appointed pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
Sub-Custodian means a LBMA-member gold clearing bank, sub-custodian, agent or depository (including an entity within the Custodians corporate group) appointed by the Custodian to perform any of the Custodians obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, including the safekeeping of Gold.
Unallocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Unallocated Gold Account (No. 48040), as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an allocated basis pursuant to the Unallocated Account Agreement for the purpose of holding Gold on behalf of the Trust.
Unallocated Account Agreement means the Unallocated Gold Account Agreement dated December 11, 2020, by and among the Custodian, the Sponsor, and the Trustee, pursuant to which the Unallocated Account is established and operated.
Unallocated Basis means, with respect to the Unallocated Account maintained with the Custodian, that the person in whose name the account is held is entitled to delivery in accordance with the relevant Rules of an amount of Gold equal to the amount of Gold standing to the credit of such persons account but is not entitled to specific Gold.
VAT means value added tax as provided for in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (as amended or re-enacted from time to time) and legislation supplemental thereto and any other tax (whether imposed in the United Kingdom in substitution thereof or in addition thereto or elsewhere) of a similar fiscal nature.
Withdrawal Date means the Business Day on which the Trustee wishes to withdraw Gold from the Allocated Account.
1.2 |
Headings: The headings in this Agreement do not affect its interpretation. |
6
1.3 |
Singular and plural: References to the singular include the plural and vice versa. |
1.4 |
Construction: The words this Agreement, herein, hereby, hereunder and hereof, and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The words this clause, and words of similar import, refer only to the clause hereof in which such words occur. The word or is exclusive. Include, included, and including (regardless of whether capitalized) mean to include without limitation, to be included without limitation, or including without limitation, as the case may be. |
2. |
ALLOCATED ACCOUNT |
2.1 |
Opening Allocated Account: The Custodian shall open and maintain the Allocated Account in the name of the Trustee (in its capacity as trustee for the Shareholders). |
2.2 |
Denomination of Allocated Account: The Unallocated Account will hold deposits of Gold and will be denominated in fine troy ounces (to three decimal places). |
2.3 |
Reports: At the end of each London Business Day, the Custodian will provide the Trustee with access to information (i) showing the increases and decreases to the Physical Gold standing to the Trustees credit in the Allocated Account and identifying separately each transaction and the New York or London Business Day on which it occurred and (ii) identifying each individual bar of Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account. On each London Business Day, the Custodian will provide the Trustee access to information relating to (i) each separate transaction, if any, transferring Gold to the Allocated Account from the Unallocated Account, (ii) the amount of Gold, if any, transferred from the Allocated Account to the Allocated Account and (iii) the closing balance of Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account for such London Business Day, and the Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to send the notification by 5:00 pm (London time). In addition, the Custodian will provide the Trustee with such information about the increases and decreases to the Gold standing to the Trustees credit in the Unallocated Account on a same-day basis at such other times and in such other form as the Trustee and the Custodian shall agree. For each calendar month, the Custodian will provide the Trustee within a reasonable time after the end of the month a statement of account for the Allocated Account which shall include the opening and closing monthly balance and all transfers to and from the Allocated Account, accompanied by one or more weight lists containing information sufficient to identify each bar of Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account as of the last London Business Day of the calendar month and the party having physical possession thereof, including any Sub-Custodian or any sub-custodian of a Sub-Custodian. The Custodian also will provide the Trustee with additional weight lists in respect of the Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account from time to time upon the Trustees reasonable request. All such reports will be made available to the Trustee by means of the Custodians proprietary electronic system or authenticated SWIFT message, provided that, if the Custodians proprietary electronic system or SWIFT messaging system is unavailable for any reason, the Trustee and the Custodian will agree upon a temporary notification system for making such reports available to the Trustee. |
2.4 |
Discrepancies: If a material error or discrepancy is noted by the Trustee on any report provided pursuant to Clause 2.3 above in relation to any activity or balances, the Trustee will notify the Custodian in writing as soon as possible so that the Custodian may investigate and resolve any such material error or discrepancy as soon as practicable (provided, however, that the Trustees failure or delay in notifying the Custodian shall not limit the Custodians obligation to reverse or correct errors hereunder). |
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2.5 |
Reversal of entries: The Custodian shall reverse any provisional or erroneous entries to the Allocated Account which it discovers or of which it is notified with effect reference-valued to the date upon which the final or correct entry (or no entry) should have been made, and shall notify the Trustee of any such entries in writing as soon as reasonably practicable of any such reversals. |
2.6 |
Access: The Custodian will allow the Sponsor and the Trustee and their identified representatives, independent public accountants, and bullion auditors access to its premises, upon reasonable notice during normal business hours, to examine the Gold and such records, as they may reasonably require to perform their respective duties with regard to the Trust and to investors in Shares. The Trustee and the Sponsor agree that any such access shall be subject to execution of a confidentiality agreement and agreement to the Custodians security procedures and will be limited to no more than two (2) times per calendar year. The two (2) examinations during any fiscal year shall be at the Trusts expense, which expense shall be paid by the Sponsor subject to the Fee Cap (as defined in the Trust Agreement) in accordance with the terms of Section 5.3(g)(i) of the Trust Agreement. |
2.7 |
Regulatory Reporting: To the extent that the Custodians activities under this Agreement are relevant to the preparation of the filings required of the Trust under the securities laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction, the Custodian will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Rules or applicable regulatory authority, and upon reasonable request, cooperate with the Trustee and the Sponsor and the Trustees and the Sponsors representatives to provide such information concerning the Custodians activities as may be necessary for such filings to be completed. Additionally, to the extent that the Custodians activities or controls in its capacity as custodian of the Trusts assets are relevant to the information presented in the financial statements of the Trust, the Custodian will, upon reasonable request, cooperate with the Sponsor and the Trustee to assist the Sponsor in providing the required written assurances regarding the reliability of the internal controls used in the preparation of such financial statements, including by providing the Trusts external auditors with information and reports regarding the Custodians internal controls over financial reporting as far as such reporting relates to the scope of the Custodians duties. |
3. |
DEPOSITS |
3.1 |
Procedure: The Custodian shall receive deposits of Physical Gold into the Allocated Account relating to the same kind of Physical Gold and having the same denomination as that to which the Allocated Account relates only pursuant to transfers from the Unallocated Account as provided in clause 3.1 (with respect to the initial deposit of Gold into the Unallocated Account) and in clause 4.1(b) of the Unallocated Account Agreement or as otherwise agreed upon between Custodian and the Trustee. The notice for any deposit of Gold to be made into the Allocated Account in connection with clause 4.1(b) of the Unallocated Account Agreement shall be made in accordance with clause 4.2(b) of the Unallocated Account Agreement. |
4. |
WITHDRAWALS |
4.1 |
Procedure: The Trustee may at any time give instructions to the Custodian for the withdrawal of Physical Gold from the Allocated Account as provided for in this Agreement, |
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provided that a withdrawal may be made only by (i) transfer to the Unallocated Account or another account maintained on an Unallocated Basis or as otherwise permitted in connection with the transfers described in clauses 4.1(a) and (c) of the Unallocated Account Agreement, or (ii) transfer in the manner described in clause 4.1(d) of the Unallocated Account Agreement. |
4.2 |
Notice requirements: The notice for any withdrawal of Gold to be made from the Allocated Account (i) in connection with clauses 4.1(a) and (c) (with respect to sales of Gold only) of the Unallocated Account Agreement shall be made in accordance with clause 4.2(a) of the Unallocated Account Agreement and (ii) in connection with clauses 4.1(c) (with respect to transfers (other than for the sale of Gold) permitted under the Trust Agreement) or (d) of the Unallocated Account Agreement shall be made in accordance with clause 4.2(c) of the Unallocated Account Agreement. In any event, notices shall be received by the Custodian no later than the time specified in the Unallocated Account Agreement or Schedule attached hereto, as applicable, and if received later than that specified time will be processed on the next Business Day. |
4.3 |
Specification of Physical Gold: The Custodian may specify the serial numbers of the bars to be withdrawn once it receives instructions from the Trustee to effect a withdrawal of Physical Gold pursuant to clause 4.1. The Custodian is entitled to select the Physical Gold to be made available for any such withdrawal. |
4.4 |
De-allocation: Following receipt by the Custodian of notice for the withdrawal of Physical Gold from the Allocated Account pursuant to clause 4.1, the Custodian shall de-allocate sufficient Physical Gold from the Allocated Account to credit the Unallocated Account in the amount required, provided that, in the case of a transfer made in connection with clause 4.1(a) of the Unallocated Account Agreement, the Custodian will use its commercially reasonable endeavors to complete the de-allocation of Physical Gold from the Allocated Account to the Unallocated Account by no later than 5:00 p.m. (London Time) on the London Business Day on which notice is given in the form prescribed in clause 4.2(a) of the Unallocated Account Agreement for a withdrawal under clause 4.1(a) of the Unallocated Account Agreement. The Trustee acknowledges that the process of de-allocation of Physical Gold for withdrawal and/or credit to the Unallocated Account may involve minimal adjustments to the weight of Physical Gold to be withdrawn to adjust such weight to the whole bars available. |
4.5 |
Substitution: If bars of Gold comprising the Trustees Account Balance may be substituted by the Custodian for other bars of Gold, the Custodians right to do so and the terms upon which this right may be exercised is set out as follows: |
The Trustee authorizes the Custodian, as the Trustees agent, at any time and for any reason to procure the transfer to the Custodian of all of the Trustees right and title to some or all of the bars of Gold comprising the Trustees Account Balance (the Transferred Portion) in exchange for the transfer by the Custodian to the Trustee of the same number of substitute bars of like quality of the relevant Gold (the Substituted Portion), by removing from the Allocated Account the records identifying the Transferred Portion and simultaneously recording in the Allocated Account the specific Gold identified by the serial numbers of the relevant bars (or by other appropriate means) comprising the Substituted Portion. The Custodian accepts liability for all costs and shall bear all risk of loss in relation to any substitution under this clause 4.5. The number of fine ounces held by the Custodian for the Trust shall be the same before and after substitution.
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4.6 |
Risk. Where there is a delivery from the Custodian of Physical Gold to another person, all right, title and risk in and to such Physical Gold shall pass at the Point of Delivery to the relevant person for whose account the Physical Gold is being delivered. |
5. |
INSTRUCTIONS |
5.1 |
Instructions: Only the Trustee shall have the right to give instructions to the Custodian for deposit of Gold to or withdrawal of Gold from the Unallocated Account. The Custodian is entitled to rely on any instructions which are from, or which purport to emanate from, any person who appears to have such authority. |
5.2 |
Transfer Instructions: All transfers into and out of the Allocated Account shall be made upon receipt of, and in accordance with, instructions given by the Trustee to the Custodian. Such instructions shall be given by SWIFT or Custodians proprietary electronic system, or, if either system is not operating, by such other temporary means as the Trustee and the Custodian may agree from time to time. Other information (which shall not constitute an instruction) related to transfers into and out of the Allocated Account may be sent between the Trustee and the Custodian by email or such other means as the Trustee and the Custodian may agree from time to time. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been given, made or served upon actual receipt by the recipient. |
5.3 |
AURUM: The Trustee acknowledges that instructions relating to a counterparty for whom the Custodian does not already provide settlement services will be forwarded by the Custodian to AURUM on the Trustees behalf. The Trustee acknowledges that AURUM is operated by a third party and that the Custodian cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions or malfunctions in the systems operated by AURUM. To the extent that AURUM is not available or suffering a malfunction, the Trustee agrees that the Custodians obligations under this Agreement shall be postponed during such unavailability or such malfunction and until a reasonable period thereafter. The Custodian will notify the Trustee as soon as is reasonably possible of any such unavailability or malfunction. |
5.4 |
Amendments: Once given, instructions continue in full force and effect until they are cancelled, amended or suspended. Any such instructions shall be valid and binding only after actual receipt by the Custodian in accordance with clause 5.2. |
5.5 |
Unclear or ambiguous instructions: If, in the Custodians opinion, any instructions are unclear or ambiguous, the Custodian will use reasonable endeavours (taking into account any relevant time constraints) to obtain clarification of those instructions from the Trustee but, failing that, the Custodian may in its absolute discretion and without any liability on its part, act upon what it believes in good faith such instructions to be or refuse to take any action or execute such instructions until any ambiguity or conflict has been resolved to the Custodians reasonable satisfaction. |
5.6 |
Refusal to execute: The Custodian reserves the right to refuse to execute instructions if in the Custodians reasonable opinion they are or may be, or require action which is or may be, contrary to the Rules or any applicable law. The Custodian shall in no circumstances have any obligation to act upon any instruction which in its opinion would result in a negative balance in any Allocated Account. |
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6. |
CONFIDENTIALITY |
6.1 |
Disclosure to others: Subject to clauses 6.2 and 6.3, each Party shall respect the confidentiality of information acquired under this Agreement and no Party will, without the consent of the others, disclose to any other person any information acquired under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent required, a copy of this Agreement may be filed under the securities laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction in connection with the registration of the public offering of Shares by the Trust. |
6.2 |
Permitted disclosures: Each Party accepts that from time to time another Party may be required by law or the Rules, required or requested by a government department or agency, fiscal body or regulatory or listing authority, or required by the LPMCL (e.g., in connection with AURUM), to disclose this Agreement or information acquired under this Agreement. In addition, the disclosure of such information may be required by a Partys auditors, by its legal or other advisors, by a company which is in the same group of companies as a Party (i.e., a subsidiary or holding company of a Party) or (in the case of the Trustee) by the Sponsor, or any beneficiary of the Trust. In any such case, the disclosing Party will notify the person to whom the disclosure is made that the information disclosed is confidential and should not be disclosed to any third party. Each Party irrevocably authorizes such persons to make such disclosures without further reference to such Party. |
6.3 |
The Trustee acknowledges that, as a member of the LPMCL, and that from time to time in carrying out the Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement, it may be necessary for the Custodian to disclose to LPMCL and/or other clearing members of LPMCL, the Trustees account details and certain other information in order to act in accordance with the Trustees notices hereunder for the purposes of facilitating settlement. In any such case, the Custodian will notify the person to whom the disclosure is made that the information disclosed is confidential and should not be disclosed to any third party. The Trustee acknowledges and accepts that such disclosures may be made by the Custodian for the purposes set out in this clause 6.3. |
7. |
CUSTODY SERVICES |
7.1 |
Appointment: The Trustee hereby appoints the Custodian to act as custodian of the Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account in accordance with this Agreement and any Rules which apply to the Custodian, and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment. |
7.2 |
Segregation of Physical Gold: The Custodian will be responsible for the safekeeping of the Physical Gold on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Custodian will segregate the Gold comprising the Account Balance from any Gold which the Custodian owns or which the Custodian holds for its other clients, and the Custodian will request each Sub-Custodian to segregate the Gold comprising the Account Balance from any Gold which it owns or which it holds for its other clients. For the avoidance of doubt, in any circumstance where the Custodian has agreed to hold for the Trusts account a quantity of Gold which cannot be allocated in a whole number of physical bars, the Trusts Allocated Account will be rounded up to record the nearest whole number of physical bars. The difference between the rounded up quantity of Gold comprised by such physical bars and the quantity of such Gold which the Custodian has agreed to hold for the Trusts account will be debited by the Custodian to the Trusts Unallocated Account as an unallocated amount of Gold pursuant to the Unallocated Account Agreement. |
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7.3 |
Ownership of Physical Gold: The Custodian will identify in its books and records that the Physical Gold is being held for the Trustee (on trust for the Shareholders), and will require each Sub-Custodian to identify on its book and records that the Physical Gold is being held for the Custodian for the benefit of the Trust. Entries on the Custodians books and records to identify Physical Gold will refer to each bar of Physical Gold by refiner, assay, serial number and gross and fine weight. Additionally, the Custodian will require each Sub-Custodian to identify on its books and records each bar of Physical Gold held by them by refiner, assay, serial number and gross and fine weight and to provide such information to the Trustee upon request. To the best of the Custodians knowledge, the Gold belonging to the Trustee (on trust for the Shareholders) shall at all times be free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and shall not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind, whether arising by operation of law or otherwise, in favor of the Custodian or any sub-custodian. The Custodian shall not loan, hypothecate, pledge, create any security interest over, or otherwise encumber any Physical Gold held in Allocated Account absent the Trustees written instructions to the contrary. |
7.4 |
Location of Physical Gold: The Gold comprising the Account Balance must be held by the Custodian at the nominated vault premises or at the vaults of a Sub-Custodian, as specified in the Schedule attached hereto, and, unless otherwise agreed among the Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor, such vaults to be within the UK unless agreed otherwise. The Custodian agrees that it shall use, or where applicable procure any Sub-Custodian to use, commercially reasonable efforts promptly to transport any Physical Gold held for the Trustee to its London vault premises at the Custodians cost and risk , or substitute the metal in accordance with clause 4.5 with metal at its London vault premise. The Custodian agrees that all delivery and packing shall be in accordance with the Rules and LBMA good market practices. |
7.5 |
Replacement of Gold: Upon a determination by the Custodian that any Physical Gold credited to the Allocated Account does not comply with the Rules, the Custodian shall as soon as practical replace such Physical Gold with Physical Gold which complies with the Rules. The Custodian shall not start the foregoing replacement process on a particular London Business Day unless it is reasonably sure that such replacement process can be started and completed in the same London Business Day. The Custodian shall notify the Trustee as soon as practicable on the London Business Day (but no later than the end of business on such London Business Day) when the Custodian effects such replacement and Physical Gold has been credited to the Allocated Account in accordance with the above instructions. The cost of any such replacement shall be borne by the Custodian. |
8. |
SUB-CUSTODIANS |
8.1 |
Sub-Custodians: The Custodian may employ Sub-Custodians solely for the temporary custody and safekeeping of Physical Gold until transported to the Custodians vault premises as provided in clause 7.4. The Sub-Custodians the Custodian selects may themselves select sub-custodians to provide such temporary custody and safekeeping of Physical Gold, but such sub-custodians shall not by such selection or otherwise be, or be considered to be, a Sub-Custodian as such term is used herein. The Custodian will use reasonable care in selecting any Sub-Custodian. In selecting any Sub-Custodian with reasonable care, the Custodian is to determine if such Sub-Custodian can reasonably be expected to operate in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with the Rules and all other relevant laws, rules and regulations applicable to its services as a sub-custodian of Gold. The Custodian |
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will notify each of the Trustee and the Sponsor if it selects any Sub-Custodian, or stops using any Sub-Custodian for such purpose. The receipt of notice by each of the Trustee and the Sponsor that the Custodian has selected a Sub-Custodian shall not be deemed to limit the Custodians responsibility in selecting such Sub-Custodian. Any Sub-Custodian shall be a LBMA member, except for Bank of England. |
8.2 |
Liability: The Custodian shall be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any loss, damage or expense arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or insolvency, of any Sub-Custodian. |
8.3 |
Notice: The Custodian will provide the Trustee upon request with the name and address of any Sub-Custodian the Custodian selects and any direct or indirect sub-custodian selected or used by such Sub-Custodian, along with any other information which the Trustee may reasonably request concerning the appointment of such Sub-Custodian or such direct or indirect sub-custodian. |
9. |
REPRESENTATIONS |
9.1 |
Each Party represents and warrants to the other Parties, on a continuing basis that: |
(a) |
it is duly constituted and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of constitution; |
(b) |
it has all necessary authority, powers, consents, licenses and authorisations (which have not been revoked) and has taken all necessary action to enable it lawfully to enter into and perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; |
(c) |
the persons entering into this Agreement on its behalf have been duly authorized to do so; and |
(d) |
this Agreement and the obligations created under it constitute its legal and valid obligations which are binding upon it and enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (subject to applicable laws of bankruptcy, insolvency, and similar laws, and principles of equity) and do not and will not violate the terms of the Rules, any applicable laws, or any order, charge or agreement by which it is bound. |
10. |
SANCTIONS |
10.1 |
In addition to (and without limitation of) the representations and warranties given by the Trustee and the Sponsor in clause 9.1 above, the Trustee and the Sponsor respectively represent, warrant, and undertake, on a continuing basis, as follows: |
(a) |
Each of the Sponsor and Trustee represents that it is not, and the Trust is not, a person or entity that is named on any Sanctions List or directly or indirectly targeted under any Sanctions. |
(b) |
The Sponsor represents that, in relation to its actions taken in connection with this Agreement, the Sponsor is not acting in violation of any applicable Sanctions. |
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(c) |
The Sponsor represents that it has adequate sanctions compliance procedures in place and have taken reasonable risk-based measures (including, where applicable, screening clients for sanctions) to ensure continued compliance with Sanctions. |
(d) |
The Custodian acknowledges that the Trustee does not review or monitor the activities of the Authorized Participants with respect to their compliance with Sanctions. Each of the Sponsor, and subject to the limitation in the preceding sentence, the Trustee, represents, in relation to its own actions taken in connection with this Agreement, it is not knowingly acting in violation of any applicable Sanctions, and will not knowingly cause the Custodian to hold any Gold that originates from financial crime or that would cause it to facilitate the violation of any Sanctions. |
10.2 |
Each of the Trustee, subject to the limitation in paragraph (d) of clause 10.1, and the Sponsor agrees that, to the best of its knowledge, neither any Gold nor the proceeds of any Gold will be used by it in any way to fund the activities or business of any person or entity in violation of Sanctions. Each of the Trustee and the Sponsor further agrees that the Custodian shall be under no obligation to comply with a notice of withdrawal delivered pursuant to clause 4.1 where the Custodian, in consultation with the Sponsor and the Trustee (to the extent such consultation is permitted by law, regulation and internal compliance policies and procedures), has reasonable grounds to suspect that doing so would constitute a violation of Sanctions. |
10.3 |
If at any time the Sponsor becomes aware of any breach by it of Clauses 10.1 or 10.2 above in relation to the Trust, after the date of this Agreement and before the later of (i) termination of this Agreement and (ii) the date that all obligations under this Agreement are fully and finally discharged, the Sponsor shall, to the extent it is permitted by law, regulation, and internal compliance policies and procedures, promptly notify the Custodian in writing with full details of such breach together with, promptly following any request from the Custodian to do so, any other information the Custodian may reasonably request in connection with such breach. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Sponsor shall not be required to disclose any information subject to attorney-client privilege. |
10.4 |
In the event that the Trustee or the Sponsor breaches Clause 10.1 or 10.2 above, or if the Custodian has reasonable grounds to believe that the Trustee or the Sponsor has breached any of clauses 10.1 to 10.2 above, the Custodian shall have the right to terminate this Agreement forthwith upon written notice. The Custodians indemnification provided in clause 12.5 shall apply to any such termination. |
10.5 |
Nothing in this Agreement shall require a Party to take any action or to refrain from taking any action which may cause that Party any liability to or imposed by a Sanctioning Body. |
11. |
FEES AND EXPENSES |
11.1 |
Fees: For the Custodians services under this Agreement, the Custodian and the Sponsor have entered into the Custodial Fee Letter, under which the Sponsor shall pay the Custodians fee for services under this Agreement. |
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11.2 |
Expenses: Under the Trust Agreement, the Sponsor has agreed to assume and be responsible for the payment of certain expenses, including the Custodians fees and expenses payable to the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement. Pursuant to the Custodial Fee Letter, the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian on demand all costs, charges and expenses (including any relevant taxes, duties and legal fees) incurred by the Custodian in connection with the performance of the Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with any Allocated Account (excluding any fees for storage and insurance of the Gold, which shall be considered part of the agreed fee structure as amended from time to time, and any fees and expenses of any Sub-Custodians). The Sponsor shall be liable for all taxes, assessments, duties and other governmental charges, including any interest or penalty with respect thereto (Taxes), with respect to any Allocated Account maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or any deposits or withdrawals related thereto. |
11.3 |
Credit balances: No interest or other amount will be paid by the Custodian on any credit balance on the Allocated Account. |
11.4 |
Debit balances: The Trustee is not entitled to overdraw the Allocated Account, and the Custodian shall not carry out any instruction from the Trustee where to do so would in the Custodians opinion cause any Allocated Account to have a negative balance. |
11.5 |
Default interest: If the Trust or the Sponsor, as applicable, fails to procure payment to the Custodian of any amount when it is due, the Custodian reserves the right to charge the relevant Party interest (both before and after any judgement) on any such unpaid amount calculated at a rate equal to 1% above the overnight London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (or, if LIBOR is discontinued, an industry accepted replacement rate for LIBOR, and subject to agreement by the Parties hereto) for the currency in which the amount is due. Interest will accrue on a daily basis, on a compound basis with monthly resets, and will be due and payable by the relevant Party as a separate debt. |
11.6 |
No Recovery from the Trust: Amounts payable by the Trust pursuant to this clause 11 shall not be debited from the Allocated Account, but shall be payable, as applicable, by the Sponsor or the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust, and the Custodian hereby acknowledges that it will have no recourse against any Gold standing to the credit of the Allocated Account or to the Trust or the Trustee in respect of any such amounts. |
12. |
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY |
12.1 |
Exclusion of liability: The Custodian will use reasonable care in the performance of the Custodians duties under this Agreement and will only be responsible for any loss or damage suffered by the Trustee as a direct result of any negligence, fraud or wilful default on the Custodians part in the performance of the Custodians duties, and in which case the Custodians liability will not exceed the aggregate market value of the balances in the Metal Accounts at the time of such negligence, fraud or wilful default is discovered or notified to the Custodian (calculating the value using the next available prices for Gold of the same type and amount on the relevant London Precious Metals Markets following the occurrence of such negligence, fraud or wilful default). The Custodian shall not in any event be liable for any consequential loss, or loss of profit or goodwill. The Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor each agree to notify the other Parties promptly after any discovery of any lost or damaged Gold. If the Custodian delivers from the Allocated Account Physical Gold that is not of the fine ounces of Gold the Custodian has represented to the Trustee or that is not according to the Rules, recovery by the Trustee, to the extent such recovery is otherwise |
15
allowed, shall not be barred by any delay in asserting a claim because of the failure to discover the corresponding loss or damage regardless of whether such loss or damage could or should have been discovered; provided, that this clause will not excuse the failure to make a claim at the time such discrepancy has been discovered. |
12.2 |
No duty or obligation: The Custodian is under no duty or obligation to make or take, or require any Sub-Custodian to make or take, any special arrangements or precautions beyond those required by the Rules or as set out in this Agreement. |
12.3 |
Insurance: The Custodian shall at all times maintain adequate insurance cover with reputable and solvent insurers of international standing with respect to the Custodians custodial obligations and the Gold comprising the Trustees Account Balance, and the Custodian will pay and be responsible for all cost, fees and expenses (including any applicable premium and relevant taxes, each of which the Custodian undertakes to pay in a timely manner) in relation to any such insurance policy or policies. In the event that the Custodian elects to reduce, cancel, or not to renew such insurance, the Custodian will give the Sponsor and Trustee notice as follows: in the event of a material reduction, the Custodian will endeavour to provide such notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the material reduction, and in the event of a cancellation or expiration of the insurance without renewal, the Custodian will endeavour to provide such notice at least 30 days prior to the last day of insurance coverage. The Sponsor and the Trustee acknowledge that any such insurance is held for the benefit of the Custodian and not for the benefit of the Sponsor, the Trustee, or the Trust. |
12.4 |
Force majeure: The Custodian shall not be liable to the Trustee or the Sponsor for any delay in performance, or for the non-performance of, any of the Custodians obligations under this Agreement by reason of any cause beyond the Custodians reasonable control. This includes any breakdown, malfunction or failure of, or in connection with, any communication, computer, transmission, clearing or settlement facilities, industrial action, acts and regulations of any governmental or supra national bodies or authorities, or the rules of any relevant regulatory or self-regulatory organisation. |
12.5 |
Indemnity: The Trustee, solely from and to the extent of the assets of the Trust, and the Sponsor shall indemnify and keep the Custodian indemnified on demand against all costs and expenses, damages, liabilities and losses which the Custodian may suffer or incur, directly or indirectly, in connection with this Agreement except to the extent that such sums are due to the Custodians negligence, wilful default, fraud or material breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sponsor (and not the Trustee) shall indemnify the Custodian for the amount of any Tax that the Custodian is required under applicable laws (whether by assessment or otherwise) to pay in respect of the Allocated Account or any deposits or withdrawals related thereto (including any payment of Tax required by reason of an earlier failure to withhold). |
12.6 |
The Custodians interests and affiliates interests: The Custodian has the right, without notifying the Trustee, to act upon the Trustees instructions or to take any other action permitted by the terms of this Agreement even where: |
(a) |
the Custodian, directly or indirectly, had an interest in the consequences of such instruction or action; |
16
(b) |
the Custodian processes the Trustees instructions on an aggregated basis together with similar instructions from other clients; or |
(c) |
the Custodian has a relationship with another party which does or may create a conflict with the Custodians duty to the Trustee, including (without prejudice) circumstances where the Custodian or any of its associates may: (i) act as financial adviser, banker or otherwise provide services to the Trustees contract counterparty; (ii) act in the same arrangement as agent for more than one client; or (iii) earn profits from any of the activities listed herein. |
The Custodian or any of its divisions, branches or affiliates may be in possession of information tending to show that the action required by the Trustees instructions may not be in the Trustees best interests, but shall not have any duty to disclose any such information.
13. |
TERMINATION |
13.1 |
Method: Any Party may terminate this Agreement by giving not less than one hundred twenty (120) Business Days written notice to the other Parties; and this Agreement will terminate automatically, without notice or further action by any Party, upon a Bankruptcy or Insolvency Event. |
13.2 |
Change in Trustee: If there is any change in the identity of the Trustee or the Sponsor in accordance with the Trust Agreement, then the Custodian, the Trustee, the Sponsor and the Trust shall, subject to the last sentence of this clause 13.2, execute such documents and shall take such actions as the new Trustee or Sponsor and the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor may reasonably require for the purpose of vesting in the new Trustee or Sponsor the rights and obligations of the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor, and releasing the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor from its future obligations under this Agreement. The Custodians obligations under this clause 13.2 shall be conditioned on the Custodian having conducted prompt, reasonable and proportionate due diligence to the Custodians reasonable satisfaction on any such new Trustee or Sponsor. |
13.3 |
Termination Notice Requirements: Any notice given by the Trustee under clause 13.1 must specify: |
(a) |
the date on which the termination will take effect (the Termination Date); |
(b) |
the person to whom the Account Balance is to be delivered; and |
(c) |
all other necessary arrangements for the delivery of the Account Balance to the Trustee or to the Trustees order. |
13.4 |
Redelivery arrangements: If the Trustee does not make arrangements acceptable to the Custodian for the delivery of the Account Balance to the Trustee or to the Trustees order, the Custodian may continue to hold the Gold constituting such Account Balance, in which case the Custodian will continue to charge the fees and expenses payable under clause 11. If the Trustee has not made arrangements acceptable to the Custodian for the delivery of the Account Balance within six (6) months of the Termination Date, the Custodian will be entitled to close the Allocated Account and sell the Gold constituting the Account Balance (at such time and on such markets as the Custodian considers appropriate) and account to the Trustee for the proceeds after deducting any amounts due to the Custodian under this Agreement. |
17
13.5 |
Termination. For the avoidance of any doubt, upon receipt of notice of any termination of this Agreement pursuant to clause 13.1, the Custodian agrees to continue to serve as custodian pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the period of time between the provision of notice and the Termination Date, to facilitate liquidation and distribution of the Trust, if applicable, or an orderly transition to a successor custodian. In the event that the Trust seeks to transition to a successor custodian in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Custodian shall cooperate with the Trustee and the Sponsor in good faith to effect a smooth and orderly transfer of the Physical Gold held in the Allocated Account, the custodial services provided under this Agreement and all applicable records as directed by the Trustee or the Sponsor to a successor custodian. Such cooperation shall include the execution of such documents and the taking of such actions as the Trustee or the Sponsor may reasonably require in order to effect such transfer. |
13.6 |
Existing rights: Termination shall not affect rights and obligations then outstanding under this Agreement which shall continue to be governed by this Agreement until all obligations have been fully performed. Additionally, the provisions of clauses 6 and 17 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. |
13.7 |
eBTS: Effective as of the Termination Date, the use of the Website (as defined in the schedule) will automatically be terminated and no further access to the Website will be permitted. |
14. |
VALUE ADDED TAX |
14.1 |
VAT exclusive: All fees referenced in the Schedule to this Agreement (including but not limited to storage, handling and clearing fees) shall be deemed to be exclusive of VAT. To the extent that value added tax or any other tax shall become chargeable and payable in respect of the services provided by the Custodian, the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian such value added tax, or other tax, subject to the provisions of clause 11.2, in addition to the custody fees set out in the Schedule to this Agreement. |
14.2 |
Supplies: Where pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian makes a supply to the Sponsor for VAT purposes and VAT is or becomes chargeable on such supply, the Sponsor shall on demand pay to the Custodian (in addition to any other consideration for such supply) a sum equal to the amount of such VAT and the Custodian shall on receipt of such payment provide the Sponsor and the Trustee with an invoice or receipt in such form and within such period as may be prescribed by applicable law. |
14.3 |
Deemed supplies: Where, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian is deemed or treated by applicable law or the practice from time to time of the relevant fiscal authority to make a supply for VAT purposes to any person by virtue of the Custodians or any custodian for the Custodian relinquishing physical control of any Gold, and VAT is or becomes chargeable on such supply, the Sponsor shall on demand pay to the Custodian a sum equal to the amount of such VAT and the Custodian shall on receipt of such payment provide an invoice or receipt in such form and within such period as may be prescribed by applicable law to the person to which the Custodian is deemed or treated to make such supply. |
18
14.4 |
Reimbursement: References to any fee, cost, expense, charge or other liability incurred by the Custodian and in respect of which the Custodian is to be reimbursed or indemnified by the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust under the terms of this Agreement shall include such part of such fee, cost, expense, charge or other liability as represents any VAT. |
15. |
NOTICES |
15.1 |
Form: Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement may be given in writing or as otherwise specified in the Schedule. References to writing includes an electronic transmission in a form permitted by clause 15.2. |
15.2 |
Method of transmission: Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice or other communication shall be delivered personally or sent by first class post, pre-paid recorded delivery (or air mail if overseas), authenticated electronic transmission (including fax, email and SWIFT) or such other electronic transmission as the Parties may from time to time agree, to the Party due to receive the notice or communication, at its address, number or destination set out in this Agreement or another address, number or destination specified by that Party by written notice to the other. |
15.3 |
Deemed receipt of notice: A notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement will be deemed received only if actually received or delivered. |
15.4 |
Notice Addresses: The addresses and numbers of the Parties for the purposes of clauses 4.2 and 15.1 are: |
The Custodian: | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | |
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf | ||
5th Floor, Global Commodities | ||
E14 5JP, London | ||
United Kingdom | ||
Attention: David Nahmanovici, Mark Amlin | ||
Email: david.j.nahmanovici@jpmorgan.com; | ||
mark.c.amlin@jpmchase.com; vivien.x.zillner@jpmchase.com; | ||
jonatan.h.sherman@jpmchase.com; bullion.etf@jpmorgan.com; | ||
metalics.bo.processing@jpmorgan.com | ||
The Trustee: | The Bank of New York Mellon | |
240 Greenwich Street | ||
8th Floor | ||
New York, New York 10286 | ||
Attention: ETF Services | ||
Telephone: 718-315-4591 | ||
Facsimile: 732-667-9585 | ||
E-Mail: etfservicesgs@bnymellon.com |
The address and numbers of the Sponsor for purposes of receiving notices under this Agreement is:
The Sponsor: | Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. | |
200 West Street, 37th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10282 | ||
Attention: Michael Crinieri | ||
Telephone:(212) 357-7445 | ||
E-Mail: Michael.crinieri@gs.com |
19
With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Clifford Chance US LLP 31 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019 Attention: Clifford Cone and David Brinton Telephone: (212) 878-8000 E-Mail: clifford.cone@cliffordchance.com david.brinton@cliffordchance.com |
16. |
GENERAL |
16.1 |
Role of Trustee: The Trustee, is a party to this Agreement in the Trustees capacity as trustee of the Trust and accordingly: |
(a) |
the Trustee shall only be liable to satisfy any obligations under this Agreement, including any obligations or liabilities arising in connection with any default by the Trustee under this Agreement, to the extent of the assets held from time to time by the Trustee as trustee of the Trust (the Trust Assets); and |
(b) |
no recourse shall be had to: |
(i) |
any assets other than the Trust Assets, including any of the assets held by the Trustee as trustee, co-trustee or nominee of a trust other than the Trust, as owner in its individual capacity or in any way other than as trustee of the Trust ; or |
(ii) |
the Trustee for any assets that have been distributed by the Trustee to the beneficiaries of the Trust. |
16.2 |
Limited Recourse and Non-Petition: The hereby agrees that, in relation to amounts expressed to be payable (and not paid) by the Sponsor or by or on behalf of the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian under this Agreement, including any interest thereon, and any other of the Custodians monetary claims (together, the unpaid amounts), neither the Custodian nor any person acting on the Custodians behalf shall be entitled to take any steps to recover any such unpaid amounts out of any other assets of the Trustee or the Trust and no debt shall be owed by the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian in respect of any such unpaid amounts. In particular, the Custodian shall not be entitled to institute, or join with any person in bringing, instituting or joining, insolvency proceedings (whether court based or otherwise) in relation to the Trustee or the Trust in respect of such unpaid amounts, or to otherwise take any action to wind up the Trustee or the Trust. |
16.3 |
No advice: The Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement do not include providing the Trustee with investment advice. In asking the Custodian to open and maintain the Allocated Account, the Trustee does so in reliance upon its own judgement and the Custodian shall not owe to the Sponsor any duty to exercise any judgement on the Trustees behalf as to the merits or suitability of any deposits into, or withdrawals from, the Allocated Account. |
20
16.4 |
Rights and remedies: The Custodian hereby waives any right it has or may hereafter acquire to combine, consolidate or merge the Metal Accounts with any other account of the Trustees or the Trusts or to set off any liabilities of the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian and the Custodian agrees that it may not set off, transfer or combine or withhold payment of any sum standing to the credit or to be credited to the Metal Accounts in or towards or conditionally upon satisfaction of any liabilities to it of the Trustee or the Trust. Subject thereto, the Custodians rights under this Agreement are in addition to, and independent of, any other rights which the Custodian may have at any time in relation to the Account Balance. |
16.5 |
Business Day: If an obligation of a Party would otherwise be due to be performed on a day which is not a Business Day in respect of the Allocated Account or otherwise under this Agreement, such obligation shall be due to be performed on the next succeeding Business Day in respect of the Allocated Account or otherwise under this Agreement. |
16.6 |
Assignment: This Agreement is for the benefit of and binding upon the Custodian, the Trustee and the Sponsor and their respective successors and assigns. Save as expressly provided in clause 13.2 and this clause 16.6, no Party may assign, transfer or encumber, or purport to assign, transfer or encumber, any right or obligation under this Agreement unless the other Parties otherwise consent in writing. This clause shall not restrict the Custodians power to merge or consolidate with any party, or to dispose of all or part of its custody business. |
16.7 |
Amendments: Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, any amendment to this Agreement must be agreed in writing and be signed by the Sponsor, the Custodian, and the Trustee. Unless otherwise agreed, an amendment will not affect any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. |
16.8 |
Partial invalidity: If any of the clauses (or part of a clause) of this Agreement becomes invalid or unenforceable in any way under the Rules or any law, the validity of the remaining clauses (or part of a clause) will not in any way be affected or impaired. |
16.9 |
Liability: Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited (e.g. liability for personal injury or death caused by negligence). |
16.10 |
Entire Agreement: This document represents the entire agreement, and supersedes any previous agreements among the Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. |
16.11 |
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which when executed and delivered is an original, but all the counterparts together constitute the same agreement. |
17. |
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
17.1 |
Governing law: This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. |
17.2 |
Jurisdiction: The state of English courts are to have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes or claims which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, and accordingly any legal |
21
action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (Proceedings) may be brought in such courts. Each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to Proceedings in such courts whether on the grounds of venue or on the grounds that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. |
17.3 |
Waiver of immunity: To the extent that the Trustee may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets any immunity from suit, judgement, enforcement or otherwise howsoever, the Trustee agrees not to claim and irrevocably waive any such immunity to which the Trustee would otherwise be entitled (whether on grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction. |
17.4 |
Third Party Rights: A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right to enforce any term of this Agreement under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, except with respect to the Trust, which shall be considered a beneficiary of this entire Agreement. For the avoidance of any doubt, nothing in this paragraph is intended to limit the obligations hereunder of any successor Trustee of the Trust or to limit the right of any successor Trustee of the Trust to enforce the Custodians obligations hereunder. |
17.5 |
Service of process: The process by which any Proceedings are begun may be served on any Party hereto by being delivered to the address specified below. This does not affect a Partys right to serve process in another manner permitted by law. |
Address for service of process:
Trustees Address for service of process:
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Legal Department Asset Servicing
Custodians Address for service of process:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf
5th Floor, Global Commodities
E14 5JP, London
United Kingdom
Attention: David Nahmanovici, Mark Amlin, Jonatan Sherman
Email: david.j.nahmanovici@jpmorgan.com;
mark.c.amlin@jpmchase.com; vivien.x.zillner@jpmchase.com;
jonatan.h.sherman@jpmchase.com; bullion.etf@jpmorgan.com;
metalics.bo.processing@jpmorgan.com
Sponsors Address for service of process:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10282
Attention: Michael Crinieri
[Signature Page Follows]
22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
EXECUTED by the Parties
Signed on behalf of
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Mark Amlin | |
Name | Mark Amlin | |
Title | Executive Director |
Signed on behalf of
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Michael Crinieri | |
Name | Michael Crinieri | |
Title | Managing Director |
Signed on behalf of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, solely in its capacity as Trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Robert Snyder | |
Name | Robert Snyder | |
Title | Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Allocated Gold Account Agreement]
SCHEDULE
To Allocated Gold Account Agreement
dated December 11, 2020
This Schedule forms an integral part of the Agreement to which it is attached and expressions contained herein shall, where applicable, have the same meaning as defined in the Agreement.
Clause 2.3: Reports
Reports will be provided daily (through eBTS and SWIFT) and monthly (monthly statement)
Reports will contain the following details:
|
bar numbers |
|
purity |
|
gross weight in (oz or kg) |
|
fine weight in (oz or kg) |
|
brand |
Clauses 3.1, 4.1(b), and 7.4: Vault premises
The vault premises into which the Custodian shall require delivery, out of which the Custodian shall effect delivery, and at which Gold shall be held, in accordance with the above clauses are:
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A , 60 Victoria Embankment London, EC4Y OJP
Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH (for sub-custodian services)
Clause 5.2: Instructions
Agreed methods of giving instructions include the following:
Through eBTS and SWIFT, accessible through the JP Morgan Chase Bank website (the Website) by the Trustee pursuant to the terms of the website agreement.
Clause 12.3: Insurance
The Custodian agrees to insure the Gold on the terms specified in clause 12.3(b)
24
Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
DATED December 11, 2020
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT,
L.P.,
AND
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
solely in its capacity as trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF and not
individually
UNALLOCATED GOLD ACCOUNT AGREEMENT
EXECUTION VERSION
CONTENTS
Clause | Page | |||||
1. |
INTERPRETATION |
4 | ||||
2. |
UNALLOCATED ACCOUNT |
8 | ||||
3. |
DEPOSITS |
9 | ||||
4. |
WITHDRAWALS |
10 | ||||
5. |
INSTRUCTIONS |
11 | ||||
6. |
CONFIDENTIALITY |
13 | ||||
7. |
CUSTODY SERVICES |
13 | ||||
8. |
REPRESENTATIONS |
14 | ||||
9. |
SANCTIONS |
14 | ||||
10. |
FEES AND EXPENSES |
15 | ||||
11. |
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY |
16 | ||||
12. |
TERMINATION |
17 | ||||
13. |
VALUE ADDED TAX |
19 | ||||
14. |
NOTICES |
19 | ||||
15. |
GENERAL |
20 | ||||
16. |
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
22 |
THIS UNALLOCATED GOLD ACCOUNT AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made on December 11, 2020,
BETWEEN
(1) |
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A a National Association incorporated in the United States of America, whose principal place of business in England is at 25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, EC14 5JP (the Custodian); |
(2) |
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. acting in its capacity as Sponsor; and |
(3) |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON a New York banking corporation, solely in its capacity as trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF, formerly known as the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (the Trust) created under the Trust Agreement identified below and not individually (the Trustee), which expression shall, whenever the context so admits, include the named Trustee and all other persons or companies for the time being the trustee or trustees of the Trust Agreement as trustee for the Shareholders (as defined below). |
Each a Party and together the Parties.
INTRODUCTION
(1) |
In connection with the initial formation of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF, Gold Corporation (the original custodian), entered into a custody arrangement with the Trustee pursuant to the terms of the original Trust Allocated Metal Account Agreement and the Trust Unallocated Metal Account Agreement, each dated as of July 26, 2018. |
(2) |
Gold Corporation, Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC (ETC), and the Sponsor entered into a Sponsorship Transfer Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, pursuant to which, among other things, Gold Corporation and ETC are transferring to the Sponsor Gold Corporations role of custodial sponsor of the Trust and ETCs role of administrative sponsor of the Trust (the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement). |
(3) |
Contemporaneously with the Closing (as defined in the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement), the Trustee and the Sponsor will enter into the First Amended and Restated Depository Trust Agreement (the Trust Agreement), dated as of December 11, 2020, pursuant to which the Trustee and the Sponsor establish the terms on which gold may be deposited and safely stored in the Trust, provide for the creation of shares representing fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust and provide for the other terms and conditions on which the Trust shall be administered. |
(4) |
Contemporaneously with the Closing (as defined in the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement) ETC, the Sponsor, Gold Corporation, and the Trustee will enter into the Resignation and Appointment Agreement, whereby Gold Corporation and ETC will resign as custodial sponsor and administrative sponsor of the Trust, respectively, and will appoint the Sponsor as the Successor Sponsor (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Trust (the Resignation and Appointment Agreement). |
3
(5) |
Pursuant to the Sponsorship Transfer Agreement and Resignation and Appointment Agreement, Gold Corporation will resign its role as custodian of the Trust, and pursuant to instructions from the Sponsor, the Trustee is authorized and directed to enter into this Agreement and the Allocated Account Agreement (defined herein) appointing the Custodian as the Current Custodian (as defined in the Trust Agreement) of the Trust. |
(6) |
The Custodian has agreed to transfer Gold deposited into the Unallocated Account (as defined below) into the Allocated Account, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. |
(7) |
In order to effect Redemptions of Shares, Physical Gold must be transferred from the Allocated Account to the Unallocated Account by way of de-allocation, and must then be delivered to the Authorized Participant. |
(8) |
The Unallocated Account will be established in the name of the Trustee for the account of the Trust, and the Trustee will have the sole right to give instructions for the making of any transfers into or out of the Unallocated Account. |
(9) |
The Custodian, as a member of LPMCL (as defined below), have agreed to open and maintain for the Trustee the Unallocated Account (as defined below) and to provide other services to the Trustee and the Trust in connection with such Unallocated Account. This Agreement sets out the terms under which the Custodian will provide those services to the Trustee and the Trust and the arrangements which will apply in connection with those services. |
IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS
1. |
INTERPRETATION |
1.1 |
Definitions: In this Agreement: |
Account Balance means, in relation to the Unallocated Account, a positive balance in the amount of Gold owed to the Trustee by the Custodian, or a negative balance (only as expressly permitted by this Agreement) in the amount of Gold owed by the Trustee to the Custodian, in each case as from time to time recorded on the Unallocated Account.
Allocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Allocated Gold Account (No. 48041), as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an allocated basis pursuant to the Allocated Account Agreement for the purpose of holding Gold on behalf of the Trust.
Allocated Account Agreement means the Allocated Gold Account Agreement dated December 11, 2020, by and among the Custodian, the Sponsor, and the Trustee, pursuant to which the Allocated Account is established and operated.
AP Account means a loco London account maintained on an Unallocated Basis by the Custodian or another LPMCL clearing bank for the Authorized Participant, as specified in the applicable instructions given under clause 5.2.
AP Application means an offer by an Authorized Participant to the Trust (in the form prescribed by the Trust) to subscribe for Shares, being an offer on terms referred to in the Prospectus and in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Authorized Participant Agreement and the Trust Agreement.
4
AURUM means the electronic matching and settlement system operated by LPMCL.
Authorized Participant means a person that, at the time of submitting a Purchase Order or Redemption Order, (i) is a registered broker-dealer or other securities market participant, such as a bank or other financial institution, which, but for an exclusion from registration as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, would be required to register as a broker-dealer to engage in securities transactions and (ii) is a participant in The Depository Trust Company or its successors; (iii) is approved by the Sponsor (in its absolute discretion) and has in effect a valid Authorized Participant Agreement; and (iv) has established an AP Account.
Authorized Participant Agreement means a written agreement among the Trustee, the Sponsor, and another person under which such person is appointed to act as an Authorized Participant in relation to Shares and, if such agreement is subject to conditions precedent, provided that such conditions have been satisfied.
Availability Date means the Business Day on which the Trustee wishes to transfer or deliver Gold to the Custodian for credit to the Unallocated Account.
Bankruptcy or Insolvency Event means of any of the following: (i) the admission by the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of its inability to pay its debts when and as they become due; (ii) the execution by the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (iii) the filing by or against the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor of a petition in bankruptcy or any petition for relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtors relief law, or the continuation of such petition without dismissal for a period of sixty (60) days or more, or, in the case of any involuntary filing of a petition against the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor; (iv) the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take possession of the property or assets of the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor; or (v) any action to liquidate, dissolve, transfer, or wind up the business of the Custodian, Trustee or Sponsor, in furtherance of the foregoing.
Basket means at least 25,000 Shares, except that the Sponsor, upon prior written notice to the Trustee, may from time to time increase or decrease the number of Shares comprising a Basket.
Benchmark Price means, as of any day, (i) such days LBMA Gold Price PM or such days LBMA Gold Price AM if such days LBMA Gold Price PM is not available; or (ii) such other publicly available price which is reasonably available to the Trustee and which the Sponsor may determine fairly represents the commercial value of gold held by the Trust and instructs the Trustee to use as the Benchmark Price.
Business Day means any day other than a day: (1) when the Exchange is closed for regular trading; or (2), if the order or other transaction requires the receipt or delivery, or the confirmation of receipt or delivery, of gold in the United Kingdom or in some other jurisdiction on a particular day, (A) when banks are authorized to close in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction or when the London gold market is closed or (B) when banks in the United Kingdom or in such other jurisdiction are, or the London gold market is, not open for a full business day and the order or other transaction requires the execution or completion of procedures which cannot be executed or completed by the close of the business day.
5
Custodial Fee Letter means the Custodial Fee Letter, by and between the Sponsor and the Custodian, dated as of December 11, 2020.
eBTS means the electronic Bullion Transfer System website developed by the Custodian.
Exchange means the exchange or other securities market on which the Shares are principally traded, which shall initially be NYSE Arca, or such other exchange or securities market which may be specified from time to time by the Sponsor.
Gold means (i) Physical Gold held by the Custodian or any sub-custodian under the Allocated Gold Account Agreement and/or (ii) any credit to an account, including the Unallocated Account, on an Unallocated Basis, as the context requires.
LBMA means The London Bullion Market Association or its successors.
LBMA Gold Price AM means the price of a troy ounce of gold as determined by ICE Benchmark Administration, the third party administrator of the London gold price selected by the LBMA, or any successor administrator of the London gold price, at or about 10:30 a.m. London, England time.
LBMA Gold Price PM means the price of a troy ounce of gold as determined by ICE Benchmark Administration, the third party administrator of the London gold price selected by the LBMA, or any successor administrator of the London gold price, at or about 3:00 p.m. London, England time.
loco London means in respect of an account holding Gold, the custody, trading and clearing of such Gold in London, United Kingdom.
London Good Delivery Standards means the specifications for good delivery gold bars, including the specifications for weight, dimensions, fineness (or purity), identifying marks and appearance of gold bars, set forth in the good delivery rules promulgated by the LBMA from time to time.
London Precious Metals Markets means the London Bullion market and such other markets for Gold or precious metals operating in London as may be agreed among the Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor from time to time.
LPMCL means London Precious Metals Clearing Limited or its successors.
Metal Accounts means the Allocated Account and the Unallocated Account.
Physical Gold means gold bullion that meets the London Good Delivery Standards.
Prospectus means the prospectus constituting a part of the registration statement filed on Form S-1, Registration Statement Number 333-232065 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in relation to the Shares dated on June 11, 2019, as the same may be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time and any subsequent registration statement filed on Form S-3 with respect to the offering of Shares.
6
Purchase Order means the order that an Authorized Participant must place with the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement in order to acquire one or more Baskets from the Trust.
Redemption means the redemption pursuant to a Redemption Order for one or more Baskets in accordance with the Trust Agreement.
Redemption Order means the order an Authorized Participant must place with the Trustee pursuant to the Trust Agreement in order to redeem one or more Baskets from the Trust.
Rules means the rules, regulations, practices and customs of the LBMA, LPMCL, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Bank of England and such other regulatory authority or other body, applicable to the Parties and/or to the activities contemplated by this Agreement.
Sanctioning Body means any of the following:
(i) |
the United Nations Security Council; |
(ii) |
the European Union; |
(iii) |
Her Majestys Treasury and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation of the United Kingdom; and |
(iv) |
The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of Treasury of the United States of America. |
Sanctions means economic or financial sanctions, boycotts, trade embargoes and restrictions relating to terrorism imposed, administered or enforced by a Sanctioning Body from time to time.
Sanctions List means any list of specifically designated nationals or blocked or sanctioned persons or entities (or similar) imposed, administered or enforced by a Sanctioning Body in connection with Sanctions from time to time.
Shareholder means the beneficial owner of one or more Shares.
Share means a unit of beneficial interest in the Trust created under the Trust Agreement, having no par value and representing a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust which undivided interest shall equal a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is the total number of Shares outstanding. The name of the Shares is Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Shares.
Sponsor means Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., its successors and assigns and any successor Sponsor appointed pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
Unallocated Account means the account designated as the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Unallocated Metal Account (No. 48040), as maintained for the Trust by the Custodian on an Unallocated Basis pursuant to this Agreement.
VAT means value added tax as provided for in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (as amended or re-enacted from time to time) and legislation supplemental thereto and any other tax (whether imposed in the United Kingdom in substitution thereof or in addition thereto or elsewhere) of a similar fiscal nature.
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Withdrawal Date means the Business Day on which the Trustee wishes to withdraw Gold from the Unallocated Account.
1.2 |
Headings: The headings in this Agreement do not affect its interpretation. |
1.3 |
Singular and plural: References to the singular include the plural and vice versa. |
1.4 |
Construction: The words this Agreement, herein, hereby, hereunder and hereof, and words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. The words this clause, and words of similar import, refer only to the clause hereof in which such words occur. The word or is exclusive. Include, included, and including (regardless of whether capitalized) mean to include without limitation, to be included without limitation, or including without limitation, as the case may be. |
2. |
UNALLOCATED ACCOUNT |
2.1 |
Opening Unallocated Account: The Custodian shall open and maintain the Unallocated Account in the name of the Trustee (in its capacity as trustee for the Shareholders). |
2.2 |
Denomination of Unallocated Account: The Unallocated Account will hold deposits of Gold and will be denominated in fine troy ounces (to three decimal places). |
2.3 |
Reports: At the end of each London Business Day, the Custodian will provide the Trustee with access to information showing the increases and decreases to the Gold standing to the Trustees credit in the Unallocated Account, and identifying separately each transaction and the New York or London Business Day on which it occurred. On each London Business Day, the Custodian will provide the Trustee access to information relating to (i) each separate transaction, if any, transferring Gold to the Unallocated Account, including the amount of Gold transferred to the Unallocated Account and the AP Account from which such Gold is transferred, (ii) the amount of Gold, if any, transferred from the Unallocated Account to the Allocated Account or to any AP Account and (iii) the closing balance of Gold credited to the Unallocated Account for such London Business Day, and the Custodian will use commercially reasonable efforts to send the notification by 5:00pm (London time). In addition, the Custodian will provide the Trustee such information about the increases and decreases to the Gold standing to the Trustees credit in the Unallocated Account on a same-day basis at such other times and in such other form as the Trustee and the Custodian shall agree. For each calendar month, the Custodian will provide the Trustee within a reasonable time after the end of the month a statement of account for the Unallocated Account which shall include the opening and closing monthly balance and all transfers to and from the Unallocated Account. All such reports will be made available to the Trustee by means of the Custodians proprietary electronic system or authenticated SWIFT message, provided that, if the Custodians proprietary electronic system or SWIFT messaging system is unavailable for any reason, the Trustee and the Custodian will agree upon a temporary notification system for making such reports available to the Trustee. |
2.4 |
Discrepancies: If a material error or discrepancy is noted by the Trustee on any report provided pursuant to Clause 2.3 above in relation to any activity or balances, the Trustee |
8
will notify the Custodian in writing as soon as possible so that the Custodian may investigate and resolve any such material error or discrepancy as soon as practicable (provided, however, that the Trustees failure or delay in notifying the Custodian shall not limit the Custodians obligation to reverse or correct errors hereunder). |
2.5 |
Reversal of entries: The Custodian shall reverse any provisional or erroneous entries to the Unallocated Account which it discovers or of which it is notified with effect back-valued to the date upon which the final or correct entry (or no entry) should have been made, and shall notify the Trustee of any such entries in writing as soon as reasonably practicable of any such reversals. |
2.6 |
Access: The Custodian will allow the Sponsor and the Trustee and their identified representatives, independent public accountants, and bullion auditors access to its premises, upon reasonable notice during normal business hours, to examine the Gold and such records, as they may reasonably require to perform their respective duties with regard to the Trust and to investors in Shares. The Trustee and the Sponsor agree that any such access shall be subject to execution of a confidentiality agreement and agreement to the Custodians security procedures and will be limited to no more than two (2) times per calendar year. The two (2) examinations during any fiscal year shall be at the Trusts expense, which expense shall be paid by the Sponsor subject to the Fee Cap (as defined in the Trust Agreement) in accordance with the terms of Section 5.3(g)(i) of the Trust Agreement. |
2.7 |
Regulatory Reporting: To the extent that the Custodians activities under this Agreement are relevant to the preparation of the filings required of the Trust under the securities laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction, the Custodian will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Rules or applicable regulatory authority, and upon reasonable request, cooperate with the Trustee and the Sponsor and the Trustees and the Sponsors representatives to provide such information concerning the Custodians activities as may be necessary for such filings to be completed. Additionally, to the extent that the Custodians activities or controls in its capacity as custodian of the Trusts assets are relevant to the information presented in the financial statements of the Trust, the Custodian will, upon reasonable request, cooperate with the Sponsor and the Trustee to assist the Sponsor in providing the required written assurances regarding the reliability of the internal controls used in the preparation of such financial statements, including by providing the Trusts external auditors with information and reports regarding the Custodians internal controls over financial reporting as far as such reporting relates to the scope of the Custodians duties. |
3. |
DEPOSITS |
3.1 |
Procedure: The initial deposit of Gold will be received by the Custodian from Gold Corporation into the Unallocated Account by unallocated transfer between the Custodian and Gold Corporation as per arrangements agreed upon by the Sponsor, the Trustee, and the Custodian. The Custodian shall receive further deposits of Gold into the Unallocated Account (in the manner and accompanied by such documentation as the Custodian may reasonably require) by: |
(a) |
de-allocation of Gold held in the Allocated Account upon a redemption of Shares by an Authorized Participant or for any other purpose authorized by the Trust Agreement; or |
9
(b) |
transfer of Gold from an AP Account relating to the same kind of Gold and having the same denomination as that to which the Unallocated Account relates in connection with an AP Application by an Authorized Participant for Shares. |
(c) |
No other methods of deposit are permitted. |
3.2 |
Notice requirements: Notice of intended deposit must be received by the Custodian from the Trustee no later than 3:00 p.m. (London time) one London Business Day prior to the Availability Date and specify the weight (in fine troy ounces of gold) to be credited to the Unallocated Account, the Availability Date, the account from which such deposit will be transferred, and any other information which the Custodian may, with the agreement of the Trustee, from time to time require. When, by reference to the Trustees notifications and instructions to the Custodian, the Custodian reasonably believes an amount of Gold has been credited to the Unallocated Account in error, the Custodian will notify the Trustee promptly and, pending a joint resolution of the error, will treat such amount as not being subject to the standing instruction in clause 5.3. |
4. |
WITHDRAWALS |
4.1 |
Procedure: The Trustee may at any time give instructions to the Custodian for the withdrawal of Gold standing to the credit of the Unallocated Account (in the manner and accompanied by such documentation as the Custodian may reasonably require) provided that a withdrawal may be made only by: |
(a) |
transfer to an AP Account relating to the same kind of Gold and having the same denomination as that which the Unallocated Account relates when Shares are to be redeemed by an Authorized Participant; |
(b) |
transfer of Gold to the Allocated Account; |
(c) |
transfer to an account maintained by the Custodian or by a third party on an Unallocated Basis in connection with the sale of Gold or other transfers permitted under the Trust Agreement; or |
(d) |
the collection of Physical Gold from the Custodian at its vault premises, or such other location as the Custodian may direct by notice to the party taking physical delivery. |
To the extent that the Trustee is authorized to sell Gold under the Trust Agreement, the Custodian may, but is not required to, purchase such Gold; provided that, if the Trustees instruction to sell Gold is received by the Custodian by 2:00 p.m. (London time) on a London Business Day, the purchase price for such Gold shall be that days Benchmark Price and, if the Trustees instruction to sell Gold is received by the Custodian after 2:00 p.m. (London time) on a London Business Day, the purchase price for such Gold shall be the next Benchmark Price available after that day. The Trustees instruction to sell Gold may be an instruction to sell such amount of Gold as necessary to produce a specified amount of United States dollars.
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4.2 |
Notice requirements: Any notice relating to a withdrawal of Gold must be in writing and: |
(a) |
if it relates to a withdrawal pursuant to clauses 4.1(a) or (c) (for sale of Gold only), to be in such form as may be agreed by the Parties from time to time, and in all cases be received by the Custodian no later than 3:00 p.m (London time) on the Withdrawal Date unless otherwise agreed; |
(b) |
if it relates to a transfer pursuant to clause 4.1(b), be in the form of an AP Application (which shall be sufficient instruction for the purposes of this Agreement) and be received by the Custodian no later than 3:00 p.m. (London time) on the day which is one London Business Day prior to the Withdrawal Date; or |
(c) |
if it relates to a withdrawal pursuant to clause 4.1(c) (with respect to transfers (other than for sales of Gold) permitted under the Trust Agreement), or clause 4.1(d), be received by the Custodian no later than 11:30 a.m. (London time) not less than two London Business Days prior to the Withdrawal Date unless otherwise agreed and, for physical delivery, specify the name of the person or carrier that will collect the Gold from the Custodian or the identity of the person to whom delivery is to be made, as the case may be; |
and in all cases, specify the weight (in fine troy ounces of gold) of the Gold to be debited from the Unallocated Account, the Withdrawal Date and any other information which the Custodian may, with the agreement of the Trustee, from time to time require.
4.3 |
Allocation: Without limiting clause 5.3, in the case of a transfer under clause 4.1(b) and after receipt of notice given in the form prescribed in clause 4.2(b), the Custodian will use its commercially reasonable endeavours to complete the allocation of such deposits of Gold by not later than 3:00 p.m. (London time) on the Withdrawal Date provided that the Gold referenced in such notice is deposited into the Unallocated Account by 10:00 a.m. (London time) on the Withdrawal Date, and the Custodian will promptly notify the Trustee by email upon the completion of such allocation. Following the Custodians receipt of such notice, the Custodian shall identify bars of a weight most closely approximating, but not exceeding, the balance in the Unallocated Account and shall transfer such weight from the Unallocated Account to the Allocated Account. The Trustee acknowledges that the process of allocation of Gold to the Allocated Account from the Unallocated Account may involve minimal adjustments to the weights of Gold to be allocated to adjust such weight to the number of whole bars available. |
4.4 |
Form of Gold Withdrawals. Any Gold withdrawal from the Unallocated Account pursuant to clause 4.1 will be in a form which complies with the Rules or in such other form as may be agreed between the Trustee and the Custodian the combined Fine Ounce weight of which will not exceed the number of Fine Ounces the Trustee has instructed the Custodian to debit. |
5. |
INSTRUCTIONS |
5.1 |
Instructions: Only the Trustee shall have the right to give instructions to the Custodian for deposit of Gold to or withdrawal of Gold from the Unallocated Account. The Custodian is entitled to rely on any instructions which are from, or which purport to emanate from, any person who appears to have such authority. |
5.2 |
Transfer Instructions: All transfers into and out of the Unallocated Account shall be made upon receipt of, and in accordance with, instructions given by the Trustee to the Custodian. Such instructions shall be given by SWIFT or Custodians proprietary electronic system, or, |
11
if either system is not operating, by such other temporary means as the Trustee and the Custodian may agree from time to time. Other information (which shall not constitute an instruction) related to transfers into and out of the Unallocated Account may be sent between the Trustee and the Custodian by email or such other means as the Trustee and the Custodian may agree from time to time. Any such communication shall be deemed to have been given, made or served upon actual receipt by the recipient. |
5.3 |
Continuous Allocation of Gold: Without prejudice to clause 5.1 and subject to clause 4.3, unless otherwise notified by the Trustee in writing, the Custodian shall, at the end of each London Business Day, including when Gold is to be transferred from an AP Account to the Metal Accounts, transfer any Gold then standing to the credit of the Unallocated Account (excluding Gold which has been de-allocated in order to effect delivery of Gold to a redeeming Authorized Participant or pursuant to any other withdrawal occurring on such day) to the Allocated Account such that no amount of Gold held on an Unallocated Basis remains standing to the credit of the Trustee in the Unallocated Account at the close of such London Business Day. Additionally, the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to minimize the amount of Gold held for the Trust in the Unallocated Account at all times during each London Business Day. |
5.4 |
Lending Gold. The Custodian shall lend to the Unallocated Account from time to time such number of fine ounces of Gold as may be needed in order for the Custodian to fully allocate to the Allocated Account all of the Gold standing to the Trusts credit in the Unallocated Account (after repayment to the Custodian of any loan balance existing prior to such allocation as provided hereafter in this clause) to the Allocated Account pursuant to the standing instruction set forth in clause 5.3, provided that the maximum amount of Gold that the Custodian will lend to the Trust at any time is 430 fine ounces of Gold. The Custodian shall not charge the Trust any fees, interest or costs in connection with the lending of the Gold. The Custodian shall identify on its books and records and in the reports it sends to the Trustee any Gold that has been borrowed in the Unallocated Account as of the date of such reports, which shall be accepted as conclusive evidence of such balance, save in the case of manifest error. On each Business Day, the Custodian may repay itself the amount of any borrowed Gold from, and to the extent of, the positive balance of the Unallocated Account determined by taking into account all credits to and debits from the Unallocated Account on such Business Day but prior to the Custodians execution of the standing instruction to allocate contained in clause 5.3. |
5.5 |
AURUM: The Trustee acknowledges that instructions relating to a counterparty for whom the Custodian does not already provide settlement services will be forwarded by the Custodian to AURUM on the Trustees behalf. The Trustee acknowledges that AURUM is operated by a third party and that the Custodian cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions or malfunctions in the systems operated by AURUM. To the extent that AURUM is not available or suffering a malfunction, the Trustee agrees that the Custodians obligations under this Agreement shall be postponed during such unavailability or such malfunction and until a reasonable period thereafter. The Custodian will notify the Trustee as soon as is reasonably possible of any such unavailability or malfunction. |
5.6 |
Amendments: Once given, transfer instructions continue in full force and effect until they are cancelled, amended or suspended. Any such instructions shall be valid and binding only after actual receipt by the Custodian in accordance with clause 5.2. |
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5.7 |
Unclear or ambiguous instructions: If, in the Custodians opinion, any instructions are unclear or ambiguous, the Custodian will use reasonable endeavours (taking into account any relevant time constraints) to obtain clarification of those instructions from the Trustee but, failing that, the Custodian may in its absolute discretion and without any liability on the Custodians part, act upon what the Custodian believes in good faith such instructions to be or refuse to take any action or execute such instructions until any ambiguity or conflict has been resolved to the Custodians reasonable satisfaction. |
5.8 |
Refusal to execute: The Custodian reserves the right to refuse to execute instructions if in the Custodians reasonable opinion they are or may be, or require action which is or may be, contrary to the Rules or any applicable law. |
6. |
CONFIDENTIALITY |
6.1 |
Disclosure to others: Subject to clauses 6.2 and 6.3, each Party shall respect the confidentiality of information acquired under this Agreement and no Party will, without the consent of the others, disclose to any other person any information acquired under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent required, a copy of this Agreement may be filed under the securities laws of the United States or any other jurisdiction in connection with the registration of the public offering of Shares by the Trust. |
6.2 |
Permitted disclosures: Each Party accepts that from time to time another Party may be required by law or the Rules, required or requested by a government department or agency, fiscal body or regulatory or listing authority, or required by the LPMCL (e.g., in connection with AURUM), to disclose this Agreement or information acquired under this Agreement. In addition, the disclosure of such information may be required by a Partys auditors, by its legal or other advisors, by a company which is in the same group of companies as a Party (i.e., a subsidiary or holding company of a Party) or (in the case of the Trustee) by the Sponsor, or any beneficiary of the Trust. In any such case, the disclosing Party will notify the person to whom the disclosure is made that the information disclosed is confidential and should not be disclosed to any third party. Each Party irrevocably authorizes such persons to make such disclosures without further reference to such Party. |
6.3 |
The Trustee acknowledges that, as a member of the LPMCL, and that from time to time in carrying out the Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement, it may be necessary for the Custodian to disclose to LPMCL and/or other clearing members of LPMCL, the Trustees account details and certain other information in order to act in accordance with the Trustees notices hereunder for the purposes of facilitating settlement. In any such case, the Custodian will notify the person to whom the disclosure is made that the information disclosed is confidential and should not be disclosed to any third party. The Trustee acknowledges and accept that such disclosures may be made by the Custodian for the purposes set out in this clause 6.3. |
7. |
CUSTODY SERVICES |
7.1 |
Appointment: The Trustee hereby appoints the Custodian to act as custodian of the Gold in accordance with this Agreement and any Rules which apply to the Custodian, and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment. |
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7.2 |
Safekeeping of Gold: The Custodian will be responsible for the safekeeping of the Gold on the terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
7.3 |
Ownership of Gold: The Custodian will identify in its books that the Gold belongs to the Trustee (in trust for the Shareholders). The Custodian shall not loan, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise encumber any Gold held in Unallocated Account absent the Trustees written instructions to the contrary. |
8. |
REPRESENTATIONS |
8.1 |
Each Party represents and warrants to the other Parties, on a continuing basis that: |
(a) |
it is duly constituted and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of constitution; |
(b) |
it has all necessary authority, powers, consents, licenses and authorisations (which have not been revoked) and has taken all necessary action to enable it lawfully to enter into and perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; |
(c) |
the persons entering into this Agreement on its behalf have been duly authorized to do so; and |
(d) |
this Agreement and the obligations created under it constitute its legal and valid obligations which are binding upon it and enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (subject to applicable laws of bankruptcy, insolvency, and similar laws, and principles of equity) and do not and will not violate the terms of the Rules, any applicable laws, or any order, charge or agreement by which it is bound. |
9. |
SANCTIONS |
9.1 |
In addition to (and without limitation of) the representations and warranties given by the Trustee and the Sponsor in clause 8.1 above, the Trustee and the Sponsor respectively represent, warrant, and undertake, on a continuing basis, as follows: |
(a) |
Each of the Sponsor and Trustee represents that it is not, and the Trust is not, a person or entity that is named on any Sanctions List or directly or indirectly targeted under any Sanctions. |
(b) |
The Sponsor represents that, in relation to its actions taken in connection with this Agreement, the Sponsor is not acting in violation of any applicable Sanctions. |
(c) |
The Sponsor represents that it has adequate sanctions compliance procedures in place and have taken reasonable risk-based measures (including, where applicable, screening clients for sanctions) to ensure continued compliance with Sanctions. |
(d) |
The Custodian acknowledges that the Trustee does not review or monitor the activities of the Authorized Participants with respect to their compliance with Sanctions. Each of the Sponsor, and subject to the limitation in the preceding sentence, the Trustee, represents, in relation to its own actions taken in |
14
connection with this Agreement, it is not knowingly acting in violation of any applicable Sanctions, and will not knowingly cause the Custodian to hold any Gold that originates from financial crime or that would cause it to facilitate the violation of any Sanctions. |
9.2 |
Each of the Trustee, subject to the limitation in paragraph (c) of clause 9.1, and the Sponsor agrees that, to the best of its knowledge, neither any Gold nor the proceeds of any Gold will be used by it in any way to fund the activities or business of any person or entity in violation of Sanctions. Each of the Trustee and the Sponsor further agrees that the Custodian shall be under no obligation to comply with a notice of withdrawal delivered pursuant to clause 4.1 where the Custodian, in consultation with the Sponsor and the Trustee (to the extent such consultation is permitted by law, regulation or internal compliance policies and procedures), has reasonable grounds to suspect that doing so would constitute a violation of Sanctions. |
9.3 |
If at any time the Sponsor becomes aware of any breach by it of Clauses 9.1 or 9.2 above in relation to the Trust, after the date of this Agreement and before the later of (i) termination of this Agreement and (ii) the date that all obligations under this Agreement are fully and finally discharged, the Sponsor shall, to the extent it is permitted by law, regulation or compliance policies and procedures, promptly notify the Custodian in writing with full details of such breach together with, promptly following any request from the Custodian to do so, any other information the Custodian may reasonably request in connection with such breach. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Sponsor shall not be required to disclose any information subject to attorney-client privilege. |
9.4 |
In the event that the Trustee or the Sponsor breaches clause 9.1 or 9.2 above, or if the Custodian has reasonable grounds to believe that the Trustee or the Sponsor has breached any of clauses 9.1 to 9.2 above, the Custodian shall have the right to terminate this Agreement forthwith upon written notice. The Custodians indemnification provided in clause 11.5 shall apply to any such termination. |
9.5 |
Nothing in this Agreement shall require a Party to take any action or to refrain from taking any action which may cause that Party any liability to or imposed by a Sanctioning Body. |
10. |
FEES AND EXPENSES |
10.1 |
Fees: There will be no fees charged directly to the Trustee or the Trust by the Custodian for the services provided by it under this Agreement. Payment of such fees will be made by the Sponsor pursuant to the provisions of the Allocated Account Agreement. |
10.2 |
Expenses: Under the Trust Agreement, the Sponsor has agreed to assume and be responsible for the payment of certain expenses, including the Custodians fees and expenses payable to the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement. Pursuant to the Custodial Fee Letter, the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian on demand all costs, charges and expenses (including any relevant taxes, duties and legal fees) incurred by the Custodian in connection with the performance of the Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with any Allocated Account (excluding any fees for storage and insurance of the Gold, which shall be considered part of the agreed fee structure as amended from time to time, and any fees and expenses of any Sub-Custodians). The Sponsor shall be liable for all taxes, assessments, duties and other governmental charges, including any interest or penalty with respect thereto (Taxes), with respect to any Unallocated Account maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or any deposits or withdrawals related thereto. |
15
10.3 |
Credit balances: No interest or other amount will be paid by the Custodian on any credit balance on the Unallocated Account. |
10.4 |
Debit balances: Except as provided in clause 5.4, the Trustee is not entitled to overdraw the Unallocated Account and the Custodian shall not be obliged to carry out any instruction from the Trustee where to do so would in the Custodians opinion cause any Unallocated Account to have a negative balance. This clause 10.4 does not apply in relation to any rounded quantity of Gold that may be debited to the Trustees Unallocated Account in connection with rounding up the Trustees Allocated Account balance to record the nearest whole number of bars under the Allocated Account Agreement. |
10.5 |
Default interest: If the Trust or the Sponsor, as applicable, fails to procure payment to the Custodian of any amount when it is due, the Custodian reserves the right to charge the relevant Party interest (both before and after any judgement) on any such unpaid amount calculated at a rate equal to 1% above the overnight London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (or, if LIBOR is discontinued, an industry accepted replacement rate for LIBOR and subject to agreement by the Parties hereto) for the currency in which the amount is due. Interest will accrue on a daily basis, on a compound basis with monthly resets, and will be due and payable by the relevant Party as a separate debt. |
10.6 |
No Recovery from the Trust: Amounts payable by the Trust pursuant to this clause 10 shall not be debited from the Unallocated Account, but shall be payable, as applicable by the Sponsor or the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust, and the Custodian hereby acknowledges that it will have no recourse against any Gold standing to the credit of the Unallocated Account or to the Trust or the Trustee in respect of any such amounts. |
11. |
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY |
11.1 |
Exclusion of liability: The Custodian will use reasonable care in the performance of the Custodians duties under this Agreement and will only be responsible for any loss or damage suffered by the Trustee as a direct result of any negligence, fraud or wilful default on the Custodians part in the performance of the Custodians duties, and in which case the Custodians liability will not exceed the aggregate market value of the balances in the Metal Accounts at the time of such negligence, fraud or wilful default is discovered or notified to the Custodian (calculating the value using the next available prices for Gold of the same type and amount on the relevant London Precious Metals Markets following the occurrence of such negligence, fraud or wilful default). The Custodian shall not in any event be liable for any consequential loss, or loss of profit or goodwill. The Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor each agree to notify the other Parties promptly after any discovery of any lost or damaged Gold. If the Custodian delivers from the Unallocated Account Gold that is not of the fine ounces of Gold the Custodian has represented to the Trustee or that is not according to the Rules, recovery by the Trustee, to the extent such recovery is otherwise allowed, shall not be barred by any delay in asserting a claim because of the failure to discover the corresponding loss or damage regardless of whether such loss or damage could or should have been discovered; provided, that this clause will not excuse the failure to make a claim at the time such discrepancy has been discovered. |
16
11.2 |
No duty or obligation: The Custodian is under no duty or obligation to make or take any special arrangements or precautions beyond those required by the Rules or as set out in this Agreement. |
11.3 |
Insurance: The Custodian shall at all times maintain adequate insurance cover with reputable and solvent insurers of international standing with respect to the Custodians custodial obligations and the Gold comprising the Trustees Account Balance, and the Custodian will pay and be responsible for all cost, fees and expenses (including any applicable premium and relevant taxes, each of which the Custodian undertakes to pay in a timely manner) in relation to any such insurance policy or policies. In the event that the Custodian elects to reduce, cancel, or not to renew such insurance, the Custodian will give the Sponsor and Trustee notice as follows: in the event of a material reduction, the Custodian will endeavour to provide such notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the material reduction, and in the event of a cancellation or expiration of the insurance without renewal, the Custodian will endeavour to provide such notice at least 30 days prior to the last day of insurance coverage. The Sponsor and the Trustee acknowledge that any such insurance is held for the benefit of the Custodian and not for the benefit of the Sponsor, the Trustee, or the Trust. |
11.4 |
Force majeure: The Custodian shall not be liable to the Trustee or the Sponsor for any delay in performance, or for the non-performance of, any of the Custodians obligations under this Agreement by reason of any cause beyond the Custodians reasonable control. This includes any breakdown, malfunction or failure of, or in connection with, any communication, computer, transmission, clearing or settlement facilities, industrial action, acts and regulations of any governmental or supra national bodies or authorities, or the rules of any relevant regulatory or self-regulatory organisation. |
11.5 |
Indemnity: The Trustee, solely from and to the extent of the assets of the Trust, shall indemnify and keep the Custodian indemnified on demand against all costs and expenses, damages, liabilities and losses which the Custodian may suffer or incur, directly or indirectly, in connection with this Agreement except to the extent that such sums are due to the Custodians negligence, wilful default, fraud or material breach of this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Sponsor (and not the Trustee) shall indemnify the Custodian for the amount of any Tax that the Custodian is required under applicable laws (whether by assessment or otherwise) to pay in respect of the Unallocated Account or any deposits or withdrawals related thereto (including any payment of Tax required by reason of an earlier failure to withhold). |
12. |
TERMINATION |
12.1 |
Method: Any Party may terminate this Agreement by giving not less than one hundred twenty (120) Business Days written notice to the other Parties; and this Agreement will terminate automatically, without notice or further action by any Party, upon a Bankruptcy or Insolvency Event. |
12.2 |
Change in Trustee or the Sponsor: If there is any change in the identity of the Trustee or the Sponsor in accordance with the Trust Agreement, then the Custodian, the Trustee, the Sponsor and the Trust shall, subject to the last sentence of this clause 12.2, execute such documents and shall take such actions as the new Trustee or Sponsor and the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor may reasonably require for the purpose of vesting in the new Trustee or |
17
Sponsor the rights and obligations of the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor, and releasing the outgoing Trustee or Sponsor from its future obligations under this Agreement. The Custodians obligations under this clause 12.2 shall be conditioned on the Custodian having conducted prompt, reasonable and proportionate due diligence to the Custodians reasonable satisfaction on any such new Trustee or Sponsor. |
12.3 |
Termination Notice Requirements: Any notice given by the Trustee under clause 12.1 must specify: |
(a) |
the date on which the termination will take effect (the Termination Date); |
(b) |
the person to whom the Account Balance which is a credit balance is to be transferred; |
(c) |
whether the Gold standing to the credit of the Unallocated Account is to be withdrawn pursuant to clauses 4.1(d); and |
(d) |
all other necessary arrangements for the transfer, repayment, or other disposition of the Account Balance. |
12.4 |
Redelivery arrangements: If the Trustee does not make arrangements acceptable to the Custodian for the transfer or repayment, as the case may be, of an amount of Gold equal to the Account Balance, the Custodian may continue to maintain that Unallocated Account, in which case the Custodian will continue to charge the fees and expenses payable under clause10. If the Trustee has not made arrangements acceptable to the Custodian for the transfer or repayment of Gold equal to each Account Balance within six (6) months of the Termination Date, the Custodian will be entitled to close the Unallocated Account and in place of delivery of Gold, account to the Trustee for the value of the Account Balance on the Unallocated Account (as at the date which is 6 months after the Termination Date, calculating the value using the next available prices for that date for Gold of the same type and amount on the relevant London Precious Metals Markets), after deducting any amounts due to the Custodian under this Agreement. |
12.5 |
Termination. For the avoidance of any doubt, upon receipt of notice of any termination of this Agreement pursuant to clause 12.1, the Custodian agrees to continue to serve as custodian pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the period of time between the provision of notice and the Termination Date, to facilitate liquidation and distribution of the Trust, if applicable, or an orderly transition to a successor custodian. In the event that the Trust seeks to transition to a successor custodian in accordance with the Trust Agreement, the Custodian shall cooperate with the Trustee and the Sponsor in good faith to effect a smooth and orderly transfer of the Gold held in the Unallocated Account, the custodial services provided under this Agreement and all applicable records as directed by the Trustee or the Sponsor to a successor custodian. Such cooperation shall include the execution of such documents and the taking of such actions as the Trustee or the Sponsor may reasonably require in order to effect such transfer. |
12.6 |
Existing rights: Termination shall not affect rights and obligations then outstanding under this Agreement which shall continue to be governed by this Agreement until all obligations have been fully performed. Additionally, the provisions of clauses 6 and 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. |
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12.7 |
eBTS: Effective as of the Termination Date, the use of the Website (as defined in the schedule) will automatically be terminated and no further access to the Website will be permitted. |
13. |
VALUE ADDED TAX |
13.1 |
VAT exclusive: All fees referenced in the Schedule to this Agreement (including but not limited to storage, handling and clearing fees) shall be deemed to be exclusive of VAT. To the extent that value added tax or any other tax shall become chargeable and payable in respect of the services provided by the Custodian, the Sponsor shall pay to the Custodian such value added tax, or other tax subject to the provisions of clause 10.2, in addition to the custody fees set out in the Schedule to this Agreement. |
13.2 |
Supplies: Where pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian makes a supply to the Sponsor for VAT purposes and VAT is or becomes chargeable on such supply, the Sponsor shall on demand pay to the Custodian (in addition to any other consideration for such supply) a sum equal to the amount of such VAT and the Custodian shall on receipt of such payment provide the Sponsor and the Trustee with an invoice or receipt in such form and within such period as may be prescribed by applicable law. |
13.3 |
Deemed supplies: Where, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian is deemed or treated by applicable law or the practice from time to time of the relevant fiscal authority to make a supply for VAT purposes to any person by virtue of the Custodians or any custodian for the Custodian relinquishing physical control of any Gold, and VAT is or becomes chargeable on such supply, the Sponsor shall on demand pay to the Custodian a sum equal to the amount of such VAT and the Custodian shall on receipt of such payment provide an invoice or receipt in such form and within such period as may be prescribed by applicable law to the person to which the Custodian is deemed or treated to make such supply. |
13.4 |
Reimbursement: References to any fee, cost, expense, charge or other liability incurred by the Custodian and in respect of which the Custodian is to be reimbursed or indemnified by the Sponsor on behalf of the Trust under the terms of this Agreement shall include such part of such fee, cost, expense, charge or other liability as represents any VAT. |
14. |
NOTICES |
14.1 |
Form: Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement may be given in writing or as otherwise specified in the Schedule. References to writing includes an electronic transmission in a form permitted by clause 14.2. |
14.2 |
Method of transmission: Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any notice or other communication shall be delivered personally or sent by first class post, pre-paid recorded delivery (or air mail if overseas), authenticated electronic transmission (including fax, email and SWIFT) or such other electronic transmission as the Parties may from time to time agree, to the Party due to receive the notice or communication, at its address, number or destination set out in this Agreement or another address, number or destination specified by that Party by written notice to the other. |
19
14.3 |
Deemed receipt of notice: A notice or other communication under or in connection with this Agreement will be deemed received only if actually received or delivered. |
14.4 |
Notice Addresses: The addresses and numbers of the Parties for the purposes of clauses 5.2 and 14.1 are: |
The Custodian: | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | |
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf | ||
5th Floor, Global Commodities | ||
E14 5JP, London | ||
United Kingdom | ||
Attention: David Nahmanovici, Mark Amlin | ||
Email: david.j.nahmanovici@jpmorgan.com; | ||
mark.c.amlin@jpmchase.com; vivien.x.zillner@jpmchase.com; | ||
jonatan.h.sherman@jpmchase.com; bullion.etf@jpmorgan.com; | ||
metalics.bo.processing@jpmorgan.com | ||
The Trustee: | The Bank of New York Mellon | |
240 Greenwich Street | ||
8th Floor | ||
New York, New York 10286 | ||
Attention: ETF Services | ||
Telephone: 718-315-4591 | ||
Facsimile: 732-667-9585 | ||
E-Mail: etfservicesgs@bnymellon.com |
The address and numbers of the Sponsor for purposes of receiving notices under this Agreement is:
The Sponsor: | Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. | |
200 West Street, 37th Floor | ||
New York, NY 10282 | ||
Attention:Michael Crinieri | ||
Telephone: (212) 357-7445 | ||
E-Mail: Michael.crinieri@gs.com |
With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Clifford Chance US LLP | ||
31 West 52nd Street | ||
New York, NY 10019 | ||
Attention:Clifford Cone and David Brinton | ||
Telephone: (212) 878-8000 | ||
E-Mail: clifford.cone@cliffordchance.com | ||
david.brinton@cliffordchance.com |
15. |
GENERAL |
15.1 |
Role of Trustee: The Trustee is a party to this Agreement in its capacity as trustee of the Trust and accordingly: |
(a) |
the Trustee shall only be liable to satisfy any obligations under this Agreement, including any obligations or liabilities arising in connection with any default by the Trustee under this Agreement, to the extent of the assets held from time to time by the Trustee as trustee of the Trust (the Trust Assets); and |
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(b) |
no recourse shall be had to: |
(i) |
any assets other than the Trust Assets, including any of the assets held by the Trustee as trustee, co-trustee or nominee of a trust other than the Trust, as owner in its individual capacity or in any way other than as trustee of the Trust; or |
(ii) |
the Trustee for any assets that have been distributed by the Trustee to the beneficiaries of the Trust. |
15.2 |
Limited Recourse and Non-Petition: The Custodian hereby agrees that, in relation to amounts expressed to be payable (and not paid) by the Sponsor or by or on behalf of the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian under this Agreement, including any interest thereon, and any other of the Custodians monetary claims (together, the unpaid amounts), neither the Custodian nor any person acting on its behalf shall be entitled to take any steps to recover any such unpaid amounts out of any other assets of the Trustee or the Trust and no debt shall be owed by the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian in respect of any such unpaid amounts. In particular, the Custodian shall not be entitled to institute, or join with any person in bringing, instituting or joining, insolvency proceedings (whether court based or otherwise) in relation to the Trustee or the Trust in respect of such unpaid amounts, or to otherwise take any action to wind up the Trustee or the Trust. |
15.3 |
No advice: The Custodians duties and obligations under this Agreement do not include providing the Trustee with investment advice. In asking the Custodian to open and maintain the Unallocated Account, the Trustee does so in reliance upon its own judgement and the Custodian shall not owe to any duty to exercise any judgement on the Trustees behalf as to the merits or suitability of any deposits into, or withdrawals from, the Unallocated Account. |
15.4 |
Rights and remedies: The Custodian hereby waives any right it has or may hereafter acquire to combine, consolidate or merge the Metal Accounts with any other account of the Trustees or the Trusts to set off any liabilities of the Trustee or the Trust to the Custodian and the Custodian agrees that it may not set off, transfer or combine or withhold payment of any sum standing to the credit or to be credited to the Metal Accounts in or towards or conditionally upon satisfaction of any liabilities to it of the Trustee or the Trust. Subject thereto, the Custodians rights under this Agreement are in addition to, and independent of, any other rights which the Custodian may have at any time in relation to the Unallocated Account. |
15.5 |
Business Day: If an obligation of a Party would otherwise be due to be performed on a day which is not a Business Day in respect of the Unallocated Account or otherwise under this Agreement, such obligation shall be due to be performed on the next succeeding Business Day in respect of the Unallocated Account or otherwise under this Agreement. |
15.6 |
Assignment: This Agreement is for the benefit of and binding upon the Custodian, the Trustee and the Sponsor and their respective successors and assigns. Save as expressly provided in clause 12.2 and this clause 15.6, no Party may assign, transfer or encumber, or purport to assign, transfer or encumber, any right or obligation under this Agreement unless the other Parties otherwise consent in writing. This clause shall not restrict the Custodians power to merge or consolidate with any party, or to dispose of all or part of its custody business. |
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15.7 |
Amendments: Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, any amendment to this Agreement must be agreed in writing and be signed by the Sponsor, the Custodian, and the Trustee. Unless otherwise agreed, an amendment will not affect any legal rights or obligations which may already have arisen. |
15.8 |
Partial invalidity: If any of the clauses (or part of a clause) of this Agreement becomes invalid or unenforceable in any way under the Rules or any law, the validity of the remaining clauses (or part of a clause) will not in any way be affected or impaired. |
15.9 |
Liability: Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited (e.g. liability for personal injury or death caused by negligence). |
15.10 |
Entire Agreement: This document represents the entire agreement, and supersedes any previous agreements among the Custodian, the Trustee, and the Sponsor relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. |
15.11 |
Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which when executed and delivered is an original, but all the counterparts together constitute the same agreement. |
16. |
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION |
16.1 |
Governing law: This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. |
16.2 |
Jurisdiction: The English courts are to have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes or claims which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (Proceedings) may be brought in such courts. Each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to Proceedings in such courts whether on the grounds of venue or on the grounds that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. |
16.3 |
Waiver of immunity: To the extent that the Trustee may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets any immunity from suit, judgement, enforcement or otherwise howsoever, the Trustee agrees not to claim and irrevocably waive any such immunity to which it would otherwise be entitled (whether on grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction. |
16.4 |
Third Party Rights: A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no right to enforce any term of this Agreement under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, except with respect to the Trust, which shall be considered a beneficiary of this entire Agreement. For the avoidance of any doubt, nothing in this paragraph is intended to limit the obligations hereunder of any successor Trustee of the Trust or to limit the right of any successor Trustee of the Trust to enforce the Custodians obligations hereunder. |
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16.5 |
Service of process: The process by which any Proceedings are begun may be served on any Party hereto by being delivered to the address specified below. This does not affect a Partys right to serve process in another manner permitted by law. |
Address for service of process:
Trustees Address for service of process:
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
Attention: Legal Department Asset Servicing
Custodians Address for service of process:
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf
5th Floor, Global Commodities
E14 5JP, London
United Kingdom
Attention: David Nahmanovici, Mark Amlin, Jonatan Sherman
Email: david.j.nahmanovici@jpmorgan.com;
mark.c.amlin@jpmchase.com; vivien.x.zillner@jpmchase.com;
jonatan.h.sherman@jpmchase.com; bullion.etf@jpmorgan.com;
metalics.bo.processing@jpmorgan.com
Sponsors Address for service of process:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10282
Attention: Michael Crinieri
[Signature Page Follows]
23
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
EXECUTED by the Parties
Signed on behalf of
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Mark Amlin | |
Name | Mark Amlin | |
Title | Executive Director |
Signed on behalf of
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Michael Crinieri | |
Name | Michael Crinieri | |
Title | Managing Director |
Signed on behalf of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, solely in its capacity as Trustee of the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF
by: | ||
Signature | /s/ Robert Snyder | |
Name | Robert Snyder | |
Title | Managing Director |
[Signature Page to Unllocated Gold Account Agreement]
SCHEDULE
To Unallocated Gold Account Agreement
dated December 11, 2020
This Schedule forms an integral part of the Agreement to which it is attached and expressions contained herein shall, where applicable, have the same meaning as defined in the Agreement.
Clause 2.3: Reports
Reports will be provided daily (through eBTS and SWIFT) and monthly (monthly statement)
Clause 4.1(d): Vault premises
The vault premises into which the Custodian shall require delivery, or out of which the Custodian shall effect delivery, in accordance with the above clauses are:
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A , 60 Victoria Embankment London, EC4Y OJP
Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London, EC2R 8AH (for sub-custodian services)
Clause 5.1: Instructions
Agreed methods of giving instructions include the following:
Through eBTS and SWIFT, accessible through the JP Morgan Chase Bank website (the Website) by the Trustee pursuant to the terms of the website agreement.
Clause 11.3: Insurance
The Custodian agrees to insure the Gold on the terms specified in clause 11.3(b)
25
Exhibit 16.1
December 11, 2020
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We were previously principal accountants for Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (formerly Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF) and, under the date of March 13, 2020, we reported on the financial statements of Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2019 and period from July 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018. On December 11, 2020, we were dismissed. We have read Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETFs statements included under Item 4.01(a) of its Form 8-K dated December 11, 2020, and we agree with such statements, except that we are not in a position to agree or disagree with the statement that the change was approved by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (the Sponsor).
Very truly yours,
/s/ KPMG LLP
-7-
Exhibit 99.1
Goldman Sachs Asset Management | 200 West Street | New York NY 10282
Goldman Sachs Asset Management Announces Addition of Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) to its ETF Suite
New York City, NY December 14, 2020 Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) today announced that it has completed the previously-announced acquisition of the sponsorship of the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF, which has been renamed the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (the Trust or AAAU). The Trust will continue to trade on NYSE Arca, Inc. under the ticker symbol AAAU.
The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF provides the opportunity to invest in the Trusts shares that reflect the price of gold less the Trusts expenses at a competitively-priced 18 basis points1. AAAU holds physical gold and seeks to provide investors exposure to the commodity and will now benefit from the global platform and resources of Goldman Sachs.
We are pleased to complete this transaction and enter into this market, where we believe our size, scale and expertise can provide considerable value to investors, said Michael Crinieri, GSAMs Global Head of ETFs. GSAM is committed to a thoughtful expansion of our ETF suite through high-quality products that meet unique investor needs, and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF is an exciting addition to our product roster.
GSAM is now the sole sponsor of the Trust and has retained JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London branch, as the Trusts new custodian. The Bank of New York Mellon will continue to serve as the trustee of the Trust.
About Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM)
GSAM is the asset management arm of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS), which supervises more than $1.8 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2020.2 Goldman Sachs Asset Management has been providing discretionary investment advisory services since 1988 and has investment professionals in all major financial centers around the world. The company offers investment strategies across a broad range of asset classes to institutional and individual clients globally. Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals.
Media Contacts: | ||||
Patrick Scanlan | Tel: 212-902-5400 |
Disclosures
1Source: Morningstar, as of October 30, 2020, 63 bps is the average fund fee in the Morningstar US Fund Commodities Focused Index category. In an effort to distinguish funds by what they own, as well as by their prospectus objectives and styles, Morningstar developed the Morningstar Categories. While the prospectus objective identifies a funds investment goals based on the wording in the fund prospectus, the Morningstar Category identifies funds based on their actual investment styles as measured by their underlying portfolio holdings (portfolio and other statistics over the past three years).
2Assets Under Supervision (AUS) includes assets under management and other client assets for which Goldman Sachs does not have full discretion.
The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (Trust) is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or a commodity pool for purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act of 1936. Shares of the Trust (the Shares) are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. Nothing contained in this material should be construed as an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares. This material must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus (the prospectus) of the Trust. CLICK HERE for a copy of the prospectus. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing. You should obtain your own independent financial, taxation and legal advice before making any decisions about any investment in the Shares. This information is not an offer for the Shares and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Because the Shares are intended to reflect the price of the gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust, the market price of the Shares is subject to fluctuations similar to those affecting gold prices. Additionally, the Shares are bought and sold at market price, not at net asset value (NAV) per share. The Shares may trade at NAV per share or at a price that is above or below NAV per share. Any discount or premium in the trading price relative to the NAV per share may widen as a result of the different trading hours of NYSE Arca and other exchanges. Brokerage commissions/fees will reduce returns. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors relative to the Trust, carefully read the prospectus.
The value of the Shares fluctuates based upon the price of the gold owned by the Trust. Fluctuations in the price of gold could materially adversely affect investment in the Shares. Investors should be advised there is no assurance that gold will maintain its long-term value in the future. The lack of an active trading market for the Shares may result in losses on investment at the time of disposition of the Shares. Because the Trust invests only in gold, an investment in the Trust may be more volatile than an investment in a more broadly diversified portfolio. Substantial sales of gold by central banks, governmental agencies and multi-lateral institutions could adversely affect an investment in the Shares. Also, should the speculative community take a negative view towards gold, it could cause a decline in world gold prices, negatively impacting the price of the Shares.
The Shares are neither interests in nor obligations of the Sponsor and its affiliates, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the marketing agent for the Trust. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is unaffiliated with Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
© Goldman Sachs All rights reserved
NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT INSURED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
ALPS Control: GOL106 ED 12/14/2021
Compliance Code: 224319-OTU-1316755 Date of first use: 12/14/2020
Exhibit 99.2
Marketing Agent Services Agreement
This Marketing Agent Services Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into and effective as of December 11, 2020 (the Effective Date) by and among:
1. |
ALPS Distributors, Inc., a corporation incorporated in the State of Colorado, a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (ALPS); and |
2. |
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a registered investment adviser organized in the State of Delaware and the sponsor of the Trust (the Sponsor). |
The Sponsor and ALPS each may be referred to individually as a Party or collectively as Parties.
1. |
Definitions; Interpretation |
1.1. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) Action means any civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative lawsuit, allegation, demand, claim, counterclaim, action, dispute, sanction, suit, request, inquiry, investigation, arbitration or proceeding, in each case, made, asserted, commenced or threatened by any Person (including any Government Authority).
(b) Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with such Person and control of a Person means: (i) ownership of, or possession of the right to vote, more than 25% of the outstanding voting equity of that Person or (ii) the right to control the appointment of the board of directors or analogous governing body, management or executive officers of that Person.
(c) ALPS Associates means ALPS and each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, successors or assigns.
(d) ALPS Property means all hardware, software, source code, data, report designs, spreadsheet formulas, information gathering or reporting techniques, know-how, technology and all other property commonly referred to as intellectual property used by ALPS in connection with its performance of the Services.
(e) Authorized Participant means a firm that has entered into an Authorized Participant Agreement with respect to Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders for Baskets.
(f) Authorized Participant Agreement means an Authorized Participant Agreement, including the order procedures incorporated therein, among an Authorized Participant, the Trustee and the Sponsor authorizing the Authorized Participant to submit Purchase Orders and Redemption Orders for Baskets.
(g) Basket means each aggregate amount of at least 25,000 Shares of the Trust.
(h) Business Day means a day other than a Saturday or Sunday on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.
(i) Claim means any Action arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement, its formation or the Services.
(j) Client Data means all data of the Sponsor (including data related to securities trades and other transaction data, investment returns, issue descriptions, and Market Data provided by the Trust or Sponsor and all output and derivatives thereof) necessary to enable ALPS to perform the Services, excluding ALPS Property.
(k) Confidential Information means any information about the Sponsor, the Trust or ALPS, including this Agreement, except for information that (i) is or becomes part of the public domain without breach of this Agreement by the receiving Party, (ii) was rightfully acquired from a third party, or is developed independently, by the receiving Party without the use of any Confidential Information, or (iii) is generally known by Persons in the technology, securities, or financial services industries.
(l) Data Supplier means a supplier of Market Data.
(m) Exchange Act mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(n) FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
(o) Governing Documents means the constitutional documents of an entity and, with respect to the Trust, the Trust Agreement, all minutes of meetings of the board of directors or analogous governing body and of shareholders meetings, Prospectuses, offering memorandum, subscription materials, board or committee charters, policies and procedures, investment advisory agreements, other material agreements, and other disclosure or operational documents utilized by the Trust in connection with its operations, the offering of any of its securities or interests to investors, all as amended from time to time.
(p) Government Authority means any relevant administrative, judicial, executive, legislative or other governmental or intergovernmental entity, department, agency, commission, board, bureau or court, and any other regulatory or self-regulatory organizations, in any country or jurisdiction.
(q) Law means statutes, rules, regulations, interpretations and orders of any Government Authority.
(r) Losses means any and all compensatory, direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, enhanced or other damages, settlement payments, reasonable attorneys fees, costs, damages, charges, expenses, interest, applicable taxes or other losses of any kind, to the extent permitted to be recovered under applicable Law. The fees of reputable counsel shall be deemed reasonable.
(s) Market Data means third party market and reference data, including pricing, valuation, security master, corporate action and related data.
(t) Person means any natural person or corporate or unincorporated entity or organization and that persons personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
(u) Prospectus means the current prospectus of the Trust included in its effective registration statement, as supplemented or amended from time to time.
(v) Purchase Orders means orders submitted by an Authorized Participant for the purchase of Baskets.
(w) Redemption Orders means orders submitted by an Authorized Participant for the redemption of Baskets.
(x) Sales Materials means all sales literature and advertisements with respect to the Trust and submitted to ALPS by the Sponsor for approval.
(y) SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(z) Services means the services listed in Schedule A.
(aa) Shares means the equity securities representing an interest in the assets of the Trust issued or redeemed by the Trust from time to time.
(bb) Third Party Claim means a Claim brought against ALPS by any Person other than the Sponsor or any ALPS Associate.
(cc) Trust means the Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF created under New York law pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
(dd) Trust Agreement means a Depository Trust Agreement among the Trustee and the Sponsor, as it may be amended from time to time.
(ee) Trustee means The Bank of New York Mellon.
1.2. Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined in this Section 1 shall have the meanings ascribed thereto.
1.3. Section and Schedule headings shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement includes the schedules and appendices hereto. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and such schedules or appendices, the former shall control.
1.4. Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. The words including, includes, included and include, when used, are deemed to be followed by the words without limitation.
2 of 14
Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words hereof, herein and hereunder and words of analogous import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
1.5. The Parties duties and obligations are governed by and limited to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall not be modified, supplemented, amended or interpreted in accordance with, any industry custom or practice, or any internal policies or procedures of any Party. The Parties have mutually negotiated the terms hereof and there shall be no presumption of law relating to the interpretation of contracts against the drafter.
2. |
Services and Fees |
2.1. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, ALPS will perform the Services set forth in Schedule A for the Sponsor. ALPS shall be under no duty or obligation to perform any service except as specifically listed in Schedule A or take any other action except as specifically listed in Schedule A or this Agreement, and no other duties or obligations, including, valuation related, fiduciary or analogous duties or obligations, shall be implied. The Sponsors requests to change the Services, including those necessitated by a change to the Governing Documents of the Trust or a change in applicable Law, will only be binding on ALPS when they are reflected in an amendment to Schedule A.
2.2. The Sponsor agrees to pay the fees, charges and expenses set forth in Schedule B and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
2.3. In carrying out its duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement, some or all Services may be delegated by ALPS to one or more of its Affiliates (each such Affiliate, a Delegate). If ALPS delegates any Services, (i) such delegation shall not relieve ALPS of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, and ALPS shall be responsible for all acts of any such Delegate taken in furtherance of this Agreement to the same extent it would be for its own acts, (ii) in respect of Personal Data, such delegation shall be subject to a written agreement obliging the Delegate to comply with the relevant delegated duties and obligations of ALPS, and (iii) ALPS will identify in writing to the Sponsor such Delegates and the Services delegated prior to delegating such Services and will update the Sponsor when making any changes in sufficient detail to enable the Sponsor to object to a particular arrangement.
3. |
Responsibilities |
3.1. The Sponsor shall provide to ALPS (i) the current Prospectus for the Trust, (ii) any relevant policies and procedures adopted by the Sponsor or the Trust or its service providers that are applicable to the services provided by ALPS, and (iii) any other documents or information reasonably requested by ALPS in order to perform the Services and its duties and obligations hereunder.
3.2. The Services, including any services that involve specified reporting requested by the Sponsor, are provided by ALPS as a support function to the Sponsor and are not intended to satisfy the Trusts compliance with Law.
3.3. The Sponsor is exclusively responsible for ensuring that it complies with Law and the Trusts Governing Documents. It is the Sponsors responsibility to provide ALPS with all reasonably requested final Trust Governing Documents as of the Effective Date, unless such Trust Governing Documents are available in publicly-available SEC filings. The Sponsor will notify ALPS in writing of any changes to the Trusts Governing Documents that may materially impact the Services and/or that affect the Trusts Creation Orders and Redemption Orders. ALPS is not responsible for monitoring compliance by the Trust or the Sponsor with (i) Law, (ii) its respective Governing Documents or (iii) any investment restrictions that do not impact ALPS role with respect to the review and approval of Creation Orders and Redemption Orders.
3.4. In the event that Market Data is supplied to or through ALPS Associates in connection with the Services, the Market Data is proprietary to Data Suppliers and is provided on a limited internal-use license basis. Market Data may: (i) only be used by the Sponsor in connection with the Services and (ii) not be disseminated by the Sponsor or used to populate internal systems in lieu of obtaining a data license. Access to and delivery of Market Data is dependent on the Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, ALPS shall not be liable to the Sponsor or any other Person for any Losses with respect to Market Data, reliance by ALPS Associates or the Sponsor on Market Data or the provision of Market Data in connection with this Agreement.
3.5. The Sponsor shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to ALPS, all Client Data.
3.6. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, so long as they act in good faith, ALPS Associates shall be entitled to rely on the authenticity, completeness and accuracy of any and all information and communications of whatever nature received by ALPS Associates in connection with the performance of the Services and ALPS duties and obligations hereunder, without further enquiry or liability.
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3.7. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if ALPS is in doubt as to any action it should or should not take in its provision of Services, ALPS Associates may request directions, advice or instructions from the Sponsor.
3.8. ADI will not be responsible or liable for any untrue statement of a material fact or omission of a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading in any Prospectus or Sales Materials , except to the extent the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust by or on behalf of ALPS.
4. |
Term |
4.1. The initial term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date through 2 years from such Effective Date (Initial Term). Thereafter, this Agreement will remain in effect until terminated by either Party in accordance with Article 5.
5. |
Termination |
5.1. After the Initial Term, this Agreement may be terminated by either Party, without the payment of any penalty, upon no less than 90 days written notice to the non-terminating Party.
5.2. ALPS or the Sponsor also may, by written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement if the other Party breaches any material term, condition or provision of this Agreement, which breach, if capable of being cured, is not cured within 30 calendar days after the non-breaching Party gives the other Party written notice of such breach.
5.3. This Agreement shall automatically terminate, without notice or the need for any action on the part of any Party, if a Party or the Trust (i) liquidates, terminates or suspends its business, (ii) becomes insolvent, admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or becomes subject to direct control of a trustee, receiver or analogous authority, or (iii) becomes subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency or analogous proceeding.
5.4. Upon delivery of a termination notice, ALPS shall continue to provide the Services up to the effective date of the termination notice; thereafter, ALPS shall have no obligation to perform any services of any type unless and to the extent set forth in an amendment to Schedule A executed by ALPS. In addition, ALPS shall provide exit assistance by promptly supplying requested Client Data to the Sponsor or any other Person(s) designated by it, in formats already prepared in the course of providing the Services. In the event that the Sponsor wishes to retain ALPS to perform additional transition or related post-termination services, including providing data and reports in new formats, the Sponsor and ALPS shall agree in writing to the additional services and related fees and expenses in an amendment to Schedule A and/or Schedule B, as appropriate. For the avoidance of doubt, ALPS shall be entitled to any and all fees accrued pursuant to this Agreement through the effective date of the termination notice and to be reimbursed for any associated expenses incurred prior to the effective date of the termination notice, in each case in accordance with the terms set forth in Schedule B.
5.5. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect: (i) any liabilities or obligations of any Party arising before such termination (including payment of fees and expenses) or (ii) any damages or other remedies to which a Party may be entitled for breach of this Agreement or otherwise. Sections 2.2., 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement. To the extent any services that are Services are performed by ALPS for the Sponsor after the termination of this Agreement all of the provisions of this Agreement except Schedule A shall survive the termination of this Agreement for so long as those services are performed.
6. |
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification |
6.1. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, ALPS Associates shall not be liable to the Sponsor for any action or inaction of any ALPS Associate except to the extent of direct Losses finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from the gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of ALPS in the performance of ALPSs duties or obligations under this Agreement. Under no circumstances shall ALPS Associates be liable to the Sponsor for Losses that are indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary or enhanced or that represent lost profits, opportunity costs or diminution of value. The Sponsor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless ALPS Associates from and against Losses (including legal fees and costs to enforce this provision) that ALPS Associates suffer, incur, or pay as a result of any Third Party Claim or Claim among the Parties.
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Any expenses (including legal fees and costs) incurred by ALPS Associates in defending or responding to any Claims (or in enforcing this provision) shall be paid by the Sponsor on a quarterly basis prior to the final disposition of such matter upon receipt by the Sponsor of an undertaking by ALPS to repay such amount if it shall be determined that an ALPS Associate is not entitled to be indemnified. The maximum amount of cumulative liability of ALPS Associates to the Sponsor for Losses arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement shall not exceed the fees paid by that the Sponsor to ALPS under this Agreement for the most recent 12 months immediately preceding the date of the event giving rise to the Claim.
7. |
Representations and Warranties |
7.1. Each Party represents and warrants to each other Party that:
(a) It is a legal entity duly created, validly existing and in good standing under the Law of the jurisdiction in which it is created, and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be in good standing would have a material adverse effect on its business or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Save for access to and delivery of Market Data that is dependent on Data Suppliers and may be interrupted or discontinued with or without notice, it has all necessary legal power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and as it will be conducted pursuant to this Agreement and will comply in all material respects with all Law to which it may be subject, and to the best of its knowledge and belief, it is not subject to any Action that would prevent it from performing its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
(c) It has all necessary legal power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the execution of which has been duly authorized and will not violate the terms of any other agreement.
(d) The Person signing on its behalf has the authority to contractually bind it to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
7.2. The Sponsor represents and warrants to ALPS that: (i) it has actual authority to provide instructions and directions and that all such instructions and directions are consistent with the Governing Documents of the Trust; (ii) it is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser; (iii) it is empowered under Law and by its Governing Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; and (iv) it will promptly notify ALPS of (1) any Action against it and (2) changes (or pending changes) in applicable Law with respect to the Sponsor and the Trust, in each case, that would materially affect ALPS ability to render the Services.
7.3. ALPS represents and warrants to the Sponsor that: (i) it has conducted, and is conducting, its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; (ii) it is empowered under Law and by its Governing Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; and (iii) it is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC under the Exchange Act and is a member of FINRA, and agrees to comply in all material respects with applicable Laws in connection with the performance of the Services to the Sponsor hereunder, including, without limitation, the rules and regulations of FINRA, and to promptly notify the Sponsor in the event that it is suspended or expelled from FINRA or has received notice from a Governmental Authority of a violation of Law by any ALPS Associate in connection with the provision of the Services to the Sponsor hereunder.
8. |
Client Data |
8.1. The Sponsor (i) will provide or ensure that other Persons provide all Client Data to ALPS in an electronic format that is acceptable to ALPS (or as otherwise agreed in writing) and (ii) confirm that each has the right to so share such Client Data with ALPS. As between ALPS and the Sponsor, all Client Data shall remain the property of the Sponsor. Client Data shall not be used or disclosed by ALPS other than in connection with providing the Services and as permitted under Section 11.2. ALPS shall be permitted to act upon written instructions from the Sponsor with respect to the disclosure or disposition of Client Data related to the Sponsor and/or the Trust, but may refuse act upon such instructions where it doubts, in good faith, the authenticity or authority of such instructions.
8.2. ALPS shall maintain and store all Client Data used in the official books and records of the Sponsor and/or the Trust, as the case may be, for a rolling period of 7 years starting from the Effective Date, or such longer period as required by applicable Law or its internal policies.
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9. |
Data Protection |
9.1. From time to time and in connection with the Services, ALPS may obtain access to certain personal data from the Sponsor or from Authorized Participants. Personal data relating to the Sponsor and its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees and agents and of the Authorized Participants will be processed by and on behalf of ALPS. The Sponsor consents to the transmission and processing of such data outside the jurisdiction governing this Agreement in accordance with applicable Law, provided that the disclosure of such data is subject to the confidentiality restrictions set forth in this Agreement.
10. |
ALPS Property |
10.1. ALPS Property is and shall remain the property of ALPS or, when applicable, its Affiliates or suppliers. Neither the Sponsor, the Trust nor any other Person shall acquire any license or right to use, sell, disclose, or otherwise exploit or benefit in any manner from, any ALPS Property, except as specifically set forth herein.
11. |
Confidentiality |
11.1. Each Party shall not at any time disclose to any Person any Confidential Information concerning the business, affairs, customers, clients or suppliers of the other Party or its Affiliates, except as permitted by this Section 11.
11.2. Each Party may disclose the other Partys Confidential Information:
(a) |
In the case of the Sponsor, to each of its Affiliates, members, shareholders, directors, officers, partners, employees and agents (Sponsor Representative) who need to know such information for the purpose of carrying out its duties under, or receiving the benefits of or enforcing, this Agreement. The Sponsor shall ensure compliance by Sponsor Representatives with Section 11.1. |
(b) |
In the case of ALPS, to the Sponsor, the Trust and each ALPS Associate, Sponsor Representative, Authorized Participant or Trustee who needs to know such information for the purpose of carrying out ALPSs duties under or enforcing this Agreement. ALPS shall ensure compliance by ALPS Associates with Section 11.1 but shall not be responsible for such compliance by any other Person listed in this Section 11.2(b). |
(c) |
As may be required by Law or pursuant to legal process; provided that the disclosing Party (i) where reasonably practicable and to the extent legally permissible, provides the other Party with prompt written notice of the required disclosure so that the other Party may seek a protective order or take other analogous action, (ii) discloses no more of the other Partys Confidential Information than reasonably necessary and (iii) reasonably cooperates with actions of the other Party in seeking to protect its Confidential Information at that Partys expense. |
11.3. Neither Party shall use the other Partys Confidential Information for any purpose other than to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Each Party may retain a record of the other Partys Confidential Information for the longer of (i) 7 years or (ii) as required by Law or its internal policies.
11.4. ALPSs ultimate parent company, the Sponsor and the Trust are all subject to U.S. federal and state securities Law and each respective entity may make disclosures as it deems necessary to comply with such Law. ALPS shall have no obligation to use Confidential Information of, or data obtained with respect to, any other client of ALPS in connection with the Services. ALPS hereby acknowledges that the Trust and the Sponsor are required to file this Agreement with the SEC and agrees that this Agreement and the terms contained herein shall be public.
11.5. Upon the prior written consent of the Sponsor, ALPS shall have the right to identify the Trust or the Sponsor in connection with its marketing agent-related activities and in its marketing materials as a client of ALPS. Upon the prior written consent of ALPS, the Sponsor and the Trust shall have the right to identify ALPS and to describe the Services and the material terms of this Agreement in the Sales Materials and offering documents of the Trust. This Agreement shall not prohibit ALPS from using any Trust or Sponsor data (including Client Data) in tracking and reporting on ALPSs clients generally or making public statements about such subjects as its business or industry; provided that neither the Trust nor the Sponsor is named in such public statements without its prior written consent. If the Services include the distribution by ALPS of notices or Prospectuses to Authorized Participants, ALPS may, upon advance notice to the Sponsor and/or the Trust, include reasonable notices describing those terms of this Agreement relating to ALPS and its liability and the limitations thereon; if Authorized Participant notices are not sent by ALPS but rather by the Trust or some other Person, the Trust and Sponsor will reasonably cooperate with any
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request by ALPS to include such notices. The Sponsor shall not, in any communications with any Person, whether oral or written, make any representations stating or implying that ALPS is acting as a fiduciary, principal underwriter, investment adviser, tax preparer or advisor, custodian or bailee with respect to the Trust, Sponsor or any of their respective assets, investors or customers.
12. |
Notices |
12.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices required or permitted under this Agreement or required by Law shall be effective only if in writing and delivered: (i) personally, (ii) by registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) by receipted prepaid courier; (v) by any electronic mail, to the relevant address or number listed below (or to such other address or number as a Party shall hereafter provide by notice to the other Parties). Notices shall be deemed effective when received by the Party to whom notice is required to be given.
If to ALPS:
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, CO 80203
Attention: General Counsel
E-mail: notices@sscinc.com
If to the Sponsor:
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
200 West Street
New York, New York 10282
Attention: Michael Crinieri
Tel: +1 (212) 357-7445
E-mail: michael.crinieri@gs.com
13. |
Miscellaneous |
13.1. Amendment; Modification. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by an authorized representative of each Party. No ALPS Associate has authority to bind ALPS in any way to any oral covenant, promise, representation or warranty concerning this Agreement, the Services or otherwise.
13.2. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any rights under this Agreement may be assigned or otherwise transferred by either Party, in whole or in part, whether directly or by operation of Law, without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably denied, delayed or conditioned; provided that either Party may assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement: (i) to a successor in the event of a change in control of such Party, (ii) to an Affiliate or (iii) in connection with an assignment or other transfer of all or substantially all of such Partys business; provided further that each such assignee or transferee confirms to the non-transferring Party prior to such transfer that upon the occurrence of such transfer each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 7 (other than those representations and warranties which are only applicable to the non-transferring Party) are true and correct as to such assignee or transferee. Any attempted delegation, transfer or assignment prohibited by this Agreement shall be null and void. If ALPS assigns or otherwise transfers this Agreement pursuant to the first proviso to the first sentence of this Section 13.2 to a third-party other than an Affiliate without the Sponsors prior written consent, the Sponsor may terminate this Agreement by written notice to ALPS within 90 days of receiving notice of such assignment or transfer, subject to ALPSs right within 30 calendar days of such notice to rescind such assignment or transfer.
13.3. Choice of Law; Choice of Forum. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with and governed by the Law of the State of New York. The courts of the State of New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any Claim. Each Party submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives to the fullest extent permitted by Law all rights to a trial by jury.
13.4. Counterparts; Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed will be deemed to be an original. Such counterparts together will constitute one agreement. Signatures may be exchanged via facsimile or electronic mail and shall be binding to the same extent as if original signatures were exchanged.
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13.5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including any schedules, attachments, amendments and addenda hereto) contains the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings and agreements, either oral or written, between the Parties with respect thereto. This Agreement sets out the entire liability of ALPS Associates related to the Services and the subject matter of this Agreement, and no ALPS Associate shall have any liability to the Trust, Sponsor or any other Person for, and the Sponsor hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law recourse under, tort, misrepresentation or any other legal theory.
13.6. Business Interruption Plan; Force Majeure.
(a) ALPS shall maintain in effect a commercially reasonable business interruption plan. In the event of equipment failures, ALPS shall, at no additional expense to the Sponsor, take commercially reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions.
(b) So long as ALPS is in compliance with Section 13.6(a), ALPS will not be responsible for any Losses of property in ALPS Associates possession or for any failure to fulfill its duties or obligations hereunder if such Loss or failure is caused, directly or indirectly, by war, terrorist or analogous action, the act of any Government Authority or other authority, riot, civil commotion, rebellion, storm, accident, fire, lockout, strike, power failure, computer error or failure, delay or breakdown in communications or electronic transmission systems, pandemics or epidemics, or other analogous events. ALPS shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the effects on the Services of any such event.
13.7. Non-Exclusivity. The duties and obligations of ALPS hereunder shall not preclude ALPS from providing services of a comparable or different nature to any other Person. The Sponsor understands that ALPS may have relationships with Data Suppliers and providers of technology, data or other services to the Trust and Sponsor and ALPS may receive economic or other benefits in connection with the Services provided hereunder.
13.8. No Partnership. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be deemed to, constitute a partnership or joint venture of any kind between or among any of the Parties.
13.9. No Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for a period of 12 months thereafter, each Party will not directly or indirectly solicit the services of, or otherwise attempt to employ or engage any employee of the other Party or its Affiliates who has been materially involved in the provision, or receipt and consumption, of the Services without the consent of the other Party; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent a Party from soliciting employees through general advertising not targeted specifically at any or all ALPS Associates or Sponsors employees. If the Sponsor employs or engages any ALPS Associate who has been materially involved in the provision of the Services during the term of this Agreement or the period of 12 months thereafter, the Sponsor shall pay for any fees and expenses (including recruiters fees) incurred by ALPS or its Affiliates in hiring replacement personnel as well as any other remedies available to ALPS. For purposes of this Section 13.9., references to the Sponsor and the obligations and restrictions hereunder shall only apply to the ETF Product Development team within GSAM.
13.10. No Warranties. Except as expressly listed herein, ALPS and each Data Supplier make no warranties, whether express, implied, contractual or statutory with respect to the Services or Market Data. ALPS disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the Services. All warranties, conditions and other terms implied by Law are, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, excluded from this Agreement.
13.11. Severance. If any provision (or part thereof) of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not practical, the relevant provision shall be deemed deleted. Any such modification or deletion of a provision shall not affect the validity, legality and enforceability of the rest of this Agreement. If a Party gives notice to another Party of the possibility that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate to amend such provision so that, as amended, it is valid, legal and enforceable and achieves the intended commercial result of the original provision.
13.12. Testimony. If ALPS is required by a third party subpoena or otherwise, to produce documents, testify or provide other evidence regarding the Services or this Agreement in any Action to which the Trust or Sponsor is a party or otherwise related to the Trust or Sponsor (other than an Action between ALPS and the Sponsor), the Sponsor shall reimburse ALPS for all costs and expenses, including the time of its professional staff at ALPSs standard rates and the cost of legal representation, that ALPS reasonably incurs in connection therewith.
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13.13. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is entered into for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties and will not be interpreted in such a manner as to give rise to or create any rights or benefits of or for any other Person except as set forth with respect to ALPS Associates and Data Suppliers.
13.14. Waiver. No failure or delay by a Party to exercise any right or remedy provided under this Agreement or by Law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No exercise (or partial exercise) of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
* * *
This Agreement has been entered into by the Parties as of the Effective Date.
ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. | GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Bradley J. Swenson |
By: |
/s/ Michael Crinieri |
|||||
Name: | Bradley J. Swenson | Name: | Michael Crinieri | |||||
Title: | Director, President & Chief Operating Officer | Title: | Managing Director |
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Schedule A
Services
A. |
General |
1. |
Any references to Law shall be construed to the Law as amended to the date of the effectiveness of the applicable provision referencing the Law. |
B. |
Services to be Provided |
1. |
The following Services will be performed by ALPS under this Agreement and, as applicable, are contingent on the performance by the Sponsor of its duties and obligations otherwise contained in this Agreement. |
Distribution Marketing Services
|
Provide investment company advertising and sales literature review and approval (see Advertising and Sales Literature Review below); record maintenance of online submissions, review and approval, and real-time status updates through SS&C Advertising Review Portal |
|
File required materials with FINRA |
|
Provide advertising regulatory and disclosure guidance |
|
ETP Order Processing Oversight |
|
Intermediary/Authorized Participant Services |
|
Due Diligence and Oversight Services |
|
Facilitate document delivery and communicate announcements |
|
Authorized Participant Agreement Retention Online access provided via the Client Portal |
Client Portal
|
Document Management/Sharing |
|
Initiate requests or provide feedback |
|
Retrieval of current and historical reports stored for retention periods defined by SEC/FINRA/IRS regulations |
|
Printed material fulfillment requests (i.e., prospectuses, annual reports, applications) |
Advertising and Sales Literature Review
|
ALPS shall provide review of broker-dealer related advertising and sales literature pieces (marketing pieces) submitted to ALPS by Sponsor, as well as certain related consultative services. |
|
ALPS services are based on the understanding that Sponsor will utilize current systems and expertise owned by ALPS, specifically the AdLit Advertising Review System (AdLit), and that ALPS will base its reviews on: (i) the guidelines contained within ALPS Sales and Advertising Guide and ALPS Written Supervisory Procedures; (ii) rules and guidance issued by FINRA and the SEC related to communications with the public and/or communications to institutional investors, as those terms are defined in FINRA Rules 2210 and 2211 and in various other FINRA and SEC rules and interpretive material; and (iii) ALPS submission guidelines with respect to the use of trademarked and/or copyright materials, to the extent applicable. All material submitted to ALPS will be provided by ALPS to Sponsor with comments or approval no later than three business days after receipt in AdLit. |
|
Each marketing piece submitted to ALPS for review will be subject to the following process: |
|
Each piece will undergo review at ALPS by a FINRA-licensed registered principal possessing the required expertise and appropriate license to review the marketing piece submitted to ALPS; |
|
ALPS comments shall consist of (i) recommendations for changes that, in the opinion of the ALPS reviewer, will be consistent with the guidelines specified by ALPS above, or (ii) in the form of an acknowledgement that the submitted material is consistent with such guidelines with no additional changes. In the event of the latter, the item will be approved by the registered principal and filed with the applicable regulatory body if necessary. |
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|
ALPS will provide system training and ongoing consulting with respect to advertising review guidelines and rules for each marketing piece submitted via the process described herein. |
|
ALPS will make all required FINRA filings of marketing materials which have been approved by ALPS. |
|
If Sponsor wishes ALPS to perform an expedited review of marketing pieces within one business day of ALPS receipt of such marketing pieces, the expedited review will be performed subject to and in accordance with the following: |
|
A charge of $250 will apply to each request for expedited review, in addition to FINRA billing costs. |
|
The marketing piece must be 30 pages or less in actual length in order to be considered for expedited review. Web pages and other marketing pieces over 30 pages require a more in-depth review; therefore, ALPS cannot guarantee a one business day review for these items. |
|
The marketing piece must be submitted via ALPS AdLit system by no later than 3:00 P.M. Mountain Time (2:00 P.M. PT/5:00 P.M. ET). This will ensure that ALPS has a full one business day to review and provide Sponsor with comments. |
|
Sponsor must check the box on the AdLit coversheet whereby Sponsor requests and accepts the terms and fee(s) associated with expedited review in order to ensure that ALPS is notified of the expedited request. |
ALPS cannot guarantee that a marketing piece will be APPROVED within one business day of being received via AdLit. ALPS will review and submit comments to Sponsor within this timeframe. If ALPS fails to provide Sponsor with comments within one business day, the $250 expedited review charge will not apply.
C. |
Additional Terms Applicable to the Services |
D. |
Miscellaneous |
1. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, ALPS: |
(i) |
Does not maintain custody of any cash, securities, Shares or Baskets. |
(ii) |
Does not have the ability to authorize or approve any secondary market transactions with respect to the Shares. |
(iii) |
Does not have the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the Trust or Sponsor. |
(iv) |
Does not perform any management functions or make any management decisions with regard to the operation of the Trust. |
(v) |
Is not the Trusts tax or legal advisor and does not provide any tax or legal advice. |
(vi) |
Is not obligated to perform any additional or materially different services due to changes in Law unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Parties. |
2. |
If ALPS allows the Sponsor or its agents and representatives (Users) to (i) receive information and reports from ALPS and/or (ii) issue instructions to ALPS via web portals or other similar electronic mechanisms hosted or maintained by ALPS or its agents (Web Portals): |
(i) |
Access to and use of Web Portals by Users shall be subject to the proper use by Users of usernames, passwords and other credentials issued by ALPS (User Credentials) and to the additional terms of use that are noticed to Users on such Web Portals. The Sponsor shall be solely responsible for the results of any unauthorized use, misuse or loss of User Credentials by their authorized Users and for compliance by such Users with the terms of use noticed to Users with respect to Web Portals, and shall notify ALPS promptly upon discovering any such unauthorized use, misuse or loss of User Credentials or breach by the Sponsor or its authorized Users of such terms of use. Any change in the status or authority of an authorized User communicated by the Sponsor shall not be effective until ALPS has confirmed receipt and execution of such change. |
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(ii) |
ALPS grants to the Sponsor a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicenseable right during the term of this Agreement to access Web Portals solely for the purpose of accessing Client Data and, if applicable, issue instructions. The Sponsor will ensure that any use of access to any Web Portal is in accordance with ALPSs terms of use, as noticed to the Users from time to time. This license does not include: (i) any right to access any data other than Client Data; or (ii) any license to any software. |
(iii) |
The Sponsor will not (A) permit any third party to access or use the Web Portals through any time-sharing service, service bureau, network, consortium, or other means; (B) rent, lease, sell, sublicense, assign, or otherwise transfer its rights under the limited license granted above to any third party, whether by operation of law or otherwise; (C) decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, or attempt to reconstruct or discover any source code or underlying ideas or algorithms associated with the Web Portals by any means; (D) attempt to modify or alter the Web Portal in any manner; or (E) create derivative works based on the web portal. The Sponsor will not remove (or allow to be removed) any proprietary rights notices or disclaimers from the Web Portal or any reports derived therefrom. |
(iv) |
ALPS reserves all rights in ALPS systems and in the software that are not expressly granted to the Sponsor hereunder. |
(v) |
ALPS may discontinue or suspend the availability of any Web Portals at any time without prior notice; ALPS will endeavor to notify the Sponsor as soon as reasonably practicable of such action. |
3. |
ALPS shall provide reasonable assistance to responding to due diligence and analogous requests for information from Authorized Participants (or others representing them); provided, that ALPS may elect to provide these services only upon the Sponsors agreement in writing to separate fees in the event responding to such requests becomes, in ALPSs sole discretion, excessive. |
4. |
Reports and information shall be deemed provided to the Sponsor if they are made available to the Sponsor online through ALPSs Web Portal. |
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Schedule B
Fees and Expenses
1. |
Fees |
(a) |
Assumptions |
The Parties have agreed to the fees based on the assumptions set forth in the proposal dated May 4, 2020. For the avoidance of any doubt, the fees, including any annual fees apply irrespective of whether any of the assumptions have been met; provided, however increases in complexity of the assumptions may result in additional charges.
(b) |
Marketing Agent Services |
All fees will be calculated daily and billed monthly by ALPS. The fees to be paid to ALPS by the Sponsor shall be as follows:
Annual Fees*:
|
$8,715 per Fund issued by the Trust; plus |
|
1/10 basis point of the Trusts aggregate annual net assets. |
Custom Reporting Fee*, if requested by the Sponsor:
|
$10,000 annual fee. |
*Cost of Living Adjustment: Beginning on the first anniversary date of this Agreement and on each year thereafter, the annual fees will incur an annual cost of living increase based on any increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area, as published biannually by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or, in the event that publication of such index is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to all Parties.
Associated Expenses: Sponsor shall reimburse ALPS for all reasonable associated expenses, including but not limited to: travel expenses to Board meetings and on-site reviews, FINRA advertising/filing fees (including additional fees for expedited reviews as set forth herein); fulfillment costs; and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by ALPS in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement.
2. |
Fees for Additional Services; Expenses |
Except to the extent Services are listed in Schedule A and fixed fees are provided above, fees for conversion, setup and implementation, data extracts, development work, customized reports and other services not listed in this Agreement will be billed at ALPSs standard rates, currently $250 per hour. Fees for reviews of Client Data maintained by ALPS by Government Authorities in connection with those authorities oversight or regulation of the Trust or otherwise not caused by ALPS also will be billed at ALPS standard rates if applicable.
For any work to be billed at ALPSs standard rates, estimates will be provided to the Sponsor prior to work being started.
3. |
Due Diligence |
ALPS will conduct due diligence on the Sponsor, the Trust, and any product issued thereunder, and any of their respective trustees, officers, agents and service providers, as required to comply with any laws or regulations. ALPS may terminate the Agreement within 30 days of receipt of the results of the due diligence if ALPS, in its sole discretion, determines that it is inadvisable for ALPS to provide the Services under the Agreement.
4. |
Payment and Fee Changes |
Payment shall be made to ALPS or its Affiliates by wire transfer or at the address on the fee statement or invoice or at such other address as ALPS may specify. Unless otherwise stated, fees are billed monthly in advance and are due and payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month. Bills for expenses are due and payable upon receipt of ALPSs invoice. Payment for fees and expenses may be made automatically by auto-debit to the account designated by the Sponsor upon the Sponsors approval of the applicable invoice.
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A late payment charge of 1% per month, or the maximum rate allowed by Law, whichever is less, will be added to all amounts due under this Agreement if they are not paid within 30 days of the due date. If an invoice turned over for collection, the Sponsor shall pay all of ALPSs collection costs, including attorneys fees. ALPS reserves the right, in its sole discretion to discontinue all Services upon 10 days written notice to the Sponsor without any liability to the Sponsor, or any other Person if an invoice is more than 30 days past due on any amounts owed to ALPS under this Agreement.
The Sponsor is responsible for payment for all billed and unbilled fees through the date of termination of this Agreement. ALPS shall have the right to withhold Services, documentation and records until such amounts have been paid.
The Sponsor shall reimburse ALPS for any applicable sales, use, property or other taxes and customs duties paid or payable by ALPS in connection with the Services or property (such as Market Data) delivered in connection with this Agreement. The Sponsor shall have no liability for any taxes based upon the net income of ALPS. All taxes owed by the Sponsor hereunder shall become due and payable when billed by ALPS to the Sponsor, or when assessed, levied or billed by the appropriate tax authority, even if such billing occurs subsequent to termination of this Agreement. When ALPSs contracting entity is a U.S. corporation, the Sponsor shall recognize ALPS as such for purposes of any government and double taxation convention.
All amounts payable to ALPS hereunder are payable in United States dollars.
ALPS reserves the right to review and increase its fees upon the prior approval of the Sponsor. If ALPS proposes a fee amendment, the amendment will become effective as agreed in writing between the Parties. If no agreement is reached within 15 days of ALPSs proposal, ALPS may terminate this Agreement upon 90 days written notice to the Sponsor. Such termination is effective at the end of the next calendar quarter ending not less than 90 days following the date of the termination notice.
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Exhibit 99.3
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is entered into effective as of the 21st day of June, 2018 (the Effective Date), by and between The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation (Licensor), and Perth Mint Physcial Gold ETF Trust, a trust established pursuant to the laws of the State of New York (Licensee).
WHEREAS, Licensor and Licensee have entered into a fee letter agreement on or around the 25th day of June 2018 herewith (the Fee Letter Agreement) regarding the establishment and maintenance of a gold investment product to be known as Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (the Gold Trust).
WHEREAS, in connection with the Gold Trust, Licensee wishes to obtain a license under certain of Licensors patent rights, and Licensor wishes to grant such license subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2 below, the Licensee intends to sublicense the license granted herein to Gold Corporation and Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC, the Sponsors.
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Licensor and Licensee agree as follows:
1. |
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. |
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
Affiliate means any entity that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party. In this context, the term control means ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of such entity (or, in the case of a non-corporate entity, equivalent interests). The term controlled has a corollary meaning.
Licensed Product means any gold investment product that is sold, sponsored or issued by Licensee in the Territory that is covered by or encompasses a claim contained in Licensor Patent Rights, including, but not limited to the Gold Trust.
Licensee Improvements means any improvement, enhancement, modification, derivative work or upgrade to any of Licensor Patent Rights made, conceived, reduced to practice, affixed or otherwise developed by or on behalf of Licensee during the term of this Agreement and solely as exercised under the License.
Licensor Patent Rights means: (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 10/680,589, filed on October 6, 2003, entitled Systems and Methods for Securitizing a Commodity (the Patent Application), (ii) all foreign and international counterparts filed by or on behalf of Licensor (iii) all continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, substitutes and equivalents thereof relating to any of the foregoing patent applications (iv) all letters patent that are or may be granted from any of the foregoing patent applications, and (v) all know-how related to any of the foregoing patents and patent applications.
Territory means the United States, the Middle East and Asia.
Trust Agreement means a definitive agreement entered into among Licensee, Licensor and certain other parties that, among other things, establishes a Licensed Product and sets forth the respective roles and responsibilities of Licensee and Licensor with respect to such Licensed Product.
Trustee means any entity designated to act in the capacity of any or all of the following, as the context requires: trustee, custodian, issuing agent, registrar, agent, administrator or the like for and on behalf of (i) the sponsor, issuer or other entity offering shares in gold investment product and/or (ii) any participant of the Gold Trust.
2. |
LICENSE. |
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a non-exclusive, personal and non-transferable (except as provided in Article 12.1) license under Licensor Patent Rights for the term of this Agreement solely for the purpose of establishing, operating and marketing the Licensed Products in the Territory (the License).
The License includes the limited right of Licensee to grant sublicenses to the Sponsors, their Affiliates, trustees, custodians and agents (each a Sublicensee), but solely in connection with such Sublicensees establishment, operation and marketing of the Licensed Product and provided that Licensee shall have previously entered into an enforceable, written agreement with each such Sublicensee on terms no less protective of Licensors rights in the Licensor Patent Rights than the terms in this Agreement and shall provide Licensor with copies of such agreements on request. For the avoidance of any doubt, the Sponsor is a permitted Sublicensee under this Agreement.
ALL RIGHTS NOT SPECIFICALLY AND EXPRESSLY GRANTED TO LICENSEE IN THIS ARTICLE 2 ARE HEREBY RESERVED TO THE LICENSOR.
3. |
COVENANT TO LICENSOR. |
Licensee hereby covenants and agrees that it will not, directly or indirectly, initiate or participate in any action of any kind against Licensor, its successors and Affiliates, for their use of any Licensee Improvements in connection with establishing, operating or marketing gold investment products in the Territory based, in whole or in part, on the securitization of any commodity, including currency. This covenant is perpetual, personal, royalty-free and non-exclusive. This covenant shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason except termination for Licensors breach of this Agreement.
4. |
PAYMENT. |
The grant of the License hereunder is in consideration for the engagement of Licensor to act as Trustee for each Licensed Product under terms substantially as set forth in the Fee Letter Agreement, or such other terms as the parties may mutually agree in writing hereafter. No additional payment of royalties to Licensor shall be required as long as Licensor is so engaged.
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In the event that Licensor is not engaged to act as Trustee for a Licensed Product for any reason, then, to enjoy the benefit of the License with respect to such Licensed Product, Licensee shall thereafter pay Licensor a royalty as follows:
(a) The Licensee shall pay Licensor a running royalty that will accrue daily at the annualized rate of 0.0500% (five basis points) of the total gross adjusted assets of such Licensed Product.
(b) The five basis point running royalties described in the preceding subparagraph (a) shall be collectively identified hereinafter as the Royalty Fee. Such Royalty Fee shall be due and payable within ten days following the end of each calendar month for which such Royalty Fee has accrued and shall be subject to the Minimum Annual Royalty set forth the following subparagraph (c).
(c) Notwithstanding subparagraph (a) above:
(i) beginning on the Effective Date, for each year in which there is one Licensed Product (which year shall be measured from the date that is six months after the launch date of the Licensed Product; each such year being defined hereinafter as an Annual Period), Licensee shall pay Licensor a minimum annual royalty (the Minimum Annual Royalty) of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) per Annual Period for such Licensed Product. If the aggregate Royalty Fees payable to Licensee over an Annual Period for such Licensed Product is less than the Minimum Annual Royalty, then Licensee shall pay Licensor the difference between the Minimum Annual Royalty and the aggregate Royalty Fees payable to Licensee over such Annual Period for such Licensed Product, which payment shall be due and payable within 30 days after the end of the applicable Annual Period.
(ii) beginning on January 1, 2018, for each year in which there are seven or more Licensed Products (which year shall be measured from the date that is six months after the launch date of the final Licensed Product to be launched; each such year being defined hereinafter as an Annual Period), Licensee shall pay Licensor a Minimum Annual Royalty of not less than One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,250,000) per Annual Period for such Licensed Products. If the aggregate Royalty Fees payable to Licensee over an Annual Period for such Licensed Products are less than the Minimum Annual Royalty, then Licensee shall pay Licensor the difference between the Minimum Annual Royalty and the aggregate Royalty Fees payable to Licensee over such Annual Period for such Licensed Products, which payment shall be due and payable within 30 days after the end of the applicable Annual Period.
All payments to Licensor hereunder shall be made in United States dollars either by corporate check to Licensor at the address specified in Article 12 (or such other address as Licensor may hereafter designate in writing) or by wire transfer to a bank account designated by Licensor in writing. Payments to Licensor hereunder shall be deemed made as of the day on which they are received by Licensor at such address or bank account. Late payments shall accrue interest from the date due at a rate that is the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law.
Except with respect to any taxes assessed directly upon Licensors income, all amounts payable by Licensee under this Agreement are exclusive of any taxes that are or may be assessed
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or imposed by any governmental authority in any jurisdiction in connection with establishing, operating and marketing such Licensed Product, including without limitation, any sales, use, excise, value-added, personal property, export, import or withholding taxes, which taxes shall all be assumed and paid by Licensee.
5. |
REPORTS, RECORDS AND AUDITS. |
During the term of this Agreement, for so long as Licensee has a royalty obligation to Licensor under the terms hereof, Licensee shall deliver to Licensor within ten (10) days of the end of each calendar month a report setting forth in reasonable detail the Royalty Fee due to Licensor for such calendar month and Licensees calculation of the same.
During the term of this Agreement, for so long as Licensee has a royalty obligation to Licensor under the terms hereof and for three (3) years thereafter, Licensee shall keep complete and accurate books and records in sufficient detail to enable Licensor to verify the amounts due to it hereunder.
During the term of this Agreement, for so long as Licensee has a royalty obligation to Licensor under the terms hereof and for three (3) years thereafter, Licensor shall have the right, through a qualified independent auditor, to review and audit the books and records of Licensee for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of royalty payments made by Licensee under this Agreement. Such reviews and audits shall be conducted with reasonable prior written notice to Licensee, at Licensees place of business and during Licensees normal business hours, and shall not be conducted more than once per calendar year. Each review and audit hereunder shall be at Licensors sole cost and expense; provided, however, that Licensee shall promptly reimburse Licensor for all costs and expenses actually incurred in connection with a review and audit if the auditor determines that Licensee has underpaid by five percent (5%) or more during the relevant period under examination. Licensee will promptly pay Licensor the amount of any underpayment revealed by a review and audit, plus interest at the rate that is the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate allowed by law from the dates that any unpaid amounts were due.
6. |
ENFORCEMENT. |
Licensee shall promptly (i) notify Licensor of any potential or actual infringement by a third party of Licensor Patent Rights of which Licensee becomes aware, and (ii) provide to Licensor all evidence of such infringement in Licensees possession, custody or control. Licensor shall have the sole right, but not the obligation, to initiate any legal action at its own expense against such infringement and to recover damages and enforce any injunction granted as a result of any judgment in Licensors favor. Licensor shall have sole control over any such action including, without limitation, the sole right to settle and compromise such action. In the event of a dispute between Licensor and any third party regarding the infringement, validity or enforceability of Licensor Patent Rights, Licensee agrees, at Licensors expense, to do all things reasonably requested by Licensor to assist Licensor in connection with such dispute.
7. |
TERM AND TERMINATION. |
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless earlier terminated according to the terms of this Agreement, shall expire upon the expiration or lapse of the last-to-
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expire or lapse of the Licensor Patent Rights (or, if earlier, upon the entry of a final order by a court of competent jurisdiction, which order is not appealable or regarding which appeal is not taken, effectively holding that there is no valid claim included in the Licensor Patent Rights).
During the term of this Agreement, Licensor shall diligently prosecute and/or maintain Licensor Patent Rights. If no letters patent are granted on the applications specified in Licensor Patent Rights or if all such applications are finally rejected without appeal being taken or are abandoned, withdrawn or otherwise lapse, then the License granted pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate immediately. Licensor shall notify Licensee promptly in writing if the foregoing events shall occur.
The License granted pursuant to this Agreement will terminate immediately, without any requirement for Licensor to provide notice, with respect to any Licensed Product that is terminated.
In addition, either party may terminate this Agreement by written notice at any time if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach with thirty (30) days following written notice thereof from the non-breaching party. Upon any termination or expiration of this Agreement, all rights and obligations under this Agreement (including Licensees rights under the License) will immediately terminate; provided, however, that the provisions of Articles 1, 8 (the second paragraph only), 10 (solely with respect Licensees Losses based on or arising from Licensees exercise of its rights in accordance with this Agreement while the License was in effect), 11 and 12, and any other provision that survives by its express terms, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.
8. |
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RIGHTS. |
Licensee hereby acknowledges and agrees that, as between Licensor and Licensee, Licensor is the exclusive owner of all right, title and interest in and to the Licensor Patent Rights. During the term of this Agreement, Licensee will not directly or indirectly: (i) initiate or participate in any proceeding of any kind opposing the grant of any patent, or challenging any patent application, within the Licensor Patent Rights, (ii) dispute the validity or enforceability of any patent within the Licensor Patent Rights or any of the claims thereof, or (iii) assist any other Person to do any of the foregoing (except if required by court order or subpoena); provided, however, the foregoing shall in no way limit Licensees ability to defend against or to mitigate any claim brought by Licensor against Licensee.
During the term of this Agreement and thereafter, Licensee shall not directly or indirectly interfere improperly with Licensors ability to negotiate with any potential licensee under, or any potential purchaser of, the Licensor Patent Rights, or assist any other Person to do the foregoing (except if required by court order or subpoena). This paragraph shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason.
Any violation of this Article 8 will constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
9. |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. |
Each party hereby represents and warrants that (i) it has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement have been duly authorized and all necessary actions have been taken to make this
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Agreement a legal, valid and binding obligation of such party enforceable in accordance with its terms; and (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance by such party of its obligations hereunder will not contravene or result in any breach of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of such party or of any agreement, contract, indenture, license, instrument or understanding or, to the best of its knowledge, result in any violation of law, rule, regulation, statute, order or decree to which such party is bound or by which they or any of their property is subject.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE FOREGOING, LICENSOR DOES NOT MAKE AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
10. |
INDEMNITY. |
Each party shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other party and such other partys Affiliates, employees, officers, directors, and agents from and against any liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees) (collectively, Losses) resulting from or arising in connection with the breach by the indemnifying party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or obligations contained in this Agreement.
If any action, suit, proceeding (including, but not limited to, any governmental investigation), claim or dispute (collectively, a Proceeding) is brought or asserted against a party for which indemnification is sought under this Agreement, the party seeking indemnification (the Indemnified Party) shall promptly (and in no event more than seven (7) days after receipt of notice of such Proceeding) notify the party obligated to provide such indemnification (the Indemnifying Party) of such Proceeding. The failure of the Indemnified Party to so notify the Indemnifying Party shall not impair the Indemnified Partys ability to obtain indemnification from the Indemnifying Party (but only for costs, expenses and liabilities incurred after such notice) unless such failure adversely affects the Indemnifying Partys ability to adequately oppose or defend such Proceeding. Upon receipt of such notice from the Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in such Proceeding at its own expense. Provided no conflict of interest exists as specified in clause (ii) below and there are no other defenses available to Indemnified Party as specified in clause (iv) below, the Indemnifying Party, to the extent that it shall so desire, shall be entitled to assume the defense of the Proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, in which case all attorneys fees and expenses shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party (except as specified below) and the Indemnifying Party shall in good faith defend the Indemnified Party. After receiving written notice from the Indemnifying Party of its election to assume the defense of the Proceeding, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, provided that the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be borne entirely by the Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party expressly agrees in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) there is such a conflict of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party as would preclude, in compliance with the ethical
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rules in effect in the jurisdiction in which the Proceeding was brought, one lawyer from representing both parties simultaneously, (iii) the Indemnifying Party fails, within the earlier of (x) twenty (20) days following receipt of notice of the Proceeding from the Indemnified Party or (y) seven (7) days prior to the date the first response or appearance is required to be made in such Proceeding, to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party or (iv) there are legal defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from or are in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Party. In each of cases (i) through (iv), the fees and expenses of counsel shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party. No compromise or settlement of such Proceeding may be effected by either party without the other partys consent unless there is no finding or admission of any violation of law and no effect on any other claims that may be made against such other party and the sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the party seeking the settlement. Neither party shall have any liability with respect to any compromise or settlement effected without its consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Indemnifying Party shall have no obligation to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from any loss, expense or liability incurred by the Indemnified Party as a result of a default judgment entered against the Indemnified Party unless such judgment was entered after the Indemnifying Party agreed, in writing, to assume the defense of such proceeding.
11. |
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. |
IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGES, HOWSOEVER CAUSED, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
12. |
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. |
12.1. Assignment. Licensee may not assign or otherwise transfer (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any right or obligation under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Licensor. Such consent shall be deemed given with respect to an assignment or transfer (whether by operation of law or otherwise) of the entire Agreement, including all rights and obligations hereunder, to a successor in interest or assignee of substantially all of the assets of Licensee, provided that Licensee has given prompt written notice thereof to Licensor. This Agreement is binding on, and inures to the benefit of, the parties and their permitted successors and assigns. Any attempted assignment or other transfer of rights under this Agreement in violation of this Article 12.1 will be void.
12.2. Injunctive Relief. Licensee agrees and acknowledges that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach by Licensee of the provisions of this Agreement and that the Licensor may, in its sole discretion, apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for temporary preliminary relief (specific performance and/or injunctive relief), without posting a bond or other security, in order to enforce or prevent any violation of the provisions of this Agreement.
12.3. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York, without reference to any choice of law rules (except that questions affecting the construction and effect of any patent will be determined by the law of the country in which the patent was granted).
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12.4. Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue; No Jury. Any action brought by either party that arises out of or relates to this Agreement will be filed only in the state or federal courts located in New York County, New York. Each party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts. FURTHERMORE, EACH PARTY (I) WAIVES ANY OBJECTIONS THAT IT MAY HAVE NOW OR IN THE FUTURE TO THE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS, (II) WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT IT MAY HAVE NOW OR IN THE FUTURE THAT LITIGATION BROUGHT IN THOSE COURTS HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM AND (III) WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.
12.5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties as to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations, representations, and promises between them with respect to its subject matter.
12.6. Unenforceable Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions will remain in full force and effect. If legally permitted, the unenforceable provision will be replaced with an enforceable provision that as nearly as possible gives effect to the parties intent.
12.7. Relationship Of The Parties. Each party is an independent contractor of the other party. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between the parties.
12.8. Notices. A notice under this Agreement is not sufficient unless it is: (i) in writing; (ii) addressed using the contact information listed below for the party to which the notice is being given (or using updated contact information which that party has specified by written notice in accordance with this Article); and (iii) sent by hand delivery, facsimile transmission, registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), or reputable express delivery service with tracking capabilities (such as Federal Express).
Contact Information for Licensor: | Contact Information for Licensee: | |
The Bank of New York Mellon
2 Hanson Place 9th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11217 Attn: ETF Services |
PERTH MINT PHYSICAL GOLD ETF
c/o Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC 10900 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 207 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Attention: President |
12.9. Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended unless the amendment is in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.
12.10. Waivers. A waiver of rights under this Agreement will not be effective unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the party that is waiving the rights.
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12.11. Counterparts and Execution. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any manual signature upon this Agreement that is faxed, scanned or photocopied, and any electronic signature valid under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. §7001, et. seq. shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect and admissibility in evidence as an original signature and the parties hereby waive any objection to the contrary.
(signature page follows)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON | ||||||
By: |
/s/ Elizabet Stubenrauch |
|||||
Name: | Elizabeth Stubenrauch | |||||
Title: | Relationship Executive | |||||
PERTH MINT PHYSICAL GOLD ETF | ||||||
By: |
/s/ J. Garrett Stevens |
|||||
Name: | J. Garrett Stevens | |||||
Title: | Officer |
Exhibit 99.4
AMENDMENT
TO
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Amendment (Amendment) is made as of the 11th day of December, 2020, by and between The Bank of New York Mellon (Licensor) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (formerly known as Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF Trust) (Licensee).
BACKGROUND:
A. |
Licensor and the Licensee entered into a License Agreement dated as of June 21, 2018 (the Agreement). |
B. |
The parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein. |
TERMS:
The parties hereby agree that:
1. |
The third Whereas clause in the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2 below, the Licensee intends to sublicense the license granted herein to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, the Sponsor.
2. |
Section 12.8 of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the Contact Information for Licensor with the following: |
Contact Information for Licensor:
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York, 10286
Attn: Legal Department Asset Servicing
and by replacing the Contact Information for Licensee with the following:
Contact Information for Licensee:
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF
c/o: Goldman Sachs Asset Management
200 West Street, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10282
Attn: Michael Crinieri
3. |
All references to Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF shall be deleted and replaced with Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF. |
4. |
Miscellaneous. |
(a) |
As hereby amended and supplemented, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(b) |
The Agreement, as amended hereby, constitutes the complete understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and supersedes all prior communications with respect thereto. |
(c) |
This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The facsimile signature of any party to this Amendment shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers designated below on the date and year first above written.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON | ||
By: |
/s/ Robert Snyder |
|
Name: | Robert Snyder | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
GOLDMAN SACHS PHYSICAL GOLD ETF (formerly known as Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF Trust) | ||
By: GOLDMAN SACHS ASSSET MANAGEMENT L.P., as Sponsor | ||
By: |
/s/ Michael Crinieri |
|
Name: | Michael Crinieri | |
Title: | Managing Director |