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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 23, 2021
Securities Act Registration No. 333-234544
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-23439

 

 

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
   
Pre-Effective Amendment No.   _____
Post-Effective Amendment No. 22

 

and/or

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
Amendment No. 24

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

Karen Shupe
Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 267-7400

(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)

 

The Corporation Trust Co.

Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

With Copy to:

John H. Lively

Practus, LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

 

  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  on _______________ pursuant to paragraph (b)
  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

November 23, 2021

 

 

 

This prospectus describes the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF which is authorized to offer one class of shares by this prospectus.

 

     
Fund Ticker Principal U.S. Listing Exchange
     
WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF WLTG NYSE Arca
     

 

 

 

 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

FUND SUMMARY – WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS 11
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK 14
MANAGEMENT 22
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES 23
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES 24
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES 25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 29
FOR MORE INFORMATION 30

 

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY – WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

 

Investment Objective

 

The WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (the “Fund”) seeks long-term growth of capital

with a secondary objective of providing dividend income.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing shares on a national securities exchange, national securities association, or over-the-counter trading system where shares may trade from time to time (each, a “Secondary Market”) may be subject to customary brokerage commissions charged by their broker that are not reflected in the table and example set forth below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

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

 
   
Management Fee(1) 0.67%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(2)

0.01%
Other Expenses(2) 0.00%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.68%

 

(1) Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, pays all of the expenses of the Fund, excluding the advisory fees, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

(2) Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are estimated for the Fund’s initial fiscal year.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

Name of Fund 1 Year 3 Years
WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF $69 $218

 

1

 

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet commenced operations and therefore does not have any portfolio turnover information available.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the belief that long term superior performance of a portfolio is driven by two factors: 1) tactical allocation is accomplished by identifying positive trends for asset classes, sectors, and industries; and 2) equity stock selection is based on quantitative analysis with an emphasis on earnings. The Fund’s portfolio will be actively managed and will primarily consist of investments in common stock issued by U.S. and foreign companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that provide exposure to such U.S. and foreign companies. Investments in foreign companies will typically consist of investments in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) and/or ETFs that provide exposure to such foreign companies. The Fund may at times have exposure to fixed-income securities, gold and cash and cash equivalents and that exposure will typically be achieved through its investments in ETFs.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is implemented using a third-party algorithmic trend analysis model, along with the Adviser’s own proprietary quantitative process (the “DBS Quantitative Process”). The strategy, which combines trend analysis with the DBS Quantitative Process, is designed to identify securities for purchase and, during the review of existing holdings, to flag potential sale candidates of the Fund.

 

The first step in the investment process involves the Fund using a third-party trend analysis model which is designed to identify asset classes, industries, and sectors that are demonstrating positive market trends (i.e., markets or asset classes making new highs and higher lows) or negative market trends (i.e., markets or asset classes making new lows and lower lows). The Fund’s trend analysis model considers a company’s moving average over varying periods, and it will consider certain momentum factors, such as the relative strength index, moving average convergence divergence and the average directional index. The Adviser also considers macroeconomic indicators, which include gross domestic product, unemployment rates and jobs report, consumer price index, produce price index, retail sales and industrial output, as part of the trend analysis process.

 

Once these trends are identified, the DBS Quantitative Process will then focus on identifying individual companies and ETFs from those asset classes, industries, and sectors identified as potential buys. This process focuses on company earnings and places the greatest weighting on quality earnings (i.e., repeatable earnings), positive earnings surprises (i.e., beating analysts’ expectations), and those companies that demonstrate a strong possibility of continued earnings’ growth. The DBS Quantitative Process, which includes the Quant Ranking described below, provides a list of candidates that are further assessed with additional screens and individual company analysis, as applicable, to determine the companies believed to provide the best opportunity for superior long-term price appreciation.

 

2

 

 

Each company in the Adviser’s database is assigned a quantitative ranking from 1-5, with 1, being a strong buy, 2, a buy, 3, a hold, 4, a sell and 5, a strong sell (the “Quant Ranking”). The Quant Rankings, which are updated daily, are based on an assessment of the following four factors:

 

1. Agreement - the extent to which all brokerage’ analysts agree (i.e., revising their earnings estimates in the same direction).

2. Magnitude - the larger the percentage increase or decrease in analysts projected quarterly earnings, the more weight is assigned to earnings estimate changes.

3. Upside - the deviation between the most accurate earnings estimate issued by the analyst who are believed to have the best track record and consensus earnings estimate.

4. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Surprise - the occurrence of a company’s reported quarterly or annual profits above or below analysts’ expectations.

 

Historically, companies that receive Quant Rankings of 1 and 2 have a better chance of beating their quarterly estimates, whereas Quant Rankings of 4 and 5 have a better chance of missing their quarterly estimates. The Fund focuses on Quant Rankings of 1-3 securities for potential buys and holds whereas Quant Rankings of 4-5 are not purchased initially and if held in the Fund, reviewed for sale if they fall to one of these rankings. One of the objectives of the Fund’s strategy is to own companies that have fewer quarterly earnings misses and more positive surprises than the underlying holdings of a broad-based market index. A broad-based market index is generally static as far as its constituent holdings are concerned with few changes to its holdings. The result is that a typical index will have holdings in companies that have Quant Rankings of 4 and 5 which, based on the Adviser’s research, have a better chance of missing their quarterly earnings estimates. The Adviser believes by not owning companies with a 4 or 5 Quant Ranking plus those asset classes, sectors and industries that are trending down based on the Adviser’s trend analysis, the Fund will be able to manage its risk level and provide long-term growth of capital.

 

While the Quant Ranking is very important to the overall screening process, the strategy applies additional proprietary screening criteria that is designed to further reduce the Fund’s investment universe. The Fund’s investment universe consists of approximately 7,000 companies from 48 different countries and captures over 98% of the investable universe. The proprietary screening process eliminates approximately 90% of these companies based on various screening criteria such as the aforementioned Quant Ranking, and various valuation statistics, including a company’s price to earnings ratio, PEG ratio (dividing a company’s P/E ratio by the current year growth estimate for the company), projected growth rates over a 3–5-year period, positive interest coverage (amount of annual cash from operations divided by current interest owed for the year, a company with a negative percentage result will be excluded from the Fund), debt to capital ratio, free cash flow, level of insider ownership and to a lesser extent dividend yield. After the screening process is completed, the Adviser will then review the remaining list of potential investments, approximately 700 companies and select 25-35 mostly large cap companies that have the quality of earnings and valuations in line with what the Adviser considers to be reasonable relative to the overall market and/or to the companies’ peers. The Fund defines large-cap companies as companies with market capitalizations of $10 billion or more as measured at the time of purchase.

 

3

 

 

During periods where the Fund’s trend analysis is indicating a long-term positive equity market trend, the Fund will be fully invested in companies and ETFs that are trending up. During periods where the Fund’s trend analysis is indicating a long-term negative equity market down trend, the Fund may increase its allocation to ETFs that provide exposure to alternative investments such as cash, gold, U.S. treasuries, or an inverse ETF that provides investment results that match a certain percentage of the inverse results of a specific index on a daily or monthly basis. An inverse ETF is designed to profit from a decline in the value of an underlying index (i.e., the S&P 500 Index) so any investments by the Fund in an inverse ETF will be expected to provide a hedge (or downside protection) to the Fund’s long equity exposure.

 

The Fund intends to operate as a diversified fund and its portfolio will be allocated between two WealthTrust DBS sleeves – the DBS Core sleeve (approximately 75% of the Fund’s portfolio) and the DBS Tactical Edge sleeve (approximately 25% of the Fund’s portfolio). These allocations may vary based on the Adviser’s overall perception of the market. The term “sleeve” is used to reference the portion of the Fund’s portfolio that will be allocated to the types of investments described herein for the applicable sleeve.

 

The DBS Core sleeve will be invested primarily in the common stock of large-cap companies and ETFs that provide exposure to large-cap companies. The Fund’s use of ETFs in the DBS Core Sleeve will be limited to situations where the Adviser believes an ETF provides the Fund with the desired exposure (i.e., to a certain sector or industry) cost effectively. Under normal circumstances, the DBS Core sleeve will hold 25-35 individual equity positions.

 

The DBS Tactical Edge sleeve will be primarily invested in ETFs which track indices of industries, sectors, and market capitalization that have been identified by the Fund’s trend analysis model. This could result in the DBS Tactical Edge Sleeve being very opportunistic at times. For example, the Fund may invest the entire DBS Tactical Sleeve in ETFs that provide exposure to small and/or mid-cap companies, value companies, and/or specific sectors and industries that are signaling positive performance trends. The DBS Tactical Edge sleeve may, at times, be more defensive in nature and look to provide the Fund with liquidity and diversification. This type of positioning typically occurs when the Fund’s trend analysis model is signaling a major market correction and the Adviser’s analysis of such macroeconomic indicators as gross domestic product, unemployment rates and jobs report, consumer price index, produce price index, retail sales and industrial output results is also indicating a likely market correction. When the Fund implements a defensive/hedging strategy it may result in the Fund having exposure to alternative investments such as fixed-income securities (including U.S. treasuries), cash, gold, and equal weighted inverse ETFs.

 

The Fund’s investment selections will be the responsibility of the Adviser and the Adviser reserves the right to override the Fund’s investment models. In addition, the Fund’s Sub-Adviser will only be responsible for managing the creation and redemption trading process for the Fund.

 

Principal Risks

 

As with all funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The principal risks affecting shareholders’ investments in the Fund are set forth below. These risks may impact the Fund directly or indirectly through the Fund’s investments in ETFs. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency.

 

4

 

 

Equity Securities Risk. Since it purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate from day to day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Fund.

 

Market Risk. The value of securities in the Fund’s overall portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund’s share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period.

 

Management Risk. The strategies used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended result.

 

Large Cap Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion.

 

Mid Cap Company Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with investing in mid cap companies. There may be greater risk in investing in medium-capitalization companies rather than larger, more established companies due to such factors as inexperienced management and limited product lines or financial resources. It may also be difficult or impossible to liquidate a security position at a time and price acceptable to the Fund because of the potentially less frequent trading of stocks of smaller market capitalization.

 

Small Cap Company Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with investing in small cap companies. Investing in smaller companies may pose additional risks. For example, it is often more difficult to value or dispose of small company stocks and more difficult to obtain information about smaller companies than about larger companies. Furthermore, smaller companies often have limited product lines, operating histories, markets and/or financial resources, may be dependent on one or a few key persons for management, and can be more susceptible to losses. Moreover, the prices of their stocks may be more volatile than stocks of larger, more established companies, particularly during times of market turmoil.

 

Risks of Investment Selection. The Fund’s investment success depends on the skill of the Adviser in evaluating, selecting, and monitoring the portfolio assets. If the Adviser’s conclusions about growth rates or securities values are incorrect, the Fund may not perform as anticipated.

 

Quantitative Analysis and Tactical Trend Model Risk. The risk that investments selected using trend and quantitative analysis methodology may perform more poorly than the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of trend and quantitative analysis to create tactical investment models will enable the Fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market.

 

5

 

 

Growth Style Risk. Growth stocks may be more susceptible to earnings disappointments, and the market may not favor growth-style investing. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a growth strategy may suffer.

 

Value Style Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with investing in value stocks. Value stocks present the risk that the securities may never reach what the Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, there may be periods during which the investment performance of the Fund while using a value strategy may suffer.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in foreign issuers will be through depositary receipts and ETFs that provide exposure to foreign securities. These investments are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, civil conflicts and war, greater volatility, expropriation and nationalization risks, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, liquidity risks and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets.

 

Exchange Traded Fund Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses (such as operating expenses and advisory fees) that may be paid by the underlying funds. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory fee and other expenses that the Fund bears in connection with its own operations. Investment in an ETF carries security specific risk and the market risk. Also, if the area of the market representing the underlying index or benchmark does not perform as expected for any reason, the value of the investment in the ETF may decline. In addition, due to transactions via market prices rather than at net asset value, the performance of an ETF may not completely replicate the performance of the underlying index.

 

Inverse ETF Risk. Inverse ETFs are subject to additional risks not generally associated with traditional ETFs. To the extent that the Fund invests in inverse ETFs, the value of the Fund’s investment will decrease when the index underlying the ETF’s benchmark rises, a result that is the opposite from traditional equity or bond funds. The net asset value and market price of an inverse ETFs are usually more volatile than the value of the tracked index or of other ETFs that do not use leverage. This is because inverse ETFs use investment techniques and financial instruments that may be considered aggressive, including the use of derivative transactions and short selling techniques. The use of these techniques may cause the inverse ETFs to lose more money in market environments that are adverse to their investment strategies than other funds that do not use such techniques. Most inverse ETFs “reset” daily, meaning that they are designed to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis. Their performance over longer periods of time—over weeks or months or years—can differ significantly from the performance (or inverse of the performance) of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time. This effect can be magnified in volatile markets.

 

Risks of Derivatives. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with trading in derivative instruments such as put and call options on stocks and stock indices, and index futures contracts and options thereon. There is no guarantee such strategies will work. If the ETF is not successful in employing such instruments in managing its portfolio, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if it did not invest in the ETF employing such strategies. Successful use by an ETF of options on stock indices, index futures contracts (and options thereon) will be subject to its ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of the securities generally or of a particular market segment. In addition, the ETFs will pay commissions and other costs in connection with such investments, which may increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce the return. In utilizing certain derivatives, the ETFs losses are potentially unlimited. Derivative instruments may also involve the risk that other parties to the derivative contract may fail to meet their obligations, which could cause losses.

 

6

 

 

Gold-Related Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to gold-related risk. Investments tied to the price of gold are considered speculative. The Fund’s investments in instruments tied to the price of gold may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time or subject the Fund to greater volatility than other types of investments due to many factors, such as changes in inflation or inflation expectations, the supply of gold, commercial and industrial demand for gold, purchases or sales of gold by entities such as governments or central banks, other actions by governments such as monetary policy changes or restrictions on ownership, investment speculation, or other economic, financial or political factors.

 

Fixed income market risks. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to fixed income market risk. Economic and other market developments can adversely affect the fixed income securities markets. At times, participants in these markets may develop concerns about the ability of certain issuers of debt instruments to make timely principal and interest payments, or they may develop concerns about the ability of financial institutions that make markets in certain debt instruments to facilitate an orderly market. Those concerns could cause increased volatility and reduced liquidity in particular securities or in the overall fixed income markets and the related derivatives markets. A lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the fund’s ability to sell the debt instruments in which it invests or to find and purchase suitable debt instruments.

 

Interest rate risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to interest rate risk. The prices of, and the income generated by, debt instruments held by the Fund may be affected by changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates typically causes the price of a fixed rate debt instrument to fall and its yield to rise. Conversely, a decline in interest rates typically causes the price of a fixed rate debt instrument to rise and the yield to fall. Generally, funds with longer weighted average maturities and durations carry greater interest rate risk. Changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or governments such as the discontinuation and replacement of benchmark rates are likely to affect the level of interest rates.

 

Credit quality risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to credit quality risk. An issuer of a debt instrument could suffer an adverse change in financial condition that results in a payment default (failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments), rating downgrade, or inability to meet a financial obligation. The Fund’s investments should have relatively low credit risk because they will invest only in securities backed by the U.S. government and other investments involving such securities.

 

Sector Risk. Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. If the Fund invests more heavily in a sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.

 

7

 

 

ETF Structure Risk. The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to special risks, including:

 

         Trading Issues Risk. Although it is expected that shares of the Fund will remain listed for trading on NYSE Arca (the “Exchange”), trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that Fund shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange or will trade with any volume. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for shares of the Fund. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of shares of the Fund may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than shares of the Fund. This adverse effect on liquidity for the Fund’s shares in turn could lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the underlying value of those Shares.

 

         Market Price Variance Risk. The market prices of shares of the Fund will fluctuate in response to changes in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and supply and demand for Fund shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that Fund shares may trade at a discount to NAV. The market price of Shares may deviate from the value of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the shares of the Fund bought or sold.

 

         Authorized Participants (“APs”), Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as APs. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, shares of the Fund may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

 

         Costs of Buying or Selling Shares of the Fund. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares of the Fund, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of shares of the Fund may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares of the Fund may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new ETF and has only recently commenced operations. As a new fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund’s distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the Fund’s shares. If the Fund does not grow its assets to a viable level it may be difficult for the Adviser to implement the Fund’s investment strategies and achieve the desired portfolio diversification.

 

8

 

 

New Adviser Risk. The Adviser has not previously managed an ETF, but the Adviser has experience managing assets employing the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund’s sub-adviser has experience managing the day-to-day Creation and/or Redemption basketing processing for an ETF.

 

Performance History

 

The Fund does not have a full calendar year of performance history. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of the Prospectus. Performance information will contain a bar chart and table that provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing the Fund’s average annual returns for certain time periods as compared to a broad measure of market performance. Investors should be aware that past performance before and after taxes is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Updated performance information for the Fund, including its current net asset value per share, is available by calling toll-free (844)-444-3863.

 

Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser

 

WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

Toroso Asset Management (the “Sub-Adviser”) is the sub-adviser to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Adviser’s Portfolio Manager: John G. McHugh, President of the Adviser, has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund will issue (or redeem) Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of at least 25,000 Shares known as “Creation Units.” Creation Unit transactions are typically conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of in-kind securities and/or cash. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold on a national securities exchange through a broker-dealer. You can purchase and sell individual Shares of the Fund throughout the trading day like any publicly traded security. The Fund’s Shares are listed on the Exchange (i.e., NYSE Arca). The price of the Fund’s Shares is based on market price, and because exchange-traded fund shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Fund’s Shares are not redeemable securities.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gain, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account in which case withdrawals will be taxed.

 

9

 

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your financial advisor or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

10

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

The Fund will attempt to mirror WealthTrust’s DBS Long Term Growth Strategy which began in 2003 using the same investment methodology, since inception. It is currently available as a separately managed account on various TAMPs and custodial platforms.

 

The investment objective for the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF is to seek long-term growth of capital with a secondary objective of providing dividend income. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) without shareholder approval upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.

 

ETFs are funds that trade like other publicly traded securities. Unlike shares of a mutual fund, which can be bought and redeemed from the issuing fund by all shareholders at a price based on NAV, shares of the Fund may be purchased or redeemed directly from the Fund at NAV solely by Authorized Participants and only in aggregations of a specified number of shares Creation Units. Also, unlike shares of a mutual fund, shares of the Fund are listed on a national securities exchange and trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day.

 

The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate an index. The Fund is classified as “diversified” for purposes of the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is based on the belief that long term superior performance of a portfolio is driven by two factors: 1) tactical allocation is accomplished by identifying positive trends for asset classes, sectors, and industries; and 2) equity stock selection is based on quantitative analysis with an emphasis on earnings. The Fund’s portfolio will be actively managed and will primarily consist of investments in common stock issued by U.S. and foreign companies and ETFs that provide exposure to such U.S. and foreign companies. Investments in foreign companies will typically consist of investments in ADRs and/or ETFs that provide exposure to such foreign companies. The Fund may at times have exposure to fixed-income securities, gold and cash and cash equivalents and that exposure will typically be achieved through its investments in ETFs.

 

The Fund’s investment strategy is implemented using a third-party algorithmic trend analysis model, along with the Adviser’s own proprietary quantitative process (the “DBS Quantitative Process”). The strategy, which combines trend analysis with the DBS Quantitative Process, is designed to identify securities for purchase and, during the review of existing holdings, to flag potential sale candidates of the Fund.

 

The first step in the investment process involves the Fund using a third-party trend analysis model which is designed to identify asset classes, industries and sectors that are demonstrating positive market trends (i.e., markets or asset classes making new highs and higher lows) or negative market trends (i.e., markets or asset classes making new lows and lower lows). The Fund’s trend analysis model considers a company’s moving average over varying periods, and it will consider certain momentum factors, such as the relative strength index, moving average convergence divergence and the average directional index. The relative strength index (RSI) is used in technical analysis and it is designed to measure the magnitude of recent price changes to evaluate overbought or oversold conditions in the price of a stock or asset. RSI measures the speed and change of price movements, and it is intended to evaluate the relative value of a stock, index, or other investment—based on its recent price history. The RSI is calculated using the average gain and average loss over a defined period of time. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is a trend following momentum indicator that shows the relationship between two moving averages of a security’s price. The RSI and MACD are often used together by technical analysts to provide a more complete technical picture of a market. The average directional index (ADX) is a short-term indicator that can be used under any type of market conditions (e.g., bull or bear markets, high or low volatility, etc.). It is simply the mean, or average, of the values of directional movement lines over a specified time. Technical indicators like RSI and MACD can help the Adviser determine at what price to buy and sell a stock while ADX is designed to help the Adviser determine how strong a trend is. The Adviser believes the strength of a trend can be an important factor as it can help determine if there is momentum behind a market move. In addition to the momentum factors, the Adviser also considers the following macroeconomic indicators (gross domestic product, unemployment rates and jobs report, consumer price index, produce price index, retail sales and industrial output) as part of the trend analysis process.

 

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Once these trends are identified, the DBS Quantitative Process will then focus on identifying individual companies and ETFs from those asset classes, industries, and sectors identified as potential buys. This process focuses on company earnings and places the greatest weighting on quality earnings (i.e., repeatable earnings), positive earnings surprises (i.e., beating analysts’ expectations), and those companies that demonstrate a strong possibility of continued earnings’ growth. The DBS Quantitative Process, which includes the Quant Ranking described below, provides a list of candidates that are further assessed with additional screens and individual company analysis, as applicable, to determine the companies believed to provide the best opportunity for superior long-term price appreciation.

 

Each company in the database is assigned a Quant Ranking and the rankings are updated daily. Historically, companies that receive Quant Rankings of 1 and 2 have a better chance of beating their quarterly estimates, whereas Quant Rankings of 4 and 5 have a better chance of missing their quarterly estimates. The Fund focuses on Quant Rankings of 1-3 securities for potential buys and holds whereas Quant Rankings of 4-5 are not purchased initially and if held in the Fund, reviewed for sale if they fall to one of these rankings. One of the objectives of the Fund’s strategy is to own companies that have fewer quarterly earnings misses and more positive surprises than the underlying holdings of a broad-based market index. A broad-based market index is generally static as far as its constituent holdings are concerned with few changes to its holdings. The result is that a typical index will have holdings in companies that have Quant Rankings of 4 and 5 which, based on the Adviser’s research, have a better chance of missing their quarterly earnings estimates. The Adviser believes by not owning companies with a 4 or 5 Quant Ranking plus those asset classes, sectors and industries that are trending down based on the Adviser’s trend analysis, the Fund will be able to manage its risk level and provide long-term growth of capital.

 

While the Quant Ranking is very important to the overall screening process, the strategy applies additional proprietary screening criteria that is designed to further reduce the Fund’s investment universe. The Fund’s investment universe consists of approximately 7,000 companies from 48 different countries and captures over 98% of the investable universe. The proprietary screening process eliminates approximately 90% of these companies based on various screening criteria such as the aforementioned Quant Ranking, and various valuation statistics, including a company’s price to earnings ratio, PEG ratio (dividing a company’s P/E ratio by the current year growth estimate for the company), projected growth rates over a 3–5-year period, positive interest coverage (amount of annual cash from operations divided by current interest owed for the year, a company with a negative percentage result will be excluded from the Fund), debt to capital ratio, free cash flow, level of insider ownership and to a lesser extent dividend yield. After the screening process is completed, the Adviser will then review the remaining list of potential investments, approximately 700 companies and select 25-35 mostly large cap companies that have the quality of earnings and valuations in line with what the Adviser considers to be reasonable relative to the overall market and/or to the companies’ peers. The Fund defines large-cap companies as companies with market capitalizations of $10 billion or more as measured at the time of purchase.

 

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During periods where the Fund’s trend analysis is indicating a long-term positive equity market trend, the Fund will be fully invested in companies and ETFs that are trending up. During periods where the Fund’s trend analysis is indicating a long-term negative equity market down trend, the Fund may increase its allocation to ETFs that provide exposure to alternative investments such as cash, gold, U.S. treasuries, or an inverse ETF that provides investment results that match a certain percentage of the inverse results of a specific index on a daily or monthly basis. An inverse ETF is designed to profit from a decline in the value of an underlying index (i.e., the S&P 500 Index) so any investments by the Fund in an inverse ETF will be expected to provide a hedge (or downside protection) to the Fund’s long equity exposure.

 

The Fund intends to operate as a diversified fund and its portfolio will be allocated between two WealthTrust DBS sleeves – the DBS Core sleeve (approximately 75% of the Fund’s portfolio) and the DBS Tactical Edge sleeve (approximately 25% of the Fund’s portfolio). These allocations may vary based on the Adviser’s overall perception of the market. The term “sleeve” is used to reference the portion of the Fund’s portfolio that will be allocated to the types of investments described herein for the applicable sleeve.

 

The DBS Core sleeve will be invested primarily in the common stock of large-cap companies and ETFs that provide exposure to large-cap companies. The Fund’s use of ETFs in the DBS Core Sleeve will be limited to situations where the Adviser believes an ETF provides the Fund with the desired exposure (i.e., to a certain sector or industry) cost effectively. Under normal circumstances, the DBS Core sleeve will hold 25-35 individual equity positions.

 

The DBS Tactical Edge sleeve will be primarily invested in ETFs which track indices of industries, sectors, and market capitalization that have been identified by the Fund’s trend analysis model. This could result in the DBS Tactical Edge Sleeve being very opportunistic at times. For example, the Fund may invest the entire DBS Tactical Sleeve in ETFs that provide exposure to small and/or mid-cap companies, value companies, and/or specific sectors and industries that are signaling positive performance trends. The DBS Tactical Edge sleeve may, at times, be more defensive in nature and look to provide the Fund with liquidity and diversification. This type of positioning typically occurs when the Fund’s trend analysis model is signaling a major market correction and the Adviser’s analysis of such macroeconomic indicators as gross domestic product, unemployment rates and jobs report, consumer price index, produce price index, retail sales and industrial output results is also indicating a likely market correction. When the Fund implements a defensive/hedging strategy it may result in the Fund having exposure to alternative investments such as fixed-income securities (including U.S. treasuries), cash, gold, and equal weighted inverse ETFs.

 

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The Fund’s investment selections will be the responsibility of the Adviser and the Adviser reserves the right to override the Fund’s investment models. In addition, the Fund’s Sub-Adviser will only be responsible for managing the creation and redemption trading process for the Fund.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT RISK

 

It is important that you closely review and understand the risks of investing in the Fund. The Fund’s NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, and the Fund could underperform other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Below are some of the specific risks of investing in the Fund.

 

Principal Risks

 

Equity Securities Risk. Since it purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate from day to day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is a principal risk of investing in the Fund. Investments in equity securities may be more volatile than investments in other asset classes.

 

Market Risk. The value of securities in the Fund’s overall portfolio will fluctuate and, as a result, the Fund’s share price may decline suddenly or over a sustained period. The Fund’s investments may decline in value due to factors affecting individual issuers (such as the results of supply and demand), or sectors within the securities markets. The value of a security or other investment also may go up or down due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest rates or exchange rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, unexpected events, such as the spread of diseases; natural, environmental or man-made disasters; financial, political or social disruptions; terrorism and war; and other tragedies or catastrophes, can cause investor fear and panic, which can adversely affect companies, sectors, nations, regions and the market in general, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. During a general downturn in the securities markets, many asset classes may decline in value. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that securities or other investments held by the Fund will participate in or otherwise benefit from the advance. A reduction in a country’s growth rate could have an adverse effect on the prices of the various stocks held by the Fund.

 

Management Risk. The strategies used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended result. The Fund will be actively managed and could experience losses (realized and unrealized) if the Adviser’s judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that the investment strategies or the Adviser’s actions as it relates to investment decisions for the Fund will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the Fund’s investment strategies and therefore adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

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Large Cap Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. Large cap companies may be less able than mid and small cap companies to adapt to changing market conditions. During different market cycles, the performance of large cap companies has trailed the overall performance of the broader securities markets.

 

Mid Cap Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with investing in mid cap companies. There may be greater risk in investing in medium-capitalization companies rather than larger, more established companies due to such factors as inexperienced management and limited product lines or financial resources. It may also be difficult or impossible to liquidate a security position at a time and price acceptable to the Fund because of the potentially less frequent trading of stocks of smaller market capitalization.

 

Small Cap Company Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with investing in small cap companies. Investing in smaller companies may pose additional risks. For example, it is often more difficult to value or dispose of small company stocks and more difficult to obtain information about smaller companies than about larger companies. Furthermore, smaller companies often have limited product lines, operating histories, markets and/or financial resources, may be dependent on one or a few key persons for management, and can be more susceptible to losses. Moreover, the prices of their stocks may be more volatile than stocks of larger, more established companies, particularly during times of market turmoil.

 

Risks of Investment Selection. The Fund’s investment success depends on the skill of the Adviser in evaluating, selecting, and monitoring the portfolio assets. If the Adviser’s conclusions about growth rates or securities values are incorrect, the Fund may not perform as anticipated. Additionally, the Adviser may not implement the investment strategy successfully and the Fund may fail to attract sufficient assets to realize economies of scale.

 

Quantitative Analysis and Tactical Trend Model Risk. The risk that investments selected using trend and quantitative analysis methodology may perform more poorly than the market as a whole or from their expected performance. There can be no assurance that use of trend and quantitative analysis to create tactical investment models will enable the Fund to achieve positive returns or outperform the market. All analysis, including quantitative and tactical trend analysis, relies on correct data inputs. If incorrect data is entered into even a well-founded system’s database, the resulting information will be incorrect. Some of the model sleeves used by the Adviser for the Fund are based on historical information which is assumed to be predictive in nature. The use of predictive models has inherent risks, in part because predictive models are constructed based on the interpretation of historical data supplied by third parties. The success of relying on such models may depend on the accuracy and reliability of the supplied historical data. The Fund bears the risk that the modeling used by the Adviser will not be successful in selecting companies for investment or in determining the weighting of investment positions that will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. The Adviser, in its sole discretion, will continue to test, evaluate, and add new models, which may result in the modification of existing models from time to time. There can be no assurance that model modifications will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. While the Adviser will rely heavily on its proprietary modeling for making investment decisions, it exercise investment discretion.

 

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Growth Style Risk. Stocks of companies the Adviser believes are fast-growing may trade at a higher multiple of current earnings than other stocks. The values of these stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks. If the Adviser’s assessment of the prospects for a company’s earnings growth, or if the Adviser’s judgment of how other investors will value the company’s earnings growth is wrong, then the price of the company’s stock may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it. In addition, growth stocks, at times, may not perform as well as value stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

 

Value Style Risk. Investing in or having exposure to “value” securities presents the risk that the securities may never reach what the Adviser believes are their full market values, either because the market fails to recognize what the Adviser considers to be the security’s true value or because the Adviser misjudged that value. In addition, value stocks, at times, may not perform as well as growth stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in foreign issuers will be through depositary receipts and ETFs that provide exposure to foreign securities. These investments are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, civil conflicts and war, greater volatility, expropriation and nationalization risks, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, liquidity risks and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. The Fund’s intends to invest in ADRs to gain exposure to foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. The Fund may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADRs. ADRs typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. In addition to investment risks associated with the underlying issuer, ADRs expose the Fund to additional risks associated with the non-uniform terms that apply to ADR programs, credit exposure to the depository bank and to the sponsors and other parties with whom the depository bank establishes the programs, currency risk and the risk of an illiquid market for ADRs. Unsponsored ADR programs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. Unsponsored programs generally expose investors to greater risks than sponsored programs and do not provide holders with many of the shareholder benefits that come from investing in a sponsored ADR. Available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs, and the prices of unsponsored ADRs may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted. Investments in ADRs present the risks described above.

 

Exchange Traded Funds Risk. To the extent the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses (such as operating expenses and advisory fees) that may be paid by the underlying funds. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory fee and other expenses that the Fund bears in connection with its own operations. Investment in an ETF carries security specific risk and the market risk. Also, if the area of the market representing the underlying index or benchmark does not perform as expected for any reason, the value of the investment in the ETF may decline. In addition, due to transactions via market prices rather than at net asset value, the performance of an ETF may not completely replicate the performance of the underlying index. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund generally will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs. Additionally, ETFs are subject to the following risks: (i) the market price of an ETF’s shares may be above or below its net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; (iv) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate; and (v) underlying ETF shares may be de-listed from the exchange or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) temporarily stop stock trading.

 

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Inverse ETF Risk -Inverse ETFs are designed to provide the opposite of the return of the underlying index, typically on a daily basis. These products are different from and can be riskier than traditional ETFs. Although these products are designed to provide returns that generally correspond to the underlying index, they may not be able to exactly replicate the performance of the index because of fund expenses and other factors. This is referred to as tracking error. Continual re-setting of returns within the product may add to the underlying costs and increase the tracking error. As a result, this may prevent these products from achieving their investment objective. In addition, compounding of the returns can produce a divergence from the underlying index over time. In highly volatile markets with large positive and negative swings, return distortions may be magnified over time. Some deviations from the stated objectives, to the positive or negative, are possible and may or may not correct themselves over time. To accomplish their objectives, these products use a range of strategies, including swaps, futures contracts and other derivatives. These products may not be diversified and can be based on commodities or currencies. These products may have higher expense ratios and be less tax-efficient than more traditional ETFs.

 

Risks of Derivatives. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to the risks associated with trading in derivative instruments such as put and call options on stocks and stock indices, and index futures contracts and options thereon. There is no guarantee such strategies will work. If the ETF is not successful in employing such instruments in managing its portfolio, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if it did not invest in the ETF employing such strategies. Successful use by an ETF of options on stock indices, index futures contracts (and options thereon) will be subject to its ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of the securities generally or of a particular market segment. In addition, the ETFs will pay commissions and other costs in connection with such investments, which may increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce the return. In utilizing certain derivatives, the ETFs losses are potentially unlimited. Derivative instruments may also involve the risk that other parties to the derivative contract may fail to meet their obligations, which could cause losses.

 

Gold-Related Risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to gold-related risk. Investments in instruments tied to the price of gold are considered speculative. The Fund’s investments in instruments tied to the price of gold may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time or subject the Fund to greater volatility than other types of investments due to many factors, such as changes in inflation or inflation expectations, the supply of gold, commercial and industrial demand for gold, purchases or sales of gold by entities such as governments or central banks, other actions by governments such as monetary policy changes or restrictions on ownership, investment speculation, or other economic, financial or political factors. Moreover, the majority of gold producers are located in a limited number of countries, and economic, political or other factors affecting one or more major sources of gold may have substantial effects on gold prices. The Fund’s gold-related investments will primarily consist of derivative instruments tied to the price of gold, such as futures or gold-related funds. In addition, a significant portion of the world’s gold reserves are held by governments, central banks and related institutions. The production, purchase and sale of gold by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be negatively affected by various economic, financial, social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant adverse impact on the supply and price of gold. Additionally, the United States or foreign governments may pass laws or regulations limiting metal investments for strategic or other policy reasons. The price of gold also can be significantly adversely affected by events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, tax and government regulations and intervention (including government restrictions on private ownership of gold and mining land), changes expectations regarding inflation in various countries and investment speculation.

 

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Fixed income market risks. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to interest fixed income market risk. Economic and other market developments can adversely affect the fixed income securities markets. At times, participants in these markets may develop concerns about the ability of certain issuers of debt instruments to make timely principal and interest payments, or they may develop concerns about the ability of financial institutions that make markets in certain debt instruments to facilitate an orderly market. Those concerns could cause increased volatility and reduced liquidity in particular securities or in the overall fixed income markets and the related derivatives markets. A lack of liquidity or other adverse credit market conditions may hamper the fund’s ability to sell the debt instruments in which it invests or to find and purchase suitable debt instruments. The market price of investments owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Fund’s investments may decline in value due to factors affecting the overall fixed income markets, or particular industries or sectors. The value of a holding may decline due to developments related to a particular issuer, but also due to general fixed income market conditions, including real or perceived adverse economic developments, such as changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation, or currency rates, or generally adverse investor sentiment. The value of a holding may also decline due to factors that negatively affect a particular industry, such as labor shortages, increased production costs, or competitive conditions.

 

Interest rate risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to interest rate risk. The prices of, and the income generated by, debt instruments held by the Fund may be affected by changes in interest rates. A rise in interest rates typically causes the price of a fixed rate debt instrument to fall and its yield to rise. Conversely, a decline in interest rates typically causes the price of a fixed rate debt instrument to rise and the yield to fall. Generally, funds with longer weighted average maturities and durations carry greater interest rate risk. Changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or governments such as the discontinuation and replacement of benchmark rates are likely to affect the level of interest rates. The prices of bonds and other fixed income securities typically increase as interest rates fall and prices typically decrease as interest rates rise (bond prices and interest rates usually move in opposite directions). Prices fall because the bonds and notes in the fund’s portfolio become less attractive to other investors when securities with higher yields become available. Generally, securities with longer maturities or durations and funds with longer weighted average maturities or durations have greater interest rate risk. As a result, in a rising interest rate environment, the net asset value of a fund with a longer weighted average maturity or duration typically decreases at a faster rate than the net asset value of a fund with a shorter weighted average maturity or duration. Interest rates have recently been near historically low levels. Extremely low or negative interest rates may increase the fund’s susceptibility to interest rate risk and reduce the fund’s yield. In addition, recent and potential future changes in monetary policy made by central banks and/or governments are likely to affect the level of interest rates. The discontinuation and replacement of a benchmark rate such as LIBOR (an indicative measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks could borrow from one another) may have a significant impact on the financial markets and may adversely impact the fund’s performance. As a result, rapid changes in interest rates may increase the fund’s overall exposure to interest rate risk.

 

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Credit quality risk. The Fund’s investments in ETFs may expose the Fund to credit quality risk. An issuer of a debt instrument could suffer an adverse change in financial condition that results in a payment default (failure to make scheduled interest or principal payments), rating downgrade, or inability to meet a financial obligation. The Fund’s investments should have relatively low credit risk because they will invest only in securities backed by the U.S. government and other investments involving such securities.

 

Sector Risk. Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. If the Fund invests more heavily in a sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector.

 

ETF Structure Risks. The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to special risks, including:

 

         Trading Issues Risk. Although it is expected that shares of the Fund will remain listed for trading on the Exchange, trading in Fund shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares of the Fund will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange or will trade with any volume. There is no guarantee that an active secondary market will develop for shares of the Fund. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of shares of the Fund may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than shares of the Fund. This adverse effect on liquidity for the Fund’s shares in turn could lead to differences between the market price of the Fund’s shares and the underlying value of those Shares.

 

         Market Price Variance Risk. The market prices of shares of the Fund will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Fund shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that shares of the Fund may trade at a discount to NAV. The market price of Fund shares may deviate from the value of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the shares of the Fund bought or sold.

 

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         Authorized Participants (“APs”), Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as APs. In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, shares of the Fund may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

 

         Costs of Buying or Selling Shares of the Fund. Due to the costs of buying or selling shares of the Fund, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid/ask spreads, frequent trading of shares of the Fund may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in shares of the Fund may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a new ETF and has only recently commenced operations. As a new fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate. The Fund’s distributor does not maintain a secondary market in the Fund’s shares. If the Fund does not grow its assets to a viable level it may be difficult for the Adviser to implement the Fund’s investment strategies and achieve the desired portfolio diversification. This could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such liquidation could have negative tax consequences.

 

New Adviser Risk. The Adviser has not previously managed an ETF but the Adviser has experience managing assets employing the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund’s sub-adviser has experience managing the day-to-day Creation and/or Redemption basketing processing for an ETF.

 

Other Risks for the Fund

 

Cyber Security Risk. Failures or breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and/or the Fund’s other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to the Fund and their shareholders. While the Fund have established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches or failures, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the Fund’s service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or issuers of securities in which the Fund invest.

 

Health Crisis Risk. A widespread health crisis, such as a global pandemic, could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions or restrictions and closures of securities exchanges and businesses, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and adversely impact Fund performance. An outbreak of an infectious respiratory illness, COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was first detected in China in December 2019 and spread globally. As of the date of this prospectus, this outbreak has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, disruptions in markets, lower consumer demand, layoffs, defaults and other significant economic impacts, as well as general concern and uncertainty. These types of market disruptions may adversely impact the Fund’s investments, including impairing hedging activity to the extent the Fund engages in such activity, as expected correlations between related markets or instruments may no longer apply. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in short-term instruments that have negative yields, the Fund’s value may be impaired as a result. Any suspension of trading in markets in which the Fund invests will have an impact on the Fund and its investments and will impact the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell securities in those markets. The impact of this outbreak has adversely affected the economies of many nations and the entire global economy and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. The duration of the outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with any certainty.

 

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In the past, governmental and quasigovernmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of fiscal and monetary policy changes, including direct capital infusions into companies and other issuers, new monetary policy tools, and lower interest rates. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of such policies, is likely to increase market volatility, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments.

 

The outbreak could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the Fund’s service providers rely and could otherwise disrupt the ability of employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. Other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future could have similar or other unforeseen effects. Public health crises may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social, and economic risks in certain countries or globally.

 

Temporary Investments

 

To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities.  These short-term debt securities include: money market mutual funds, treasury bills, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited.  The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies. When the Fund takes such a position, it may not achieve its investment objective. It is expected that such a defensive change will be rare.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

The Investment Adviser. WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140, Destin, Florida 32541 is the investment adviser for the Fund. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a limited liability company and was organized in Missouri.

 

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments. The Adviser also: (i) furnishes the Fund with office space and certain administrative services; (ii) provides guidance and policy direction in connection with its daily management of the Fund’s assets, subject to the authority of the Board; and (iii) is responsible for oversight of the Sub-Adviser. For its services, the Adviser is entitled to receive an annual management fee calculated daily and payable monthly, as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the rate of 0.67% of the first $250 million, 0.62% from $250 up to $500 million, and 0.57% in excess $500 million.

 

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Fund, to pay all expenses of the Fund, except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

The Sub-Adviser. The Adviser has retained Toroso Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) to serve as sub-adviser for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for handling the day-to-day management of the Fund’s trading process, which includes Creation and/or Redemption basket processing. The Sub-Adviser does not select investments for the Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser, which has its principal office at 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, NY 11758, provides investment advisory, investment research, and portfolio construction services to ETF clients. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is paid a sub-advisory fee by the Adviser. See the Fund’s statement of additional information (“SAI”) for a description of the Sub-Adviser’s fee.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Fund will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ending January 31, 2022, once that report is produced.

 

The Portfolio Managers

 

Adviser Portfolio Manager - Mr. John G. McHugh, portfolio manager, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolios, including stock selection, investment monitoring and trading.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in the Fund.

 

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The Trust

 

The Fund is a diversified series of the ETF Opportunities Trust, an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 18, 2019. The Board supervises the operations of the Fund according to applicable state and federal law, and the Board is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s business affairs.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI. Complete holdings are published on the Fund’s website on a daily basis. Please visit the Fund’s website at www.wealthtrustetf.com. In addition, the Fund’s complete holdings (as of the dates of such reports) are available in reports on Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR filed with the SEC.

 

HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES

 

Shares of the Fund is listed for trading on the Exchange. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

 

When buying or selling shares through a broker in the secondary market, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges. There is typically a spread between the bid and offered price of the Fund and you may pay some or all of the spread on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

 

Authorized Participants may acquire shares directly from the Fund and may tender their shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of at least 25,000 shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, which are described in the SAI.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will pay out redemption proceeds to a redeeming AP within two days after the AP’s redemption request is received, in accordance with the process set forth in the Fund’s SAI and in the agreement between the AP and the Fund’s distributor. However, the Fund reserves the right, including under stressed market conditions, to take up to seven days after the receipt of a redemption request to pay an AP, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund anticipates regularly meeting redemption requests primarily through in-kind redemptions. However, the Fund reserves the right to pay redemption proceeds to an AP in cash. Cash used for redemptions will be raised from the sale of portfolio assets or may come from existing holdings of cash or cash equivalents.

 

The Fund may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.

 

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Share Trading Prices

The approximate value of shares on a per share basis, is the sum of the current market price of the securities accepted by the Fund in exchange for shares plus an estimated cash component divided by the number of outstanding shares. This approximate value will be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. However, the calculation method of the approximate value and that of the NAV may differ, therefore approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per share. Where the approximate value is calculated throughout the day, the NAV is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the shares, and the Fund does not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

 

Book Entry

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

 

Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.

 

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

 

Shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by Authorized Participants, and the vast majority of trading in shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund’s trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With regard to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (i.e., for securities), those trades do not cause the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in cash, those trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. However, direct trading by Authorized Participants is critical to ensuring that shares trade at or close to NAV. The Fund also employs fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. In addition, the Fund imposes transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that a Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances. Given this structure, the Trust has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Shares.

 

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DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

 

Shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV by the Fund. In-kind Creation Unit trade arrangements are designed to protect Fund shareholders from the adverse effects on the Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. The Fund expects to typically satisfy Creation Unit redemptions in-kind but, if necessary, will do so in cash. Cash Unit redemptions may result in the Fund selling portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions which can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the fund, whereas the shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

 

Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually by the Fund. The Fund will distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements.

 

No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Fund. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

 

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.

 

Taxes

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.

 

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

 

- The Fund makes distributions,

- You sell your shares listed on the Exchange, and

- You purchase or redeem Creation Units.

 

Taxes on Distributions

Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that the Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their shares at the rate for net capital gain. A part of the Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses affect the Fund’s performance.

 

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In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares.

 

Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

 

By law, the Fund is required to withhold 24% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

 

Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.

 

Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An Authorized Participant who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“Service”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

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Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less.

 

If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to share redemptions and the Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the Service.

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the shares under all applicable tax laws. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for more information.

 

FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator”) is the Fund’s administrator. The firm is primarily in the business of providing administrative services to retail and institutional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

 

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”) serves as the Fund’s fund accountant and transfer agent, and it provides certain other services to the Fund not provided by the Administrator. Citi is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional exchange traded funds and mutual funds.

 

Citibank, N.A., serves as the Fund’s custodian.

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the Distributor of Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis. The Distributor does not maintain a Secondary Market in shares.

 

Practus, LLP services as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

 

Cohen & Company, Ltd, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Continuous Offering

The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

 

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For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

 

Dealers effecting transactions in the shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.

 

Premium/Discount Information

When available, information regarding how often the Shares of the Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e. at a discount) the NAV of the Fund will be available at www.wealthtrustetf.com

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date hereof, no financial highlights are available. In the future, financial highlights will be presented in this section of the Prospectus.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

You will find more information about the Fund in the following documents:

 

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports will contain more information about the Fund. The Fund’s annual report will contain a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that had a significant effect on the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.

 

For more information about the Fund, you may wish to refer to the Fund’s SAI dated November 23, 2021, which is on file with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You can obtain a free copy of the annual and semi-annual reports, and SAI by writing to ETF Opportunities Trust, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling the Fund toll free at (844)-444-3863, by e-mail at: mail@ccofva.com. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, prospectus and SAI are all available for viewing/downloading at www.wealthtrustetf.com. General inquiries regarding the Fund may also be directed to the above address or telephone number.

 

Copies of these documents and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of these documents may also be obtained, after paying a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

(Investment Company Act File No. 811-23439)

 

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WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

(the “Fund”)

 

WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Dated November 23, 2021

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus for the Fund dated November 23, 2021 as it may be supplemented or revised from time to time. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Fund’s prospectus. You can obtain a free copy of the annual and semi-annual reports (once available), prospectus and SAI by writing to WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF, 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling the Fund toll free at (844)-444-3863, by e-mail at: mail@ccofva.com. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, prospectus and SAI are all available for viewing/downloading at www.wealthtrustetf.com. General inquiries regarding the Fund may also be directed to the above address or telephone number.

 

Investment Adviser:

WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC

4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140

Destin, Florida 32541

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE TRUST 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 1
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS 2
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 6
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS 8
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST 12
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS 18
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES 20
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 29
TAXES 29
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES 42
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS 44
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES 45
PROXY VOTING 46
CODES OF ETHICS 46
EXHIBIT A 47
EXHIBIT B 49
EXHIBIT C 53

 

 

 

 

THE TRUST

 

General. This SAI relates to WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (the “Fund”) and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s prospectus. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Fund’s prospectus. No investment in shares should be made without reading the prospectus. The Fund is a diversified series of ETF Opportunities Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”). The investment adviser to the Fund is WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the sub-adviser to the Fund is Toroso Asset Management (the “Sub-Adviser”).

 

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). All Shares have equal rights and privileges. Each Share is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which Shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each Share is entitled to participate equally with other Shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional Shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full Share.

 

The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in aggregations of at least 25,000 Shares (each a “Creation Unit”). The Fund will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for a basket of securities (the “Deposit Securities”), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the “Cash Component”), plus a transaction fee. The Fund has been approved for listing on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.

 

Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions as described herein - see the section titled “Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process” found on page 23-24 of this SAI. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees may be imposed and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See “Additional Information About Purchase and Redemptions” below.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

 

The Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the prospectus. The Fund is “diversified” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments discussed below, see “Description of Permitted Investments” in this SAI.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Average annual portfolio turnover rate is the ratio of the lesser of sales or purchases to the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the year, excluding from both the numerator and the denominator all securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. A higher portfolio turnover rate involves greater transaction expenses to the Fund and may result in the realization of net capital gains, which would be taxable to shareholders when distributed. The Fund is new, so no portfolio turnover rate is available at this time.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

The following discussion of investment techniques and instruments supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the investment information in the Fund’s prospectus. In seeking to meet its investment objective, the Fund may invest in any type of security whose characteristics are consistent with its investment programs. To the extent particular investment techniques or instruments are not described in the Principal Investment Strategies disclosure of the Fund’s prospectus, such investment techniques and instruments are not a part of the principal strategies and the corresponding risks are not principal risks of the Fund. Any discussion of risks associated with the noted investments may impact the Fund directly or indirectly through the Fund’s investments in ETFs.

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock is a class of capital stock that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of assets. Preferred stock does not ordinarily carry voting rights. Most preferred stock is cumulative; if dividends are passed (not paid for any reason), they accumulate and must be paid before common stock dividends. Passed dividend on non-cumulative preferred stock is generally gone forever. Participating preferred stock entitles its holders to share in profits above and beyond the declared dividend, along with common shareholders, as distinguished from non-participating preferred, which is limited to a stipulated dividend. Adjustable rate preferred stock pays a dividend that is adjustable, usually quarterly, based on changes in the Treasury bill rate or other money market rates. Convertible preferred stock is exchangeable for a given number of common shares and thus tends to be more volatile than non-convertible preferred, which behaves more like a fixed-income bond.

 

Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Traditional convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock or other equity securities, and other securities that also provide an opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other equity securities). As with other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and therefore may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, the price of a convertible security may be greater than the value of the underlying common stock.

 

Warrants. The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy them. Hence, warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The value of warrants is derived solely from capital appreciation of the underlying equity securities. Warrants differ from call options in that the underlying corporation issues warrants, whereas call options may be written by anyone.

 

Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and money market funds. The Fund may invest in equal weighted inverse ETFs. Inverse ETFs seek to provide investment results that match a certain percentage of the inverse of the results of a specific index on a daily or monthly basis. The Fund also may invest in ETFs whose portfolios primarily consist of commodities.

 

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In addition to risks generally associated with investments in investment company securities, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to traditional mutual funds: (i) the ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below its net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iv) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

 

Inverse ETFs are subject to additional risks not generally associated with traditional ETFs. To the extent that the Fund invests in inverse ETFs, the value of the Fund’s inverse ETF investment will decrease when the index underlying the ETF’s benchmark index rises, a result that is the opposite from traditional equity or bond funds. The net asset value and market price of an inverse ETFs are usually more volatile than the value of the tracked index or of other ETFs.. This is because inverse ETFs use investment techniques and financial instruments that may be considered aggressive, including the use of derivative transactions and short selling techniques. The use of these techniques may cause the inverse ETFs to lose more money in market environments that are adverse to their investment strategies than other funds that do not use such techniques.

 

To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs that invest in commodities, it will be subject to additional risks. Commodities are real assets such as oil, agriculture, livestock, industrial metals, and precious metals such as gold or silver. The values of ETFs that invest in commodities are highly dependent on the prices of the related commodities. The demand and supply of these commodities may fluctuate widely based on such factors as interest rates, investors’ expectations with respect to the rate of inflation, currency exchange rates, the production and cost levels of the producing countries and/or forward selling by such producers, global or regional political, economic or financial events, purchases and sales by central banks, and trading activities by hedge funds and other commodity funds. Commodity ETFs may use derivatives, such as futures, options and swaps, which exposes them to further risks, including counterparty risk (i.e., the risk that the institution on the other side of their trade will default).

 

Fixed Income Securities. To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the risk that the Fund could lose money if an issuer of a fixed income security cannot meet its financial obligations or goes bankrupt. Interest rate risk is the risk that the current market value of the Fund’s investments in fixed income securities may fall when interest rates rise, as fixed income security values react inversely to associated interest rates during normal market conditions.

 

U.S. Government Securities. U.S. government securities are high-quality debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government. Not all U.S. government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or guaranteed by the United States Treasury. For example, securities issued by the Farm Credit Banks or by the Federal National Mortgage Association are supported by the instrumentality’s right to borrow money from the U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances. Many U.S. Government agency obligations have an implied backing of the U.S. Government, but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

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Corporate Debt Securities. Corporate debt securities are long- and short-term debt obligations issued by companies (such as publicly issued and privately placed bonds, notes and commercial paper). The Advisor considers corporate debt securities to be of investment grade quality if they are rated BBB or higher by S&P or Baa or higher by Moody’s, or if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Investment grade debt securities generally have adequate to strong protection of principal and interest payments. For securities on the lower end of this category, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal than for higher-rated securities.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Fund may hold cash or invest in cash equivalents. Cash equivalents include money market funds, commercial paper (for example, short-term notes with maturities typically up to 12 months in length issued by corporations, governmental bodies, or bank/corporation sponsored conduits (asset-backed commercial paper)); short-term bank obligations (for example, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances (time drafts on a commercial bank where the bank accepts an irrevocable obligation to pay at maturity)); or bank notes; savings association and saving bank obligations (for example, bank notes and certificates of deposit issued by savings banks or savings associations); securities of the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities that mature or may be redeemed in one year or less, and; corporate bonds and notes that mature or that may be redeemed in one year or less.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in foreign securities. Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to the Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. The establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations. In addition, investing in foreign securities will generally result in higher commissions than investing in similar domestic securities.

 

Decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).

 

Depositary Receipts. Assets of the Fund may be invested on a global basis to take advantage of investment opportunities both within the United States and other countries. The Fund may buy foreign securities directly in their principal markets or indirectly through the use of depositary receipts. The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), and other similar depositary receipts. ADRs are issued by an American bank or trust company and represent ownership of underlying securities of a foreign company. EDRs are issued in Europe, usually by foreign banks, and represent ownership of either foreign or domestic underlying securities. The foreign country may withhold taxes on dividends or distributions paid on the securities underlying ADRs and EDRs, thereby reducing the dividend or distribution amount received by shareholders.

 

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Unsponsored ADRs and EDRs are issued without the participation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs and EDRs. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally bear all of the costs of the ADR facilities. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. Therefore, there may not be a correlation between information concerning the issuer of the security and the market value of an unsponsored ADR.

 

Borrowing. As required by the 1940 Act, the Fund must maintain continuous asset coverage (total assets, including assets acquired with borrowed funds, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of all amounts borrowed. If, at any time, the value of a Fund’s assets should fail to meet this 300% coverage test, the Fund, within three days (not including Sundays and holidays), will reduce the amount of the Fund’s borrowings to the extent necessary to meet this 300% coverage. Maintenance of this percentage limitation may result in the sale of portfolio securities at a time when investment considerations otherwise indicate that it would be disadvantageous to do so. Investment strategies that either obligate a Fund to purchase securities or require a Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowing.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with qualified, creditworthy banks or non-bank dealers (“Seller”) as determined by the Adviser. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys from the Seller investment-grade securities at one price and the Seller agrees to repurchase these securities at a later date (usually within one to seven days) for a price equal to the original price paid by the Fund plus an agreed interest payment (“Repurchase Price”). The Seller’s obligation to repurchase the securities is secured by cash, the securities purchased, and/or certain U.S. government securities or U.S. agency guaranteed securities (“Collateral”). The Collateral is held by the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) that is a financial intermediary. The Adviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the current market value of the Collateral to ensure it always equals or exceeds the Repurchase Price. Each repurchase agreement must at all times be “fully collateralized” as required by Rule 5b-3 under the 1940 Act. Repurchase agreements involve risks that the Seller cannot pay the Repurchase Price (e.g., in the event of a default or insolvency of the Seller) and risks that the net liquidation value of the Collateral is less than the amount needed to repay the Repurchase Price. In addition, the Fund may invest in foreign repurchase agreements. Foreign repurchase agreements may include agreements to purchase and sell foreign securities in exchange for fixed U.S. dollar amounts, or in exchange for specified amounts of foreign currency. In the event of default by the counterparty, the Fund may suffer a loss if the value of the security purchased, i.e., the collateral, in U.S. dollars, is less than the agreed upon repurchase price, or if the Fund is unable to successfully assert a claim to the collateral under foreign laws. As a result, foreign repurchase agreements may involve greater credit risk than repurchase agreements in U.S. markets, as well as risks associated with currency fluctuations. Repurchase agreements with foreign counterparties may have more risk than with U.S. counterparties, since less financial information may be available about the foreign counterparties and they may be less creditworthy.

 

The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

 

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Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may make short- and long-term loans of its portfolio securities. To the extent that a lending policy is authorized by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and implemented by the Adviser, the Fund may make loans of its portfolio securities in response to requests of broker-dealers or institutional investors which the Adviser deems qualified. In all such cases, the borrower must agree to maintain collateral, in the form of cash or U.S. government obligations, with the Fund on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to 100% of the value of the loaned securities. The Fund will continue to receive dividends or interest on the loaned securities and may terminate such loans at any time or reacquire such securities in time to vote on any matter which the Board determines to be serious. With respect to loans of securities, there is the risk that the borrower may fail to return the loaned securities or that the borrower may not be able to provide additional collateral. No loan of securities will be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of such loans would exceed 5% of the value of a Fund’s net assets.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may take temporary defensive measures that are inconsistent with the Fund’s normal fundamental or non–fundamental investment policies and strategies in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions as determined by the Adviser. Such measures could include, but are not limited to, investments in (1) highly liquid short–term fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, commercial paper, and bank certificates of deposit; (2) repurchase agreements involving any such securities; and (3) other money market instruments. The Fund may also invest in shares of money market mutual funds to the extent permitted under applicable law. Money market mutual funds are investment companies, and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear their ratable share of their expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Adviser, with respect to assets so invested. The Fund may not achieve its investment objectives during temporary defensive periods.

 

OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

Initial Public Offerings. The Fund may participate in the initial public offering (“IPO”) market, and a portion of the Fund’s returns may be attributed to IPO investments; the impact on the Fund’s performance of IPO investments will be magnified if the Fund has a small asset base. Although the IPO market in recent years has been strong, there is no guarantee that it will continue to be so or that suitable IPOs will be available and, as the Fund’s assets grow, there is no guarantee that the impact of IPO investing will produce positive performance.

 

Miscellaneous. The Board may, in the future, authorize the Fund to invest in securities other than those listed in this SAI and in the prospectus, provided that such investments would be consistent with the respective Fund’s investment objective and that such investments would not violate the respective Fund’s fundamental investment policies or restrictions.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

Fundamental. The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (“Fundamental”), i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, the term “majority” of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund. Other investment practices which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of shareholders to the extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are considered non-fundamental (“Non-Fundamental”).

 

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The Fund:

 

1. May not borrow money except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

2. May not issue senior securities to others, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

3. May not underwrite securities issued by others except to the extent a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities.

 

4. May not purchase or sell real estate except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

5. May invest in commodities only as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

 

6. May not make loans to others, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

 

7. May not invest more than 25% of the value of its net assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry; except that if the Fund’s principal investment objective/strategy is to target the performance of a specific index, the Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in a particular industry to approximately the same extent that the Fund’s target index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular industry. The limitation against industry concentration does not apply to investments in securities of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities.

 

Further, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund:

 

shall be a “diversified company” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, as interpreted or modified by regulatory authorities from time to time.

 

Except with respect to borrowing and circumstances where the Fund is required to “cover” its positions, if a percentage or rating restriction on an investment or use of assets set forth herein or in the Prospectus is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in such percentages or restrictions resulting from any cause other than actions by the Fund will not be considered a violation. Currently, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified, the Fund is permitted, consistent with the 1940 Act, to borrow, and pledge its shares to secure such borrowing, provided, that immediately thereafter there is asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings by the Fund from a bank. If borrowings exceed this 300% asset coverage requirement by reason of a decline in net assets of the Fund, the Fund will reduce its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) to the extent necessary to comply with the 300% asset coverage requirement. The 1940 Act also permits the Fund to borrow for temporary purposes only in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the loan is made. A loan shall be presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed. To the extent outstanding borrowings of the Fund exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund, the Fund will not make additional purchases of securities – the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent the Fund from settling portfolio transactions or satisfying shareholder redemptions orders. The SEC has indicated, however, that certain types of transactions, which could be deemed “borrowings” (such as firm commitment agreements and reverse repurchase agreements), are permissible if a Fund “covers” the agreements by establishing and maintaining segregated accounts.

 

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Currently, with respect to senior securities, the 1940 Act and regulatory interpretations of relevant provisions of the 1940 Act establish the following general limits, subject to modification to conform to the 1940 Act as interpreted or modified: Open-end registered investment companies such as the Fund is not permitted to issue any class of senior security or to sell any senior security of which they are the issuers. The Trust is, however, permitted to issue separate series of shares and to divide those series into separate classes. The Fund currently offers one class of shares. The Fund has no intention of issuing senior securities, except that the Trust has issued its shares in separate series and may divide those series into classes of shares. Collateral arrangements with respect to forward contracts, futures contracts or options, including deposits of initial and variation margin, are not considered to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of this restriction.

 

With respect to the Fund’s Fundamental Policy #4 as described above, the Fund will consider, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable rules, regulations of the SEC and applicable guidance from the staff of the SEC, investments of its underlying investment companies when determining its compliance with the policy.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

 

MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Investment Adviser. WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140, Destin, Florida 32541, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser is a limited liability company and was organized in Missouri.

 

The Adviser currently provides investment advisory services pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio of the Fund, subject to the policies adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In addition, the Adviser: (i) furnishes office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and executive personnel necessary for managing the assets of the Fund; (ii) provides guidance and policy direction in connection with its daily management of the Fund’s assets, subject to the authority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and (iii) is responsible for oversight of the Sub-Adviser. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser assumes and pays, at its own expense and without reimbursement from the Trust, all ordinary expenses of the Fund, except the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and any other portfolio transaction related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses, and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

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For its services with respect to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive an annual management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, at the rate of 0.67% of the first $250 million, 0.62% from $250 up to $500 million, and 0.57% in excess $500 million. The Adviser retains the right to use the name “WealthTrust” or any derivative thereof in connection with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is or may become associated. The Trust’s right to use the name “WealthTrust” or any derivative thereof automatically ceases ninety days after termination of the Advisory Agreement and may be withdrawn by the Adviser on ninety days written notice. The services furnished by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to perform similar services for others.

 

The Advisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees (including all the Independent Trustees) in compliance with the 1940 Act. The Advisory Agreement will continue in force for an initial period of up to two years. Thereafter, the Advisory Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or by a majority of a Fund’s outstanding shares on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser, or by the Adviser on 90 days’ written notice to the Trust. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

 

The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or its shareholders. Financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the financial institution’s services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may purchase securities issued by financial institutions that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

 

The Sub-Adviser. The Adviser has retained Toroso Asset Management (the “Sub-Adviser”) to serve as sub-adviser for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser has its principal office at 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, New York 11785. The Sub-Adviser was established in 2012 and provides investment advisory, investment research, and portfolio construction services to ETF clients. No outside companies or individuals currently own more than 25% of the Sub-Adviser’s voting rights. Over 50% of the Sub-Adviser’s voting rights are with employee-members.

 

Pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Sub-Adviser assists the Adviser in providing day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s trading process, which includes Creation and/or Redemption basket processing. The Sub-Adviser will work directly with the Fund’s Custodian, Transfer Agent and Adviser to carry out the trading process for the Fund. The Sub-Adviser does not select investments for the Fund’s portfolio. See below for description of the services being provided by the Custodian and the Transfer Agent.

 

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The Sub-Advisory Agreement was approved by the Trustees (including all the Independent Trustees) in compliance with the 1940 Act and by the Fund’s initial shareholder. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in force for an initial period of up to two years. Thereafter, the Sub-Advisory Agreement is renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund. The Sub-Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or by a majority of each of the Fund’s outstanding shares or by the Adviser on not less than 60 days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser, or by the Sub-Adviser on 90 days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Trust. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by the Adviser, which is calculated daily and payable monthly as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, as set forth in the table below:

 

Threshold Fee*
All Assets 0.03%

 

*Subject to $20,000 minimum per year

 

Portfolio Manager. As described in the prospectus, John G McHugh serve as the Fund’s Portfolio Manager and they are responsible for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund. In addition to the Fund, the Portfolio Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of October 31, 2021:

 

Portfolio Manager

Other 

Registered 

Investment

Company 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Other Pooled 

Investment 

Vehicle 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Other 

Accounts 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

Total 

Assets 

Managed 

($ millions) 

John G. McHugh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

 

Conflicts of Interests. The Portfolio Manager’s management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby the Portfolio Manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the Portfolio Manager’s knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby the Portfolio Manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

Compensation. Mr. McHugh does not receive compensation that is based upon the pre- or after-tax performance of the Fund; however, Mr. McHugh, as an owner of the Adviser, will receive compensation based on the profits of the Adviser, which may include monies received from serving as the Adviser to the Fund.

 

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Portfolio Manager Share Ownership. As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio Manager did not beneficially own shares of the Fund.

 

Administrator. Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235 (the “Administrator”) serves as the Fund’s administrator. In its capacity as administrator, the Administrator supervises all aspects of the operations of the Fund except those performed by the Adviser. The Administrator provides certain administrative services and facilities to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, assisting in the preparation and filing of documents required for compliance by the Fund with applicable laws and regulations and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund. The Administrator receives an asset-based fee computed daily and paid monthly on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to a minimum fee plus out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Fund Accountant, Transfer Agency and Other Services. Pursuant to a Services Agreement with Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“Citi”), located at 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 200, Columbus, OH, 43219, Citi provides certain financial administration services (other than those provided by the Administrator), transfer agency, and fund accounting services to the Fund. As financial administrator, Citi performs services including but not limited to: (1) calculating Fund expenses; (2) calculating the Fund performance data; and (3) providing certain compliance support services. As fund accountant, Citi maintains certain financial records of the Trust and provides accounting services to the Fund that include the daily calculation of the Fund’s NAV. Citi also performs certain other services on behalf of the Trust including providing financial information for the Trust’s federal and state tax returns and financial reports required to be filed with the SEC. As transfer agent, Citi issues shares of the Fund in Creation Units to fill purchase orders for the Fund’s shares, maintains records of the issuance and redemption of the Fund’s shares, and acts as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent.

 

For the financial administration and fund accounting services provided to the Trust, the Trust has agreed to pay to Citi an annual asset based fee as a percentage of the aggregate net assets of the Fund, subject to certain breakpoints and minimum fee requirements. Citi is also entitled to fees for services that it renders with respect to the filing of Form N-PORT, its services related to liquidity risk management and out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Custodian. Pursuant to a Custodial and Agency Services Agreement with the Trust, Citibank, N.A. (“Custodian”), located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10048, serves as Custodian for the Fund and safeguards and holds the Fund’s cash and securities, settles the Fund’s securities transactions and collects income on the Fund’s investments. Under the agreement, the Custodian also: (1) provides data required by the Adviser to determine the Fund’s Creation Basket and estimated All Cash Amount for each Business Day (this service is paid for by the Adviser directly pursuant to the Support Services Agreement between Citi and the Adviser (see “Support Services Agreement,” above)); (2) monitors the settlement of securities comprising the Creation Basket and any cash in connection with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units and requests the issuance of related Creation Units; (3) deposits securities comprising the Creation Basket and/or cash received from Authorized Participants in connection with purchases of Creation Units into the Fund’s custody and cash accounts; (4) disburses securities comprising the Creation Basket and/or cash from the Fund’s custody and cash accounts to Authorized Participants in connection with the redemptions of Creation Units; and (5) performs certain other related services, (See “Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units,” below).

 

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Distributor and Principal Underwriter. Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) the Fund’s distributor, is located at Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in whole Creation Units, as described in the section of this SAI entitled “Additional Information About Purchases and Sales.” The Distributor also acts as an agent for the Trust. The Distributor will deliver a prospectus to persons purchasing Shares in Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund.

 

The Board has not adopted a Distribution and Service Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (“Rule 12b-1 Plan”) under the 1940 Act with respect to the Fund. No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently paid by the Fund and there are no plans to impose these fees.

 

The Adviser and its affiliates may, out of their own resources, pay amounts to third parties for distribution or marketing services on behalf of the Fund. The making of these payments could create a conflict of interest for a financial intermediary receiving such payments.

 

Legal Counsel. Practus, LLP, 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310, Leawood, KS 66211, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd, audits the Fund’s annual financial statements, assists in the preparation of certain reports to the SEC, and prepares the Trust’s tax returns. Cohen & Company, Ltd is located at 1350 Euclid Ave, Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

 

Trustees and Officers. The Trust is governed by the Board, which is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trust’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. The names, addresses and ages of the trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal occupations during the past five years, are listed below.

 

Each Trustee was nominated to serve on the Board of Trustees based on their particular experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills. Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience; (ii) qualifications; (iii) attributes; and (iv) skills. Mr. David J. Urban has been a Professor of Education since 1989. His strategic planning, organizational and leadership skills help the Board set long-term goals. Ms. Mary Lou H. Ivey has business experience as a practicing tax accountant since 1996 and, as such, brings tax, budgeting and financial reporting skills to the Board. Mr. Theo H. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as Senior Partner of a financial consulting company, as a partner of a real estate partnership and as an Account Administrator for a money management firm. Mr. Kevin Farragher has experience as an executive in multiple roles in the investment management industry, including product management, mutual fund, ETF and brokerage operations, and trade supervision and compliance. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee’s qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.

 

12 

 

 

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Ms. Ivey, who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Trust also has an independent Audit Committee that allows the Board to access the expertise necessary of oversee the Trust, identify risks, recognize shareholder concerns and needs and highlight opportunities. The Audit Committee is able to focus Board time and attention to matters of interest to shareholders and, through its private sessions with the Trust’s auditor, Chief Compliance Officer and legal counsel, stay fully informed regarding management decisions.

 

ETFs face a number of risks, including investment risk, compliance risk and valuation risk. The Board oversees management of the Fund’s risks directly and through its officers. While day-to-day risk management responsibilities rest with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, investment advisers and other service providers, the Board monitors and tracks risk by: (1) receiving and reviewing quarterly reports related to the performance and operations of the Fund; (2) reviewing and approving, as applicable, the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust, including the Trust’s valuation policies and transaction procedures; (3) periodically meeting with the portfolio manager to review investment strategies, techniques and related risks; (4) meeting with representatives of key service providers, including the Fund’s investment advisers, administrator, distributor, transfer agent and the independent registered public accounting firm, to discuss the activities of the Fund; (5) engaging the services of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund to monitor and test the compliance procedures of the Trust and its service providers; (6) receiving and reviewing reports from the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding the Fund’s financial condition and the Trust’s internal controls; and (7) receiving and reviewing an annual written report prepared by the Chief Compliance Officer reviewing the adequacy of the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures and the effectiveness of their implementation. The Board has concluded that its general oversight of the investment adviser and other service providers as implemented through the reporting and monitoring process outlined above allows the Board to effectively administer its risk oversight function.

 

Following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal occupation over the last five years. The mailing address of each Trustee and officer is 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond VA, 23235, unless otherwise indicated.

 

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES

 

NAME, AGE
AND
POSITION
WITH THE
TRUST
TERM OF
OFFICE AND
LENGTH OF
TIME
SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE

YEARS

NUMBER OF
FUNDS IN FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE

OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY
TRUSTEE

David J. Urban

(66)

Trustee

Indefinite, Since December, 2019

Dean, Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University since July 2013.

10 Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust.

Mary Lou H. Ivey

(63)

Trustee

Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Accountant, Harris, Hardy & Johnstone, P.C., (accounting firm), since 2008. 10 Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust.

 

13 

 

 

NAME, AGE
AND
POSITION
WITH THE
TRUST
TERM OF
OFFICE AND
LENGTH OF
TIME
SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE

YEARS

NUMBER OF
FUNDS IN FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE

OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY
TRUSTEE

Theo H. Pitt, Jr.

(85)

Trustee

Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (bank consulting) since 1997 to present. 10

Independent Trustee of Chesapeake Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Leeward Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for the one series of that trust; World Funds Trust for the twenty series of that trust; and Starboard Investment Trust for the twelve series of that trust; (all registered investment companies).

Kevin Farragher
(61)
Indefinite, Since December, 2019 Independent Consultant since 2014. 10 None

 

14 

 

 

OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES

 

NAME, AGE AND
POSITION(S)
WITH THE
TRUST
TERM OF
OFFICE
AND
LENGTH
OF TIME
SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE

YEARS

NUMBER OF
FUNDS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE

OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY TRUSTEE

David Bogaert

(58)

President

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director of Business Development, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. (fund administration), October 2013 – present; Senior Vice President of Business Development and other positions for Huntington Asset Services, Inc. from 1986 to 2013. N/A N/A

Thomas A. Carter

(54)

Vice President

Indefinite, Since December 2019 President Ridgeline Research September 2019 through present; President ALPS Advisors and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributors 2007-November 2018. Garden leave November 2018-September 2019. N/A N/A

Karen M. Shupe

(57)

Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director of Fund Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. N/A N/A

Ann T. MacDonald

(66)

Assistant Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

Indefinite, Since December 2019 Managing Director, Fund Administration and Fund Accounting, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 2003 to present. N/A N/A

John H. Lively

(52)

Secretary

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Attorney, Practus, LLP (law firm), May 2018 to present; Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm), March 2010 to May 2018.

N/A N/A

Holly B. Giangiulio

(59)

Assistant Secretary

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Managing Director, Corporate Operations, Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., January 2015 to present, Corporate Accounting and HR Manager from 2010 to 2015.

N/A N/A

Julian G. Winters

(52)

Chief Compliance Officer

Indefinite, Since December 2019

Managing Member of Watermark Solutions, LLC (investment compliance and consulting) since March 2007.

N/A N/A

 

15 

 

 

NAME, AGE AND
POSITION(S)
WITH THE
TRUST
TERM OF
OFFICE
AND
LENGTH
OF TIME
SERVED

PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATION(S) DURING
THE PAST FIVE

YEARS

NUMBER OF
FUNDS IN
FUND
COMPLEX
OVERSEEN BY
TRUSTEE

OTHER
DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY TRUSTEE

Tina H. Bloom
(52)
Assistant Secretary
Indefinite, Since July 2021 Attorney, Practus, LLP, May 2018 to present; Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., November 2017 to May 2018; Director of Fund Administration of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (fund administration and transfer agency) from 2011-2017. N/A N/A

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

The Board of Trustees oversees the Trust and certain aspects of the services provided by the Adviser and the Fund’s other service providers. Each Trustee will hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. Each officer of the Trust serves at the pleasure of the Board and for a term of one year or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

 

The Trust has a standing Audit Committee of the Board composed of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The functions of the Audit Committee are to meet with the Trust’s independent auditors to review the scope and findings of the annual audit, discuss the Trust’s accounting policies, discuss any recommendations of the independent auditors with respect to the Trust’s management practices, review the impact of changes in accounting standards on the Trust’s financial statements, recommend to the Board the selection of independent registered public accounting firm, and perform such other duties as may be assigned to the Audit Committee by the Board. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Audit Committee met once during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is described in Exhibit C – the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Valuation Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Valuation Committee meets as needed in the event that the Fund holds any securities that are subject to valuation and it reviews the fair valuation of such securities on an as needed basis. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Valuation Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee is comprised of Mr. Urban, Ms. Ivey, Mr. Pitt and Mr. Farragher. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to the appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents. The Trust recently commenced operations, and the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee did not meet during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2020.

 

16 

 

 

Trustee Compensation. Each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust may receive compensation for their services to the Trust. All Trustees are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. Each Trustee receives a retainer fee at the annualized rate of $7,500. Additionally, each Trustee may receive a fee of $2,500 per special in person meeting and $1,500 per special telephonic meeting. Compensation to be received by each Trustee from the Trust for the Fund’s first fiscal year is estimated as follows:

 

Name of Person / Position

Aggregate
Compensation

From Fund

Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued as Part
of Fund Expenses
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement
Total Compensation From
Fund and Fund Complex Paid
To Trustees (*)(1)
         
David J. Urban, Trustee $7,500 $0 $0 $7,500
         

Mary Lou H. Ivey, Trustee

 

Theo H. Pitt, Jr., Trustee

 

$7,500

 

$7,500

 

$0

 

$0

 

$0

 

$0

 

$7,500

 

$7,500

 

Kevin Farragher, Trustee $7,500 $0 $0 $7,500

 

* The Trust does not pay deferred compensation.

(1) The “Fund Complex” consists of the Fund.

 

Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares – The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Fund of the Trust, as of December 31, 2020, and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.

 

Name of Trustee Dollar Range of Equity Securities
in the Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by the Trustees in
Family of Investment Companies
Non-Interested Trustees    
David J. Urban A A
Mary Lou H. Ivey A A
Theo H. Pitt, Jr. A A
Kevin Farragher A A

 

Sales Loads. No front-end or deferred sales charges are applied to purchase of Fund shares by current or former trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the principal underwriter and by the members of their immediate families. No front-end or deferred sales charges are applied to the purchase of Shares.

 

17 

 

 

Policies Concerning Personal Investment Activities. The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics, pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that permit investment personnel, subject to their particular code of ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, for their own account.

 

The Codes of Ethics are on file with, and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D. C. In addition, the Codes of Ethics are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Proxy Voting Policies. The Trust is required to disclose information concerning the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures to shareholders. The Board has delegated to Adviser the responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed by the Board. The proxy voting policy for the Trust can be found in Exhibit A and the proxy voting policy of the Adviser can be found in Exhibit B. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, will be available (1) without charge, upon request by calling (844)-444-3863; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SECURITIES HOLDERS

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of such control. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to a Fund’s fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the Adviser.

 

The Fund has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

Calculation of Share Price

 

The NAV of the Fund’s shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund’s portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

 

Generally, the Fund’s domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market.

 

18 

 

 

Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost when it approximated fair value.

 

Exchange traded options are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange, or, if no settlement price is available, at the last sale price as of the close of business prior to when the Fund calculates NAV. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily depending on the type of instrument and reference assets based upon market prices, the mean between bid and asked prices quotations from market makers or by a pricing service or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

 

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund’s calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Fund’s NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Shares.

 

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board. As a result, the NAV of the Shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange Shares.

 

19 

 

 

Shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the “Exchange Close”) on each day that the Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the Exchange Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the Exchange Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

 

When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the Exchange Close.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND SALES

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS

 

Creation Units

 

The Fund issues and sells Shares only in Creation Units on a continuous basis on any business day through the Distributor at the Shares’ NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form. The Distributor processes purchase orders only on a day that the Exchange is open for trading (a “Business Day”). The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday except for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

Generally, the Trust will issue and sell Creation Units at NAV for “in kind” consideration, meaning the initiator of a creation or redemption order will deposit or receive as consideration a portfolio of all or some of the securities held in the relevant Fund’s portfolio, plus a cash amount (an “In Kind Creation” and “In Kind Redemption”). At the discretion of the Adviser, the Fund may elect at any time, and from time to time, that the consideration for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units will be made entirely in a cash amount equal to the NAV of the shares that constitute the Creation Unit(s) (an “All Cash Amount”).

 

Creation Orders

 

The consideration for an In Kind Creation generally consists of the Deposit Securities for each Creation Unit constituting a substantial replication, or representation, of the securities included in the Fund’s portfolio as selected by the Adviser (“Fund Securities”) and the Cash Component computed as described below. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,” which represents the minimum investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The Cash Component serves to compensate the Fund or the Authorized Participant, as applicable, for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Amount (as defined below). The Cash Component is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Fund Shares (per Creation Unit) and the “Deposit Amount,” an amount equal to the market value of the Deposit Securities. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will deliver the Cash Component. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the Deposit Amount), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component.

 

20 

 

 

In addition, the Fund reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (that is a “cash in lieu” amount) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process (discussed below) or for other similar reasons. The Fund also reserves the right to permit or require a “cash in lieu” amount where the delivery of Deposit Securities by the Authorized Participant (as described below) would be restricted under the securities laws or where delivery of Deposit Securities to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of Deposit Securities by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, and in certain other situations.

 

The Custodian, through the NSCC (see the section of this SAI entitled “Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units—Procedures for Creation of Creation Units”), makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. New York time), the list of the name and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security (if any) to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund. This Fund Deposit is applicable, subject to any adjustments as described below, to orders to effect creations of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities is made available, or unless the Adviser elects to receive an All Cash Amount in connection with the creation of Creation Units.

 

The identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities required for a Fund Deposit for the Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected within the Fund from time to time by the Adviser, with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. In addition, the Fund reserves the right to permit the substitution of an amount of cash – i.e., a “cash in lieu” amount – to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security that may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or that may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process (discussed below), or which might not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting or other relevant reason. In addition to the list of names and number of securities constituting the current Deposit Securities of a Fund Deposit, the Custodian, through the NSCC, also makes available on each Business Day the estimated Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per outstanding Creation Unit of the Fund.

 

The process for a creation order involving an All Cash Amount will be the same as the process for an In Kind Creation, except that the Cash Component will be the entirety of the amount deposited as consideration for the Creation Unit(s).

 

Procedures for Creation of Creation Units

 

All orders to create Creation Units must be placed with the Distributor either (1) through Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (“Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC, by a “Participating Party,” i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the Clearing Process; or (2) outside the Clearing Process by a DTC Participant. In each case, the Participating Party or the DTC Participant must have executed an agreement with the Distributor with respect to creations and redemptions of Creation Units (“Participant Agreement”); such parties are collectively referred to as “APs” or “Authorized Participants.” Investors should contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. All Fund Shares, whether created through or outside the Clearing Process, will be entered on the records of DTC for the account of a DTC Participant.

 

21 

 

 

“The Distributor will process orders to purchase Creation Units received by the closing time of the regular trading session on the Exchange (“Closing Time”).If an order to purchase Creation Units is received in proper form by Closing Time, then it will be processed that day. Purchase orders received in proper form after Closing Time will be processed on the following Business Day and will be priced at the NAV determined on that day. Custom orders must be received by the Distributor no later than 3:00 p.m. New York time on the trade date. In the case of an In Kind Creation, a custom order may be placed by an Authorized Participant in the event that the Trust permits the substitution of an amount of cash to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security which may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or which may not be eligible for trading by such Authorized Participant or the investor for which it is acting or other relevant reason. The date on which an order to create Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as discussed below) is placed is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, as described below in the sections entitled “Placement of Creation Orders Using the Clearing Process” and “Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process.”

 

All orders to create Creation Units from investors who are not Authorized Participants shall be placed with an Authorized Participant in the form required by such Authorized Participant. In addition, the Authorized Participant may request the investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order, e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and, therefore, orders to create Creation Units of the Fund have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement.

 

Those placing orders for Creation Units through the Clearing Process should afford sufficient time to permit proper submission of the order to the Distributor prior to the Closing Time on the Transmittal Date. Orders for Creation Units that are effected outside the Clearing Process are likely to require transmittal by the DTC Participant earlier on the Transmittal Date than orders effected using the Clearing Process. Those persons placing orders outside the Clearing Process should ascertain the deadlines applicable to DTC and the Federal Reserve Bank wire system by contacting the operations department of the broker or depository institution effectuating such transfer of the Fund Deposit. For more information about Clearing Process and DTC, see the sections below entitled “Placement of Creation Orders Using the Clearing Process” and “Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process.”

 

Placement of Creation Orders Using the Clearing Process

 

The Clearing Process is the process of creating or redeeming Creation Units through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. All Fund Deposits and/or Cash Component, as applicable, made through the Clearing Process must be delivered through a Participating Party that has executed a Participant Agreement. The Participant Agreement authorizes the Distributor or transfer agent to transmit through the Custodian to NSCC, on behalf of the Participating Party, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the Participating Party’s creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions to NSCC, the Participating Party agrees to deliver the requisite Fund Deposits and/or Cash Component, as applicable, to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. An order to create Creation Units through the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor or transfer agent on the Transmittal Date if (1) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (2) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed.

 

22 

 

 

Placement of Creation Orders Outside the Clearing Process

 

All Fund Deposits and/or Cash Component, as applicable, made outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order creating Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will instead be effected through a transfer of cash and securities directly through DTC. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities through DTC to the account of the Fund by no later than 11:00 a.m. New York time on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date (“DTC Cut-Off-Time”).

 

All questions as to the amount of an All Cash Amount, the number of Deposit Securities to be delivered, or the amount of a Cash Component, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities, will be determined by the Fund, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash equal to the Cash Component (including All Cash Amounts) must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 2:00 p.m. New York time on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date. An order to create Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (1) such order is received by the Distributor not later than the Closing Time on such Transmittal Date and (2) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. However, if the Custodian does not receive both the requisite Deposit Securities and the Cash Component or the All Cash Amount, as applicable, by 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively, on the next Business Day following the Transmittal Date, such order will be canceled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Fund Deposits and/or Cash Components as newly constituted to reflect the then-current Deposit Securities and Cash Component, or the All Cash Amount, as applicable. The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur no later than the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.

 

Additional transaction fees may be imposed with respect to transactions effected through a DTC participant outside the Clearing Process and in the limited circumstances in which any cash can be used in lieu of Deposit Securities to create Creation Units. See the section of this SAI entitled “Purchase and Sale of Creation Units—Creation Transaction Fee.”

 

Creation Units of an In-Kind Creation may be created in advance of receipt by the Fund of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of the Fund Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (1) the Cash Component plus (2) 125% of the then-current market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities (“Additional Cash Deposit”). The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to Closing Time and funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the Custodian by 11:00 a.m. New York time the following Business Day. If the order is not placed in proper form by Closing Time or funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 11:00 a.m. the next Business Day, then the order may be deemed to be canceled and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Fund, pending receipt of the undelivered Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to 125% of the daily marked-to-market value of the undelivered Deposit Securities. To the extent that undelivered Deposit Securities are not received by 1:00 p.m. New York time on the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor, or in the event a marked-to-market payment is not made within one Business Day following notification by the Distributor that such a payment is required, the Trust may use the cash on deposit to purchase the undelivered Deposit Securities. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Fund for the costs incurred by the Fund in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Distributor plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Fund will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the undelivered Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Fund and deposited into the Fund’s custodial account. In addition, a transaction fee will be charged in all cases. See the section below entitled “Creation Transaction Fee.” The delivery of Creation Units so created will occur no later than the third Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.

 

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Acceptance of Orders for Creation Units

 

The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject a creation order transmitted to it by the Distributor if: (1) the order is not in proper form; (2) if the Cash Component paid is incorrect; (3) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Fund Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (4) the Deposit Securities delivered are not as disseminated for that date by the Custodian, as described above; or (5) there exist circumstances outside the control of the Fund, the Custodian, transfer agent, the Distributor and the Adviser that make it for all practical purposes impossible to process creation orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Fund, the Adviser, the Distributor or transfer agent, DTC, NSCC, the Custodian or sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such prospective creator of its rejection of the order. The Fund, the Custodian, any sub-custodian, the transfer agent and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall any of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

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Creation Units typically are issued on a “T+2 basis” (that is, two Business Days after trade date).

 

To the extent contemplated by an Authorized Participant’s agreement with the Distributor, the Fund will issue Creation Units of an In Kind Creation to such Authorized Participant notwithstanding the fact that the corresponding Portfolio Deposits have not been received in part or in whole, in reliance on the undertaking of the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral having a value equal to 110%, which the Adviser may change from time to time, of the value of the missing Deposit Securities in accordance with the Trust’s then-effective procedures. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date. The only collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars or an irrevocable letter of credit in form, and drawn on a bank, that is satisfactory to the Trust. The cash collateral posted by the Authorized Participant may be invested at the risk of the Authorized Participant, and income, if any, on invested cash collateral will be paid to that Authorized Participant.

Information concerning the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization of missing Deposit Securities is available from the Distributor or transfer agent. The Authorized Participant Agreement will permit the Fund to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time and will subject the Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost to the Fund of purchasing such securities and the cash collateral or the amount that may be drawn under any letter of credit.

 

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units (whether by In Kind Creation/Redemption or for an All Cash Amount) on the same trade date. In these instances, the Fund reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis. All questions as to the amount of cash required to be delivered, the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered, as applicable, shall be determined by the Fund, and the Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Creation Transaction Fee

 

Authorized Participants will be required to pay to the Custodian a fixed transaction fee (“Creation Transaction Fee”) in connection with creation orders that is intended to offset the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the issuance of Creation Units. The standard creation transaction fee will be the same regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased by an investor on the applicable Business Day. The Creation Transaction Fee charged by the Fund’s custodian for each creation order is $250.00.

 

An additional variable fee of up to three (3) times the fixed Transaction Fee plus all commission and fees payable to the Fund in connection with the purchase of the Deposit Securities (expressed as a percentage of the value of such Deposit Securities) may be imposed for (1) creations effected outside the Clearing Process and (2) creations made in an All Cash Amount (to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with using cash to purchase the requisite Deposit Securities). Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust.

 

In order to seek to replicate the In Kind Creation order process for creation orders executed in whole or in part with cash, the Fund expects to purchase, in the secondary market or otherwise gain exposure to, the portfolio securities that could have been delivered as a result of an In Kind Creation order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons (“Creation Market Purchases”). In such cases where the Fund makes Creation Market Purchases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by the Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes.

 

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The Creation Transaction Fee may be waived for the Fund when the Adviser believes that waiver of the Creation Transaction Fee is in the best interest of the Fund. When determining whether to waive the Creation Transaction Fee, the Adviser considers a number of factors including whether waiving the Creation Transaction Fee will: facilitate the initial launch of the Fund; facilitate portfolio rebalancing in a less costly manner; improve the quality of the secondary trading market for the Fund’s shares; and not result in the Fund bearing additional costs or expenses as a result of the waiver.

 

Redemption Orders

 

The process to redeem Creation Units is essentially the reverse of the process by which Creation Units are created, as described above. To redeem Shares directly from the Fund, an investor must be an Authorized Participant or must redeem through an Authorized Participant. The Fund redeems Creation Units on a continuous basis on any Business Day through the Distributor at the Shares’ NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form. A Fund will not redeem Shares in amounts less than Creation Units. Authorized Participants must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Fund. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit.

 

Generally, Creation Units of the Fund will also be redeemed at NAV principally in kind, although the Fund reserves the right to redeem for an All Cash Amount, in each case less a transaction fee as described below. With respect to In Kind Redemptions, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m. New York time) on each Business Day, the identity of the Fund Securities that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as described below) on that day. Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities that are applicable to creations of Creation Units. The redemption proceeds for an In Kind Redemption of a Creation Unit consists of Fund Securities – as announced on the Business Day the request for redemption is received in proper form – plus or minus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of the Fund Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a redemption request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (“Cash Redemption Amount”), less a redemption transaction fee (see the section of this SAI entitled “Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units—Redemption Transaction Fee”).

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of a Fund’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstances as is permitted by the SEC.

 

Deliveries of redemption proceeds by the Fund generally will be made within two Business Days (that is “T+2”). However, as discussed in Appendix B, the Fund reserves the right to settle redemption transactions and deliver redemption proceeds on a basis other than T+2 to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (that is the last date the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security sold), and in certain other circumstances.

 

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The process for a redemption order involving an All Cash Amount will be the same as the process for an In-Kind Redemption, except that the proceeds of the redemption will be paid entirely in cash. Proceeds of redemptions of Creation Units payable in an All Cash Amount will be paid to the Authorized Participant redeeming Shares on behalf of the redeeming investor as soon as practicable after the date of redemption (within seven calendar days thereafter).

 

Placement of Redemption Orders Using the Clearing Process

 

Orders to redeem Creation Units through the Clearing Process must be delivered through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. Investors other than Authorized Participants are responsible for making arrangements with an Authorized Participant for an order to redeem. An order to redeem Creation Units is deemed received by the Trust on the Transmittal Date if: (1) such order is received by the Distributor not later than Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; and (2) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Such order will be effected based on the NAV of the relevant Fund as next determined. An order to redeem Creation Units using the Clearing Process made in proper form but received by the Distributor after Closing Time will be deemed received on the next Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date and will be effected at the NAV determined on such next Business Day. The requisite Fund Securities and/or the Cash Redemption Amount, as applicable, will be transferred by the third NSCC business day following the date on which such request for redemption is deemed received.

 

Placement of Redemption Orders Outside the Clearing Process

 

Orders to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through a DTC Participant that has executed the Participant Agreement. A DTC Participant who wishes to place an order for redemption of Creation Units to be effected outside the Clearing Process does not need to be a Participating Party, but such orders must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that redemption of Creation Units will instead be effected through transfer of Fund Shares directly through DTC. An order to redeem Creation Units outside the Clearing Process is deemed received by the Distributor on the Transmittal Date if (1) such order is received by the Distributor not later than Closing Time on such Transmittal Date; (2) such order is accompanied or followed by the requisite number of Fund Shares, which delivery must be made through DTC to the Custodian no later than the DTC Cut-Off-Time, and the Cash Redemption Amount, if owed to the Fund, which delivery must be made by 2:00 p.m. New York Time; and (3) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. After the Distributor receives an order for redemption outside the Clearing Process, the Distributor will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite Fund Securities which are expected to be delivered and the Cash Redemption Amount, if any, by the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date.

 

The calculation of the value of the Fund Securities and/or the Cash Redemption Amount, as applicable, to be delivered or received upon redemption (by the Authorized Participant or the Trust, as applicable) will be made by the Custodian according to the procedures set forth the section of this SAI entitled “Determination of Net Asset Value” computed on the Business Day on which a redemption order is deemed received by the Distributor. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Distributor by a DTC Participant not later than Closing Time on the Transmittal Date, and the requisite number of Shares of the Fund are delivered to the Custodian prior to the DTC Cut-Off-Time, then the value of the Fund Securities and/or the Cash Redemption Amount, as applicable, to be delivered or received (by the Authorized Participant or the Trust, as applicable) will be determined by the Custodian on such Transmittal Date. If, however, either (1) the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund are not delivered by the DTC Cut-Off-Time, as described above, or (2) the redemption order is not submitted in proper form, then the redemption order will not be deemed received as of the Transmittal Date. In such case, the value of the Fund Securities and/or the Cash Redemption Amount, as applicable, to be delivered or received will be computed on the Business Day following the Transmittal Date provided that the Fund Shares of the relevant Fund are delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 11:00 a.m. New York time the following Business Day pursuant to a properly submitted redemption order.

 

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The Fund may in its discretion at any time, or from time to time, exercise its option to redeem Fund Shares solely for consideration in the form of an All Cash Amount, and the redeeming Authorized Participant will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the Fund may permit, in its sole discretion. In either case, the investor will receive an All Cash Amount payment equal to the NAV of its Fund Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a transaction fee which will include an additional charge for cash redemptions to offset the Fund’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). The Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities, or cash in lieu of some securities added to the Cash Redemption Amount, but in no event will the total value of the securities delivered and the cash transmitted differ from the NAV. Redemptions of Fund Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws.

 

An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting that is subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of a Creation Unit may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming Beneficial Owner of the Fund Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment, beneficial ownership of shares or delivery instructions.

 

Redemption Transaction Fee

 

Investors will be required to pay to the Custodian a fixed transaction fee (“Redemption Transaction Fee”) to offset the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units. The standard redemption transaction fee will be the same regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed by an investor on the applicable Business Day. The Redemption Transaction Fee charged by the Fund’s custodian for each redemption order is $250.00.

 

An additional variable fee of up to three (3) times the fixed Transaction Fee plus all commission and fees payable to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Fund Securities (expressed as a percentage value of such Fund Securities) may be imposed for (1) redemptions effected outside the Clearing Process and (2) redemptions made in an All Cash Amount (to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the sale of Fund Securities). Investors will also bear the costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.

 

In order to seek to replicate the In Kind Redemption order process for creation orders executed in whole or in part with cash, the Fund expects to sell, in the secondary market, the portfolio securities or settle any financial instruments that may not be permitted to be re-registered in the name of the Participating Party as a result of an In Kind Redemption order pursuant to local law or market convention, or for other reasons (“Market Sales”). In such cases where the Fund makes Market Sales, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were sold or settled by the Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes.

 

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Regardless of form, the Redemption Transaction Fee (including any reimbursements related to in cash redemptions or additional variable fees for In Kind Redemptions) will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities (currently, no more than 2% of the value of the shares redeemed).

 

The Redemption Transaction Fee may be waived for the Fund when the Adviser believes that waiver of the Redemption Transaction Fee is in the best interest of the Fund. When determining whether to waive the Redemption Transaction Fee, the Adviser considers a number of factors including whether waiving the Redemption Transaction Fee will: facilitate portfolio rebalancing in a less costly manner; improve the quality of the secondary trading market for the Fund’s shares; and not result in the Fund bearing additional costs or expenses as a result of the waiver.

 

ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Adviser and its affiliates may, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, pay a solicitation fee to securities dealers or other financial intermediaries (collectively, a “Financial Intermediary.”)

 

TAXES

 

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The discussion reflects applicable federal income tax laws of the U.S. as of the date of this SAI, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. income, estate or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

 

In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, regulated investment company (“RIC”), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of the Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.

 

A U.S. shareholder is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);

a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

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an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

A “Non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of the Fund, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally depends upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder who is a partner of a partnership holding the Fund shares should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.

 

Taxation as a RIC. The Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). A Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, a Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704. However, for these purposes, a qualified publicly traded partnership does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above. Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

 

If a RIC fails this 90% source-of-income test as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect it is no longer subject to a corporate level tax. Instead, the amount of the penalty for non-compliance is the amount by which the non-qualifying income exceeds one-ninth of the qualifying gross income.

 

With respect to the asset-diversification requirement, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs of (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions previously permitted, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is “de minimis,” meaning that the failure does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the RIC’s assets, or $10 million. Such cure right is similar to that previously and currently permitted for a REIT.

 

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Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of tax (currently 21%) by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.

 

If the Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate of 21%). The Fund intend to distribute at least annually substantially all of their investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

 

The Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the portion of its undistributed ordinary income with respect to each calendar year and undistributed capital gains if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the one-year period ending on October 31 in that calendar year. To avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of a Fund’s ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of a Fund’s capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax in preceding years. The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.

 

The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Fund hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (discussed above) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.

 

To the extent that the Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the net capital gains that can support a Fund’s distribution of Capital Gain Dividends. If the Fund uses net capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (pre-2011 losses), those carryforwards will not reduce a Fund’s current earnings and profits, as losses incurred in later years will. As a result, if the Fund then makes distributions of capital gains recognized during the current year in excess of net capital gains (as reduced by carryforwards), the portion of the excess equal to pre-2011 losses factoring into net capital gain will be taxable as an ordinary dividend distribution, even though that distributed excess amount would not have been subject to tax if retained by the Fund. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distribute such gains. Beginning in 2011, a RIC is permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

 

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Except as set forth in “Failure to Qualify as a RIC,” the remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

 

Failure to Qualify as a RIC. If the Fund is unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, it will be subject to corporate level income tax on all of its income and gain, regardless of whether or not such income was distributed. Distributions to the Fund’s shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as “qualified dividend income” eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income taxation, if holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

 

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders’ tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the nonqualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its requalification as a RIC.

 

Taxation for U.S. Shareholders. Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Fund’s ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers’ cooperatives or real estate investment trusts or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code (which provides for a maximum 20% rate) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company. Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund. The maximum tax rate on capital gain dividends received by individuals is generally 20%. Distributions in excess of a Fund’s earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). The Fund is not required to provide written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions. The Forms 1099 will instead serve this notice purpose.

 

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As a RIC, the Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders’ AMT liabilities. The Fund intend in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Fund’s taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction).

 

For purpose of determining (i) whether the annual distribution requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

 

The Fund intends to distribute all realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. If, however, the Fund was to retain any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.

 

Sales of shares or redemption of creation units and other dispositions of the shares, such as exchanges, of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale of shares or redemption of creation units or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

 

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An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize gain or loss from the exchange. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units and the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that an Authorized Participant which does not mark-to-market its holdings may not be permitted to currently deduct losses realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Any loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

 

The Fund has the right to reject an order for a purchase of Shares of the Fund if the purchaser (or group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

 

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Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction and whether the wash sales rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

Federal law requires that ETFs companies report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on the Fund’s shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.

 

The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

 

For those securities defined as “covered” under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not “covered.” The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

 

Straddles. When the Fund enters into an offsetting position to limit the risk on another position, the “straddle” rules usually come into play. An option or other position entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction with any other position held by the Fund may constitute a “straddle” for Federal income tax purposes. In general, straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the character and timing of the Fund’s gains and losses with respect to straddle positions. The key features of the straddle rules are as follows:

 

The Fund may have to wait to deduct any losses. If the Fund has a capital gain in one position of a straddle and a capital loss in the other, the Fund may not recognize the loss for federal income tax purposes until the Fund disposes of both positions. This might occur, for example, if the Fund had a highly appreciated stock position and the Fund purchased protective put options (which give the Fund the right to sell the stock to someone else for a period of time at a predetermined price) to offset the risk. If the stock continued to increase in value and the put options expired worthless, the Fund must defer recognition of the loss on its put options until the Fund sells and recognizes the gain on the original, appreciated position.

 

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The Fund’s capital gain holding period may get clipped. The moment the Fund enters into a typical straddle, the capital gains holding period on its offsetting positions is frozen. If the Fund held the original position for one year or less (thus not qualifying for the long-term capital gains rate), not only is the holding period frozen, it starts all over again when the Fund disposes of the offsetting position.

 

Losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions that would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses may be treated as long-term capital losses. This generally has the effect of reducing the tax benefit of such losses.

 

The Fund may not be able to deduct any interest expenses or carrying charges. During the offsetting period, any interest or carrying charges associated with the straddle are not currently tax deductible, but must be capitalized (added to cost basis).

 

Original Issue Discount, Pay-In-Kind Securities, Market Discount and Commodity-Linked Notes. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.

 

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligations issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in a Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in a Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear. See “Higher-Risk Securities.”

 

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

 

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If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, they may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of a Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, their shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Higher-Risk Securities. To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. In limited circumstances, it may also not be clear whether the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, and if so, what amount of market discount the Fund should recognize. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

 

Issuer Deductibility of Interest. A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to (and thus, may affect the cash flow of) the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the deemed dividend portion of such accrued interest.

 

Interest paid on debt obligations owned by the Fund, if any, that are considered for U.S. tax purposes to be payable in the equity of the issuer or a related party will not be deductible to the issuer, possibly affecting the cash flow of the issuer.

 

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds a Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognize “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognize “excess inclusion income,” then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

 

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Foreign Taxation. Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

 

A “qualified fund of funds” is a RIC that has at least 50% of the value of its total interests invested in other RICs at the end of each quarter of the taxable year. If the Fund satisfies this requirement or if they meet certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.

 

Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

 

A regulated investment company is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (a) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (b) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (c) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (d) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the regulated investment company (“short-term capital gain dividends”). If the Fund invests in an underlying fund that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign persons.

 

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The Fund is permitted to report such part of their dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. These exemptions from withholding will not be available to foreign shareholders of the Fund that do not currently report dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends.

 

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund report all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign shareholder generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends unless (i) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund or to the Capital Gain Dividend the foreign shareholder received (as described below).

 

Special rules would apply if the Fund is either a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USPRIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or former USRPHC.

 

If the Fund were a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund are required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands generally would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund. On and after January 1, 2012, this “look-through” USRPI treatment for distributions by the Fund, if it were either a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions referred to above, to foreign shareholders applies only to those distributions that, in turn, are attributable to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier REIT, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.

 

In addition, if the Fund were a USRPHC or former USRPHC, it could be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.

 

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Whether or not the Fund is characterized as a USRPHC will depend upon the nature and mix of the Fund’s assets. The Fund does not expect to be a USRPHC. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.

 

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the beneficial holder’s conduct of that trade or business, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

 

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by that beneficial holder in the United States.

 

To qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-US status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

 

A beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to above.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund generally are required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

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Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938’s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including in Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholder’s (indirect) interest in the Fund’s “specified foreign financial assets,” if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.

 

Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. Rules enacted in March 2010 require the reporting to the IRS of direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts and foreign entities by U.S. persons. Failure to provide this required information can result in a 30% withholding tax on certain payments (“withholdable payments”) made after December 31, 2013. Specifically, withholdable payments subject to this 30% withholding tax include payments of U.S.-source dividends and interest made on or after January 1, 2014, and payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposal of property that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest made on or after January 1, 2015.

 

The IRS has issued only very preliminary guidance with respect to these new rules; their scope remains unclear and potentially subject to material change. Very generally, it is possible that distributions made by the Fund after the dates noted above (or such later dates as may be provided in future guidance) to a shareholder, including a distribution in redemption of shares and a distribution of income or gains otherwise exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to non-U.S. shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends, Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends and interest-related dividends, as described above) will be subject to the new 30% withholding requirement. Payments to a foreign shareholder that is a “foreign financial institution” will generally be subject to withholding, unless such shareholder enters into a timely agreement with the IRS. Payments to shareholders that are U.S. persons or foreign individuals will generally not be subject to withholding, so long as such shareholders provide the Fund with such certifications or other documentation, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholders’ direct and indirect owners, as the Fund require to comply with the new rules. Persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding the application of the new reporting and withholding regime to their investments in the Fund.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding this new reporting and withholding regime, in light of their particular circumstances.

 

Shares Purchased through Tax-Qualified Plans. Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans, and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situation.

 

FATCA. Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by a Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by a Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

 

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The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.

 

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

 

Brokerage Transactions. Generally, equity securities are bought and sold through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s mark down. When the Fund execute transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.

 

In selecting brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions, the Adviser may consider research and brokerage services furnished to the Adviser or its affiliates. The Adviser may not consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers and dealers, but may place portfolio transactions with brokers and dealers that promote or sell the Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of execution and not on sales efforts. When placing portfolio transactions with a broker or dealer, the Adviser may aggregate securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other advisory accounts managed by the Adviser. In aggregating such securities, the Adviser will average the transaction as to price and will allocate available investments in a manner that the Adviser believes to be fair and reasonable to the Fund and such other advisory accounts. An aggregated order will generally be allocated on a pro rata basis among all participating accounts, based on the relative dollar values of the participating accounts, or using any other method deemed to be fair to the participating accounts, with any exceptions to such methods involving the Trust being reported to the Trustees.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) permits the Adviser , under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. In addition to agency transactions, the Adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance. Brokerage and research services include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, Fund strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In the case of research services, the Adviser believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to its investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

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To the extent that research services may be a factor in selecting brokers, such services may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and information which assists in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which the Adviser might utilize Fund commissions include research reports and other information on the economy, industries, sectors, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance and other analysis. The Adviser may use research services furnished by brokers in servicing all client accounts and not all services may necessarily be used in connection with the account that paid commissions to the broker providing such services. Information so received by the Adviser will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Adviser under their respective advisory agreements. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

In some cases the Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the Adviser makes a good faith allocation, under all the circumstances, between the research and non-research uses of the service. The percentage of the service that is used for research purposes may be paid for with client commissions, while the Adviser will use its own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, the Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Adviser believes that its allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that it appropriately allocates the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide the Adviser with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research “credits” in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of either the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules further require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.” The Trustees, including those who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.

 

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Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers”. The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which the Fund may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. The Fund is newly formed and has not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES HOLDINGS

 

On each Business Day (as defined in the Creation and Redemption of Creation Units section of this SAI), prior to the opening of regular trading on the Fund’s primary listing exchange, the Fund discloses on its website (www. wealthtrustetf.com) certain information relating to the portfolio holdings that will form the basis of the Fund’s next net asset value per share calculation.

 

In addition, certain information may also be made available to certain parties:

 

Communications of Data Files: The Fund may make available through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or through posting on the Fund’s website, prior to the opening of trading on each business day, a list of the Fund’s holdings (generally pro-rata) that Authorized Participants could deliver to the Fund to settle purchases of the Fund (i.e. Deposit Securities) or that Authorized Participants would receive from the Fund to settle redemptions of the Fund (i.e. Fund Securities). These files are known as the Portfolio Composition File and the Fund Data File (collectively, “Files”). The Files are applicable for the next trading day and are provided to the NSCC and/or posted on the Fund’s website after the close of markets in the U.S.

 

Communications with Authorized Participants and Liquidity Providers: Certain employees of the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Distributor and Custodian are responsible for interacting with Authorized Participants and liquidity providers with respect to discussing custom basket proposals as described in the Custom Baskets section of this SAI. As part of these discussions, these employees may discuss with an Authorized Participant or liquidity provider the securities the Fund is willing to accept for a creation, and securities that the Fund will provide on a redemption.

 

The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may also discuss portfolio holdings-related information with broker/dealers, in connection with settling the Fund’s transactions, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with the disclosure in the Fund’s current registration statement.

 

Communications with Listing Exchanges: From time to time, employees of Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Distributor and/or Custodian may discuss portfolio holdings information with the applicable primary listing exchange for the Fund as needed to meet the exchange listing standards.

 

Communication of Other Information: Certain explanatory information regarding the Files is released to Authorized Participants and liquidity providers on a daily basis, but is only done so after the Files are posted to the Fund’s website.

 

Third-Party Service Providers. Certain portfolio holdings information may be disclosed to Fund Trustees and their counsel, outside counsel for the Fund, auditors and to certain third-party service providers (i.e., fund administrator, custodian, proxy voting service, and printers), as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with applicable policies, agreements with the Fund, the terms of the current registration statement and federal securities laws and regulations thereunder.

 

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The Fund files its complete portfolio holdings schedule with the SEC on a quarterly basis. This schedule is filed with the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR for the second and fourth fiscal quarters and on Form N-PORT for the first and third fiscal quarters. Certain portfolio information is also included on Form N-PORT that is filed for the second and fourth fiscal quarters. The portfolio holdings information provided in these reports is as of the end of the respective quarter. Form N-CSR must be filed with the SEC no later than ten (10) calendar days after the Trust transmits its annual or semi-annual report to its shareholders. Form N-PORT must be filed with the SEC and will be made publicly available no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the end of the applicable quarter.

 

No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, or any other person in connection with the disclosure of portfolio information. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information pursuant to the above policy and procedures, subject to restrictions on selective disclosure imposed by applicable law. The Board reviews the policy and procedures for disclosure of portfolio holdings information at least annually.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest in the Trust and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares into one or more series of shares. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further authorizes the trustees to classify or reclassify any series of shares into one or more classes. The Trust’s shares of beneficial interest have no par value.

 

The Fund is authorized to issue one class of shares imposing no front-end or deferred sales charges, no 12b-1 fee and no service fee.

 

Shares have no preemptive rights and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board may grant in its discretion. When issued for payment as described in the applicable prospectus, shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual fund, shareholders of a fund are entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to the particular fund, and a proportionate distribution, based upon the relative asset values of the respective fund, of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to any particular fund which are available for distribution.

 

Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held, and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share held and will vote in the aggregate and not by class, except as otherwise expressly required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted on affects only the interests of shareholders of a particular class. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate of the Trust’s outstanding shares may elect all of the trustees, irrespective of the votes of other shareholders.

 

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each fund affected by the matter. A particular fund is deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each fund in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the fund. Under the Rule, the approval of an investment management agreement or any change in an investment objective, if fundamental, or in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a fund only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such fund. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent public accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series or class.

 

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The Trust does not presently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. Upon the written request of shareholders owning at least 25% of the Trust’s shares, the Trust will call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more trustees and other certain matters. To the extent required by law, the Trust will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

The Board has full power and authority, in its sole discretion, and without obtaining shareholder approval, to divide or combine the shares of any class or series thereof into a greater or lesser number, to classify or reclassify any issued shares or any class or series thereof into one or more classes or series of shares, and to take such other action with respect to the Trust’s shares as the Board may deem desirable. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees, without shareholder approval, to cause the Trust to merge or to consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or other organization in order to change the form of organization and/or domicile of the Trust or to sell or exchange all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, in dissolution of the Trust, or any series or class thereof. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust by the Trustees without shareholder approval. However, the exercise of such authority by the Board without shareholder approval may be subject to certain restrictions or limitations under the 1940 Act.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, which are included in Exhibit B to this SAI. The Board of Trustees will periodically review the Fund’s proxy voting record. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the Trust are included as Exhibit A to this SAI.

 

The Trust is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, will be available (1) without charge, upon request by calling (844)-444-3863 or by writing to the Fund at 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, VA 23235; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Trust, has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Administrator have each adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (“access persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes of Ethics are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by access persons. Under each Code of Ethics, access persons are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. In addition, certain access persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements, or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

The ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust offers multiple series (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Proxy Rule”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the “Policy”) to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders.

 

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisers

 

The Board believes that the investment adviser, or the investment sub-adviser as appropriate, of each Fund (each an “Adviser”), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust shall therefore defer to, and rely on, the Adviser of each Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.

 

The Trust hereby designates the Adviser of each Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in the Fund’s investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Adviser shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Adviser shall perform these duties in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Adviser shall promptly provide to the Board updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented.

 

Conflict of Interest Transactions

 

In some instances, an Adviser may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of a Fund’s shareholders and those of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Adviser is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Adviser has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the shareholders’ best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Adviser of its final decision on the matter and the Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Board’s decision.

 

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Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

 

If a Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Adviser’s proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of each Fund’s proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund’s toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Trust’s administrator shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

 

Each Adviser shall provide a complete voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as adviser, to the Trust’s administrator within 30 days following the end of each 12-month period ending June 30. The Trust’s administrator will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31st of each year.

 

Adopted: December 4, 2019

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

PROXY VOTING AND DISCLOSURE POLICY

 

WEALTHTRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

1. Introduction

 

As a registered investment adviser, WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (“WealthTrust” or “Adviser”) has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. If the client is a registered investment Adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) or the client requests WealthTrust to do so in writing, WealthTrust will vote proxy materials for its clients.

 

In cases where the discretionary client has delegated proxy voting responsibility and authority to the Adviser, WealthTrust has adopted and implemented the following policies and procedures, which it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients. In pursuing this policy, proxies should be voted in a manner that is intended to maximize value to the client. In situations where WealthTrust accepts such delegation and agrees to vote proxies, WealthTrust will do so in accordance with these Policies and Procedures. Geasphere may delegate its responsibilities under these Policies and Procedures to a third party, provided that no such delegation shall relieve WealthTrust of its responsibilities hereunder and WealthTrust shall retain final authority and fiduciary responsibility for such proxy voting.

 

Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser’s interests and those of its clients; (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser’s proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.

 

2. Voting Guidelines

 

WealthTrust has adopted the Broadridge Proxy Policies and Insights Shareholder Value Template (“Proxy Policies and Insights”) to determine how each issue on proxy ballots is to be voted. The Proxy Policies and Insights is incorporated herein by this reference, and a copy of the Proxy Policies and Insights, as may be revised from time to time, is maintained with WealthTrust’s proxy voting policy.

 

The Proxy Policies and Insights seeks to maximize shareholder value in proxy voting and is created using voting trends of large, top fund families that seek to maximize shareholder value. Proxy statements will be voted in accordance with this template unless:

 

WealthTrust determines it has a conflict,

WealthTrust’s portfolio manager determines there are other reasons not to follow the Proxy Policies and Insights input, or

No input is provided by the Proxy Policies and Insights, in which case WealthTrust will independently determine how a particular issue should be voted and such determination will be documented by the Portfolio Manager.

 

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Any decisions regarding proxy voting where WealthTrust determines not to follow the Shareholder Value Template (“SVT”) input shall be determined by the CEO of WealthTrust. The CCO must be notified of the decision and a memo regarding the reason for not following the SVT must be maintained in the proxy voting file.

 

In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to debt securities, WealthTrust will vote on a case-by-case basis in a manner it believes to be in the best economic interest of the Adviser’s shareholders.

 

WealthTrust may determine not to vote a particular proxy if the costs and burdens exceed the benefits of voting (e.g., when securities are subject to loan or to share blocking restrictions).

 

3. Responsibility

 

WealthTrust utilizes Broadridge to coordinate, process, manage and maintain electronic records of WealthTrust proxy votes.

 

WealthTrust has also adopted the Broadridge Proxy Policy and Insights. It is the responsibility of WealthTrust’s CCO (or designee) to at least annually, review the Proxy Policies and Insights for continued relevancy. WealthTrust’s Portfolio Manager is also responsible for responding to any corporate actions as well as to vote any proxies for which a recommendation is not provided by Broadridge, unless it is determined that not voting is in the best interest of the client.

 

WealthTrust has appointed its Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to oversee the proxy-voting program. The CCO is responsible for maintaining this policy, reviewing it at least annually, and updating it as required. The CCO may delegate certain administrative functions of the program to another member of the staff; but retains overall responsibility for its undertaking.

 

All proxy materials should be directed to Broadridge; however, if WealthTrust receives proxy statements on behalf of clients, the material should be forwarded to Broadridge unless the account is voted manually by WealthTrust. The Adviser is not responsible for voting proxies it does not receive but will make reasonable efforts to obtain missing proxies.

 

4. Registered Investment Companies

 

In cases in which the client is a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and delegates proxy voting, WealthTrust will vote proxies pursuant to this policy.

 

5. Conflicts of Interest

 

WealthTrust shall use commercially reasonable efforts to determine whether a potential conflict may exist, and a potential conflict shall be deemed to exist only if the Portfolio Manager actually knows or should have known of the conflict. WealthTrust is sensitive to conflicts of interest that may arise in the proxy decision-making process and has identified the following potential conflicts of interest:

 

A principal of WealthTrust or any person involved in the proxy decision-making process currently serves on the Board of the company.

 

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An immediate family member of a principal of WealthTrust or any person involved in the proxy decision-making process currently serves as a director or executive officer of the company.

WealthTrust, any fund managed by WealthTrust, or any affiliate holds a significant ownership interest in the company.

 

This list is not intended to be exclusive. All employees are obligated to disclose any potential conflict to WealthTrust’s CCO.

 

Conflict Policy for Sub-Advised Relationships and Direct Clients

In the event an employee determines that WealthTrust has a conflict of interest due to, for example, a relationship with a Sub-Adviser or an affiliate of a Sub-Adviser, or for any other reason which could influence the advice given, the employee will advise the CCO and the Portfolio Manager will decide whether WealthTrust should either (1) disclose the conflict to the client to enable the client to evaluate WealthTrust’s proxy voting advice in light of the conflict or (2) disclose to the client the conflict, with no voting recommendation, and vote in accordance with the client’s instructions. WealthTrust will resolve identified conflicts of interest in the best interest of the client.

 

Conflict Policy for Registered Investment Companies

In some instances, the Adviser may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders and those of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Adviser is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Adviser has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, to the extent consistent with the shareholders’ best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Adviser of its final decision on the matter and the Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Board’s decision.

 

6. Oversight of Third Parties

 

The Broadridge Proxy Policies and Insights Shareholder Value Template will be reviewed by WealthTrust’s Portfolio manager or his or her designee at least annually to ensure it remains appropriate for WealthTrust’s needs. The CCO or her designee will conduct annual due diligence to evaluate Broadridge continuing ability to adequately provide services to WealthTrust and its clients and protect and preserve its records.

 

7. Client Requests for Information

 

All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to WealthTrust compliance. The CCO or her designee will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested.

 

8. Disclosure

 

WealthTrust will provide required disclosures in response to Item 17 of Form ADV Part 2A summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how WealthTrust voted client’s proxies;

 

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WealthTrust will also disclose how clients may obtain a copy of the firm’s proxy voting policies and procedures, however WealthTrust will not disclose how proxies were voted to third-party non-clients, and;

WealthTrust shall make known its proxy voting policy in its advisory agreement or along with its advisory agreement.

 

9. Recordkeeping

 

The CCO is responsible for maintaining the following records, however WealthTrust may rely on its third-party service provider to retain certain records:

 

proxy voting policies and procedures;

proxy statements (provided, however, that WealthTrust may rely on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR system if the issuer filed its proxy statements via EDGAR or may rely on a third party as long as the third party has provided WealthTrust with a copy of the proxy statement promptly upon request);

records of electronic votes cast and abstentions; and

any records prepared by WealthTrust that were material to a proxy voting decision or that memorialized a decision.

 

The Fund shall maintain a copy of each of the foregoing records that is related to proxy votes on behalf of the Fund by WealthTrust. These records may be kept as part of WealthTrust’s records.

 

10. Form N-PX – The Fund

 

The Fund must file Form N-PX with the Securities and Exchange Commission to report their proxy voting records for each twelve-month period, ending on June 30 of each year. The reports must be submitted not later than August 31 and are made publicly available. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that WealthTrust maintains the information required to complete form N-PX, as listed below:

 

The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;

The CUSIP number for the portfolio security;

The shareholder meeting date;

A brief identification of the matter voted on;

Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;

Whether the fund cast its vote on the matter;

How the fund cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and

Whether the fund cast its vote for or against management.

 

WealthTrust is responsible for providing the respective proxy voting information related to the filing of the Form N-PX and will submit the information to the Trust upon request. The Trust’s administrator will submit the Form N-PX to the SEC on behalf of the Funds.

 

Adopted: November 8, 2021

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Membership

 

1. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

 

Board Nominations and Functions

 

1. The Committee shall make nominations for Trustee membership on the Board of Trustees, including the Independent Trustees. The Committee shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor shall Independent Trustee have and affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family relationships with managers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board.

2. The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees.

3. The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board.

4. The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.

 

Committee Nominations and Functions

 

1. The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually.

2. The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board.

 

Other Powers and Responsibilities

 

1. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.

2. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

Adopted:          December 4, 2019

 

53 

 

 

APPENDIX A TO THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

 

I. Identification of Candidates. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures. In no event shall the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider as a candidate to fill any such vacancy an individual recommended by any investment adviser of any series portfolio of the Trust, unless the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation.

 

II. Shareholder Candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.

 

III. Evaluation of Candidates. In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.

 

  54  

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits

(a)(1)   Certificate of Trust of ETF Opportunities Trust (“Registrant”) is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020. 
     
(a)(2)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(b)   By-Laws of the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(c)   Articles IV, VII and VIII of the Declaration of Trust, Exhibit 28(a)(2) above, define the rights of holders of the securities being registered. (Certificates for shares are not issued.)
     
(d)(1)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Ridgeline Research LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(d)(2)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Vident Investment Advisory, LLC and Ridgeline Research LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(d)(3)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Real Asset Strategies, LLC on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(d)(4)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Enduring Investments, LLC and Real Asset Strategies, LLC on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(d)(5)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Formidable Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the Formidable ETF, the Formidable Small/Mid Cap ETF and the Formidable Fortress ETF (“Formidable ETFs”) is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(d)(6)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Formidable Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 on Form N-1A filed October 12, 2021.
     
(d)(7)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Applied Finance Advisors, LLC on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(d)(8)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Applied Finance Advisors, LLC on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(d)(9)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Gea Sphere, LLC on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (Filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
(d)(10)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Gea Sphere, LLC on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(d)(11)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(12)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Vident Investment Advisory LLC and Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(13)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Ultra Blue Capital, LLC on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(14)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Ultra Blue Capital, LLC on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(15)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(d)(16)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(d)(17)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Cultivar Capital, Inc. on behalf of the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(d)(18)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Cultivar Capital, Inc. on behalf of the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(e)(1)   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of  the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(e)(2)   First Amendment to the ETF Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF, the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF and the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(e)(3)   Third Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC on behalf of the Funds in the Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(e)(4)   Form of Authorized Participant Agreement with Foreside Fund Services, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(f)   Not applicable.
     
(g)(1)   Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(g)(2)  

Amendment No. 1 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(g)(3)   Amendment No. 2 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(g)(4)   Amendment No. 4 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
 (g)(5)   Amendment No. 5 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(g)(6)   Amendment No. 6 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF and Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(g)(7)   Amendment No. 7 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF and the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(g)(8)   Amendment No. 8 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(1)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(2)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(3)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(h)(4)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(h)(5)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(h)(6)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(h)(7)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(8)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (Filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

     
(h)(9)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(h)(10)   Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(11)   Amendment No. 4 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Funds of the Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(h)(12)   Amendment No. 6 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Funds of the Trust is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(h)(13)   Amendment No. 7 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF and Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(h)(14)   Amendment No. 8 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF and UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(h)(15)   Amendment No. 9 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(i)(1)   Opinion and Consent of Practus, LLP regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(i)(2)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Real Asset Strategies ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(i)(3)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Formidable ETFs is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(i)(4)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Applied Finance Valuation  Large Cap ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 on Form N-1A filed on April 16, 2021.
     
(i)(5)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Alpha Dog ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 on Form N-1A filed on October 12, 2021.
     
(i)(6)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF is herein incorporated by reference from the Registration’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 on Form N-1A filed on November 9, 2021.
     

 

 

 

 

 

(i)(7)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(i)(8)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (Filed herewith).
     
(i)(9)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Cultivar ETF (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(j)(1)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on behalf of the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-1A/A filed on July 27, 2020.
     
(j)(2)   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on behalf of the Formidable ETFs was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(k)   Not applicable.
     
(l)   Initial Capital Agreement is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(m)(1)   Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Not Applicable.
     
(n)(1)   Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan. Not applicable.
     
(o)   Reserved.
     
(p)(1)   Code of Ethics for the Registrant is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(p)(2)   Code of Ethics for Ridgeline Research, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     
(p)(3)   Code of Ethics for Vident Investment Advisory, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form N-1A/A filed on July 27, 2020. 
     
(p)(4)   Code of Ethics for Real Asset Strategies, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(p)(5)   Code of Ethics for Enduring Investment, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(6)   Code of Ethics for Formidable Asset Management, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on Form N-1A filed on March 12, 2021.
     
(p)(7)   Code of Ethics for Toroso Asset Management (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(8)   Code of Ethics for Applied Finance Advisors, LLC is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 on Form N-1A filed on July 20, 2021.
     
(p)(9)   Code of Ethics for Gea Sphere, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(10)   Code of Ethics for Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(11)   Code of Ethics for Ultra Blue Capital, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(12)   Code of Ethics for WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC (To be Filed by Amendment).
     
(p)(13)   Code of Ethics for Cultivar Capital, Inc. (To be Filed by Amendment)
     
(q)   Power of Attorney for Mary Lou H. Ivey, David J. Urban, Theo H. Pitt, Jr. and Kevin Farragher is herein incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form N-1A/A filed on June 15, 2020.
     

 

 

 

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With Registrant

    Not Applicable.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

See Article VIII, Section 2 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the section titled “Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, Employees and Other Agents” in the Registrant’s By-Laws.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.

Item 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Adviser

The description of the Investment Adviser is found under the caption “Management,” “The Investment Adviser” in the Prospectus and under the caption “Investment Adviser” in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of this Registration Statement, which are incorporated by reference herein. The Investment Adviser may provide investment advisory services to persons or entities other than the Registrant.


Item 32. Distributor

 

(a) Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

 

1. ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund
2. Absolute Shares Trust
3. AdvisorShares Trust
4. AFA Multi-Manager Credit Fund
5. AGF Investments Trust (f/k/a FQF Trust)
6. AIM ETF Products Trust
7. Alexis Practical Tactical ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
8. AlphaCentric Prime Meridian Income Fund
9. American Century ETF Trust
10. American Customer Satisfaction ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions

 

 

 

 

 

11. Amplify ETF Trust
12. ARK ETF Trust
13. ASYMmetric ETFs Trust
14. Bluestone Community Development Fund (f/k/a The 504 Fund)
15. Braddock Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
16. Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
17. Brinker Capital Destinations Trust
18. Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.
19. Cabot Equity Growth ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
20. Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund
21. Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund
22. Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund
23. Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund
24. Calamos Global Total Return Fund
25. Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund
26. Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund
27. Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund
28. Changebridge Capital Long/Short ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
29. Changebridge Capital Sustainable Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
30. Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund
31. Cliffwater Enhanced Lending Fund
32. Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.
33. CornerCap Group of Funds
34. CrossingBridge Pre-Merger SPAC ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
35. Davis Fundamental ETF Trust
36. Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
37. Defiance Nasdaq Junior Biotechnology ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
38. Defiance Next Gen Altered Experience ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
39. Defiance Next Gen Big Data ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
40. Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
41. Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
42. Defiance Next Gen SPAC Derived ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
43. Defiance Quantum ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
44. Direxion Shares ETF Trust
45. DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund
46. Eaton Vance NextShares Trust
47. Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II
48. EIP Investment Trust
49. Ellington Income Opportunities Fund
50. EntrepreneurShares Series Trust
51. Esoterica Thematic ETF Trust
52. ETF Opportunities Trust
53. Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund
54. Exchange Listed Funds Trust (f/k/a Exchange Traded Concepts Trust II)
55. Fat Tail Risk ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
56. Fiera Capital Series Trust
57. FlexShares Trust
58. FOMO ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
59. Forum Funds
60. Forum Funds II

 

 

 

 

 

61. Friess Small Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
62. Guinness Atkinson Funds
63. Harbor ETF Trust
64. Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
65. Infinity Core Alternative Fund
66. Infusive US Trust
67. Innovator ETFs Trust
68. Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
69. Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
70. John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust
71. Mairs & Power Funds Trust
72. Mairs & Power Minnesota Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
73. Manor Investment Funds
74. Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
75. Morgan Creek - Exos SPAC Originated ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
76. Morningstar Funds Trust
77. OSI ETF Trust
78. Overlay Shares Core Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
79. Overlay Shares Foreign Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
80. Overlay Shares Hedged Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
81. Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
82. Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
83. Overlay Shares Short Term Bond ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
84. Overlay Shares Small Cap Equity ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
85. Pacific Global ETF Trust
86. Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund
87. Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC
88. PENN Capital Funds Trust
89. Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
90. Philotimo Focused Growth and Income Fund, Series of World Funds Trust
91. Plan Investment Fund, Inc.
92. PMC Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
93. Point Bridge GOP Stock Tracker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
94. Putnam ETF Trust
95. Quaker Investment Trust
96. Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
97. Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
98. Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds
99. Revere Sector Opportunity ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
100. Reverse Cap Weighted U.S. Large Cap ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
101. RMB Investors Trust (f/k/a Burnham Investors Trust)
102. Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
103. Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
104. Roundhill BITKRAFT Esports & Digital Entertainment ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
105. Roundhill MVP ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
106. Roundhill Sports Betting & iGaming ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
107. Roundhill Streaming Services & Technology ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
108. Salient MF Trust
109. Securian AM Balanced Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
110. Securian AM Equity Stabilization Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust

 

 

 

 

 

111. Securian AM Real Asset Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust
112. SHP ETF Trust
113. Six Circles Trust
114. Sound Shore Fund, Inc.
115. Spear Alpha ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
116. Strategy Shares
117. Swan Hedged Equity US Large Cap ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
118. Syntax ETF Trust
119. The Active Dividend Stock ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
120. The Chartwell Funds
121. The Community Development Fund
122. The De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
123. The Private Shares Fund (f/k/a SharesPost 100 Fund)
124. The Relative Value Fund
125. The Short De-SPAC ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
126. The SPAC and New Issue ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
127. Third Avenue Trust
128. Third Avenue Variable Series Trust
129. Tidal ETF Trust
130. TIFF Investment Program
131. Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
132. Timothy Plan High Dividend Stock ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
133. Timothy Plan International ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
134. Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Core Enhanced ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
135. Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
136. Timothy Plan US Small Cap Core ETF, Series of The Timothy Plan
137. Transamerica ETF Trust
138. Trend Aggregation ESG ETF, Series of Collaborative Investment Series Trust
139. TrueShares AI & Deep Learning ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
140. TrueShares ESG Active Opportunities ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
141. TrueShares Low Volatility Equity Income ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
142. TrueShares Structured Outcome (April) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
143. TrueShares Structured Outcome (August) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
144. TrueShares Structured Outcome (December) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
145. TrueShares Structured Outcome (February) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
146. TrueShares Structured Outcome (January) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
147. TrueShares Structured Outcome (July) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
148. TrueShares Structured Outcome (June) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
149. TrueShares Structured Outcome (March) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
150. TrueShares Structured Outcome (May) ETF, Listed Funds Trust
151. TrueShares Structured Outcome (November) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
152. TrueShares Structured Outcome (October) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
153. TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
154. U.S. Global Investors Funds
155. Variant Alternative Income Fund
156. VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
157. VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
158. VictoryShares Emerging Market High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
159. VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
160. VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II

 

 

 

 

 

161. VictoryShares NASDAQ Next 50 ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
162. VictoryShares Protect America ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
163. VictoryShares Top Veteran Employers ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
164. VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
165. VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
166. VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
167. VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
168. VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
169. VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
170. VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
171. VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
172. VictoryShares USAA Core Intermediate-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
173. VictoryShares USAA Core Short-Term Bond ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
174. VictoryShares USAA MSCI Emerging Markets Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
175. VictoryShares USAA MSCI International Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
176. VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Small Cap Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
177. VictoryShares USAA MSCI USA Value Momentum ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II
178. West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust (f/k/a Chilton Realty Income & Growth Fund)
179. WisdomTree Trust
180. WST Investment Trust
181. XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust

 

Item 32(b) The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

Name Address Position with Underwriter

Position with Registrant

 

Richard J. Berthy Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101

President, Treasurer and Manager

 

None
Mark A. Fairbanks

Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101

 

Vice President None
Teresa Cowan

111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Vice President None
Jennifer K. DiValerio

899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312

 

Vice President None
Nanette K. Chern Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101

Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

 

None
Kelly Whetstone Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME  04101 Secretary None

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Not applicable.

 

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

The accounts, books or other documents of the Registrant required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder are kept in several locations:

a)            Adviser

Ridgeline Research LLC, 14961 Finegan Farm Drive, Darnestown, Maryland 20874 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the American Conservative Values ETF and the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF).

 

b)            Sub-Adviser

Vidant Investment Advisory, LLC, 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 515, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the American Conservative Values ETF, the American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF and the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF).

 

c)            Adviser

Real Asset Strategies, LLC, 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Real Asset Strategies ETF).

 

d)            Sub-Adviser

Enduring Investments, LLC, 12 Ironwood Road, Morristown, New Jersey 07960 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the Real Asset Strategies ETF).

 

e)            Adviser

Formidable Asset Management, LLC, 221 East fourth Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Formidable ETFs).

 

f)             Sub-Adviser

Toroso Asset Management, 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, New York 11758 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser to the Formidable ETFs, the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF, Alpha Dog ETF, UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF, WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF and the Cultivar ETF).

 

g)            Adviser

Applied Finance Advisors, LLC, 17806 IH 10, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78257 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF).

 

h)            Adviser

Gea Sphere, LLC, 55 Mystery Farm Road, Cranston, Rhode Island, 02921 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Alpha Dog ETF).

 

i)             Adviser

Kingsbarn Capital Management, LLC, 1645 Village Center Circle, Suite 200, Las Vegas, Nevada 89134 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF).

 

j)             Adviser

Ultra Blue Capital, LLC, 1735 Technology Drive, #650, San Jose, California 95110 (records relating to its function as adviser to the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF).

 

k)            Adviser

WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC, 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140, Destin, Florida 32541 (records relating to its function as adviser to the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF).

 

l)             Adviser

Cultivar Capital, Inc., 421 E. Hickory Street, Suite 103, Denton, Texas 76201 (records relating to its function as adviser to the Cultivar ETF).

 

m)           Custodian, Transfer Agency

Citibank, N.A., 390 Greenwich Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10013.

 

n)            Administrator

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., 8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205, Richmond, Virginia 23235.

 

o)            Distributor

Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

p)            Fund Accountant

Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., located at 4400 Easton Commons, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio, 43219.

 

 


Item 34. Management Services

    Not applicable.
     

Item 35. Undertakings

    Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Richmond, Commonwealth of Virginia on the 23rd day of November, 2021.

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

By:  /s/ Karen M. Shupe
Karen M. Shupe
Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

     
Signature Title Date
     
     
*David J. Urban Trustee November 23, 2021
     
*Mary Lou H. Ivey Trustee November 23, 2021
     
*Theo H. Pitt, Jr. Trustee November 23, 2021
     
*Kevin M. Farragher Trustee November 23, 2021
     
     
/s/ Karen M. Shupe Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer November 23, 2021
 Karen M. Shupe    
     
/s/ Ann T. MacDonald Assistant Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer November 23, 2021
 Ann T. MacDonald    
     
*By: /s/ Karen M. Shupe    
Karen M. Shupe    
     

*Attorney-in-fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney

 

 

EXHIBITS

(d)(9)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Gea Sphere, LLC on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF
     
(d)(10)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and Gea Sphere, LLC on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF
     
(d)(15)   Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF
     
(d)(16)   Sub-Advisory Agreement between Toroso Asset Management and WealthTrust Asset Management, LLC on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF
     
(g)(7)   Amendment No. 7 to the Global Custodial and Transfer Agency Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF and the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF
     
(h)(5)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Alpha Dog ETF
     
(h)(6)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF
     
(h)(8)   Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF
     
(h)(14)   Amendment No. 8 to the Services Agreement (Fund Accounting services) between the Registrant, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. on behalf of the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF  and the UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF
     
(i)(8)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(d)(9)

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT made the 4th day of October, 2021, by and between ETF Opportunities Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (hereinafter referred to as the “Trust”), and Gea Sphere Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “Advisor”).

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered as such with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and Advisor is an investment adviser registered as such with the Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, each fund listed in Schedule A hereof (each, a “Fund”) is a series of the Trust having a separate portfolio, investment policies and investment restrictions;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the parties, as follows:

 

1. General Provision.

 

a.             The Trust hereby employs Advisor and Advisor hereby undertakes to act as the investment adviser of the Fund and to perform for the Fund such other duties and functions as are hereinafter set forth. Advisor shall, in all matters, give to the Fund and the Trust’s Board of Trustees the benefit of its best judgment, effort, advice and recommendations and shall at all times use its best efforts to conform to and enable the Fund to conform to: (i) the provisions of the Investment Company Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (ii) any order or no-action relief of the Commission applicable to the operation of the Fund; (iii) any other applicable provisions of state or federal law; (iv) the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust, as amended from time to time; (v) any other policies, procedures and determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Trust; (vi) the fundamental policies and investment restrictions of the Fund as reflected in the Trust’s registration statement under the Investment Company Act; and (vii) the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Trust in effect from time to time. The appropriate officers, contractors and employees of Advisor shall be available upon reasonable notice for consultation with any of the trustees and officers of the Trust with respect to any matters dealing with the business and affairs of the Trust as they pertain to the Fund, including the valuation of any of the Fund’s portfolio securities which do not have readily available market quotations per Section 3 hereof.

 

2. Investment Management.

 

a.             Advisor shall, subject to the direction and control by the Trust’s Board of Trustees: (i) regularly provide investment advice and recommendations to the Fund with respect to its investments, investment policies and the purchase and sale of securities; (ii) designate the identity, quantity and weighting of the securities (and amount of cash, if any) to be accepted in exchange for “creation units” of the Fund or that will be applicable that day to redemption requests received by the Fund; (iii) supervise continuously the investment program of the Fund and the composition of its portfolio and determine what securities shall be purchased or sold by the Fund; and ( iv) arrange, subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, for the purchase of securities and other investments for the Fund and the sale of securities and other investments held in the portfolio of the Fund.

 

b.             Provided that the Trust shall not be required to pay any compensation other than as provided by the terms of this Agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, Advisor may obtain investment information, research or assistance from any other person, firm or corporation to supplement, update or otherwise improve its investment management services.

 

1 

 

 

c.             To the extent permitted by applicable law, Advisor may, from time to time in its sole discretion, appoint one or more sub-advisers, including, without limitation, affiliates of Advisor, to perform investment advisory services with respect to the Fund or any portion thereof and may, in its sole discretion, terminate any or all such sub-advisers at any time to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

d.             Provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect Advisor from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement, Advisor shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of good faith errors or omissions in connection with any matters to which this Agreement relates.

 

e.             Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Advisor or any officer or contractor or other related party thereof from acting as investment adviser for any other person, firm or corporation and shall not in any way limit or restrict Advisor or any of its directors, officers, stockholders, contractors, other related parties or employees from buying, selling or trading any securities for its or their own account or for the account of others for whom it or they may be acting, provided that such activities will not adversely affect or otherwise impair the performance by Advisor of its duties and obligations under this Agreement and under the Advisers Act.

 

f.             To carry out the duties and responsibilities provided hereunder, Advisor is hereby authorized, as agent and attorney-in-fact for the Trust, for the account of, at the risk of and in the name of the Fund, to place orders and issue instructions for the Fund. In all purchases, sales and other transactions in securities for the Fund, Advisor is authorized to exercise full discretion and act for the Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Fund might or could do with respect to such purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions.

 

3. Other Duties of Advisor.

 

Advisor shall, at its own expense, provide and supervise the activities of all administrative and clerical personnel as shall be required to provide effective corporate management and administration for the Fund, including (i) the compilation and maintenance of such records with respect to its operations as may reasonably be required; (ii) the preparation and filing of such reports with respect thereto as shall be required by the Commission; (iii) the composition of periodic reports with respect to its operations for shareholders of the Fund; (iv) the composition of proxy materials for meetings of the Fund’s shareholders; (v) the composition of such registration statements as may be required by Federal securities laws for continuous public sale of shares of the Fund and (vi) at Advisor’s discretion, the development and implementation, if appropriate, of management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.

 

4. Allocation of Expenses.

 

During the term of this Agreement, Advisor shall pay all of the expenses of the Fund (including compensation of members of the Board of Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) of a Fund), except for (i) the fee payment under this Agreement, (ii) distribution fees or expenses under the Fund’s 12b-1 plan (if any), (iii) interest expenses, (iv) taxes, (v) acquired fund fees and expenses, (vi) brokers’ commissions and any other portfolio transaction-related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, (vii) credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses and (viii) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. For the avoidance of doubt, Advisor’s payment of such expenses may be accomplished through the Fund’s payment of such expenses and a corresponding reduction in the fee payable to Advisor pursuant to Section 5 hereof; provided, however, that if the amount of expenses paid by the Fund exceeds the fee payable to Advisor pursuant to Section 5 hereof, Advisor will reimburse the Fund for such excess amount.

 

2 

 

 

Any officers or employees of Advisor or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Advisor, who may also serve as officers, trustees or employees of the Trust shall not receive any compensation from the Trust for their services. The expenses with respect to any two or more series of the Trust shall be allocated in proportion to the net assets of the respective series except where allocations of direct expenses can be made.

 

5. Compensation of Advisor.

 

The Trust agrees to pay Advisor on behalf of the Fund and Advisor agrees to accept as full compensation for the performance of all functions and duties on its part to be performed pursuant to the provisions hereof, a management fee payable monthly and calculated on the daily net assets of the Fund at an annual rate as noted in Schedule A of this Agreement.

 

6. Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.

 

a.             Advisor is authorized, in arranging the Fund’s portfolio transactions, to employ or deal with such members of securities or commodities exchanges, brokers or dealers, including “affiliated” broker-dealers (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) (hereinafter “broker-dealers”), as may, in its best judgment, implement the policy of the Fund to obtain “best execution,” for these transactions, which is understood to mean prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable price obtainable. The Advisor shall not be precluded from obtaining, consistent with the provisions of Subsection (c) of this Section the benefit of such investment information or research as will be of significant assistance to the performance by Advisor of its investment management functions.

 

b.             Advisor shall select broker-dealers to effect the Fund’s portfolio transactions on the basis of its estimate of their ability to obtain best execution of particular and related portfolio transactions. The abilities of a broker-dealer to obtain best execution of particular portfolio transaction(s) will be judged by Advisor on the basis of all relevant factors and considerations including, insofar as feasible, the execution capabilities required by the transaction or transactions; the ability and willingness of the broker-dealer to facilitate the Fund’s portfolio transactions by participating therein for its own account; the importance to the Fund of speed, efficiency or confidentiality; the broker-dealer’s apparent familiarity with sources from or to whom particular securities might be purchased or sold; as well as any other matters relevant to the selection of a broker-dealer for particular and related transactions of the Fund.

 

c.             Advisor shall have discretion, in the interests of the Fund, to allocate brokerage on the Fund’s portfolio transactions to broker-dealers, other than an affiliated broker-dealer, qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services (as such services are defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) for the Fund and/or other accounts for which Advisor or its affiliates exercise “investment discretion” (as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and to cause the Trust to pay such broker-dealers a commission for effecting a portfolio transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer adequately qualified to effect such transaction would have charged for effecting that transaction, if Advisor determines, in good faith, that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of Advisor and its investment advisory affiliates with respect to the accounts as to which they exercise investment discretion. In reaching such determination, Advisor will not be required to place or attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and/or research services provided or being provided by such broker-dealer. In demonstrating that such determinations were made in good faith, Advisor shall be prepared to show that all commissions were allocated for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement and that the total commissions paid by the Trust over a representative period selected by the Trust’s trustees were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.

 

3 

 

 

d.             Advisor shall have no duty or obligation to seek advance competitive bidding for the most favorable commission rate applicable to any particular portfolio transactions or to select any broker- dealer on the basis of its purported or “posted” commission rate but will, to the best of its ability, endeavor to be aware of the current level of the charges of eligible broker-dealers and to minimize the expense incurred by the Fund for effecting its portfolio transactions to the extent consistent with the interests and policies of the Fund as established by the determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the provisions of this Section 7.

 

e.             On occasions when Advisor deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as other clients of Advisor and its affiliates, Advisor to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but will be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. Allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by Advisor in the manner which Advisor considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients over time. The Trust agrees that Advisor and its affiliates may give advice and take action in the performance of their duties with respect to any of their other clients that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of actions taken, with respect to the Funds. The Trust acknowledges that Advisor and its affiliates are fiduciaries to other entities, some of which have the same or similar investment objectives (and will hold the same or similar investments) as the Funds, and that Advisor will carry out its duties hereunder together with its duties under such relationships.

 

f.              The Trust recognizes that an affiliated broker-dealer: (i) may act as one of the Fund’s regular brokers so long as it is lawful for it so to act; (ii) may be a major recipient of brokerage commissions paid by the Trust; and (iii) may effect portfolio transactions for the Fund only if the commissions, fees or other remuneration received or to be received by it are determined in accordance with procedures contemplated by any rule, regulation or order adopted under the Investment Company Act for determining the permissible level of such commissions.

 

7. Duration.

 

This Agreement, with respect to each Fund (including any series of the Trust added to this Agreement by execution of an amended Schedule A), will take effect on the date set forth next to that Fund’s name in Schedule A. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 10 hereof, this Agreement, with respect to each Fund, shall remain in effect until two years from the effective date specified in Schedule A, and thereafter will continue in effect from year to year, so long as such continuance shall be approved at least annually by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including the vote of the majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and by such a vote of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

4 

 

 

8. Termination.

 

This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by Advisor at any time without penalty upon giving the Trust sixty days’ written notice (which notice may be waived by the Trust); or (ii) by the Trust at any time without penalty upon sixty days’ written notice to Advisor (which notice may be waived by Advisor) provided that such termination by the Trust shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of all of the trustees of the Trust then in office or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act.

 

9. Assignment or Amendment.

 

This Agreement may not be amended without the affirmative vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such approval and, where required by the Investment Company Act, by a vote or written consent of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, and shall automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its “assignment,” as defined in the Investment Company Act.

 

10. Disclaimer of Trustee or Shareholder Liability

 

Advisor understands and agrees that the obligations of the Trust under this Agreement are not binding upon any Trustee or shareholder of the Trust or Fund personally but bind only the Trust and the Trust’s property. Advisor represents that it has notice of the provisions of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust disclaiming Trustee or shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and agrees that obligations, if any, assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Agreement will be limited in all cases to the Trust and its assets, and if the liability relates to one or more series, the obligations hereunder will be limited to the respective assets of the Fund.

 

11. Definitions.

 

The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted and defined in a manner consistent with the provisions and definitions of the Investment Company Act.

 

5 

 

 

  ETF OPPORTUNIES TRUST, FOR THE FUNDS LISTED IN SCHEDULE A HEREOF:
   
  /s/ David A. Bogaert
  Signature
   
  By: David A. Bogaert
   
  Title: President

 

  GEA SPHERE ADVISORS, LLC
   
  /s/ Eduard Hamamjian
  Signature
   
  By: Eduard Hamamjian
   
  Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

Schedule A

 

Funds, Effective Date and Compensation to Advisor

 

The fee payable by the Trust on behalf of each Fund shall be calculated on the daily net assets of each Fund at an annual rate as noted below:

 

Fund Effective Date Compensation
Alpha Dog ETF October 4, 2021 0.90%

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(d)(10) 

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

with 

Toroso Asset Management, LLC

 

This Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 4th day of October 2021, by and among Gea Sphere Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limied liability company with its principal place of business at 55 Mystery Farm Dr. Cranston, Rhode Island 02921 (the “Adviser”), ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”), and Toroso Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business located at 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, New York 11758 (the “Sub-Adviser”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

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

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated September 16, 2021, as amended to add additional series, with the Trust; and

 

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and is engaged in the business of supplying investment advice as an independent contractor; and

 

WHEREAS, the Investment Advisory Agreement contemplates that the Adviser may appoint a sub-adviser to perform some or all of the services for which the Adviser is responsible; and

 

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is willing to furnish such services to the Adviser and each Fund listed in Schedule A to this Agreement (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”).

 

A G R E E M E N T

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.   Duties of the Sub-Adviser. Subject to supervision and oversight of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall manage all of the securities and other assets of the Funds entrusted to it hereunder (the “Assets”), including the purchase, retention and disposition of the Assets, in accordance with the Funds’ respective investment objectives, guidelines, policies and restrictions as stated in each Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (referred to collectively as the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following:

 

(a) The Sub-Adviser shall, subject to subparagraph (b), act upon the instructions provided by the Advisor for what Assets will be purchased, retained or sold by the Funds, and what portion of the Assets will be invested or held uninvested in cash as is permissible.

 

 

 

 

(b) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall act in conformity with the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information, the written instructions and directions of the Adviser and of the Board, the terms and conditions of exemptive and no-action relief granted to the Trust as amended from time to time and provided to the Sub-Adviser and the Trust’s policies and procedures provided to the Sub-Adviser and will conform to and comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as each is amended from time to time.

 

(c) The Sub-Adviser shall act upon the instructions provided by the Advisor the Assets to be purchased or sold by the Funds as provided in subparagraph (a) and will place orders with or through such persons, brokers or dealers to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage set forth in the Funds’ Prospectus or as the Board or the Adviser may direct in writing from time to time, in conformity with all federal securities laws. In executing Fund transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the Sub-Adviser will use its best efforts to seek on behalf of each Fund the best execution and overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Sub-Adviser shall consider all factors that it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In evaluating the best overall terms available, and in selecting the broker-dealer to execute a particular transaction, the Sub-Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services provided (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Consistent with any guidelines established by the Board and Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, as amended, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for a Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser to its discretionary clients, including the Fund. In addition, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for securities to brokers or dealers (including brokers and dealers that are affiliated with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or the Trust’s principal underwriter) if the Sub-Adviser believes that the quality of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with other qualified firms. In no instance, however, will the Assets be purchased from or sold to the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, the Trust’s principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Trust, Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the principal underwriter, acting as principal in the transaction, except to the extent permitted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the 1940 Act.

 

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(d) The Sub-Adviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to transactions involving the Assets required by subparagraphs (b)(1), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Sub-Adviser shall keep the books and records relating to the Assets required to be maintained by the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement and shall timely furnish to the Adviser all information relating to the Sub-Adviser’s services under this Agreement needed by the Adviser to keep the other books and records of the Fund required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, as requested by the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser agrees that all records that it maintains on behalf of a Fund are property of the Fund and the Sub-Adviser will surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser may retain a copy of such records. In addition, for the duration of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to this Agreement, and shall transfer said records to any successor sub-adviser upon the termination of this Agreement (or, if there is no successor sub-adviser, to the Adviser).

 

(e) The Sub-Adviser shall provide the Fund’s custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the Assets and shall provide the Adviser with such information upon request of the Adviser and shall otherwise cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Adviser, the Trust’s administrator, the Trust’s custodian and foreign custodians, the Trust’s transfer agent and pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust.

 

(f) The Adviser acknowledges that the Sub-Adviser performs investment advisory services for various other clients in addition to the Funds and, to the extent it is consistent with applicable law and the Sub-Adviser’s fiduciary obligations, the Sub-Adviser may give advice and take action with respect to any of those other clients that may differ from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken for a particular Fund.

 

(g) The Sub-Adviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any financial condition that is reasonably and foreseeably likely to impair the Sub-Adviser’s ability to fulfill its commitment under this Agreement.

 

(h) The Sub-Adviser shall, unless and until otherwise directed by the Adviser or the Board and consistent with the best interests of each Fund, be responsible for exercising (or not exercising in its discretion) all rights of security holders with respect to securities held by each Fund, including but not limited to: reviewing proxy solicitation materials, voting and handling proxies and converting, tendering exchanging or redeeming securities. The Sub-Adviser will have no obligation to advise, initiate or take any other action on behalf of the Adviser, the Funds or the Assets in any legal proceedings (including, without limitation, class actions and bankruptcies) relating to the securities comprising the Assets or any other matter. Sub-Adviser will not file proofs of claims relating to the securities comprising the Assets or any other matter and will not notify the Adviser, the Funds or the Trust’s custodian of class action settlements or bankruptcies relating to the Assets.

 

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(i) In performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall not consult with any other sub-adviser to the Funds or a sub-adviser to a portfolio that is under common control with the Funds concerning the Assets, except as permitted by the policies and procedures of the Funds. The Sub-Adviser shall not provide investment advice to any assets of the Funds other than the Assets which it sub-advises.

 

(j) On occasions when the Sub-Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Funds as well as other clients of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate the order for securities to be sold or purchased. In such event, the Sub-Adviser will allocate securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, in a manner the Sub-Adviser reasonably considers to be equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients under the circumstances.

 

(k) The Sub-Adviser shall maintain books and records with respect to the Funds’ securities transactions and keep the Board and the Adviser fully informed on an ongoing basis as agreed by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser of all material facts concerning the Sub-Adviser and its key investment personnel providing services with respect to the Funds and the investment and the reinvestment of the Assets of the Funds. The Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Adviser or the Board such reasonably requested regular, periodic and special reports, balance sheets or financial information, and such other information with regard to its affairs as the Adviser or Board may reasonably request and the Sub-Adviser will attend meetings with the Adviser and/or the Trustees, as reasonably requested, to discuss the foregoing. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser shall also furnish to the Adviser any other information relating to the Assets that is required to be filed by the Adviser or the Trust with the SEC or sent to shareholders under the 1940 Act (including the rules adopted thereunder) or any exemptive or other relief that the Adviser or the Trust obtains from the SEC.

 

(l) The fair valuation of securities in a Fund may be required when the Adviser becomes aware of significant events that may affect the pricing of all or a portion of a Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser will provide assistance in determining the fair value of the Assets, as necessary and reasonably requested by the Adviser or its agent, and use reasonable efforts to arrange for the provision of valuation information or a price(s) from a party(ies) independent of the Sub-Adviser if market prices are not readily available, it being understood that the Sub-Adviser will not be responsible for determining the value of any such security.

 

2.   Duties of the Adviser. The Adviser shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Funds pursuant to the Advisory Agreement and shall oversee and review the Sub-Adviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that in connection with its management of the Assets, nothing herein shall be construed to relieve the Sub-Adviser of responsibility for compliance with the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information, the written instructions and directions of the Board, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Code, and all other applicable federal laws and regulations, as each is amended from time to time.

 

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3.   Delivery of Documents. The Adviser has furnished the Sub-Adviser with copies of each of the following documents:

 

(a) The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (such Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as in effect on the date of this Agreement and as amended from time to time, herein called the “Declaration of Trust”);

 

(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Trust (such By-Laws, as in effect on the date of this Agreement and as amended from time to time, are herein called the “By-Laws”);

 

(c) Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds, as amended from time to time;

 

(d) Resolutions of the Board approving the engagement of the Sub-Adviser as a sub-adviser to the Funds;

 

(e) Resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board with respect to the Assets to the extent such resolutions, policies and procedures may affect the duties of the Sub-Adviser hereunder;

 

(f) A list of the Trust’s principal underwriter and each affiliated person of the Adviser, the Trust or the principal underwriter; and

 

(g) The terms and conditions of exemptive and no-action relief granted to the Trust, as amended from time to time.

 

The Adviser shall promptly furnish the Sub-Adviser from time to time with copies of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing. Until so provided, the Sub-Adviser may continue to rely on those documents previously provided. The Adviser shall not, and shall not permit any of the Funds to use the Sub-Adviser’s name or make representations regarding Sub-Adviser or its affiliates without prior written consent of Sub-Adviser, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser’s approval is not required when the information regarding the Sub-Adviser used by the Adviser or the Fund is limited to information disclosed in materials provided by the Sub-Adviser to the Adviser in writing specifically for use in the Fund’s registration statement, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or in Fund shareholder reports or proxy statements and the information is used (a) as required by applicable law, rule or regulation, in the Prospectus of the Fund or in Fund shareholder reports or proxy statements; or (b) as may be otherwise specifically approved in writing by the Sub-Adviser prior to use.

 

4. Compensation to the Sub-Adviser. For the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to this Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Sub-Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation therefore, a sub-advisory fee at the rate specified in Schedule A which is attached hereto and made part of this Agreement. The fee will be calculated based on the daily value of the Assets under the Sub-Adviser’s management (as calculated as described in the Fund’s registration statement), shall be computed daily, and will be paid to the Sub-Adviser not less than monthly in arrears. Except as may otherwise be prohibited by law or regulation (including any then current SEC staff interpretations), the Sub-Adviser may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, waive a portion of its fee.

 

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In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect; provided, however that any minimum annual fee for any Fund (as noted on Schedule A) will not be prorated if this Agreement is terminated with respect to such Fund within twelve (12) months of its inception under this Agreement, but, rather, such minimum annual fee shall be paid by the Adviser in full (minus any investment management fees already paid during such period) at the time of termination.

 

5.   Expenses. The Sub-Adviser will furnish, at its expense, all necessary facilities and personnel, including personnel compensation, expenses and fees required for the Sub-Adviser to perform its duties under this Agreement; administrative facilities, including operations and bookkeeping, and all equipment necessary for the efficient conduct of the Sub-Adviser’s duties under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser may enter into an agreement with the Funds to limit the operating expenses of the Fund.

 

6.   Indemnification. The Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser, the Trust, all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) however arising from or in connection with the performance of the Sub-Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement to the extent resulting from or relating to Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

 

The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser and all affiliated persons thereof from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) however arising from or in connection with this Agreement (including, without limitation, any claims of infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property rights of a third party against the Sub-Adviser or any affiliated person relating to any index or index data provided to Sub-Adviser by the Adviser or Adviser’s agent and used by the Sub-Adviser in connection with performing its duties under this Agreement); provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 6 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by the Sub-Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to the Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no party to this Agreement shall be responsible or liable for its failure to perform under this Agreement or for any losses to the Assets resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control of such party or its agents, including, but not limited to, nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, seizure or similar action by any governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, levies or other charges affecting the Assets; or the breakdown, failure or malfunction of any utilities or telecommunications systems; or any order or regulation of any banking or securities industry including changes in market rules and market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions; or acts or war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or acts of God, or any other similar event. In no event, shall any party be responsible for incidental, consequential or punitive damages hereunder.

 

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The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

7.   Representations and Warranties of Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser represents and warrants to the Adviser and the Trust as follows:

 

(a) The Sub-Adviser is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered so long as this Agreement remains in effect;

 

(b) The Sub-Adviser will immediately notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would substantially impair the Sub-Adviser’s ability to fulfill its commitment under this Agreement or disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act. The Sub-Adviser will also promptly notify the Trust and the Adviser if it, a member of its executive management or portfolio manager for the Assets is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, government agency, self-regulatory organization, public board or body, involving the affairs of the Funds or relating to the investment advisory services of the Sub-Adviser (other than any routine regulatory examinations);

 

(c) The Sub-Adviser will notify the Adviser immediately upon detection of (a) any material failure to manage the Fund(s) in accordance with the Fund(s)’ stated investment objectives, guidelines and policies or any applicable law or regulation; or (b) any material breach of any of the Fund(s)’ or the Sub-Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures relating to the Funds.

 

(d) The Sub-Adviser is fully authorized under all applicable law and regulation to enter into this Agreement and serve as Sub-Adviser to the Funds and to perform the services described under this Agreement;

 

(e) The Sub-Adviser is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state of Delaware with the power to own and possess its assets and carry on its business as it is now being conducted;

 

(f) The execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement are within the Sub-Adviser’s powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of its corporate members or board, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Sub-Adviser for the execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement, and the execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) the Sub-Adviser’s governing instruments, or (iii) any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Sub-Adviser;

 

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(g) This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Sub-Adviser;

 

(h) The Form ADV of the Sub-Adviser previously provided to the Adviser is a true and complete copy of the form filed with the SEC and the information contained therein is accurate, current and complete in all material respects as of its filing date, and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

(i) The Sub-Adviser shall not divert any Fund’s portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer in consideration of such broker or dealer’s promotion or sales of shares of the Fund, any other series of the Trust, or any other registered investment company.

 

(j) The Sub-Adviser agrees to maintain an appropriate level of errors and omissions or professional liability insurance coverage.

 

8.   Duration and Termination. The effectiveness and termination dates of this Agreement shall be determined separately for each Fund as described below.

 

(a) Duration. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to a Fund upon the latest of (i) the effectiveness of the Transaction; (ii) the approval by a vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; (iii) the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, if required by the 1940 Act; and (iv) the commencement of the Sub-Adviser’s management of the Fund. With respect to the Fund, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the effective date described in this sub-paragraph, subject thereafter to being continued in force and effect from year to year if specifically approved each year by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. In addition to the foregoing, each renewal of this Agreement must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Board who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Prior to voting on the renewal of this Agreement, the Board may request and evaluate, and the Sub-Adviser shall furnish, such information as may reasonably be necessary to enable the Board to evaluate the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b) Termination. Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to a Fund, without payment of any penalty:

 

(i) By vote of a majority of the Board, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by the Adviser, in each case, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser;

 

(ii) By the Adviser upon breach by the Sub-Adviser of any representation or warranty contained in Section 7 and Section 9 hereof, which shall not have been cured within twenty (20) days of the Sub-Adviser’s receipt of written notice of such breach;

 

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(iii) By the Adviser immediately upon written notice to the Sub-Adviser if the Sub-Adviser becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations under this Agreement; or

 

(iv) By the Sub-Adviser upon ninety (90) days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Board.

 

This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, or in the event of a termination of the Advisory Agreement with the Trust upon notice to the Sub-Adviser. As used in this Section 8, the terms “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exceptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.

 

9.  Regulatory Compliance Program of the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser hereby represents and warrants that:

 

(a) in accordance with Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, the Sub-Adviser has adopted and implemented and will maintain written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation by the Sub-Adviser and its supervised persons (as such term is defined in the Advisers Act) of the Advisers Act and the rules the SEC has adopted under the Advisers Act; and

 

(b) the Sub-Adviser has adopted and implemented and will maintain written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violation of the “federal securities laws” (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) by the Funds and the Sub-Adviser (the policies and procedures referred to in this Section 9(b), along with the policies and procedures referred to in Section 9(a), are referred to herein as the Sub-Adviser’s “Compliance Program”).

 

10.         Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to comply with applicable law and regulation, including any demand or request of any regulatory, governmental or tax authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all non-public information pertaining to the Funds and the actions of the Sub-Adviser and the Funds in respect thereof. It is understood that any information or recommendation supplied by the Sub-Adviser in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder is to be regarded as confidential and for use only by the Adviser, the Funds, the Board, or such persons as the Adviser may designate in connection with the Funds. It is also understood that any information supplied to the Sub-Adviser in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder is to be regarded as confidential and for use only by the Sub-Adviser, its affiliates and agents in connection with its obligation to provide investment advice and other services to the Funds and to assist or enable the effective management of the Adviser’s and the Funds’ overall relationship with the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates. The parties acknowledge and agree that all nonpublic personal information with regard to shareholders in the Funds shall be deemed proprietary and confidential information of the Adviser, and that the Sub-Adviser shall use that information solely in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement and shall take reasonable steps to safeguard the confidentiality of that information. Further, the Sub-Adviser shall maintain and enforce adequate security and oversight procedures with respect to all materials, records, documents and data relating to any of its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement including all means for the effecting of investment transactions.

 

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11.         Reporting of Compliance Matters.

 

(a) The Sub-Adviser shall promptly provide to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) the following:

 

(i) a report of any material violations of the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program or any “material compliance matters” (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) that have occurred with respect to the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program;

 

(ii) on a quarterly basis, a report of any material changes to the policies and procedures that compose the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program;

 

(iii) a copy of the Sub-Adviser’s chief compliance officer’s report (or similar document(s) which serve the same purpose) regarding his or her annual review of the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; and

 

(iv) an annual (or more frequently as the Trust’s CCO may reasonably request) representation regarding the Sub-Adviser’s compliance with Section 7 and Section 9 of this Agreement.

 

(b) The Sub-Adviser shall also provide the Trust’s CCO with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Sub-Adviser’s facilities for the purpose of conducting pre-arranged on-site compliance related due diligence meetings with personnel of the Sub-Adviser.

 

12.         The Name “Gea Sphere Advisors, LLC.” The Adviser grants to the Sub-Adviser a sub-license to use the name “Gea Sphere Advisors, LLC” (the “Name”). The foregoing authorization by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser to use the Name is not exclusive of the right of the Adviser itself to use, or to authorize others to use, the Name; the Sub-Adviser acknowledges and agrees that, as between the Sub-Adviser and the Adviser, the Adviser has the right to use, or authorize others to use, the Name. The Sub-Adviser shall only use the Name in a manner consistent with uses approved by the Adviser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Sub-Adviser nor any affiliate or agent of it shall make reference to or use the Name or any of Adviser’s respective affiliates or clients names without the prior approval of Adviser, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that the Sub-Adviser is authorized to disclose the Name and the Adviser’s and the Funds identities as clients of the Sub-Adviser in any representative client list prepared by the Sub-Adviser for use in marketing materials. The Sub-Adviser hereby agrees to make all reasonable efforts to cause any affiliate or agent of the Sub-Adviser to satisfy the foregoing obligation in connection with any services such affiliates or agents provide to the Sub-Adviser or the Funds under this Agreement. The Adviser has obtained all licenses and permissions necessary for the Sub-Adviser to use any index data provided to it by the Adviser or Adviser’s agent under this Agreement and the Sub-Adviser is not required to obtain any such licenses or permissions itself.

 

13.         Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as being inconsistent with the 1940 Act.

 

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14.          Severability. Should any part of this Agreement be held invalid by a court decision, statute, regulation, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

 

15.          Notice. Any notice, advice, document, report or other client communication to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed sufficient if delivered or mailed by registered, certified or overnight mail, postage prepaid or electronically addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party. By consenting to the electronic delivery of any notice, advice, document, report or other client communication in respect of this Agreement or as required pursuant to applicable law, the Adviser authorizes the Sub-Adviser to deliver all communications by email or other electronic means.

 

To the Adviser at:

Gea Sphere, LLC
55 Mystery Farm Drive 

Cranston, Rhode Island 02921

 

To the Trust  at:

ETF Opportunities Trust
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 

Richmond, Virginia 23235

 

To the Sub-Adviser at:

Toroso Asset Management, LLC 

989 N. Broadway, Suite 2 

Massapequa, New York 11758

 

16.          Non-Hire/Non-Solicitation. The parties hereby agree that, during the term of this Agreement, neither party shall, for any reason, directly or indirectly, on its own behalf or on behalf of others, knowingly hire any person employed by the other party (a “Restricted Person”), whether or not such Restricted Person is a full-time employee or whether or not any Restricted Person’s employment is pursuant to a written agreement or is at-will. The parties further agree that, to the extent that a party breaches the covenant described in this paragraph, the other party shall be entitled to pursue all appropriate remedies in law or equity.

 

17.          Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by written agreement of the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Trust, and only in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

18.          Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to this Agreement’s subject matter. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.

 

19.          Interpretation. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act will be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment,” and “affiliated persons,” as used herein will have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision will be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

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20.         Headings. The headings in the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not constitute a part hereof.

 

In the event the terms of this Agreement are applicable to more than one Fund of the Trust as specified in Schedule A attached hereto, the Adviser is entering into this Agreement with the Sub-Adviser on behalf of the respective Funds severally and not jointly, with the express intention that the provisions contained in each numbered paragraph hereof shall be understood as applying separately with respect to each Fund as if contained in separate agreements between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for each such Fund. In the event that this Agreement is made applicable to any additional Funds by way of a Schedule executed subsequent to the date first indicated above, provisions of such Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement as it relates to such Fund so that, for example, the execution date for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement with respect to such Fund shall be the execution date of the relevant Schedule.

 

21.         Miscellaneous.

 

(a) A copy of the Certificate of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of Delaware, and notice is hereby given that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Fund or the Trust.

 

(b) Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act or Advisers Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is altered by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

12 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day first set forth above.

 

  Gea Sphere Advisors, LLC
       
  By: /s/ Eduard Hamamjian
       
  Name: Eduard Hamamjian
       
  Title: Managing Director CIO
       
  Toroso Asset Management, LLC
       
  By: /s/ Dan Carlson
   
  Name: Dan Carlson
       
  Title: CFO
       
  On Behalf of the ETF Opportunities Trust
       
  By: /s/ David A. Bogaert
       
  Name: David A. Bogaert
       
  Title: President

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE A  

to the 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT 

Dated October 4, 2021 by and among

 

GEA SPHERE Advisors, llc 

and 

TOROSO ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC 

and 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

The Adviser will pay to the Sub-Adviser as compensation for the Sub-Adviser’s services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the daily net assets of the respective Fund in accordance with the following fee schedule:

 

Fund Rate* Asset Level
Alpha Dog ETF 0.045% First $250 million
  0.040% $250 million to $500 million 
  0.035% $500 million to $1 billion
  0.030% Above $1 billion 

 

*Subject to a $30,000 annual minimum fee. 

 

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(d)(15)

  

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT made the 10th day of November 2021, by and between ETF Opportunities Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (hereinafter referred to as the “Trust”), and WEALTHTRUST Asset Management, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company (hereinafter referred to as “Advisor”) with its principal place of business located at 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140, Destin, Florida 32541.

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company registered as such with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and Advisor is an investment adviser registered as such with the Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, each fund listed in Schedule A hereof (each, a “Fund”) is a series of the Trust having a separate portfolio, investment policies and investment restrictions;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the parties, as follows:

 

1.

General Provision.

 

a.

The Trust hereby employs Advisor and Advisor hereby undertakes to act as the investment adviser of the Fund and to perform for the Fund such other duties and functions as are hereinafter set forth. Advisor shall, in all matters, give to the Fund and the Trust’s Board of Trustees the benefit of its best judgment, effort, advice and recommendations and shall at all times use its best efforts to conform to and enable the Fund to conform to: (i) the provisions of the Investment Company Act and any rules or regulations thereunder; (ii) any order or no-action relief of the Commission applicable to the operation of the Fund; (iii) any other applicable provisions of state or federal law; (iv) the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust, as amended from time to time; (v) any other policies, procedures and determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Trust; (vi) the fundamental policies and investment restrictions of the Fund as reflected in the Trust’s registration statement under the Investment Company Act; and (vii) the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Trust in effect from time to time. The appropriate officers, contractors and employees of Advisor shall be available upon reasonable notice for consultation with any of the trustees and officers of the Trust with respect to any matters dealing with the business and affairs of the Trust as they pertain to the Fund, including the valuation of any of the Fund’s portfolio securities which do not have readily available market quotations per Section 3 hereof.

 

2.

Investment Management.

 

a.

Advisor shall, subject to the direction and control by the Trust’s Board of Trustees: (i) regularly provide investment advice and recommendations to the Fund with respect to its investments, investment policies and the purchase and sale of securities; (ii) designate the identity, quantity and weighting of the securities (and amount of cash, if any) to be accepted in exchange for “creation units” of the Fund or that will be applicable that day to redemption requests received by the Fund; (iii) supervise continuously the investment program of the Fund and the composition of its portfolio and determine what securities shall be purchased or sold by the Fund; and ( iv) arrange, subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, for the purchase of securities and other investments for the Fund and the sale of securities and other investments held in the portfolio of the Fund.

 

b.

Provided that the Trust shall not be required to pay any compensation other than as provided by the terms of this Agreement and subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, Advisor may obtain investment information, research or assistance from any other person, firm or corporation to supplement, update or otherwise improve its investment management services.

 

  1  
 

 

c.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Advisor may, from time to time in its sole discretion, appoint one or more sub-advisers, including, without limitation, affiliates of Advisor, to perform investment advisory services with respect to the Fund or any portion thereof and may, in its sole discretion, terminate any or all such sub-advisers at any time to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

d.

Provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect Advisor from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Agreement, Advisor shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of good faith errors or omissions in connection with any matters to which this Agreement relates.

 

e.

Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Advisor or any officer or contractor or other related party thereof from acting as investment adviser for any other person, firm or corporation and shall not in any way limit or restrict Advisor or any of its directors, officers, stockholders, contractors, other related parties or employees from buying, selling or trading any securities for its or their own account or for the account of others for whom it or they may be acting, provided that such activities will not adversely affect or otherwise impair the performance by Advisor of its duties and obligations under this Agreement and under the Advisers Act.

 

f.

To carry out the duties and responsibilities provided hereunder, Advisor is hereby authorized, as agent and attorney-in-fact for the Trust, for the account of, at the risk of and in the name of the Fund, to place orders and issue instructions for the Fund. In all purchases, sales and other transactions in securities for the Fund, Advisor is authorized to exercise full discretion and act for the Fund in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Fund might or could do with respect to such purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions.

 

3.

Other Duties of Advisor.

 

Advisor shall, at its own expense, provide and supervise the activities of all administrative and clerical personnel as shall be required to provide effective corporate management and administration for the Fund, including (i) the compilation and maintenance of such records with respect to its operations as may reasonably be required; (ii) the preparation and filing of such reports with respect thereto as shall be required by the Commission; (iii) the composition of periodic reports with respect to its operations for shareholders of the Fund; (iv) the composition of proxy materials for meetings of the Fund’s shareholders; (v) the composition of such registration statements as may be required by Federal securities laws for continuous public sale of shares of the Fund and (vi) at Advisor’s discretion, the development and implementation, if appropriate, of management and shareholder services designed to enhance the value or convenience of the Fund as an investment vehicle.

 

4.

Allocation of Expenses.

 

During the term of this Agreement, Advisor shall pay all of the expenses of the Fund (including compensation of members of the Board of Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) of a Fund), except for (i) the fee payment under this Agreement, (ii) distribution fees or expenses under the Fund’s 12b-1 plan (if any), (iii) interest expenses, (iv) taxes, (v) acquired fund fees and expenses, (vi) brokers’ commissions and any other portfolio transaction-related expenses and fees arising out of transactions effected on behalf of the Fund, (vii) credit facility fees and expenses, including interest expenses and (viii) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. For the avoidance of doubt, Advisor’s payment of such expenses may be accomplished through the Fund’s payment of such expenses and a corresponding reduction in the fee payable to Advisor pursuant to Section 5 hereof; provided, however, that if the amount of expenses paid by the Fund exceeds the fee payable to Advisor pursuant to Section 5 hereof, Advisor will reimburse the Fund for such excess amount.

 

  2  
 

 

Any officers or employees of Advisor or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Advisor, who may also serve as officers, trustees or employees of the Trust shall not receive any compensation from the Trust for their services. The expenses with respect to any two or more series of the Trust shall be allocated in proportion to the net assets of the respective series except where allocations of direct expenses can be made.

 

5.

Compensation of Advisor.

 

The Trust agrees to pay Advisor on behalf of the Fund and Advisor agrees to accept as full compensation for the performance of all functions and duties on its part to be performed pursuant to the provisions hereof, a management fee payable monthly and calculated on the daily net assets of the Fund at an annual rate as noted in Schedule A of this Agreement.

 

6.

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.

 

a.

Advisor is authorized, in arranging the Fund’s portfolio transactions, to employ or deal with such members of securities or commodities exchanges, brokers or dealers, including “affiliated” broker-dealers (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) (hereinafter “broker-dealers”), as may, in its best judgment, implement the policy of the Fund to obtain “best execution,” for these transactions, which is understood to mean prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable price obtainable . The Advisor shall not be precluded from obtaining, consistent with the provisions of Subsection (c) of this Section the benefit of such investment information or research as will be of significant assistance to the performance by Advisor of its investment management functions.

 

b.

Advisor shall select broker-dealers to effect the Fund’s portfolio transactions on the basis of its estimate of their ability to obtain best execution of particular and related portfolio transactions. The abilities of a broker-dealer to obtain best execution of particular portfolio transaction(s) will be judged by Advisor on the basis of all relevant factors and considerations including, insofar as feasible, the execution capabilities required by the transaction or transactions; the ability and willingness of the broker-dealer to facilitate the Fund’s portfolio transactions by participating therein for its own account; the importance to the Fund of speed, efficiency or confidentiality; the broker-dealer’s apparent familiarity with sources from or to whom particular securities might be purchased or sold; as well as any other matters relevant to the selection of a broker-dealer for particular and related transactions of the Fund.

 

c.

Advisor shall have discretion, in the interests of the Fund, to allocate brokerage on the Fund’s portfolio transactions to broker-dealers, other than an affiliated broker-dealer, qualified to obtain best execution of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services (as such services are defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) for the Fund and/or other accounts for which Advisor or its affiliates exercise “investment discretion” (as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and to cause the Trust to pay such broker-dealers a commission for effecting a portfolio transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer adequately qualified to effect such transaction would have charged for effecting that transaction, if Advisor determines, in good faith, that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of Advisor and its investment advisory affiliates with respect to the accounts as to which they exercise investment discretion. In reaching such determination, Advisor will not be required to place or attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and/or research services provided or being provided by such broker-dealer. In demonstrating that such determinations were made in good faith, Advisor shall be prepared to show that all commissions were allocated for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement and that the total commissions paid by the Trust over a representative period selected by the Trust’s trustees were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.

 

  3  
 

 

d.

Advisor shall have no duty or obligation to seek advance competitive bidding for the most favorable commission rate applicable to any particular portfolio transactions or to select any broker- dealer on the basis of its purported or “posted” commission rate but will, to the best of its ability, endeavor to be aware of the current level of the charges of eligible broker-dealers and to minimize the expense incurred by the Fund for effecting its portfolio transactions to the extent consistent with the interests and policies of the Fund as established by the determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the provisions of this Section 7.

 

e.

On occasions when Advisor deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as other clients of Advisor and its affiliates, Advisor to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but will be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. Allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by Advisor in the manner which Advisor considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to its other clients over time. The Trust agrees that Advisor and its affiliates may give advice and take action in the performance of their duties with respect to any of their other clients that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of actions taken, with respect to the Funds. The Trust acknowledges that Advisor and its affiliates are fiduciaries to other entities, some of which have the same or similar investment objectives (and will hold the same or similar investments) as the Funds, and that Advisor will carry out its duties hereunder together with its duties under such relationships.

 

f.

The Trust recognizes that an affiliated broker-dealer: (i) may act as one of the Fund’s regular brokers so long as it is lawful for it so to act; (ii) may be a major recipient of brokerage commissions paid by the Trust; and (iii) may effect portfolio transactions for the Fund only if the commissions, fees or other remuneration received or to be received by it are determined in accordance with procedures contemplated by any rule, regulation or order adopted under the Investment Company Act for determining the permissible level of such commissions.

 

7.

Duration.

 

This Agreement, with respect to each Fund (including any series of the Trust added to this Agreement by execution of an amended Schedule A), will take effect on the date set forth next to that Fund’s name in Schedule A. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 10 hereof, this Agreement, with respect to each Fund, shall remain in effect until two years from the effective date specified in Schedule A, and thereafter will continue in effect from year to year, so long as such continuance shall be approved at least annually by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including the vote of the majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and by such a vote of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

  4  
 

 

8.

Termination.

 

This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by Advisor at any time without penalty upon giving the Trust sixty days’ written notice (which notice may be waived by the Trust); or (ii) by the Trust at any time without penalty upon sixty days’ written notice to Advisor (which notice may be waived by Advisor) provided that such termination by the Trust shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of all of the trustees of the Trust then in office or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act.

 

9.

Assignment or Amendment.

 

This Agreement may not be amended without the affirmative vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such approval and, where required by the Investment Company Act, by a vote or written consent of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and shall automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its “assignment,” as defined in the Investment Company Act.

 

10.

Disclaimer of Trustee or Shareholder Liability

 

Advisor understands and agrees that the obligations of the Trust under this Agreement are not binding upon any Trustee or shareholder of the Trust or Fund personally but bind only the Trust and the Trust’s property. Advisor represents that it has notice of the provisions of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust disclaiming Trustee or shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and agrees that obligations, if any, assumed by the Trust pursuant to this Agreement will be limited in all cases to the Trust and its assets, and if the liability relates to one or more series, the obligations hereunder will be limited to the respective assets of the Fund.

 

11.

Definitions.

 

The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted and defined in a manner consistent with the provisions and definitions of the Investment Company Act.

 

  5  
 

 

 

  ETF OPPORTUNIES TRUST, FOR THE FUNDS LISTED IN
SCHEDULE A HEREOF:
 
     
     
  /s/ David A. Bogaert  
  Signature  
     
  By: David A. Bogaert  
  Title: President  
     
     
  WEALTHTRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC  
     
     
  /s/ John G. McHugh  
  Signature  
     
  By: John G. McHugh  
  Title: President and Chief Investment Officer  

 

 

     
 

 

 

Schedule A

 

Funds, Effective Date and Compensation to Advisor

 

The fee payable by the Trust on behalf of each Fund shall be calculated on the daily net assets of each Fund at an annual rate as noted below: 

 

 

Fund Effective Date Compensation

WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

 

November 10, 2021 0.67% of the first $250 million
0.62% from $250 million up to $500 million
0.57% in excess of $500 million

 

 

 

     

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(d)(16) 

 

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

with

Toroso Asset Management, LLC

 

This Investment Sub-Advisory Agreeement (the “Agreement”) is made as of this 10th day of November, 2021 by and among WEALTHTRUST Asset Management, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company with its principal place of business at 4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140, Destin, Florida 32541 (the “Adviser”), ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”), and Toroso Asset Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business located at 898 N. Broadway, Suite 2, Massapequa, New York 11758 (the “Sub-Adviser”).

W I T N E S S E T H

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

WHEREAS, the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated November 10, 2021 with the Trust; and

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and is engaged in the business of supplying investment advice as an independent contractor; and

WHEREAS, the Investment Advisory Agreement contemplates that the Adviser may appoint a sub-adviser to perform some or all of the services for which the Adviser is responsible; and

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is willing to furnish such services to the Adviser and each Fund listed in Schedule A to this Agreement (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”).

A G R E E M E N T  

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.  

Duties of the Sub-Adviser. Subject to supervision and oversight of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall manage all of the securities and other assets of the Funds entrusted to it hereunder (the “Assets”), including the purchase, retention and disposition of the Assets, in accordance with the Funds’ respective investment objectives, guidelines, policies and restrictions as stated in each Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented from time to time (referred to collectively as the “Prospectus”), and subject to the following:

     
 

 

 

(a) The Sub-Adviser shall, subject to subparagraph (b), determine from time to time what Assets will be purchased, retained or sold by the Funds, and what portion of the Assets will be invested or held uninvested in cash as is permissible.
     
(b) In the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall act in conformity with the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information, the written instructions and directions of the Adviser and of the Board, the terms and conditions of exemptive and no-action relief granted to the Trust as amended from time to time and provided to the Sub-Adviser and the Trust’s policies and procedures provided to the Sub-Adviser and will conform to and comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the Commodity Exchange Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as each is amended from time to time.
     
(c) The Sub-Adviser shall determine the Assets to be purchased or sold by the Funds as provided in subparagraph (a) and will place orders with or through such persons, brokers or dealers to carry out the policy with respect to brokerage set forth in the Funds’ Prospectus or as the Board or the Adviser may direct in writing from time to time, in conformity with all federal securities laws. In executing Fund transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the Sub-Adviser will use its best efforts to seek on behalf of each Fund the best execution and overall terms available. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Sub-Adviser shall consider all factors that it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In evaluating the best overall terms available, and in selecting the broker-dealer to execute a particular transaction, the Sub-Adviser may also consider the brokerage and research services provided (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Consistent with any guidelines established by the Board and Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, as amended, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for a Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser to its discretionary clients, including the Fund. In addition, the Sub-Adviser is authorized to allocate purchase and sale orders for securities to brokers or dealers (including brokers and dealers that are affiliated with the Adviser, Sub-Adviser or the Trust’s principal underwriter) if the Sub-Adviser believes that the quality of the transaction and the commission are comparable to what they would be with other qualified firms. In no instance, however, will the Assets be purchased from or sold to the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, the Trust’s principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Trust, Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or the principal underwriter, acting as principal in the transaction, except to the extent permitted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the 1940 Act.

 

  2  
 

(d) The Sub-Adviser shall maintain all books and records with respect to transactions involving the Assets required by subparagraphs (b)(1), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Sub-Adviser shall keep the books and records relating to the Assets required to be maintained by the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement and shall timely furnish to the Adviser all information relating to the Sub-Adviser’s services under this Agreement needed by the Adviser to keep the other books and records of the Fund required by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, as requested by the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser agrees that all records that it maintains on behalf of a Fund are property of the Fund and the Sub-Adviser will surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request; provided, however, that the Sub-Adviser may retain a copy of such records. In addition, for the duration of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any such records as are required to be maintained by it pursuant to this Agreement, and shall transfer said records to any successor sub-adviser upon the termination of this Agreement (or, if there is no successor sub-adviser, to the Adviser).
     
(e) The Sub-Adviser shall provide the Fund’s custodian on each business day with information relating to all transactions concerning the Assets and shall provide the Adviser with such information upon request of the Adviser and shall otherwise cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Adviser, the Trust’s administrator, the Trust’s custodian and foreign custodians, the Trust’s transfer agent and pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Trust.
     
(f) The Adviser acknowledges that the Sub-Adviser performs investment advisory services for various other clients in addition to the Funds and, to the extent it is consistent with applicable law and the Sub-Adviser’s fiduciary obligations, the Sub-Adviser may give advice and take action with respect to any of those other clients that may differ from the advice given or the timing or nature of action taken for a particular Fund.
     
(g) The Sub-Adviser shall promptly notify the Adviser of any financial condition that is reasonably and foreseeably likely to impair the Sub-Adviser’s ability to fulfill its commitment under this Agreement.
     
(h) The Sub-Adviser shall, unless and until otherwise directed by the Adviser or the Board and consistent with the best interests of each Fund, be responsible for exercising (or not exercising in its discretion) all rights of security holders with respect to securities held by each Fund, including but not limited to: reviewing proxy solicitation materials, voting and handling proxies and converting, tendering exchanging or redeeming securities. The Sub-Adviser will have no obligation to advise, initiate or take any other action on behalf of the Adviser, the Funds or the Assets in any legal proceedings (including, without limitation, class actions and bankruptcies) relating to the securities comprising the Assets or any other matter. Sub-Adviser will not file proofs of claims relating to the securities comprising the Assets or any other matter and will not notify the Adviser, the Funds or the Trust’s custodian of class action settlements or bankruptcies relating to the Assets.

 

  3  
 

(i) In performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall not consult with any other sub-adviser to the Funds or a sub-adviser to a portfolio that is under common control with the Funds concerning the Assets, except as permitted by the policies and procedures of the Funds. The Sub-Adviser shall not provide investment advice to any assets of the Funds other than the Assets which it sub-advises.
     
(j) On occasions when the Sub-Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Funds as well as other clients of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, aggregate the order for securities to be sold or purchased. In such event, the Sub-Adviser will allocate securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, in a manner the Sub-Adviser reasonably considers to be equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients under the circumstances.
     
(k) The Sub-Adviser shall maintain books and records with respect to the Funds’ securities transactions and keep the Board and the Adviser fully informed on an ongoing basis as agreed by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser of all material facts concerning the Sub-Adviser and its key investment personnel providing services with respect to the Funds and the investment and the reinvestment of the Assets of the Funds. The Sub-Adviser shall furnish to the Adviser or the Board such reasonably requested regular, periodic and special reports, balance sheets or financial information, and such other information with regard to its affairs as the Adviser or Board may reasonably request and the Sub-Adviser will attend meetings with the Adviser and/or the Trustees, as reasonably requested, to discuss the foregoing. Upon the request of the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser shall also furnish to the Adviser any other information relating to the Assets that is required to be filed by the Adviser or the Trust with the SEC or sent to shareholders under the 1940 Act (including the rules adopted thereunder) or any exemptive or other relief that the Adviser or the Trust obtains from the SEC.
     
(l) The fair valuation of securities in a Fund may be required when the Adviser becomes aware of significant events that may affect the pricing of all or a portion of a Fund’s portfolio. The Sub-Adviser will provide assistance in determining the fair value of the Assets, as necessary and reasonably requested by the Adviser or its agent, and use reasonable efforts to arrange for the provision of valuation information or a price(s) from a party(ies) independent of the Sub-Adviser if market prices are not readily available, it being understood that the Sub-Adviser will not be responsible for determining the value of any such security.

2.  

Duties of the Adviser. The Adviser shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Funds pursuant to the Advisory Agreement and shall oversee and review the Sub-Adviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement; provided, however, that in connection with its management of the Assets, nothing herein shall be construed to relieve the Sub-Adviser of responsibility for compliance with the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional

  4  
 

 

Information, the written instructions and directions of the Board, the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Code, and all other applicable federal laws and regulations, as each is amended from time to time.

3.  

Delivery of Documents. The Adviser has furnished the Sub-Adviser with copies of each of the following documents:

(a) The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (such Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as in effect on the date of this Agreement and as amended from time to time, herein called the “Declaration of Trust”);
     
(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Trust (such By-Laws, as in effect on the date of this Agreement and as amended from time to time, are herein called the “By-Laws”);
     
(c) Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Funds, as amended from time to time;
     
(d) Resolutions of the Board approving the engagement of the Sub-Adviser as a sub-adviser to the Funds;
     
(e) Resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board with respect to the Assets to the extent such resolutions, policies and procedures may affect the duties of the Sub-Adviser hereunder;
     
(f) A list of the Trust’s principal underwriter and each affiliated person of the Adviser, the Trust or the principal underwriter; and
     
(g) The terms and conditions of exemptive and no-action relief granted to the Trust, as amended from time to time.

 

The Adviser shall promptly furnish the Sub-Adviser from time to time with copies of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing. Until so provided, the Sub-Adviser may continue to rely on those documents previously provided. The Adviser shall not, and shall not permit any of the Funds to use the Sub-Adviser’s name or make representations regarding Sub-Adviser or its affiliates without prior written consent of Sub-Adviser, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser’s approval is not required when the information regarding the Sub-Adviser used by the Adviser or the Fund is limited to information disclosed in materials provided by the Sub-Adviser to the Adviser in writing specifically for use in the Fund’s registration statement, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or in Fund shareholder reports or proxy statements and the information is used (a) as required by applicable law, rule or regulation, in the Prospectus of the Fund or in Fund shareholder reports or proxy statements; or (b) as may be otherwise specifically approved in writing by the Sub-Adviser prior to use.

4.  

Compensation to the Sub-Adviser. For the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser pursuant to this Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Sub-Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser agrees to accept as full compensation therefore, a sub-advisory fee at the rate specified in Schedule A which is attached hereto and made part of this Agreement. The fee will be calculated based on the daily value of the Assets under the Sub-Adviser’s management (as calculated as described in the Fund’s registration statement), shall be computed daily, and will be paid to the Sub-Adviser not less than monthly in arrears. Except as may otherwise be prohibited by law or regulation (including any then current SEC staff interpretations), the Sub-Adviser may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, waive a portion of its fee.

  5  
 

In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect; provided, however that any minimum annual fee for any Fund (as noted on Schedule A) will not be prorated if this Agreement is terminated with respect to such Fund within twelve (12) months of its inception under this Agreement, but, rather, such minimum annual fee shall be paid by the Adviser in full (minus any investment management fees already paid during such period) at the time of termination.

5.  

Expenses. The Sub-Adviser will furnish, at its expense, all necessary facilities and personnel, including personnel compensation, expenses and fees required for the Sub-Adviser to perform its duties under this Agreement; administrative facilities, including operations and bookkeeping, and all equipment necessary for the efficient conduct of the Sub-Adviser’s duties under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser may enter into an agreement with the Funds to limit the operating expenses of the Fund.

6.  

Indemnification. The Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser, the Trust, all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) however arising from or in connection with the performance of the Sub-Adviser’s obligations under this Agreement to the extent resulting from or relating to Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

The Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Adviser and all affiliated persons thereof from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorney’s fees and other related expenses) however arising from or in connection with this Agreement (including, without limitation, any claims of infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property rights of a third party against the Sub-Adviser or any affiliated person relating to any index or index data provided to Sub-Adviser by the Adviser or Adviser’s agent and used by the Sub-Adviser in connection with performing its duties under this Agreement); provided, however, that the Adviser’s obligation under this Section 6 shall be reduced to the extent that the claim against, or the loss, liability or damage experienced by the Sub-Adviser, is caused by or is otherwise directly related to the Sub-Adviser’s own willful misfeasance, fraud, bad faith or gross negligence, or to the reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no party to this Agreement shall be responsible or liable for its failure to perform under this Agreement or for any losses to the Assets resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control of such party or its agents, including, but not limited to, nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, seizure or similar action by any governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, levies or other charges affecting the Assets; or the breakdown, failure or malfunction of any utilities or telecommunications systems; or any order or regulation of any banking or securities industry including changes in market rules and market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions; or acts or war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or acts of God, or any other similar event. In no event, shall any party be responsible for incidental, consequential or punitive damages hereunder.

 

  6  
 

The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

7.  

Representations and Warranties of Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser represents and warrants to the Adviser and the Trust as follows:

(a) The Sub-Adviser is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered so long as this Agreement remains in effect;
     
(b) The Sub-Adviser will immediately notify the Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would substantially impair the Sub-Adviser’s ability to fulfill its commitment under this Agreement or disqualify the Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act. The Sub-Adviser will also promptly notify the Trust and the Adviser if it, a member of its executive management or portfolio manager for the Assets is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, government agency, self-regulatory organization, public board or body, involving the affairs of the Funds or relating to the investment advisory services of the Sub-Adviser (other than any routine regulatory examinations);
     
(c) The Sub-Adviser will notify the Adviser immediately upon detection of (a) any material failure to manage the Fund(s) in accordance with the Fund(s)’ stated investment objectives, guidelines and policies or any applicable law or regulation; or (b) any material breach of any of the Fund(s)’ or the Sub-Adviser’s policies, guidelines or procedures relating to the Funds.
     
(d) The Sub-Adviser is fully authorized under all applicable law and regulation to enter into this Agreement and serve as Sub-Adviser to the Funds and to perform the services described under this Agreement;
     
(e) The Sub-Adviser is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state of Delaware with the power to own and possess its assets and carry on its business as it is now being conducted;
     
(f) The execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement are within the Sub-Adviser’s powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of its corporate members or board, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Sub-Adviser for the execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement, and the execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) the Sub-Adviser’s governing instruments, or (iii) any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Sub-Adviser;

 

  7  
 

 

(g) This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Sub-Adviser;
     
(h) The Form ADV of the Sub-Adviser previously provided to the Adviser is a true and complete copy of the form filed with the SEC and the information contained therein is accurate, current and complete in all material respects as of its filing date, and does not omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
     
(i) The Sub-Adviser shall not divert any Fund’s portfolio securities transactions to a broker or dealer in consideration of such broker or dealer’s promotion or sales of shares of the Fund, any other series of the Trust, or any other registered investment company.
     
(j) The Sub-Adviser agrees to maintain an appropriate level of errors and omissions or professional liability insurance coverage.

 

8.  

Duration and Termination. The effectiveness and termination dates of this Agreement shall be determined separately for each Fund as described below.

(a) Duration. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to a Fund upon the latest of (i) the approval by a vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval; (ii) the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, if required by the 1940 Act; and (iii) the commencement of the Sub-Adviser’s management of the Fund. With respect to the Fund, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the effective date described in this sub-paragraph, subject thereafter to being continued in force and effect from year to year if specifically approved each year by the Board or by the vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. In addition to the foregoing, each renewal of this Agreement must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Board who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Prior to voting on the renewal of this Agreement, the Board may request and evaluate, and the Sub-Adviser shall furnish, such information as may reasonably be necessary to enable the Board to evaluate the terms of this Agreement.
     
(b) Termination. Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to a Fund, without payment of any penalty:

 

(i) By vote of a majority of the Board, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by the Adviser, in each case, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Sub-Adviser;
     
(ii) By the Adviser upon breach by the Sub-Adviser of any representation or warranty contained in Section 7 and Section 9 hereof, which shall not have been cured within twenty (20) days of the Sub-Adviser’s receipt of written notice of such breach;

 

  8  
 

 

(iii) By the Adviser immediately upon written notice to the Sub-Adviser if the Sub-Adviser becomes unable to discharge its duties and obligations under this Agreement; or
     
(iv) By the Sub-Adviser upon ninety (90) days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Board.

 

This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment, or in the event of a termination of the Advisory Agreement with the Trust upon notice to the Sub-Adviser. As used in this Section 8, the terms “assignment” and “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exceptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.

9.  

Regulatory Compliance Program of the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser hereby represents and warrants that:

(a) in accordance with Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, the Sub-Adviser has adopted and implemented and will maintain written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation by the Sub-Adviser and its supervised persons (as such term is defined in the Advisers Act) of the Advisers Act and the rules the SEC has adopted under the Advisers Act; and
     
(b) the Sub-Adviser has adopted and implemented and will maintain written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to prevent violation of the “federal securities laws” (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) by the Funds and the Sub-Adviser (the policies and procedures referred to in this Section 9(b), along with the policies and procedures referred to in Section 9(a), are referred to herein as the Sub-Adviser’s “Compliance Program”).

 

10.             

Confidentiality. Subject to the duty of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to comply with applicable law and regulation, including any demand or request of any regulatory, governmental or tax authority having jurisdiction, the parties hereto shall treat as confidential all non-public information pertaining to the Funds and the actions of the Sub-Adviser and the Funds in respect thereof. It is understood that any information or recommendation supplied by the Sub-Adviser in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder is to be regarded as confidential and for use only by the Adviser, the Funds, the Board, or such persons as the Adviser may designate in connection with the Funds. It is also understood that any information supplied to the Sub-Adviser in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder is to be regarded as confidential and for use only by the Sub-Adviser, its affiliates and agents in connection with its obligation to provide investment advice and other services to the Funds and to assist or enable the effective management of the Adviser’s and the Funds’ overall relationship with the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates. The parties acknowledge and agree that all nonpublic personal information with regard to shareholders in the Funds shall be deemed proprietary and confidential information of the Adviser, and that the Sub-Adviser shall use that information solely in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement and shall take reasonable steps to safeguard the confidentiality of that information. Further, the Sub-Adviser shall maintain and enforce adequate security and oversight procedures with respect to all materials, records, documents and data relating to any of its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement including all means for the effecting of investment transactions.

 

  9  
 

11.             

Reporting of Compliance Matters.

(a) The Sub-Adviser shall promptly provide to the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) the following:

 

(i) a report of any material violations of the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program or any “material compliance matters” (as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) that have occurred with respect to the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program;
     
(ii) on a quarterly basis, a report of any material changes to the policies and procedures that compose the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program;
     
(iii) a copy of the Sub-Adviser’s chief compliance officer’s report (or similar document(s) which serve the same purpose) regarding his or her annual review of the Sub-Adviser’s Compliance Program, as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act; and
     
(iv) an annual (or more frequently as the Trust’s CCO may reasonably request) representation regarding the Sub-Adviser’s compliance with Section 7 and Section 9 of this Agreement.

 

(b) The Sub-Adviser shall also provide the Trust’s CCO with reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the Sub-Adviser’s facilities for the purpose of conducting pre-arranged on-site compliance related due diligence meetings with personnel of the Sub-Adviser.

12.             

Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as being inconsistent with the 1940 Act.

13.             

Severability. Should any part of this Agreement be held invalid by a court decision, statute, regulation, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

14.             

Notice. Any notice, advice, document, report or other client communication to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed sufficient if delivered or mailed by registered, certified or overnight mail, postage prepaid or electronically addressed by the party giving notice to the other party at the last address furnished by the other party. By consenting to the electronic delivery of any notice, advice, document, report or other client communication in respect of this Agreement or as required pursuant to applicable law, the Adviser authorizes the Sub-Adviser to deliver all communications by email or other electronic means.

  To the Adviser at:

WEALTHTRUST Asset Management, LLC
4458 Legendary Drive, Suite 140

Destin, Florida 32541

     
  To the Trust  at:

ETF Opportunities Trust
8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

     
  To the Sub-Adviser at:

Toroso Asset Management, LLC

989 N. Broadway, Suite 2

Massapequa, New York 11758

 

  10  
 

 

15.             

Non-Hire/Non-Solicitation. The parties hereby agree that, during the term of this Agreement, neither party shall, for any reason, directly or indirectly, on its own behalf or on behalf of others, knowingly hire any person employed by the other party (a “Restricted Person”), whether or not such Restricted Person is a full-time employee or whether or not any Restricted Person’s employment is pursuant to a written agreement or is at-will. The parties further agree that, to the extent that a party breaches the covenant described in this paragraph, the other party shall be entitled to pursue all appropriate remedies in law or equity.

16.             

Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by written agreement of the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Trust, and only in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

17.             

Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to this Agreement’s subject matter. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute only one instrument.

18.             

Interpretation. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act will be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment,” and “affiliated persons,” as used herein will have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision will be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

19.             

Headings. The headings in the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not constitute a part hereof.

In the event the terms of this Agreement are applicable to more than one Fund of the Trust as specified in Schedule A attached hereto, the Adviser is entering into this Agreement with the Sub-Adviser on behalf of the respective Funds severally and not jointly, with the express intention that the provisions contained in each numbered paragraph hereof shall be understood as applying separately with respect to each Fund as if contained in separate agreements between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser for each such Fund. In the event that this Agreement is made applicable to any additional Funds by way of a Schedule executed subsequent to the date first indicated above, provisions of such Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement as it relates to such Fund so that, for example, the execution date for purposes of Section 8 of this Agreement with respect to such Fund shall be the execution date of the relevant Schedule.

  11  
 

20.             

Miscellaneous.

(a) A copy of the Certificate of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of Delaware, and notice is hereby given that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Fund or the Trust.
     
(b) Where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act or Advisers Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is altered by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

 

[Signature page follows]

 

  12  
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day first set forth above. 

 

WEALTHTRUST Asset Management, LLC

 
     
     
  By: /s/ John G. McHugh  
  Name: John G. McHugh  
  Title: President and Chief Investment Officer  
     
     
  Toroso Investment Management, LLC  
     
     
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
     
     
  On Behalf of the ETF Opportunities Trust  
     
  By: /s/ David A. Bogaert  
  Name: David A. Bogaert  
  Title: President and Chief Investment Officer  

  

     
 

 

SCHEDULE A

to the

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Dated November 10, 2021 by and among

 

WEALTHTRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT, llc

 

and

 

TOROSO ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

and

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

The Adviser will pay to the Sub-Adviser as compensation for the Sub-Adviser’s services rendered, a fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the daily net assets of the respective Fund in accordance with the following fee schedule:

Fund Rate Asset Level
WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF 0.03% All Assets
*Subject to a $20,000 annual minimum

 

 

     

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(g)(7)

 

Amendment NO. 7

to

Global CUSTODIAL AND AGENCY services agreement

 

This AMENDMENT No. 7 (“Amendment”) is made as of November 29, 2021, by and between ETF Opportunities Trust (“Client”) and Citibank, N.A. (“Custodian”, together with the Client, the “Parties”), to that certain Global Custodial and Agency Services Agreement dated May 14, 2020, between the Client and Service Provider (“Agreement”). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, the Custodian performs certain custodial services for the Client; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties agree to amend Appendix A of the Agreement to add The WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF, along with the corresponding authorized participant fee to the portfolio of the Client.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter contained and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Client and Custodian hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendment to Appendix A of the Agreement – List of Funds.

 

Appendix A of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the Appendix A attached to the end of this Amendment.

 

2. Representations and Warranties.

 

a. The Client represents that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Amendment and that it has provided this Amendment to the Board.

 

b. The Custodian represents that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Amendment.

 

3. Miscellaneous.

 

a. This Amendment supplements and amends the Agreement. The provisions set forth in this Amendment supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing upon the subject matter covered herein, including any conflicting provisions of the Agreement or any provisions of the Agreement that directly cover or indirectly bear upon matters covered under this Amendment.

 

b. Each reference to the Agreement in the Agreement (as it existed prior to this Amendment) and in every other agreement, contract or instrument to which the parties are bound, shall hereafter be construed as a reference to the Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as provided in this Amendment, the provisions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. No amendment or modification to this Amendment shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both Parties hereto.

 

 1

 

 

c. Paragraph headings in this Amendment are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Amendment.

 

d. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

  ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
  By: /s/ David A. Bogaert
  Name: David A. Bogaert
  Title: President
  Date: October 19, 2021
 
  CITIBANK, N.A.
  By: /s/ Dominic Crowe
  Name: Dominic Crowe
  Title: Managing Director
  Date: November 8, 2021

 

 2

 

 

Appendix A 

To the Global Custodial and Agency Services Agreement

 

List of Funds for ETF Opportunities Trust

 

Fund Name Authorized Participant Fee Per
Create/Redeem (USD)
American Conservative Values ETF 1500
American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF 250
Real Asset Strategies ETF 250
Formidable ETF  250
Formidable Small/Mid Cap ETF [TBD]
Formidable Fortress ETF 250
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF 750
Alpha Dog ETF 250
Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF 250
The WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF 250

 

 3

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(h)(5)

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

 

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

Administration Services

 

Between

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

and

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

October 4, 2021

 

Exhibit A – Series Portfolios 

Exhibit B – Administrative Services 

Exhibit C – Fees and Expenses

 

 

 

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 4, 2021, between Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., a corporation organized in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (“CFS”) and ETF Opportunities Trust, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Trust”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and consists of one more series portfolios listed on Exhibit A (the “Funds”), each of which may consist of one or more classes of shares of beneficial interest; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain CFS to provide certain administration and other general services (the “Services”) with respect to the Funds and CFS is willing to furnish such Services;

 

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

 

Section 1.        Appointment.

 

The Trust hereby appoints CFS as administrator for the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement, and CFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the Services as set forth in this Agreement. The Services of CFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein or as may be agreed to from time to time, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against CFS hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Trust determines that it would be appropriate to engage another service provider (either directly or through CFS) as the , sub-administrator, CFS responsibilities with respect to such function shall be confined to overseeing such function – any such relationship shall be noted and described in Exhibit C to this Agreement.

 

Section 2.        Representations and Warranties of CFS.

 

CFS hereby represents and warrants to the Trust that:

 

(a)       It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(b)       It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(c)       It is empowered under applicable laws and by its By-Laws to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)       All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(e)       It has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and,

 

This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of CFS, enforceable against CFS in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and securities parties.

 

 

 

 

Section 3.        Representations and Warranties of the Trust.

 

The Trust hereby represents and warrants to CFS that:

 

(a)       It is a statutory trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware;

 

(b)       It is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(c)       All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)       It is an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

 

(e)       This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and

 

(f)       A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities laws filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all shares of the Funds and any classes thereof being offered for sale.

 

Section 4.        Trust Reports to CFS Delivery of Documents and Other Materials.

 

The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to CFS such copies of each Fund’s prospectus, statement of additional information, financial statements, proxy statements, shareholder reports, each current plan of distribution or similar document adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each current shareholder services plan or similar document adopted by the Fund, each Fund’s net asset value per share, declaration, record and payment dates, amounts of any dividends or income, special actions relating to each Fund’s securities and other information relating to the Trust’s business and affairs as CFS may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. CFS shall maintain such information as required by regulation and as agreed upon between the Trust and CFS. The Trust will complete all necessary prospectus and compliance reports, as well as monitoring the various limitations and restrictions.

 

Section 5.        Services Provided by CFS.

 

(a)        CFS will provide, or supervise the performance of others, the Services described herein subject to the direction and supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trust’s currently effective Registration Statement, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, applicable laws and regulations, and all resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board, and further subject to CFS’s policies and procedures as in effect from time to time. CFS shall be responsible for all necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and facilities necessary for it to perform its obligations under this Agreement. CFS may sub-contract with third parties to perform certain of the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder; provided, however, that CFS shall remain principally responsible to the Trust for the acts and omissions of such other entities and provided further that CFS shall be responsible for the payment of such third parties unless the Board approves such payment in a separate agreement or otherwise approves passing the costs associated with such third party onto the Funds as an out-of-pocket expense of CFS.

 

 

 

 

Except with respect to CFS’s duties as set forth in this Agreement, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring that each Fund complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 1940 Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and any other laws, rules and regulations, or interpretations thereof, of governmental authorities with jurisdiction over each Fund.

 

(i) Administrative Services – set forth in Exhibit B.

 

CFS shall be responsible for promptly communicating any conflicts between its policies and procedures in effect from time to time and the resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board.

 

(b)        CFS shall keep records relating to the Services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. CFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by CFS relating to the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder are the property of the Trust and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Trust or its designee on and in accordance with its request. The Trust and the Trust’s authorized representatives shall have access to CFS’s records relating to the Services under this Agreement at all times during CFS’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such records shall be provided promptly by CFS to the Trust or the Trust’s authorized representatives.

 

Section 6.        Compensation and Expenses

 

(a)         Compensation. The Trust agrees to pay CFS as compensation for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Schedule C hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the later of the date of this Agreement or the date of commencement of operations of the Fund. If fees begin to accrue in the middle of a month or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees for the period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of that month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with respect to a Fund, the Fund shall pay to CFS such compensation as shall be payable prior to the effective date of termination.

 

In addition, the Trust shall reimburse CFS from the assets of each Fund certain reasonable expenses incurred by CFS on behalf of each Fund individually in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Such out-of-pocket expenses shall include, but not be limited to: documented fees and costs of obtaining advice of Fund counsel or accountants in connection with its services to each Fund; postage; long distance telephone; special forms required by each Fund; any economy class travel which may be required in the performance of its duties to each Fund; and any other extraordinary expenses it may incur in connection with its services to each Fund, provided that such extraordinary expenses must be approved by the Board prior to any reimbursement.

 

In connection with the services provided by CFS pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse CFS for expenses set forth in Schedule C hereto. In addition, the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse CFS for all reasonable expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the Trust’s accounts and records by the Trust’s independent accountants or any regulatory body outside of routine and normal periodic reviews.

 

 

 

 

(b)       Taxes. Except as required by applicable law or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, CFS shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection with the Trust or any customer, excluding taxes, if any, assessed against CFS related to its income or assets.

 

(c)       Invoices/Billing. All fees and reimbursements are payable in arrears on a monthly basis and the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within five (5) business days following receipt of the respective billing notice. Without prejudice to CFS’s other rights, CFS reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts (except to the extent the amount is subject to a bona fide dispute) from the due date until actual payment at an annual rate equal to the sum of the overnight Fed Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 2 percentage points.

 

Section 7.        Confidentiality.

 

CFS agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received by CFS in connection with this Agreement, including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that CFS may disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust.

 

The Trust acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by CFS on databases under the control and ownership of CFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “Proprietary Information”) of substantial value to CFS or the third party. The Trust agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to CFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.

 

Upon termination of this Agreement, CFS shall return to the Trust all copies of confidential or non-public personal information received from the Trust hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by CFS under applicable laws or regulations. CFS hereby agrees to dispose of any “consumer report information,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-P.

 

Section 8.        Standard of Care / Limitation of Liability.

 

(a)       Responsibility for Losses. CFS shall be under no duty to take any action on behalf of a Fund except as necessary to fulfill its duties and obligations as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by CFS in writing. CFS shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement, but assumes no responsibility for any loss arising out of any act or omission in carrying out its duties hereunder, except a loss resulting from CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of CFS’s duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard of CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ obligations and duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation on CFS’s liability shall not apply to the extent any loss or damage results from any fraud committed by CFS or any intentionally bad or malicious acts (that is, acts or breaches undertaken purposefully under circumstances in which the person acting knows or has reason to believe that such act or breach violates such person’s obligations under this Agreement or can cause danger or harm) of CFS.

 

 

 

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any other provision of this Agreement, (i) CFS shall not be liable for losses beyond its control, provided that CFS has acted in accordance with the standard of care set forth above; and (ii) CFS shall not be liable for (A) the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any oral or written instructions provided by the Fund, notice or other instrument which conforms to the applicable requirements of this Agreement, and which CFS reasonably believes to be genuine; or (B) subject to Section 15, delays or errors or loss of data occurring by reason of circumstances beyond CFS’s control, including fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply.

 

(b)          Limitations on Liability.

 

(i) CFS is responsible for the performance of only those duties as are expressly set forth herein and in the Exhibits and Schedules as they may be amended from time to time. CFS will have no implied duties or obligations. Each party to the Agreement shall mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible hereunder.

 

(ii) CFS shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accurateness or completeness of any instruction or any other information it receives from a Fund, and shall be without liability for any loss or damage suffered by a Fund or any of a Fund’s customers as a result of CFS’s reasonable reliance on and utilization of any such instruction or other such information. For the avoidance of doubt, CFS shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance on any instruction believed by it in good faith to have been authorized by an authorized person.

 

(iii) CFS shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage caused by the failure of the Trust to provide CFS with any information.

 

(iv) CFS is not responsible for the acts, omissions, defaults or insolvency of any third party including, but not limited to, any investment advisers, custodians, intermediaries or non-discretionary subcontractors.

 

(v) CFS shall have no responsibility for the management of the investments or any other assets of the Trust or its customers, and CFS shall have no obligation to review, monitor or otherwise ensure compliance by a Fund with the policies, restrictions, guidelines or disclosures applicable to the Fund or any other term or condition of the original documents, operating documents, policies and procedures or registration statement. Further, CFS shall have no liability to the Trust for any loss or damage suffered by the Trust as a result of any breach of the investment policies, objectives, guidelines or restrictions applicable to the Trust or any misstatement or omission in the registration statement.

 

(vi) Except as set forth in the exhibits hereto, the Trust acknowledges that the reporting obligations of CFS do not constitute a duty to monitor compliance and CFS shall not be liable for any failure of the Fund to comply with any laws, regulations or other applicable requirements thereof.

 

(vii) CFS shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers of the Trust, including the errors of pricing services (other than to pursue all reasonable claims against the pricing service based on the pricing services’ standard contracts entered into by CFS) and errors in information provided by an investment adviser to a Fund custodian (including prices and pricing formulas and untimely transmission of trade information).

 

 

 

 

(viii) CFS will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from the misuse or sharing of online access by any authorized person of the Trust who has been issued a User ID by CFS.

 

(ix) Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, CFS hereby disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, made to the Trust or any other person, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding quality, suitability or otherwise (irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to services provided under this Agreement. CFS disclaims any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

(c)           Mutual Exclusion of Consequential Damages. Except for any liquidated damages agreed to by the parties to this Agreement related to an unexcused termination of this Agreement, under no circumstances will either party be liable to the other party for special or punitive damages, or consequential loss or damage, or any loss of profits, goodwill, business opportunity, business, or revenue or anticipated savings, in relation to this Agreement, whether or not the relevant loss was foreseeable, or the party was advised of the possibility of such loss or damage or that such loss was in contemplation of the other party.

 

(d)           Limited Recourse. CFS hereby acknowledges that a Fund’s obligations hereunder with respect to the Fund are binding only on the assets and property belonging to the Fund. The obligations of the parties hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Fund personally, but shall bind only the property of the Fund. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such officers shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the Fund’s property.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other series portfolios of the Trust and that no series shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 9.        Indemnification.

 

Indemnification by the Funds. Each Fund shall indemnify CFS and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by CFS that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with CFS’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by CFS in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) any action of CFS upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Fund; (iv) the offer or sale of shares of the Funds in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such shares be registered or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such shares; (v) the processing of any checks or wires, including without limitation for deposit into the Trust’s demand deposit account maintained by CFS; (vi) the breach of any representation or warranty set forth in Section 3 above; or (vii) any error, omission, inaccuracy or other deficiency of any information provided to CFS by the Trust, or the failure of the Trust to provide or make available any information requested by CFS knowledgeably to perform its functions hereunder; provided, that CFS shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting gross negligence, bad faith or willful misfeasance in the performance of its duties, or by reckless disregard of such duties, on the part of CFS or its employees, agents or contractors.

 

 

 

 

The reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted, by CFS, or its agents or subcontractors on: (i) the materials or any other information, records, documents, data, stock certificates or services, which are received by CFS or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, facsimile, CRT data entry, electronic instructions or other similar means authorized by a Fund, and which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or firm on behalf of the Trust; (ii) any instructions or requests of the Trust or any of its officers; (iii) any instructions or opinions of legal counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by CFS under this Agreement which are provided to CFS after consultation with such legal counsel; or (iv) any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons;

 

(a)          Indemnification by CFS. CFS shall indemnify each Fund and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Fund which result from: (i) CFS’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) CFS’s bad faith or willful misfeasance in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) CFS’s gross negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Fund.

 

In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 9 shall apply, upon the assertion of an indemnification claim, the party seeking the indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The Trust shall have the option to participate with CFS in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or that of CFS. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the indemnifying party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Section 10.        Term and Termination.

 

This Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to a Fund from the “Effective Date” until the “End Date,” each as set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Initial Term”); thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for a period of one year and continue in effect from year to year thereafter (the initial and any subsequent such periods are referred to as “Term”).

 

This Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, without the payment of a penalty upon at least ninety (90) days’ written notice to other party prior to the end of the then current Term. Any termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement by either party, CFS shall promptly transfer to the successor administrator the original or copies of all books and records maintained by CFS under this Agreement including, in the case of records maintained on computer systems, copies of such records in machine-readable form, and shall cooperate with, and provide reasonable assistance to, the successor administrator in the establishment of the books and records necessary to carry out the successor administrator’s responsibilities. If this Agreement is terminated by the Trust, the Trust shall be responsible for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or costs associated with the movement of records and materials to the successor administrator. Additionally, CFS reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses associated with such termination.

 

 

 

 

Section 11.        Notices.

 

(a)          Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given and effective when delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the following address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other):

 

(i) If to the Trust, to:

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 

Richmond, Virginia 23235 

Attention: President

 

With copy to:

 

Practus, LLP 

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310 

Leawood, Kansas 66211 

Attention: John H. Lively

 

(ii) If to CFS, to:

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc. 

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 

Richmond, Virginia 23235 

Attention: President

 

(b)           Notice also shall be deemed given and effective upon receipt by any party or other person at the preceding address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other) if sent by regular mail, private messenger, courier service, telex, facsimile, or otherwise, if such notice bears on its first page in 14 point (or larger) bold type the heading “Notice Pursuant to Fund Services Agreement.”

 

Section 12.        Assignment.

 

No party may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the other’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. This Agreement shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, a transaction involving a merger or sale of substantially all of the assets of a Fund shall not require the written consent of CFS.

 

Section 13.        Holidays.

 

Except as required by laws and regulations governing investment companies, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall require CFS, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or duties on any holiday or other day of special observance on which CFS is closed. Functions or duties normally scheduled to be performed on such days shall be performed on, and as of, the next business day on which both the Trust and CFS are open. CFS will be open for business on days when the Trust is open for business and/or as otherwise set forth in each Fund’s prospectus(es) and Statement(s) of Additional Information.

 

Section 14.        Waiver.

 

Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof by written instrument executed by such party. No failure of either party hereto to exercise any power or right granted hereunder, or to insist upon strict compliance with any obligation hereunder, and no custom or practice of the parties with regard to the terms of performance hereof, will constitute a waiver of the rights of such party to demand full and exact compliance with the terms of this Agreement. 

 

 

 

 

Section 15.        Force Majeure.

 

In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes; provided, however, that this provision shall not imply that CFS is excused from maintaining reasonable business continuity plans to address potential service outages.

 

Section 16.        Amendments.

 

This Agreement may be modified or amended from time to time by mutual written agreement between the parties. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated verbally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought. The compensation stated in Schedule E attached hereto may be adjusted from time to time by the execution of a new schedule signed by the parties thereto.

 

Section 17.        Severability.

 

If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.

 

Section 18.        Headings.

 

Titles to clauses of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and will be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement.

 

Section 19.        Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 20.        No Strict Construction.

 

The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

Section 21.        Entire Agreement; Governing Law.

 

This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, and any subsequent amendments of the foregoing embody the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without reference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provision of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

 

 

 

Section 22.        Services Not Exclusive.

 

The services of CFS to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and CFS shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect CFS’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

Section 23.        Special or Consequential Damages.

 

Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for special or consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 24.        Reliance on Trust Instructions and Experts.

 

CFS may rely upon the written advice of the Trust and upon statements of the Trust’s legal counsel, accountants and other person believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are consulted, and CFS shall not be liable for any actions taken in good faith upon such statements.

 

Section 25.        Survival.

 

The obligations of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24 and this 25 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *

 

Signature Page Follows

 

*        *        *        *        *        *        *        *

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fund Services Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

COMMONWEALTH FUND SERVICES, INC.

 

By:  /s/ Karen M. Shupe   Date: October 4, 2021

 

Print Name: Karen M. Shupe

 

Title: Managing Director

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST 

WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT A

 

By:  /s/ David A. Bogaert   Date: October 4, 2021

 

Print Name: David A. Bogaert

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

to

Fund Services Agreement

 

List of Funds

 

Fund Name Effective Date End Date of Initial Term
Alpha Dog ETF October 4, 2021 September 30, 2024

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

To

Fund Services Agreement

 

Administrative Services

 

1. Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, CFS shall manage all aspects of each Fund’s operations with respect to each Fund except those that are the specific responsibility of any other service provider hired by the Trust, all in such manner and to such extent as may be authorized by the Board.

 

2. Oversee the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to each Fund by others, including its custodian, fund accounting agent, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent as well as legal, auditing, shareholder servicing and other services performed for each Fund, including:

 

(a) The preparation and maintenance by each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant in such form, for such periods and in such locations as may be required by applicable law, of all documents and records relating to the operation of each Fund required to be prepared or maintained by the Trust or its agents pursuant to applicable law.

 

(b) The reconciliation of account information and balances among each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant.

 

(c) The transmission of purchase and redemption orders for shares.

 

(d) The performance of fund accounting, including the accounting services agent’s calculation of the net asset value (“NAV”) of each Fund’s shares.

 

3. For new series or classes, obtain CUSIP numbers, as necessary, and estimate organizational costs and expenses and monitor against actual disbursements.

 

4. Prepare and assist with reports for the Board as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

5. Prepare quarterly and annual Code of Ethics forms for: (i) disinterested Board members; and (ii) officers of the Trust, if any, that are also employees of CFS, including a review of returned forms against portfolio holdings and reporting to the Board.

 

6. Prepare and mail annual Trustees’ and Officers’ questionnaires.

 

7. Maintain general Board calendars and regulatory filings calendars.

 

8. As mutually agreed to by the parties, prepare updates to and maintain copies of the Trust’s trust instrument and by-laws.

 

9. Coordinate with insurance providers, including soliciting bids for Trustees & Officers/Errors & Omissions insurance and fidelity bond coverage, coordinate the filing of fidelity bonds with the SEC and make related Board presentations.

 

10. Advise the Trust and the Board on matters concerning each Fund and its affairs.

 

 

 

 

11. With the assistance of the counsel to the Trust, the investment adviser, officers of the Trust and other relevant parties, prepare and disseminate materials for meetings of the Board on behalf of each Fund, and any committees thereof, including agendas and selected financial information as agreed upon by the Trust and CFS from time to time; attend and participate in Board meetings to the extent requested by the Board.

 

12. Prepare and maintain each Fund’s operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund in order to calculate its daily NAV.

 

13. In consultation with counsel for the Trust, assist in and oversee the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of the following:

 

(a) Amendments to each Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

 

(b) Periodic reports to each Fund’s shareholders and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to annual reports and semi-annual reports.

 

(c) Notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2.

 

(d) Proxy materials.

 

(e) Reports to the SEC on Form N-SAR, Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, and Form N-PX.

 

14. Coordinate each Fund’s annual or SEC audit by:

 

(a) Assisting each Fund’s independent auditors, or, upon approval of each Fund, any regulatory body in any requested review of each Fund’s accounts and records.

 

(b) Providing appropriate financial schedules (as requested by each Fund’s independent public accountants or SEC examiners); and

 

(c) Providing office facilities as may be required.

 

15. Assist the Trust in the handling of routine regulatory examinations and work closely with the Trust’s legal counsel in response to any non-routine regulatory matters.

 

16. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports, including Fund budgets, expense reports, pro-forma financial statements, expense and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement projections on a periodic basis.

 

17. Authorize the payment of Fund expenses and pay, from Fund assets, all bills of each Fund.

 

18. Assist each Fund in the selection of other service providers, such as independent accountants, law firms and proxy solicitors; and perform such other recordkeeping, reporting and other tasks as may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the Board; provided that CFS need not begin performing any such task except upon 65 days’ notice and pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

19. Assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer with issues regarding the Trust’s compliance program (as approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) as reasonably requested.

 

20. Perform certain compliance procedures for the Trust which will include, among other matters, monitoring compliance with personal trading guidelines by the Trust’s Board.

 

21. Assist the Trust with its obligations under Section 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2 under the 1940 Act, including the establishment and maintenance of internal controls and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that information prepared or maintained in connection with administration services provided hereunder is properly recorded, processed, summarized, or reported by CFS or its affiliates on behalf of the Trust so that it may be included in financial information certified by the Trust’s officers on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q.

 

22. Prepare and file any claims in connection with class actions involving portfolio securities, handle administrative matters in connection with the litigation or settlement of such claims, and prepare a report to the Board regarding such matters.

 

23. CFS shall provide such other services and assistance relating to the affairs of each Fund as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(h)(6)

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

IMAGE

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

Administration Services

 

Between

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

and

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

October 4, 2021

 

Exhibit A – Series Portfolios

Exhibit B – Administrative Services

Exhibit C – Fees and Expenses

 

 

 

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 4, 2021, between Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., a corporation organized in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (“CFS”) and ETF Opportunities Trust, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Trust”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and consists of one more series portfolios listed on Exhibit A (the “Funds”), each of which may consist of one or more classes of shares of beneficial interest; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain CFS to provide certain administration and other general services (the “Services”) with respect to the Funds and CFS is willing to furnish such Services;

 

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

 

Section 1.         Appointment.

 

The Trust hereby appoints CFS as administrator for the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement, and CFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the Services as set forth in this Agreement. The Services of CFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein or as may be agreed to from time to time, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against CFS hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Trust determines that it would be appropriate to engage another service provider (either directly or through CFS) as the , sub-administrator, CFS responsibilities with respect to such function shall be confined to overseeing such function – any such relationship shall be noted and described in Exhibit C to this Agreement.

 

Section 2.         Representations and Warranties of CFS.

 

CFS hereby represents and warrants to the Trust that:

 

(a)       It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(b)       It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(c)       It is empowered under applicable laws and by its By-Laws to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)       All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(e)       It has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and,

 

This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of CFS, enforceable against CFS in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and securities parties.

 

 

 

 

Section 3.         Representations and Warranties of the Trust.

 

The Trust hereby represents and warrants to CFS that:

 

(a)       It is a statutory trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware;

 

(b)       It is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(c)       All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)       It is an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

 

(e)       This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and

 

(f)       A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities laws filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all shares of the Funds and any classes thereof being offered for sale.

 

Section 4.         Trust Reports to CFS Delivery of Documents and Other Materials.

 

The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to CFS such copies of each Fund’s prospectus, statement of additional information, financial statements, proxy statements, shareholder reports, each current plan of distribution or similar document adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each current shareholder services plan or similar document adopted by the Fund, each Fund’s net asset value per share, declaration, record and payment dates, amounts of any dividends or income, special actions relating to each Fund’s securities and other information relating to the Trust’s business and affairs as CFS may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. CFS shall maintain such information as required by regulation and as agreed upon between the Trust and CFS. The Trust will complete all necessary prospectus and compliance reports, as well as monitoring the various limitations and restrictions.

 

Section 5.         Services Provided by CFS.

 

(a)       CFS will provide, or supervise the performance of others, the Services described herein subject to the direction and supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trust’s currently effective Registration Statement, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, applicable laws and regulations, and all resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board, and further subject to CFS’s policies and procedures as in effect from time to time. CFS shall be responsible for all necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and facilities necessary for it to perform its obligations under this Agreement. CFS may sub-contract with third parties to perform certain of the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder; provided, however, that CFS shall remain principally responsible to the Trust for the acts and omissions of such other entities and provided further that CFS shall be responsible for the payment of such third parties unless the Board approves such payment in a separate agreement or otherwise approves passing the costs associated with such third party onto the Funds as an out-of-pocket expense of CFS.

 

 

 

 

Except with respect to CFS’s duties as set forth in this Agreement, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring that each Fund complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 1940 Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and any other laws, rules and regulations, or interpretations thereof, of governmental authorities with jurisdiction over each Fund.

 

        (i) Administrative Services – set forth in Exhibit B.

 

CFS shall be responsible for promptly communicating any conflicts between its policies and procedures in effect from time to time and the resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board.

 

(b)   CFS shall keep records relating to the Services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. CFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by CFS relating to the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder are the property of the Trust and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Trust or its designee on and in accordance with its request. The Trust and the Trust’s authorized representatives shall have access to CFS’s records relating to the Services under this Agreement at all times during CFS’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such records shall be provided promptly by CFS to the Trust or the Trust’s authorized representatives.

 

Section 6.         Compensation and Expenses

 

(a)   Compensation. The Trust agrees to pay CFS as compensation for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Schedule C hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the later of the date of this Agreement or the date of commencement of operations of the Fund. If fees begin to accrue in the middle of a month or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees for the period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of that month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with respect to a Fund, the Fund shall pay to CFS such compensation as shall be payable prior to the effective date of termination.

 

In addition, the Trust shall reimburse CFS from the assets of each Fund certain reasonable expenses incurred by CFS on behalf of each Fund individually in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Such out-of-pocket expenses shall include, but not be limited to: documented fees and costs of obtaining advice of Fund counsel or accountants in connection with its services to each Fund; postage; long distance telephone; special forms required by each Fund; any economy class travel which may be required in the performance of its duties to each Fund; and any other extraordinary expenses it may incur in connection with its services to each Fund, provided that such extraordinary expenses must be approved by the Board prior to any reimbursement.

 

In connection with the services provided by CFS pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse CFS for expenses set forth in Schedule C hereto. In addition, the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse CFS for all reasonable expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the Trust’s accounts and records by the Trust’s independent accountants or any regulatory body outside of routine and normal periodic reviews.

 

 

 

 

(b)   Taxes. Except as required by applicable law or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, CFS shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection with the Trust or any customer, excluding taxes, if any, assessed against CFS related to its income or assets.

 

(c)   Invoices/Billing. All fees and reimbursements are payable in arrears on a monthly basis and the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within five (5) business days following receipt of the respective billing notice. Without prejudice to CFS’s other rights, CFS reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts (except to the extent the amount is subject to a bona fide dispute) from the due date until actual payment at an annual rate equal to the sum of the overnight Fed Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 2 percentage points.

 

Section 7.         Confidentiality.

 

CFS agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received by CFS in connection with this Agreement, including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that CFS may disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust.

 

The Trust acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by CFS on databases under the control and ownership of CFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “Proprietary Information”) of substantial value to CFS or the third party. The Trust agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to CFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.

 

Upon termination of this Agreement, CFS shall return to the Trust all copies of confidential or non-public personal information received from the Trust hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by CFS under applicable laws or regulations. CFS hereby agrees to dispose of any “consumer report information,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-P.

 

Section 8.         Standard of Care / Limitation of Liability.

 

(a)           Responsibility for Losses. CFS shall be under no duty to take any action on behalf of a Fund except as necessary to fulfill its duties and obligations as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by CFS in writing. CFS shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement, but assumes no responsibility for any loss arising out of any act or omission in carrying out its duties hereunder, except a loss resulting from CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of CFS’s duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard of CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ obligations and duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation on CFS’s liability shall not apply to the extent any loss or damage results from any fraud committed by CFS or any intentionally bad or malicious acts (that is, acts or breaches undertaken purposefully under circumstances in which the person acting knows or has reason to believe that such act or breach violates such person’s obligations under this Agreement or can cause danger or harm) of CFS.

 

 

 

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any other provision of this Agreement, (i) CFS shall not be liable for losses beyond its control, provided that CFS has acted in accordance with the standard of care set forth above; and (ii) CFS shall not be liable for (A) the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any oral or written instructions provided by the Fund, notice or other instrument which conforms to the applicable requirements of this Agreement, and which CFS reasonably believes to be genuine; or (B) subject to Section 15, delays or errors or loss of data occurring by reason of circumstances beyond CFS’s control, including fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply.

 

(b)          Limitations on Liability.

 

 

(i)

CFS is responsible for the performance of only those duties as are expressly set forth herein and in the Exhibits and Schedules as they may be amended from time to time. CFS will have no implied duties or obligations. Each party to the Agreement shall mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible hereunder.

 

 

(ii)

CFS shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accurateness or completeness of any instruction or any other information it receives from a Fund, and shall be without liability for any loss or damage suffered by a Fund or any of a Fund’s customers as a result of CFS’s reasonable reliance on and utilization of any such instruction or other such information. For the avoidance of doubt, CFS shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance on any instruction believed by it in good faith to have been authorized by an authorized person.

 

 

(iii)

CFS shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage caused by the failure of the Trust to provide CFS with any information.

 

 

(iv)

CFS is not responsible for the acts, omissions, defaults or insolvency of any third party including, but not limited to, any investment advisers, custodians, intermediaries or non-discretionary subcontractors.

 

 

(v)

CFS shall have no responsibility for the management of the investments or any other assets of the Trust or its customers, and CFS shall have no obligation to review, monitor or otherwise ensure compliance by a Fund with the policies, restrictions, guidelines or disclosures applicable to the Fund or any other term or condition of the original documents, operating documents, policies and procedures or registration statement. Further, CFS shall have no liability to the Trust for any loss or damage suffered by the Trust as a result of any breach of the investment policies, objectives, guidelines or restrictions applicable to the Trust or any misstatement or omission in the registration statement.

 

 

(vi)

Except as set forth in the exhibits hereto, the Trust acknowledges that the reporting obligations of CFS do not constitute a duty to monitor compliance and CFS shall not be liable for any failure of the Fund to comply with any laws, regulations or other applicable requirements thereof.

 

 

(vii)

CFS shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers of the Trust, including the errors of pricing services (other than to pursue all reasonable claims against the pricing service based on the pricing services’ standard contracts entered into by CFS) and errors in information provided by an investment adviser to a Fund custodian (including prices and pricing formulas and untimely transmission of trade information).

 

 

 

 

 

(viii)

CFS will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from the misuse or sharing of online access by any authorized person of the Trust who has been issued a User ID by CFS.

 

 

(ix)

Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, CFS hereby disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, made to the Trust or any other person, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding quality, suitability or otherwise (irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to services provided under this Agreement. CFS disclaims any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

(c)           Mutual Exclusion of Consequential Damages. Except for any liquidated damages agreed to by the parties to this Agreement related to an unexcused termination of this Agreement, under no circumstances will either party be liable to the other party for special or punitive damages, or consequential loss or damage, or any loss of profits, goodwill, business opportunity, business, or revenue or anticipated savings, in relation to this Agreement, whether or not the relevant loss was foreseeable, or the party was advised of the possibility of such loss or damage or that such loss was in contemplation of the other party.

 

(d)          Limited Recourse. CFS hereby acknowledges that a Fund’s obligations hereunder with respect to the Fund are binding only on the assets and property belonging to the Fund. The obligations of the parties hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Fund personally, but shall bind only the property of the Fund. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such officers shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the Fund’s property.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other series portfolios of the Trust and that no series shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 9.         Indemnification.

 

Indemnification by the Funds. Each Fund shall indemnify CFS and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by CFS that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with CFS’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by CFS in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) any action of CFS upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Fund; (iv) the offer or sale of shares of the Funds in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such shares be registered or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such shares; (v) the processing of any checks or wires, including without limitation for deposit into the Trust’s demand deposit account maintained by CFS; (vi) the breach of any representation or warranty set forth in Section 3 above; or (vii) any error, omission, inaccuracy or other deficiency of any information provided to CFS by the Trust, or the failure of the Trust to provide or make available any information requested by CFS knowledgeably to perform its functions hereunder; provided, that CFS shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting gross negligence, bad faith or willful misfeasance in the performance of its duties, or by reckless disregard of such duties, on the part of CFS or its employees, agents or contractors.

 

 

 

 

The reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted, by CFS, or its agents or subcontractors on: (i) the materials or any other information, records, documents, data, stock certificates or services, which are received by CFS or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, facsimile, CRT data entry, electronic instructions or other similar means authorized by a Fund, and which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or firm on behalf of the Trust; (ii) any instructions or requests of the Trust or any of its officers; (iii) any instructions or opinions of legal counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by CFS under this Agreement which are provided to CFS after consultation with such legal counsel; or (iv) any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons;

 

(a)    Indemnification by CFS. CFS shall indemnify each Fund and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Fund which result from: (i) CFS’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) CFS’s bad faith or willful misfeasance in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) CFS’s gross negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Fund.

 

In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 9 shall apply, upon the assertion of an indemnification claim, the party seeking the indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The Trust shall have the option to participate with CFS in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or that of CFS. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the indemnifying party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Section 10.         Term and Termination.

 

This Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to a Fund from the “Effective Date” until the “End Date,” each as set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Initial Term”); thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for a period of one year and continue in effect from year to year thereafter (the initial and any subsequent such periods are referred to as “Term”).

 

This Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, without the payment of a penalty upon at least ninety (90) days’ written notice to other party prior to the end of the then current Term. Any termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement by either party, CFS shall promptly transfer to the successor administrator the original or copies of all books and records maintained by CFS under this Agreement including, in the case of records maintained on computer systems, copies of such records in machine-readable form, and shall cooperate with, and provide reasonable assistance to, the successor administrator in the establishment of the books and records necessary to carry out the successor administrator’s responsibilities. If this Agreement is terminated by the Trust, the Trust shall be responsible for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or costs associated with the movement of records and materials to the successor administrator. Additionally, CFS reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses associated with such termination.

 

 

 

 

Section 11.         Notices.

 

(a)             Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given and effective when delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the following address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other):

 

            (i)        If to the Trust, to:

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

Attention: President

 

With copy to:

 

Practus, LLP
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Leawood, Kansas 66211
Attention: John H. Lively

 

            (ii)      If to CFS, to:

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

Attention: President

 

(b)          Notice also shall be deemed given and effective upon receipt by any party or other person at the preceding address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other) if sent by regular mail, private messenger, courier service, telex, facsimile, or otherwise, if such notice bears on its first page in 14 point (or larger) bold type the heading “Notice Pursuant to Fund Services Agreement.”

 

Section 12.         Assignment.

 

No party may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the other’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. This Agreement shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, a transaction involving a merger or sale of substantially all of the assets of a Fund shall not require the written consent of CFS.

 

Section 13.         Holidays.

 

Except as required by laws and regulations governing investment companies, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall require CFS, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or duties on any holiday or other day of special observance on which CFS is closed. Functions or duties normally scheduled to be performed on such days shall be performed on, and as of, the next business day on which both the Trust and CFS are open. CFS will be open for business on days when the Trust is open for business and/or as otherwise set forth in each Fund’s prospectus(es) and Statement(s) of Additional Information.

 

Section 14.         Waiver.

 

Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof by written instrument executed by such party. No failure of either party hereto to exercise any power or right granted hereunder, or to insist upon strict compliance with any obligation hereunder, and no custom or practice of the parties with regard to the terms of performance hereof, will constitute a waiver of the rights of such party to demand full and exact compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Section 15.         Force Majeure.

 

In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes; provided, however, that this provision shall not imply that CFS is excused from maintaining reasonable business continuity plans to address potential service outages.

 

Section 16.         Amendments.

 

This Agreement may be modified or amended from time to time by mutual written agreement between the parties. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated verbally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought. The compensation stated in Schedule E attached hereto may be adjusted from time to time by the execution of a new schedule signed by the parties thereto.

 

Section 17.         Severability.

 

If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.

 

Section 18.         Headings.

 

Titles to clauses of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and will be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement.

 

Section 19.         Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 20.         No Strict Construction.

 

The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

 

Section 21.         Entire Agreement; Governing Law.

 

This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, and any subsequent amendments of the foregoing embody the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without reference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provision of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

 

 

 

Section 22.         Services Not Exclusive.

 

The services of CFS to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and CFS shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect CFS’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

Section 23.         Special or Consequential Damages.

 

Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for special or consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 24.         Reliance on Trust Instructions and Experts.

 

CFS may rely upon the written advice of the Trust and upon statements of the Trust’s legal counsel, accountants and other person believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are consulted, and CFS shall not be liable for any actions taken in good faith upon such statements.

 

Section 25.         Survival.

 

The obligations of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24 and this 25 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

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Signature Page Follows

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fund Services Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMMONWEALTH FUND SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Karen M. Shupe      

 

Date: October 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name: Karen M. Shupe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

 

WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David A. Bogaert

 

Date: October 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name: David A. Bogaert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

to

Fund Services Agreement

 

List of Funds

 

Fund Name

Effective Date

End Date of Initial Term

Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF

November 1, 2021

October 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

To

Fund Services Agreement

 

Administrative Services

 

1.

Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, CFS shall manage all aspects of each Fund’s operations with respect to each Fund except those that are the specific responsibility of any other service provider hired by the Trust, all in such manner and to such extent as may be authorized by the Board.

 

2.

Oversee the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to each Fund by others, including its custodian, fund accounting agent, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent as well as legal, auditing, shareholder servicing and other services performed for each Fund, including:

 

 

(a)

The preparation and maintenance by each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant in such form, for such periods and in such locations as may be required by applicable law, of all documents and records relating to the operation of each Fund required to be prepared or maintained by the Trust or its agents pursuant to applicable law.

 

 

(b)

The reconciliation of account information and balances among each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant.

 

 

(c)

The transmission of purchase and redemption orders for shares.

 

 

(d)

The performance of fund accounting, including the accounting services agent’s calculation of the net asset value (“NAV”) of each Fund’s shares.

 

3.

For new series or classes, obtain CUSIP numbers, as necessary, and estimate organizational costs and expenses and monitor against actual disbursements.

 

4.

Prepare and assist with reports for the Board as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

5.

Prepare quarterly and annual Code of Ethics forms for: (i) disinterested Board members; and (ii) officers of the Trust, if any, that are also employees of CFS, including a review of returned forms against portfolio holdings and reporting to the Board.

 

6.

Prepare and mail annual Trustees’ and Officers’ questionnaires.

 

7.

Maintain general Board calendars and regulatory filings calendars.

 

8.

As mutually agreed to by the parties, prepare updates to and maintain copies of the Trust’s trust instrument and by-laws.

 

9.

Coordinate with insurance providers, including soliciting bids for Trustees & Officers/Errors & Omissions insurance and fidelity bond coverage, coordinate the filing of fidelity bonds with the SEC and make related Board presentations.

 

10.

Advise the Trust and the Board on matters concerning each Fund and its affairs.

 

 

 

 

11.

With the assistance of the counsel to the Trust, the investment adviser, officers of the Trust and other relevant parties, prepare and disseminate materials for meetings of the Board on behalf of each Fund, and any committees thereof, including agendas and selected financial information as agreed upon by the Trust and CFS from time to time; attend and participate in Board meetings to the extent requested by the Board.

 

12.

Prepare and maintain each Fund’s operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund in order to calculate its daily NAV.

 

13.

In consultation with counsel for the Trust, assist in and oversee the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of the following:

 

 

(a)

Amendments to each Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

 

 

(b)

Periodic reports to each Fund’s shareholders and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to annual reports and semi-annual reports.

 

 

(c)

Notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2.

 

 

(d)

Proxy materials.

 

 

(e)

Reports to the SEC on Form N-SAR, Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, and Form N-PX.

 

14.

Coordinate each Fund’s annual or SEC audit by:

 

 

(a)

Assisting each Fund’s independent auditors, or, upon approval of each Fund, any regulatory body in any requested review of each Fund’s accounts and records.

 

 

(b)

Providing appropriate financial schedules (as requested by each Fund’s independent public accountants or SEC examiners); and

 

 

(c)

Providing office facilities as may be required.

 

15.

Assist the Trust in the handling of routine regulatory examinations and work closely with the Trust’s legal counsel in response to any non-routine regulatory matters.

 

16.

Prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports, including Fund budgets, expense reports, pro-forma financial statements, expense and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement projections on a periodic basis.

 

17.

Authorize the payment of Fund expenses and pay, from Fund assets, all bills of each Fund.

 

18.

Assist each Fund in the selection of other service providers, such as independent accountants, law firms and proxy solicitors; and perform such other recordkeeping, reporting and other tasks as may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the Board; provided that CFS need not begin performing any such task except upon 65 days’ notice and pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

19.

Assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer with issues regarding the Trust’s compliance program (as approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) as reasonably requested.

 

20.

Perform certain compliance procedures for the Trust which will include, among other matters, monitoring compliance with personal trading guidelines by the Trust’s Board.

 

21.

Assist the Trust with its obligations under Section 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2 under the 1940 Act, including the establishment and maintenance of internal controls and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that information prepared or maintained in connection with administration services provided hereunder is properly recorded, processed, summarized, or reported by CFS or its affiliates on behalf of the Trust so that it may be included in financial information certified by the Trust’s officers on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q.

 

22.

Prepare and file any claims in connection with class actions involving portfolio securities, handle administrative matters in connection with the litigation or settlement of such claims, and prepare a report to the Board regarding such matters.

 

23.

CFS shall provide such other services and assistance relating to the affairs of each Fund as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(h)(8)

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

  IMAGE

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

Administration Services

 

Between

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

 

and

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

 

October 4, 2021

 

Exhibit A – Series Portfolios

Exhibit B – Administrative Services

Exhibit C – Fees and Expenses

 

 

 

 

FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 4, 2021 between Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc., a corporation organized in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (“CFS”) and ETF Opportunities Trust, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Trust”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and consists of one more series portfolios listed on Exhibit A (the “Funds”), each of which may consist of one or more classes of shares of beneficial interest; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust wishes to retain CFS to provide certain administration and other general services (the “Services”) with respect to the Funds and CFS is willing to furnish such Services;

 

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

 

Section 1.       Appointment

 

The Trust hereby appoints CFS as administrator for the Trust on the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement, and CFS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the Services as set forth in this Agreement. The Services of CFS shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein or as may be agreed to from time to time, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against CFS hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Trust determines that it would be appropriate to engage another service provider (either directly or through CFS) as the , sub-administrator, CFS responsibilities with respect to such function shall be confined to overseeing such function – any such relationship shall be noted and described in Exhibit C to this Agreement.

 

Section 2.      Representations and Warranties of CFS.

 

CFS hereby represents and warrants to the Trust that:

 

(a)    It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(b)    It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Virginia;

 

(c)    It is empowered under applicable laws and by its By-Laws to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)   All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(e)    It has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and,

 

This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of CFS, enforceable against CFS in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and securities parties.

 

 

 

 

Section 3.      Representations and Warranties of the Trust

 

The Trust hereby represents and warrants to CFS that:

 

(a)    It is a statutory trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware;

 

(b)    It is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(c)    All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;

 

(d)    It is an open-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act;

 

(e)    This Agreement, when executed and delivered, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and

 

(f)    A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities laws filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all shares of the Funds and any classes thereof being offered for sale.

 

Section 4.      Trust Reports to CFS Delivery of Documents and Other Materials

 

The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to CFS such copies of each Fund’s prospectus, statement of additional information, financial statements, proxy statements, shareholder reports, each current plan of distribution or similar document adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each current shareholder services plan or similar document adopted by the Fund, each Fund’s net asset value per share, declaration, record and payment dates, amounts of any dividends or income, special actions relating to each Fund’s securities and other information relating to the Trust’s business and affairs as CFS may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. CFS shall maintain such information as required by regulation and as agreed upon between the Trust and CFS. The Trust will complete all necessary prospectus and compliance reports, as well as monitoring the various limitations and restrictions. 

 

Section 5.       Services Provided by CFS.

 

(a)    CFS will provide, or supervise the performance of others, the Services described herein subject to the direction and supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), and in compliance with the objectives, policies and limitations set forth in the Trust’s currently effective Registration Statement, Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, applicable laws and regulations, and all resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board, and further subject to CFS’s policies and procedures as in effect from time to time. CFS shall be responsible for all necessary office space, equipment, personnel, and facilities necessary for it to perform its obligations under this Agreement. CFS may sub-contract with third parties to perform certain of the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder; provided, however, that CFS shall remain principally responsible to the Trust for the acts and omissions of such other entities and provided further that CFS shall be responsible for the payment of such third parties unless the Board approves such payment in a separate agreement or otherwise approves passing the costs associated with such third party onto the Funds as an out-of-pocket expense of CFS.

 

 

 

 

Except with respect to CFS’s duties as set forth in this Agreement, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Trust assumes all responsibility for ensuring that each Fund complies with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 1940 Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and any other laws, rules and regulations, or interpretations thereof, of governmental authorities with jurisdiction over each Fund. 

 

(i)  Administrative Services – set forth in Exhibit B. 

 

CFS shall be responsible for promptly communicating any conflicts between its policies and procedures in effect from time to time and the resolutions, policies and procedures adopted by the Board.

 

(b)     CFS shall keep records relating to the Services to be performed hereunder in the form and manner, and for such period, as it may deem advisable and is agreeable to the Trust, but not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of appropriate government authorities, in particular, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. CFS agrees that all such records prepared or maintained by CFS relating to the Services to be performed by CFS hereunder are the property of the Trust and will be preserved, maintained, and made available in accordance with such applicable sections and rules of the 1940 Act and will be promptly surrendered to the Trust or its designee on and in accordance with its request. The Trust and the Trust’s authorized representatives shall have access to CFS’s records relating to the Services under this Agreement at all times during CFS’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Trust, copies of any such records shall be provided promptly by CFS to the Trust or the Trust’s authorized representatives.

 

Section 6.       Compensation and Expenses

 

(a)       Compensation. The Trust agrees to pay CFS as compensation for its services according to the fee schedule set forth in Schedule C hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the later of the date of this Agreement or the date of commencement of operations of the Fund. If fees begin to accrue in the middle of a month or if this Agreement terminates before the end of any month, all fees for the period from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of that month to the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the effectiveness or termination occurs. Upon the termination of this Agreement with respect to a Fund, the Fund shall pay to CFS such compensation as shall be payable prior to the effective date of termination.

 

In addition, the Trust shall reimburse CFS from the assets of each Fund certain reasonable expenses incurred by CFS on behalf of each Fund individually in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Such out-of-pocket expenses shall include, but not be limited to: documented fees and costs of obtaining advice of Fund counsel or accountants in connection with its services to each Fund; postage; long distance telephone; special forms required by each Fund; any economy class travel which may be required in the performance of its duties to each Fund; and any other extraordinary expenses it may incur in connection with its services to each Fund, provided that such extraordinary expenses must be approved by the Board prior to any reimbursement.

 

In connection with the services provided by CFS pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to reimburse CFS for expenses set forth in Schedule C hereto. In addition, the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, shall reimburse CFS for all reasonable expenses and employee time (at 150% of salary) attributable to any review of the Trust’s accounts and records by the Trust’s independent accountants or any regulatory body outside of routine and normal periodic reviews.

 

 

 

 

(b)       Taxes. Except as required by applicable law or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, CFS shall not be liable for any taxes, assessments or governmental charges that may be levied or assessed on any basis whatsoever in connection with the Trust or any customer, excluding taxes, if any, assessed against CFS related to its income or assets.   

 

(c)       Invoices/BillingAll fees and reimbursements are payable in arrears on a monthly basis and the Trust, on behalf of the applicable Fund, agrees to pay all fees and reimbursable expenses within five (5) business days following receipt of the respective billing notice. Without prejudice to CFS’s other rights, CFS reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts (except to the extent the amount is subject to a bona fide dispute) from the due date until actual payment at an annual rate equal to the sum of the overnight Fed Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 2 percentage points.

 

Section 7.       Confidentiality

 

CFS agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to treat confidentially all records and other information relative to the Trust and its shareholders received by CFS in connection with this Agreement, including any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P, and that it shall not use or disclose any such information except for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that CFS may disclose such information as required by law or in connection with any requested disclosure to a regulatory authority with appropriate jurisdiction after prior notification to the Trust.

 

The Trust acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by CFS on databases under the control and ownership of CFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “Proprietary Information”) of substantial value to CFS or the third party. The Trust agrees to treat all Proprietary Information as proprietary to CFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.

 

Upon termination of this Agreement, CFS shall return to the Trust all copies of confidential or non-public personal information received from the Trust hereunder, other than materials or information required to be retained by CFS under applicable laws or regulations. CFS hereby agrees to dispose of any “consumer report information,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-P. 

 

Section 8.      Standard of Care / Limitation of Liability

 

(a)       Responsibility for Losses. CFS shall be under no duty to take any action on behalf of a Fund except as necessary to fulfill its duties and obligations as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by CFS in writing. CFS shall at all times act in good faith and agrees to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to ensure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement, but assumes no responsibility for any loss arising out of any act or omission in carrying out its duties hereunder, except a loss resulting from CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of CFS’s duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard of CFS, its employees’ or its agents’ obligations and duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the limitation on CFS’s liability shall not apply to the extent any loss or damage results from any fraud committed by CFS or any intentionally bad or malicious acts (that is, acts or breaches undertaken purposefully under circumstances in which the person acting knows or has reason to believe that such act or breach violates such person’s obligations under this Agreement or can cause danger or harm) of CFS.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing or of any other provision of this Agreement, (i) CFS shall not be liable for losses beyond its control, provided that CFS has acted in accordance with the standard of care set forth above; and (ii) CFS shall not be liable for (A) the validity or invalidity or authority or lack thereof of any oral or written instructions provided by the Fund, notice or other instrument which conforms to the applicable requirements of this Agreement, and which CFS reasonably believes to be genuine; or (B) subject to Section 15, delays or errors or loss of data occurring by reason of circumstances beyond CFS’s control, including fire, flood, catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots or failure of the mails, transportation, communication or power supply.

 

 

 

 

(b) Limitations on Liability.

 

 

(i)

CFS is responsible for the performance of only those duties as are expressly set forth herein and in the Exhibits and Schedules as they may be amended from time to time. CFS will have no implied duties or obligations. Each party to the Agreement shall mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible hereunder.

 

 

(ii)

CFS shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accurateness or completeness of any instruction or any other information it receives from a Fund, and shall be without liability for any loss or damage suffered by a Fund or any of a Fund’s customers as a result of CFS’s reasonable reliance on and utilization of any such instruction or other such information. For the avoidance of doubt, CFS shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance on any instruction believed by it in good faith to have been authorized by an authorized person.

 

 

(iii)

CFS shall have no responsibility and shall be without liability for any loss or damage caused by the failure of the Trust to provide CFS with any information.

 

 

(iv)

CFS is not responsible for the acts, omissions, defaults or insolvency of any third party including, but not limited to, any investment advisers, custodians, intermediaries or non-discretionary subcontractors.

 

 

(v)

CFS shall have no responsibility for the management of the investments or any other assets of the Trust or its customers, and CFS shall have no obligation to review, monitor or otherwise ensure compliance by a Fund with the policies, restrictions, guidelines or disclosures applicable to the Fund or any other term or condition of the original documents, operating documents, policies and procedures or registration statement. Further, CFS shall have no liability to the Trust for any loss or damage suffered by the Trust as a result of any breach of the investment policies, objectives, guidelines or restrictions applicable to the Trust or any misstatement or omission in the registration statement.

 

 

(vi)

Except as set forth in the exhibits hereto, the Trust acknowledges that the reporting obligations of CFS do not constitute a duty to monitor compliance and CFS shall not be liable for any failure of the Fund to comply with any laws, regulations or other applicable requirements thereof.  

 

 

(vii)

CFS shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers of the Trust, including the errors of pricing services (other than to pursue all reasonable claims against the pricing service based on the pricing services’ standard contracts entered into by CFS) and errors in information provided by an investment adviser to a Fund custodian (including prices and pricing formulas and untimely transmission of trade information).

 

 

 

 

 

(viii)

CFS will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from the misuse or sharing of online access by any authorized person of the Trust who has been issued a User ID by CFS. 

 

 

(ix)

Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, CFS hereby disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, made to the Trust or any other person, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding quality, suitability or otherwise (irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to services provided under this Agreement. CFS disclaims any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

(c)           Mutual Exclusion of Consequential Damages. Except for any liquidated damages agreed to by the parties to this Agreement related to an unexcused termination of this Agreement, under no circumstances will either party be liable to the other party for special or punitive damages, or consequential loss or damage, or any loss of profits, goodwill, business opportunity, business, or revenue or anticipated savings, in relation to this Agreement, whether or not the relevant loss was foreseeable, or the party was advised of the possibility of such loss or damage or that such loss was in contemplation of the other party.  

 

(d)          Limited Recourse. CFS hereby acknowledges that a Fund’s obligations hereunder with respect to the Fund are binding only on the assets and property belonging to the Fund. The obligations of the parties hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Fund personally, but shall bind only the property of the Fund. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such officers shall not be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the Fund’s property.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other series portfolios of the Trust and that no series shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

Section 9.      Indemnification.

 

Indemnification by the Funds. Each Fund shall indemnify CFS and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by CFS that result from: (i) any claim, action, suit or proceeding in connection with CFS’s entry into or performance of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) any action taken or omission to act committed by CFS in the performance of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) any action of CFS upon instructions believed in good faith by it to have been executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the Trust with respect to such Fund; (iv) the offer or sale of shares of the Funds in violation of federal or state securities laws or regulations requiring that such shares be registered or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal or any state agency with respect to the offer or sale of such shares; (v) the processing of any checks or wires, including without limitation for deposit into the Trust’s demand deposit account maintained by CFS; (vi) the breach of any representation or warranty set forth in Section 3 above; or (vii) any error, omission, inaccuracy or other deficiency of any information provided to CFS by the Trust, or the failure of the Trust to provide or make available any information requested by CFS knowledgeably to perform its functions hereunder; provided, that CFS shall not be entitled to such indemnification in respect of actions or omissions constituting gross negligence, bad faith or willful misfeasance in the performance of its duties, or by reckless disregard of such duties, on the part of CFS or its employees, agents or contractors. 

 

 

 

 

The reliance upon, and any subsequent use of or action taken or omitted, by CFS, or its agents or subcontractors on: (i) the materials or any other information, records, documents, data, stock certificates or services, which are received by CFS or its agents or subcontractors by machine readable input, facsimile, CRT data entry, electronic instructions or other similar means authorized by a Fund, and which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Trust or any other person or firm on behalf of the Trust; (ii) any instructions or requests of the Trust or any of its officers; (iii) any instructions or opinions of legal counsel with respect to any matter arising in connection with the services to be performed by CFS under this Agreement which are provided to CFS after consultation with such legal counsel; or (iv) any paper or document, reasonably believed to be genuine, authentic, or signed by the proper person or persons;

 

(a)       Indemnification by CFS. CFS shall indemnify each Fund and hold it harmless from and against any and all losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred by such Fund which result from: (i) CFS’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement with respect to such Fund; or (ii) CFS’s bad faith or willful misfeasance in performing its obligations hereunder with respect to such Fund; or (iii) CFS’s gross negligence or misconduct or that of its employees, agents or contractors in connection herewith with respect to such Fund. 

 

In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section 9 shall apply, upon the assertion of an indemnification claim, the party seeking the indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. The Trust shall have the option to participate with CFS in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or that of CFS. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the indemnifying party’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

Section 10.     Term and Termination

 

This Agreement shall remain in effect with respect to a Fund from the “Effective Date” until the “End Date,” each as set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Initial Term”); thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for a period of one year and continue in effect from year to year thereafter (the initial and any subsequent such periods are referred to as “Term”). 

 

This Agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, without the payment of a penalty upon at least ninety (90) days’ written notice to other party prior to the end of the then current Term. Any termination shall be effective as of the date specified in the notice or upon such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement by either party, CFS shall promptly transfer to the successor administrator the original or copies of all books and records maintained by CFS under this Agreement including, in the case of records maintained on computer systems, copies of such records in machine-readable form, and shall cooperate with, and provide reasonable assistance to, the successor administrator in the establishment of the books and records necessary to carry out the successor administrator’s responsibilities. If this Agreement is terminated by the Trust, the Trust shall be responsible for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or costs associated with the movement of records and materials to the successor administrator. Additionally, CFS reserves the right to charge for any other reasonable expenses associated with such termination.

 

 

 

 

Section 11.     Notices

 

(a)          Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given and effective when delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the following address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other):

 

 

(i)

If to the Trust, to:

 

ETF Opportunities Trust

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

Attention: President

 

With copy to:

 

Practus, LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, Kansas 66211

Attention: John H. Lively

 

 

(ii)

If to CFS, to:

 

Commonwealth Fund Services, Inc.

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205

Richmond, Virginia 23235

Attention: President

 

(b)         Notice also shall be deemed given and effective upon receipt by any party or other person at the preceding address (or such other address as a party may specify by notice to the other) if sent by regular mail, private messenger, courier service, telex, facsimile, or otherwise, if such notice bears on its first page in 14 point (or larger) bold type the heading “Notice Pursuant to Fund Services Agreement.”

 

Section 12.     Assignment. 

 

No party may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the other’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. This Agreement shall insure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. For the avoidance of doubt, a transaction involving a merger or sale of substantially all of the assets of a Fund shall not require the written consent of CFS. 

 

Section 13.     Holidays

 

Except as required by laws and regulations governing investment companies, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to or shall require CFS, in any capacity hereunder, to perform any functions or duties on any holiday or other day of special observance on which CFS is closed. Functions or duties normally scheduled to be performed on such days shall be performed on, and as of, the next business day on which both the Trust and CFS are open. CFS will be open for business on days when the Trust is open for business and/or as otherwise set forth in each Fund’s prospectus(es) and Statement(s) of Additional Information.

 

Section 14.     Waiver

 

Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party entitled to the benefit thereof by written instrument executed by such party. No failure of either party hereto to exercise any power or right granted hereunder, or to insist upon strict compliance with any obligation hereunder, and no custom or practice of the parties with regard to the terms of performance hereof, will constitute a waiver of the rights of such party to demand full and exact compliance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Section 15.     Force Majeure.

 

In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes; provided, however, that this provision shall not imply that CFS is excused from maintaining reasonable business continuity plans to address potential service outages.

 

Section 16.     Amendments

 

This Agreement may be modified or amended from time to time by mutual written agreement between the parties. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated verbally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought. The compensation stated in Schedule E attached hereto may be adjusted from time to time by the execution of a new schedule signed by the parties thereto.

 

Section 17.     Severability

 

If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.

 

Section 18.     Headings. 

 

Titles to clauses of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and will be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Agreement.

 

Section 19.     Counterparts

 

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Section 20.     No Strict Construction

 

The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party. 

 

Section 21.     Entire Agreement; Governing Law

 

This Agreement, the Exhibits and Schedules hereto, and any subsequent amendments of the foregoing embody the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed to be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without reference to choice of law principles thereof, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provision of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

 

 

 

Section 22.     Services Not Exclusive.

 

The services of CFS to the Trust are not deemed exclusive, and CFS shall be free to render similar services to others, to the extent that such service does not affect CFS’s ability to perform its duties and obligations hereunder.

 

Section 23.     Special or Consequential Damages.

 

Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for special or consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 24.     Reliance on Trust Instructions and Experts.

 

CFS may rely upon the written advice of the Trust and upon statements of the Trust’s legal counsel, accountants and other person believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are consulted, and CFS shall not be liable for any actions taken in good faith upon such statements.

 

Section 25.     Survival. 

 

The obligations of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24 and this 25 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

 

Signature Page Follows

 

*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fund Services Agreement to be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COMMONWEALTH FUND SERVICES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Karen M. Shupe

 

Date: October 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name: Karen M. Shupe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
WITH RESPECT TO THE FUNDS IDENTIFIED ON EXHIBIT A

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David A. Bogaert

 

Date: October 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Print Name: David A. Bogaert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

to

Fund Services Agreement

 

List of Funds

 

Fund Name

Effective Date

End Date of Initial Term

WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

November 1, 2021

October 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

To

Fund Services Agreement

 

Administrative Services

 

1.

Subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Trust, CFS shall manage all aspects of each Fund’s operations with respect to each Fund except those that are the specific responsibility of any other service provider hired by the Trust, all in such manner and to such extent as may be authorized by the Board.

 

2.

Oversee the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to each Fund by others, including its custodian, fund accounting agent, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent as well as legal, auditing, shareholder servicing and other services performed for each Fund, including:

 

 

(a)

The preparation and maintenance by each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant in such form, for such periods and in such locations as may be required by applicable law, of all documents and records relating to the operation of each Fund required to be prepared or maintained by the Trust or its agents pursuant to applicable law.

 

 

(b)

The reconciliation of account information and balances among each Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant.

 

 

(c)

The transmission of purchase and redemption orders for shares.

 

 

(d)

The performance of fund accounting, including the accounting services agent’s calculation of the net asset value (“NAV”) of each Fund’s shares.

 

3.

For new series or classes, obtain CUSIP numbers, as necessary, and estimate organizational costs and expenses and monitor against actual disbursements.

 

4.

Prepare and assist with reports for the Board as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

5.

Prepare quarterly and annual Code of Ethics forms for: (i) disinterested Board members; and (ii) officers of the Trust, if any, that are also employees of CFS, including a review of returned forms against portfolio holdings and reporting to the Board.

 

6.

Prepare and mail annual Trustees’ and Officers’ questionnaires.

 

7.

Maintain general Board calendars and regulatory filings calendars.

 

8.

As mutually agreed to by the parties, prepare updates to and maintain copies of the Trust’s trust instrument and by-laws.

 

9.

Coordinate with insurance providers, including soliciting bids for Trustees & Officers/Errors & Omissions insurance and fidelity bond coverage, coordinate the filing of fidelity bonds with the SEC and make related Board presentations.

 

10.

Advise the Trust and the Board on matters concerning each Fund and its affairs.

 

 

 

 

11.

With the assistance of the counsel to the Trust, the investment adviser, officers of the Trust and other relevant parties, prepare and disseminate materials for meetings of the Board on behalf of each Fund, and any committees thereof, including agendas and selected financial information as agreed upon by the Trust and CFS from time to time; attend and participate in Board meetings to the extent requested by the Board.

 

12.

Prepare and maintain each Fund’s operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund in order to calculate its daily NAV.

 

13.

In consultation with counsel for the Trust, assist in and oversee the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of the following:

 

 

(a)

Amendments to each Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A.

 

 

(b)

Periodic reports to each Fund’s shareholders and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including but not limited to annual reports and semi-annual reports.

 

 

(c)

Notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2.

 

 

(d)

Proxy materials.

 

 

(e)

Reports to the SEC on Form N-SAR, Form N-CSR, Form N-Q, and Form N-PX.

 

14.

Coordinate each Fund’s annual or SEC audit by:

 

 

(a)

Assisting each Fund’s independent auditors, or, upon approval of each Fund, any regulatory body in any requested review of each Fund’s accounts and records.

 

 

(b)

Providing appropriate financial schedules (as requested by each Fund’s independent public accountants or SEC examiners); and

 

 

(c)

Providing office facilities as may be required.

 

15.

Assist the Trust in the handling of routine regulatory examinations and work closely with the Trust’s legal counsel in response to any non-routine regulatory matters.

 

16.

Prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports, including Fund budgets, expense reports, pro-forma financial statements, expense and profit/loss projections and fee waiver/expense reimbursement projections on a periodic basis.

 

17.

Authorize the payment of Fund expenses and pay, from Fund assets, all bills of each Fund.

 

18.

Assist each Fund in the selection of other service providers, such as independent accountants, law firms and proxy solicitors; and perform such other recordkeeping, reporting and other tasks as may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the Board; provided that CFS need not begin performing any such task except upon 65 days’ notice and pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

19.

Assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer with issues regarding the Trust’s compliance program (as approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) as reasonably requested.

 

20.

Perform certain compliance procedures for the Trust which will include, among other matters, monitoring compliance with personal trading guidelines by the Trust’s Board.

 

21.

Assist the Trust with its obligations under Section 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2 under the 1940 Act, including the establishment and maintenance of internal controls and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that information prepared or maintained in connection with administration services provided hereunder is properly recorded, processed, summarized, or reported by CFS or its affiliates on behalf of the Trust so that it may be included in financial information certified by the Trust’s officers on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q.

 

22.

Prepare and file any claims in connection with class actions involving portfolio securities, handle administrative matters in connection with the litigation or settlement of such claims, and prepare a report to the Board regarding such matters.

 

23.

CFS shall provide such other services and assistance relating to the affairs of each Fund as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request pursuant to mutually acceptable compensation agreements.

 

 

 

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99(h)(14)

 

Amendment NO. 8
to
 
services agreement

 

This AMENDMENT No. 8 (“Amendment”) is made as of October 1, 2021, by and among ETF Opportunities Trust (“Client”) and Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”), and Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (“CFSO”, together with Citibank, the “Service Provider” and, with the Client, the “Parties”), to that certain Services Agreement dated May 14, 2020, between the Client and Service Provider (“Agreement”). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement, Service Provider performs certain services for the Client; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties agree to amend the List of Funds to add the following Funds to the portfolio of the Client: (i) The WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (ii) UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter contained and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Client and Service Provider hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Amendment to Annex 1 – List of Funds.

 

Annex 1 – Schedule 2 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following Annex 1 – Schedule 2 attached to the end of the Amendment.

 

2.

Representations and Warranties.

 

 

a.

The Client represents that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Amendment and that it has provided this Amendment to the Board.

 

 

b.

The Service Provider represents that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Amendment.

 

3.

Miscellaneous.

 

 

a.

This Amendment supplements and amends the Agreement. The provisions set forth in this Amendment supersede all prior negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing upon the subject matter covered herein, including any conflicting provisions of the Agreement or any provisions of the Agreement that directly cover or indirectly bear upon matters covered under this Amendment.

 

 

b.

Each reference to the Agreement in the Agreement (as it existed prior to this Amendment) and in every other agreement, contract or instrument to which the parties are bound, shall hereafter be construed as a reference to the Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as provided in this Amendment, the provisions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. No amendment or modification to this Amendment shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by both parties hereto.

 

 1

 

 

 

c.

Paragraph headings in this Amendment are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Amendment.

 

 

d.

This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signatures follow on next page.]

 

 2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

ETF OPPORTUNITIES TRUST

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David A. Bogaert

 

 

 

 

Name:

David A. Bogaert

 

 

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

Date:

October 19, 2021

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dominic Crowe

 

 

 

 

Name:

Dominic Crowe

 

 

 

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 4, 2021

 

 

CITI FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.

   

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

Dominic Crowe

 

 

 

 

Title:

Managing Director, President

 

 

 

 

Date:

November 4, 2021

 

 3

 

 

Annex 1 – Schedule 2 to Services Agreement

 

List of Funds

 

 

1.

American Conservative Values ETF

 

 

2.

American Conservative Values Small-Cap ETF

 

 

3.

Real Asset Strategies ETF

 

 

4.

Real Asset Strategies (Cayman) Ltd.

 

 

5.

Formidable ETF

 

 

6.

Formidable Small/Mid Cap ETF

 

 

7.

Formidable Fortress ETF

 

 

8.

Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF

 

 

9.

Alpha Dog ETF

 

 

10.

Kingsbarn Tactical Bond ETF

 

 

11.

The WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF

 

 

12.

UBC Algorithmic Fundamentals ETF

 

 4

 

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 485BPOS

 

Exhibit 99.(i)(8)

 

 

November 23, 2021

 

ETF Opportunities Trust 

8730 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 205 

Richmond, Virginia 23235

 

RE: Opinion of Counsel regarding the Registration Statement filed on Form N-1A under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (File Nos. 333-234544 and 811-23439)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to ETF Opportunities Trust (the “Trust”), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the state of Delaware and registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end series management investment company.

 

This opinion relates to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the “Registration Statement”) and is given in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of a post-effective amendment under the Securities Act and an amendment under the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Amendment”), each to the Registration Statement. The Amendment relates to the registration of an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest (collectively, the “Shares”), with no par value per share, for a new series of the Trust – WealthTrust DBS Long Term Growth ETF (the “Fund”). We understand that the Amendment is being filed with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and that our opinion is required to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

 

In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have examined, among other things, copies of the Trust’s Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust, applicable resolutions of the Board of Trustees, and originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, records and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this opinion. We have also examined the prospectus and statement of additional information for the Fund, substantially in the form in which they are being filed in the Amendment (collectively, the “Prospectus”).

 

As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions set forth below, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and upon representations and declarations of the officers or other representatives of the Trust. We have made no independent investigation whatsoever as to such factual matters.

 

The Prospectus provides for issuance of the Shares from time to time at the net asset value thereof, plus any applicable sales charge. In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed that upon sale of the Shares, the Trust will receive the net asset value thereof.

 

 

PRACTUS, LLP

 

11300 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy Ste. 310 Leawood, Kansas 66211 p: 913.660.0778

 

Practus.com

 

 

 

We have also assumed, without independent investigation or inquiry, that:

 

(a) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic; all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents; all signatures on all documents submitted to us for examination are genuine; and all documents and public records reviewed are accurate and complete; and

 

(b) all representations, warranties, certifications and statements with respect to matters of fact and other factual information (i) made by public officers, or (ii) made by officers or representatives of the Trust are accurate, true, correct and complete in all material respects.

 

The Delaware Statutory Trust Act provides that shareholders of the Trust shall be entitled to the same limitation on personal liability as is extended under the Delaware General Corporation Law to stockholders of private corporations for profit. There is a remote possibility, however, that, under certain circumstances, shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust may be held personally liable for that trust’s obligations to the extent that the courts of another state which does not recognize such limited liability were to apply the laws of such state to a controversy involving such obligations. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that neither the Trust nor the Trustees, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall have any power to bind personally any shareholder, or to call upon any shareholder for the payment of any sum of money or assessment whatsoever other than such as the shareholder may at any time agree to pay. Therefore, the risk of any shareholder incurring financial loss beyond his investment due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund is unable to meet their obligations and the express limitation of shareholder liabilities is determined not to be effective.

 

Based on our review of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date of this letter:

 

(a) The Shares to be offered for sale pursuant to the Prospectus are duly and validly authorized by all necessary actions on the part of the Trust; and

 

(b) The Shares, when issued and sold by the Trust for consideration pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust’s Registration Statement, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable, subject to compliance with the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, and the applicable state laws regulating the sale of securities

 

We express no opinion as to any other matters other than as expressly set forth above and no other opinion is intended or may be inferred herefrom. The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation and hereby disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change after the date of this opinion pertaining to any matter referred to herein.

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Counsel” in the statement of additional information for the Fund, which is included in the Registration Statement. In rendering this opinion and giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules or regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

    Sincerely,
     
    /s/ PRACTUS, LLP
     
    Practus, LLP

  

 

 

2