[ ]
|
immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485(b)
|
[X]
|
on May 1, 2014 pursuant to Rule 485(b)
|
[ ]
|
60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485(a)(1)
|
[ ]
|
75 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485(a)(2)
|
[ ]
|
on _________ pursuant to Rule 485(a)
|
The Fund (Summary)
|
1
|
Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Related Risks
|
4
|
Management and Organization
|
6
|
Additional Non-Principal Investment Related Risks
|
6
|
How to Buy Shares
|
8
|
How to Sell Shares
|
9
|
Other Policies
|
10
|
Dividends and Taxes
|
11
|
Privacy Statement
|
11
|
Financial Highlights
|
13
|
Shelton Greater China Fund
Ticker Symbol: SGCFX
|
The Fund (Summary)
|
Shareholder Fees
|
|
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
Redemption or exchange fees
(for shares of the Fund purchased that are held 90 days or less from the date of purchase.) |
2.00%
|
Other Expenses
|
none
|
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
Management fees
|
1.25%
|
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees
|
none
|
Other expenses
|
1.75%
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expense*
|
3.00%
|
*
|
The Fund’s investment manager, Shelton Capital Management, voluntarily agreed to, effective May 1, 2013, reimburse expenses incurred by the Fund to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.98% until June 1, 2015. For the reporting period, the Fund’s net operating expenses were 2.36% after expense reimbursement. Shelton Capital Management may be reimbursed for any foregone advisory fees or unreimbursed expenses within three fiscal years following a particular reduction or expense, but only to the extent the reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed applicable expense limits and the effect of the reimbursement is measured after all ordinary operating expenses are calculated. Any such reimbursement is subject to the review and approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.
|
1 year
|
3 years
|
5 years
|
10 years
|
$239
|
$867
|
$1,521
|
$3,273
|
Minimum
Initial
Investment
|
Minimum
Subsequent
Investment
|
|
All Other Accounts
|
$1,000
|
$100
|
Accounts with Automatic
Investment Plan (“AIP”)*
|
$500
|
$100
|
*
|
A minimum monthly contribution of $100 is required through AIP accounts. For additional information on our AIP program, see section titled “Automatic Investment Plan” in this prospectus.
|
Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Related Risks
|
Management and Organization
|
Additional Non-Principal Investment Related Risks
|
|
•
|
Cause the Fund to keep more assets in money market instruments or other very liquid holdings than it would otherwise like to, causing the Fund to miss out on gains in a rising market,
|
|
•
|
Force the Fund to sell some of its investments sooner than it would otherwise like to in order to honor redemptions, or
|
|
•
|
Increase brokerage commissions and other portfolio transaction expenses if securities are constantly being bought and sold by the Fund as assets move in and out.
|
|
•
|
Reject a purchase or exchange;
|
|
•
|
Delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days;
|
|
•
|
Revoke a shareholder’s privilege to purchase Fund shares (including exchanges);
|
|
•
|
Limit the amount of any exchange; and
|
|
•
|
Charge a Fund redemption fee for shares held for 90 days or less.
|
Minimum
Initial
Investment
|
Minimum
Subsequent
Investment
|
|
All Other Accounts
|
$1,000
|
$100
|
Accounts with Automatic
Investment Plan (“AIP”)*
|
$500
|
$100
|
*
|
A minimum monthly contribution of $100 is required through AIP accounts. For additional information on our AIP program, see section titled “Automatic Investment Plan” in this prospectus.
|
|
•
|
The Fund may take up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds.
|
|
•
|
If your shares were recently purchased by check, the Fund will not release your redemption proceeds until payment of the check can be verified which may take up to 15 days; however, please note that such redemption proceeds would be determined by reference to the next NAV determination following your request for redemption.
|
|
•
|
Initial purchases and exchanges must meet the minimum investment amounts of the fund you are purchasing/exchanging shares for.
|
|
•
|
You must obtain and read the prospectus of the fund you are buying/exchanging shares for prior to making the initial purchase/exchange.
|
|
•
|
If you have not selected the convenient exchange privileges on your original account application, you must provide a medallion signature guaranteed letter of instruction to the Fund, directing any changes in your account.
|
|
•
|
The Fund may refuse any purchase or exchange purchase transaction for any reason.
|
How to Buy Shares
|
How to Sell Shares
|
|
•
|
To automatically redeem your shares if your account balance falls below the minimum balance due to the sale of shares.
|
|
•
|
To modify or terminate the exchange privilege on 60 days written notice.
|
|
•
|
To refuse any purchase or exchange purchase order.
|
|
•
|
To change or waive the Fund’s minimum investment amount.
|
|
•
|
To suspend the right to redeem shares, and delay sending proceeds, during times when trading on the principal markets for the Fund are restricted or halted, or otherwise as permitted by the SEC.
|
|
•
|
To withdraw or suspend any part of the offering made by this prospectus.
|
|
•
|
To automatically redeem your shares if you fail to provide all required enrollment information and documentation.
|
Other Policies
|
Dividends & Taxes
|
Privacy Statement
|
|
•
|
We do not sell Shareholder Information.
|
|
•
|
We do not provide Shareholder Information to persons or organizations outside Shelton Greater China Fund who are doing business on our behalf (e.g., non-affiliated third parties), for their own marketing purposes.
|
|
•
|
We afford prospective and former shareholders the same protections as existing shareholders with respect to the use of Shareholder Information.
|
|
•
|
From you, (application and enrollment forms, transfer forms, distribution forms, checks, correspondence, or conversation), such as your address, telephone number, and social security number.
|
|
•
|
From your transactions with our transfer agent or custodian, your transaction history, and account balance.
|
|
•
|
From electronic sources, such as our website or e-mails.
|
|
•
|
Prospectus and Shareholder Reports – Receive prospectuses and shareholder reports on line instead of by U.S. Mail.
|
|
•
|
Paperless Statements – Receive an e-mail with a link to our Web site informing you that our client statements are available on line to view, print or download.
|
|
•
|
Tax Form Alerts – Receive an e-mail in early January informing you if you will receive tax forms for your taxable Shelton mutual funds, including the approximate date they will be mailed.
|
Financial Highlights
|
Year Ended December 31
|
||||||||||||||||||||
2013
|
2012
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
$ | 7.12 | $ | 6.06 | $ | 8.05 | $ | 7.18 | $ | 3.81 | ||||||||||
Income from investment operations:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
(a)
|
0.03 | 0.08 | (0.14 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on securities and translation of foreign currencies (both realized and unrealized)
|
0.28 | 0.98 | (1.88 | ) | 0.90 | 3.39 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations
|
0.31 | 1.06 | (2.02 | ) | 0.86 | 3.36 | ||||||||||||||
Less distributions:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income
|
(0.22 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Distributions from capital gains
|
— | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Total distributions
|
(0.22 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Capital stock transactions:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Share Tender Offer/Repurchase
(a)
|
— | — | 0.01 | 0.01 | (a) | 0.01 | (a) | |||||||||||||
Paid in capital from redemption fee
(a)
|
— | (b) | — | (b) | 0.02 | — | — | |||||||||||||
Total from capital stock transactions
|
— | — | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year
|
$ | 7.21 | $ | 7.12 | $ | 6.06 | $ | 8.05 | $ | 7.18 | ||||||||||
Total investment return (based on net asset value)
|
4.34 | % | 17.49 | % (c) | (24.72 | %) (d) | 12.12 | % | 88.45 | % | ||||||||||
Total investment return (based on market price)
|
N/A | N/A | N/A | 19.50 | % | 80.18 | % | |||||||||||||
Ratios and supplemental data
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (in 000's)
|
$ | 11,415 | $ | 17,370 | $ | 49,760 | $ | 85,630 | $ | 84,592 | ||||||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Before expense reimbursement
|
3.00 | % | 2.17 | % | 3.33 | % (c) | 3.15 | % | 2.80 | % | ||||||||||
After expense reimbursement
|
2.36 | % | 1.72 | % | 3.33 | % (c) | 3.15 | % | 2.80 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Before expense reimbursement
|
(0.22 | %) | 0.71 | % | (1.88 | %) | (0.61 | %) | (0.64 | %) | ||||||||||
After expense reimbursement
|
0.42 | % | 1.16 | % | (1.88 | %) | (0.61 | %) | (0.64 | %) | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover
|
10 | % | 81 | % | 206 | % (e) | 5 | % | 11 | % |
(a)
|
Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.
|
(b)
|
Less than $0.01 per share.
|
(c)
|
Ratio of extraordinary expenses to average net assets is 0.80%. Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding impact of extraordinary fees is 2.53%.
|
(d)
|
2011 total investment return, calculated based upon the Fund’s operations as a closed-end fund for the period of January 1, 2011 to October 9, 2011 (investment return of (22.89%)) and upon the Fund’s operations as an open-end fund for the period of October 10, 2011 to December 31, 2011 (investment return of (2.10%)), would be close to (20.26%).
|
(e)
|
Effective June 13, 2011, the Fund expanded its primary geographic scope from the Republic of China (“Taiwan”) to the Greater China regions (this includes: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the People’s Republic of China) and has subsequently increased trading in the Greater China region. Porfolio turnover is high during the transition period and is not an indicator of future turnover rate.
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES OF THE FUND
|
1
|
DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND PORTFOLIO TECHNIQUES
|
2
|
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
|
6
|
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
8
|
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
|
9
|
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
|
14
|
POLICIES REGARDING BROKER-DEALERS USED FOR PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
|
18
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
|
19
|
TAXATION
|
21
|
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
|
25
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
26
|
|
a.
|
Hold 25% or more of its gross assets in any single industry.
|
|
b.
|
Purchase any security (other than obligations of the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities) if as a result of such purchase (i) as to 75% of the total assets (taken at their then current value), more than 5% of the total assets (taken at their then current value) would then be invested in the securities of a single issuer, (ii) as to the remaining 25% of the total assets (taken at their then current value), more than 10% of the total assets (taken at their then current value) would then be invested in the securities of a single issuer (except that the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in obligations of the Taiwan government or its agencies or instrumentalities), (iii) more than 10% of the outstanding equity securities of any issuer (at the time of purchase) would be beneficially held by the Fund or (iv) 25% or more of the Fund’s assets (taken at their then current value) would be invested in a single industry.
|
|
c.
|
Purchase any security on margin, except such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales of securities.
|
|
d.
|
Effect a short sale of any security, except in connection with an underwriting in which the Fund is a participant.
|
|
e.
|
Issue senior securities, except that the Fund may invest in currency forward contracts to hedge against currency fluctuations if Taiwan law is changed to so permit.
|
|
f.
|
Borrow money within Taiwan, however, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Fund may borrow from financial institutions outside Taiwan for temporary purposes (that, is, the borrowing must be repaid within 60 days) in amounts not exceeding 5% (taken at the lower of cost or current value) of its total assets (excluding amount borrowed) and may also pledge assets to secure such borrowings).
|
|
g.
|
Make loans to other persons (other than bank deposits or by investment in debt securities or entry into repurchase agreements), except that the Fund may lend its securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statutes, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
|
|
h.
|
Invest (i) in securities of Taiwan issuers the issuance of which has not been approved by or registered with the Taiwan SEC for offering to the public or (ii) in unregistered securities of U.S. issuers that must be registered before being publicly offered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
|
|
i.
|
Buy or sell real estate or real estate mortgage loans.
|
|
j.
|
Apply the assets of the Fund to purchase beneficial certificates issued by the former manager in other funds managed by the former manager.
|
|
k.
|
Underwrite the issue or sale of any securities.
|
|
l.
|
Invest in securities issued by any person (except the Taiwan government) who beneficially owns more than 5% of, or takes any significant active role in the management of, the Fund’s investment advisor.
|
1.
|
Invest in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets. Included in such amount, but not to exceed 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.
|
2.
|
Enter into any futures contract if, as a result, the sum of (i) the current value of assets hedged in the case of strategies involving the sale of securities, and (ii) the current value of the indexes or other instruments underlying the Fund's other futures positions would exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets. In addition, the Fund does not intend to enter into futures contracts that are not traded on exchanges or boards of trade.
|
3.
|
The Fund will not purchase securities from or sell to the Trustees, or any firm of which any officer or Trustee is a member, as principal, or retain securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of the Fund, one or more of the Fund’s officers, the Trustees and the Advisor own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer and all such officers and the Trustees together own beneficially more than 5% of such securities.
|
1.
|
Approximately 60 days following the end of each month, calendar quarter and fiscal quarter, each Fund’s full portfolio holdings will be made publicly available by the following means:
|
a.
|
The Fund shall send shareholders portfolio holdings in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports, which are mailed to shareholders and posted on the Fund's website in accordance with the SEC guidelines. Additionally, quarterly reports are filed with the SEC.
|
b.
|
The Transfer Agent shall send portfolio holding to nationally-recognized rating agencies via electronic transmission at least annually.
|
2.
|
The Fund or a Service Provider may disclose the Fund’s portfolio securities holdings to selected third parties when the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so. Examples of legitimate business purposes in which selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities may be appropriate include: disclosure for due diligence purposes to an investment advisor that is in merger or acquisition talks with the Advisor; disclosure to a newly hired investment advisor prior to its commencing its duties; disclosure to third party service providers of accounting, auditing, custody, proxy voting and other services to the Fund; or disclosure to a rating or ranking organization.
|
3.
|
As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Fund will disclose its portfolio holdings in its applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-Q, Form N-CSR or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.
|
Name (Age) and Address
|
Position(s)
Held with
the Fund
|
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
|
Other Business Experience, Other Positions with Affiliated Persons of the Fund and Other Directorships Held by Nominee
|
Non-Interested Trustees
|
||||
James W. Miller, Jr.
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California
94104
(5/28/66)
|
Trustee and Audit Committee Member
|
Trustee since
June 2011
|
Director, RREEF, 2006-present;
|
Experience in real estate in both law and business; J.D.; Executive Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., 1999-2006; Associate, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (law firm), 1996-1999; Associate, Gordon & Rees LLP (law firm), 1992-1993
|
Kevin T. Kogler
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California
94104
(2/21/66)
|
Trustee and Audit Committee Member
|
Trustee since
June 2011
|
President & CEO, MicroBiz LLC, 2012-present; President, CAM Commerce Solutions LLC 2010-2012; Principal, Robertson Piper Software Group, 2006-2012
|
Experience in investment banking, and technology industry; M.B.A.; Senior Vice President, Investment Banking, Friedman, Billings Ramsey, 2003-2006; Director, Technology Investment Banking, Salomon Smith Barney, 2001-2003; Vice President, Technology Investment Banking, CS First Boston / Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, 1997-2001.
|
Stephen H. Sutro
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California
94104
(4/9/69)
|
Trustee and Audit Committee Member
|
Trustee since
June 2011
|
Partner, Duane Morris LLP (law firm), 2003-present.
|
Experience in law and securities regulations; J.D; Associate, Duane Morris LLP (law firm), 2000-2002; Associate, Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft LLP (law firm), 1994-1999
|
Name (Age) and Address
|
Position(s)
Held with
the Fund
|
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
|
Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past Five Years
|
Other Business Experience, Other Positions with Affiliated Persons of the Fund and Other Directorships Held by Nominee
|
Interested Trustee
1
|
||||
Stephen C. Rogers
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California
94104
(6/27/66)
|
Trustee, President
|
President, Chairman since June 2011
|
Chief Executive Officer, Shelton Capital Management since 1999; Portfolio Manager and President of the Shelton Funds, since 1999
|
Chief Executive Officer, ETSpreads since 2008;
President, Chairman & Trustee, Shelton Funds, since 1999; President, Chairman & Trustee, Exchange Traded Spreads Trust, since 2013
|
Officers
|
||||
William P. Mock
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California
94104
(12/29/66)
|
Treasurer
|
Treasurer, since
June 2011
|
Portfolio Manager, Shelton Capital Management, since 2010
|
Head Trader, TKI Capital Management 2003-2006; Partner, ETSpreads since 2008; Treasurer, Shelton Funds, since 2010; Treasurer, Exchange Traded Spreads Trust, since 2013
|
Teresa K. Axelson
P.O. Box 387
San Francisco, California 94104
(12/4/47)
|
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary
|
Chief Compliance Officer, since November 2011; Secretary since August 2012
|
Chief Compliance Officer, Shelton Capital Management, 2011 to present; Consultant, 2011; Vice President-Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer, Securities Management and Research, Inc.; SM&R Investments, Inc. (6 mutual funds) and American National Investment Accounts, Inc. (5 mutual funds), 1968-2010.
|
Chief Compliance Officer since November 2011, Shelton Capital Management & Shelton Funds; Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary, Exchange Traded Spreads Trust since October 2013
|
1
|
Basis of Interestedness
. Stephen C. Rogers is affiliated with Shelton Capital Management, which is the investment advisor of the Fund.
|
Name/Position
|
Aggregate Fund
group
compensation
|
Pension or
estimated
retirement
benefits
accrued as
Fund expenses
|
Annual benefits
upon
retirement
|
Total compensation
respecting Registrant
and Fund complex (12 funds) paid
to Trustees
|
Stephen C. Rogers
President, Secretary
& Trustee
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
James W. Miller, Jr.
Trustee
|
$550
|
None
|
None
|
$14,050
|
Kevin T. Kogler
Trustee
|
$800
|
None
|
None
|
$17,050
|
Stephen H. Sutro
Trustee
|
$550
|
None
|
None
|
$14,050
|
James W. Miller, Jr.
|
None
|
Kevin T. Kogler
|
None
|
Stephen H. Sutro
|
None
|
|
Shelton Funds
|
Stephen C. Rogers
|
Above $100,000
|
James W. Miller, Jr.
|
Above $100,000
|
Kevin T. Kogler
|
Above $100,000
|
Stephen H. Sutro
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
Fiscal Year Ended
|
Total Advisory
Fee Paid for
Fiscal Year
|
Payment to
Sub-Advisor by
Shelton Capital Management
|
Reimbursement to Fund by Shelton Capital Management under Expense Undertaking
|
Net Advisory
Fee Paid to
Shelton Capital Management
|
12/31/2013
|
$163,349
|
-
|
$83,517
|
$79,832
|
12/31/2012
|
$329,775
|
$108,347
|
$116,277
|
$105,151
|
William P. Mock
|
||||
Type of Account
|
Number of
Accounts
Managed
|
Total Assets
Managed
|
Number of Accounts Managed for which Investment Advisory Fee
is Performance-Based
|
Assets Managed for
which Investment
Advisory Fee is Performance-Based
|
Registered Investment Companies
|
1
|
10,558,947
|
-
|
-
|
Other Registered Investment Companies
|
4
|
$252,630,111
|
-
|
-
|
Other Accounts
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Capital Loss Carryforwards
|
Expiring 2017
|
Non-Expiring
|
Total
|
$10,930,578
|
$2,202,024
|
$13,132,602
|
P
|
=
|
a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
|
T
|
=
|
average annual total return
|
n
|
=
|
number of years
|
ERV
|
=
|
ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of a 1-, 5-, or 10- year periods at the end of a 1-, 5- or 10-year periods (or fractional portion).
|
P
|
=
|
a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
|
T
|
=
|
average annual total return (after taxes on distributions).
|
n
|
=
|
number of years
|
ATV
D
|
=
|
ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of such periods, after taxes on fund distributions but not after taxes on redemptions.
|
P
|
=
|
a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
|
T
|
=
|
average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemptions).
|
n
|
=
|
number of years
|
ATV
DR
|
=
|
ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of such periods, after taxes on fund distributions and redemptions.
|
One Year Ended
|
Five Years Ended
|
Ten Years Ended
|
|
December 31, 2012
|
December 31, 2012
|
December 31, 2012
|
|
Return Before Taxes
|
4.34%
|
14.29%
|
3.80%
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions
|
3.00%
|
13.99%
|
3.65%
|
Return After Taxes on Distributions and sale of Fund Shares
|
2.46%
|
11.36%
|
2.93%
|
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
|
Amount of Beneficial Ownership
|
Percent of Trust
|
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
Attn Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA
|
222,822
|
14.97%
|
State Street Bank and Trust Co.
225 Franklin St, Mae Co
Boston, MA
|
121,804
|
8.18%
|
Ameritrade, Inc.
P. O. Box 2226
Omaha, NE
|
109,654
|
7.37%
|
National Financial Services, LLC
Attn Mutual Fund Dept
200 Liberty St
One World Financial Center
New York, NY
|
102,170
|
6.86%
|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & SMI
101 Hudson Street, 9
th
Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
|
96,650
|
6.49%
|
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
Mutual Funds Department 13
th
Floor
14201 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75254
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82,596
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5.55%
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(a)
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Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated September 21, 2011. is incorporated by reference Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement as filed on September 22, 2011.
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(b)
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Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, dated June 12th, 2011 is incorporated by reference to the Fund's registration statement filed on Form N-1A on August 4, 2011.
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(c)
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Inapplicable.
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(d)
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(1) Management Agreement, dated May 27, 2011. is incorporated by reference to the Fund's registration statement filed on Form N-1A on August 4, 2011.
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(e)
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Underwriting Agreement, dated June 13, 2011. is incorporated by reference to the Fund's registration statement filed on Form N-1A on August 4, 2011.
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(f)
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Inapplicable.
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(g)
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Custodian Agreement between Shelton Greater China Fund and U.S Bank National Association is enclosed herewith.
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(h)
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Other Material Contracts
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(1)
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Form of Administration Agreement. is incorporated by reference Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement as filed on September 22, 2011.
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(2)
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Form of Expense Cap Agreement. is incorporated by reference Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement as filed on September 22, 2011.
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(3)
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Fund Services Agreement between Shelton Funds Trust and Shelton Greater China Fund Trust and Gemini Fund Services, LLC is included herewith.
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(i)
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(1) Opinion and Consent of Counsel to the Registrant. is incorporated by reference Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement as filed on September 22, 2011.
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(j)
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(1) Powers of Attorney. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Fund's registration statement filed on Form N-1A on August 4, 2011.
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(k)
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Inapplicable.
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(l)
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Inapplicable.
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(m)
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Inapplicable.
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(n)
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Inapplicable.
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(o)
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Reserved.
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(p)
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(1) Code of Ethics, dated February 2014, included herewith.
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/s/ Stephen C. Rogers
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President and Trustee
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April 29, 2014
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Stephen C. Rogers
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/s/ Kevin T. Kogler*
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Trustee
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April 29, 2014
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Kevin T. Kogler
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/s/ James W. Miller, Jr.*
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Trustee
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April 29, 2014
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James W. Miller, Jr.
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/s/ Stephen H. Sutro*
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Trustee
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April 29, 2014
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Stephen H. Sutro
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*
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Signed by Stephen C. Rogers pursuant to Powers of Attorney previously filed as an exhibit to the Fund's registration statement filed on Form N-1A on August 4, 2011.
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28(g)
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Custodian Agreement between Shelton Greater China Fund and U.S. Bank National Association is enclosed herewith.
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28(h)(3)
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Fund Services Agreement between Shelton Funds and Shelton Greater China Fund and Gemini Fund Services, LLC, is enclosed herewith.
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28(j)(3)
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Consent of Independent Public Accountants (Tait, Weller & Baker, LLP).
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28(p)(1)
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Code of Ethics
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ARTICLE I.
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CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
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ARTICLE II.
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
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(a)
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A copy of the Trust's declaration of trust, certified by the Secretary
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(b)
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A copy of the Trust's bylaws, certified by the Secretary
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(c)
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A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary
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(d)
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A copy of the current prospectus(es) of the Fund (the "Prospectus")
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(e)
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A certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the Trust setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers of the Trust and other Authorized Personsand
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(f)
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An executed authorization required by the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985, attached hereto as Exhibit C.
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(a)
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In its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities Depositories or
(ii)
Eligible Foreign Custodians .who are members of the Sub-Custodian's network to hold Securities and cash of the Fund and to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine; provided, however, that the appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities and cash of the Fund shall be at the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. The Custodian shall be liable for the actions of any Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a Sub Custodian, a member of its network or an Eligible Securities Depository) appointed by it as if such actions had been done by the Custodian.
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(b)
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If,
after the initial appointment of Sub-Custodians by the Board of Trustees in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint other Sub Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it will so notify the Trust and make the necessary determinations as to any such new Sub-Custodian's eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.
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(c)
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In performing its delegated responsibilities as foreign custody manager to place or maintain the Fund's assets with a Sub-Custodian, the Custodian will determine that the Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Fund's assets will be held by that Sub Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).
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(d)
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The agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2) under the 1940 Act.
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(e)
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At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the withdrawal or placement of the Securities and cash of the Fund with a Sub-Custodian, and/or Eligible Securities Depository, and of any material changes in the Fund's arrangements. Such reports shall include an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with any Eligible Securities Depositories. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any Sub-Custodian and/or Eligible Securities Depository arrangement that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule
17f-5 or Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as applicable.
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(f)
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With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.03, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in performing such responsibilities such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of property of the Fund. The Custodian further warrants that the Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable care if maintained with a Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls for certificated securities (if applicable), its method of keeping custodial records, and its security and data protection practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable· care for Fund assets;
(iii)
the SubCustodian's general reputation and standing and, in the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository's operating history and number of participants; and (iv) whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of the Sub Custodian in the United States or the Sub-Custodian's consent to service of process in the United States.
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(g)
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The Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian has established a system to monitor on a continuing basis (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Fund's assets with a Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of a Sub-Custodian's network; (ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund's arrangements with such Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodian's members of a Sub-Custodian's network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining assets with an Eligible Securities Depository. The Custodian must promptly notify the Fund or its investment adviser of any material change in these risks.
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(h)
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The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to Foreign Securities to which the Fund shall be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Trust.
In
the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Trust and Custodian shall consult as to the measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures.
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(a)
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The Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository or Book Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein and shall make use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible and practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral consisting of Securities.
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(b)
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Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall be kept in an account (!'Depository Account'') of the Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers.
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(c)
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The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, identify such Securities as belonging to the Fund.
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(d)
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If securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to the Depository Account, and
(ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund.
If
Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.
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(e)
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The Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository in which Securities of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
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(f)
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i) the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or (ii) failure of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian to enforce effectively such rights as it may have against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. At its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book Entry System or Securities Depository or any other person from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
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(g)
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With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.05 and pursuant to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets,
(ii)
provide, promptly upon request by the Trust, such reports as are available concerning the Custodian's internal accounting controls and financial strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement holders.
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(a)
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For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance with Section 4.01 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of Securities (other than options on Securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such Securities registered as provided in Section 3.09 below or in proper form for transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.05 above; (ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.09 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements entered into between the Trust and a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a primary dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository with such Securities;
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(b)
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In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth in Section 3.07(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund;
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(c)
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For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared by the Fund;
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(d)
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In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section 5.01 below;
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(e)
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For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund, including, but not limited to, the following payments for the account of the Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian, trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
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(f)
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For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
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(g)
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For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;
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(h)
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For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less; and
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(i)
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For any other proper purpose, where such Proper Instructions specify the amount and purpose of such payment, declare such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and name the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
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(a)
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Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers check or bank credit;
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(b)
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In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.05 above;
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(c)
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To an offeror's depository agent
in
connection with tender or other similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
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(d)
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To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or any nominee or nominees of any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
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(e)
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To the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance with the "street delivery" custom;
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(f)
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For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance or cancellation of depository receipts; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash,
if
any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
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(g)
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Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund;
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(h)
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In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
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(i)
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For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
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(j)
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For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Trust, but only against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
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(k)
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Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust;
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(1)
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For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
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(m)
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For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;
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(n)
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For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying the Securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made; or
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(o)
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To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any such case the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct.
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(a)
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Subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other payments to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business;
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(b)
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Present for payment and, subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired; or otherwise- become payable;
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·
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(c)
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Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments;
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(d)
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Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive form;
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(e)
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Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit reports to the IRS and the Trust at such time, in such manner and containing such information as is prescribed by the IRS;
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(f)
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Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to Securities of the Fund; and
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(g)
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In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions, attend to all non discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and other assets of the Fund.
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(a)
|
the Fund, or
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(b)
|
subject to the other provisions hereof, (i) the Custodian, (ii) a Sub-Custodian or any nominee thereof, (iii) a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof.
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(a)
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The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund, including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest receivable; (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto; and (iv) all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Trust shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but not limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
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(b)
|
All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be maintained in a form acceptable to the Trust and in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Trust and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of the SEC, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
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(a)
|
in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA (or any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or
any
registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
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(b)
|
for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection with financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund;
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(c)
|
which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the Fund;
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(d)
|
for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions; and
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(e)
|
for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
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(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
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(b)
|
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trust in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable 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
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(c)
|
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
|
|
(a)
|
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
|
|
(b)
|
It is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5.
|
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(c)
|
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable 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
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(d)
|
It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or
any
contract binding it
or
affecting its
property
which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
|
ARTICLE X.
INDEMNIFICATION
|
|
(a)
|
Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
|
(b)
|
The indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement.
|
|
(c)
|
In
order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article X shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this indemnification.
In
the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this Article X. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor's prior written consent.
|
ARTICLE XI.
FORCE MAJEURE
|
ARTICLE XIV.
CLASS ACTIONS
|
In the event the Fund(s) are closed, the Custodian shall only file the class action claims upon written instructions by an authorized representative of the closed Fund(s). Any expenses associated with such filing will be assessed against the proceeds received of any class action settlement.
|
SHELTON GREATER CHINA FUND
|
U.S.BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
|
|||
By
:
|
/s/Teresa Axelson
|
By:
|
/s/Michael R. McVoy
|
|
Name:
|
Teresa K. Axelson
|
Name:
|
Michael
R.
McVoy
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Title:
|
Senior Vice President
|
EXHIBIT A
|
AUTHORIZED
PERSONS
|
Name
|
Telephone/Fax Number
|
Signature
|
Stephen C. Rogers
|
Telephone: 415-398-2727
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
All Signatures on file
|
|
Teresa Axelson
|
Telephone: 415-625-4911
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
||
Dennis Clark
|
Telephone:415-398-2727
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
||
Barry Martin
|
Telephone:415-398-2727
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
||
Bill Mock
|
Telephone: 415-398-2727
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
||
Nicole Apodaca
|
Telephone: 415-625-4912
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
||
Michael Lee
|
Telephone: 415-625-4913
|
|
Fax: 415-421-2019
|
[X]
|
YES
|
U.S. Bank is authorized to provide the Trust's name, address and security position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the Trust.
|
[ ]
|
NO
|
U.S. Bank is NOT authorized to provide the Trust's name, address and security position to requesting companies whose stock is owned by the Trust.
|
INDEX
|
1.
|
APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
|
1
|
2.
|
DUTIES OF GFS
|
2
|
3.
|
FEES AND EXPENSES
|
3
|
4.
|
STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE
|
4
|
5.
|
LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
|
6
|
6.
|
EXPENSES ASSUMED BY THE FUND FAMILY
|
7
|
7.
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
7
|
8.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
8
|
9.
|
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
|
9
|
10.
|
ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
|
9
|
11.
|
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
|
9
|
12.
|
EFFECTIVE DATE, TERM AND TERMINATION
|
10
|
13.
|
LIAISON WITH ACCOUNTANTS/ADMINISTRATOR
|
11
|
14.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
11
|
1.
|
APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
|
|
(a)
|
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund listed in
App
endix III
attached hereto, hereby appoints GFS to provide the Services to each Trust as selected in
App
e
ndix III
attached hereto, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. GFS accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth in return for the compensation as provided in
Sec
t
io
n 3
and
Ap
pend
i
x III
of this Agreement. A description of all the services offered by GFS is set forth on
A
pp
e
ndices
I and
I
I
.
|
|
(b)
|
In connection therewith the Fund Family has delivered to GFS copies of:
|
|
(i)
|
the Trusts’ Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (collectively, the "Organizational Documents");
|
|
(ii)
|
the Trusts’ Registration Statement on Form N‐1A and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the 1940 Act (the "Registration Statement");
|
|
(iii)
|
the Trusts’ notification of registration under the 1940 Act on Form N‐8A as filed with the SEC;
|
|
(iv)
|
the Trusts’ current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for each Fund (collectively, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus");
|
|
(v)
|
each Fund’s current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b‐1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan");
|
|
(vi)
|
each Fund’s investment advisory agreement;
|
|
(vii)
|
each Fund’s underwriting agreement (or other distribution agreements);
|
|
(viii)
|
contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including but not limited to, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent, independent auditors, legal counsel, underwriter, and chief compliance officer; and
|
|
(ix)
|
a copy of all the compliance procedures adopted by the Trust, in respect of the Funds, in accordance with the rules and regulations under the 1940 Act, including, without limitation, Rule 38a‐1.
|
|
(c)
|
The Fund Family shall promptly furnish GFS with all amendments of or supplements to the items listed in
Sec
t
ion
1(b)
above, and shall deliver to GFS a copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund Family (the "Board") appointing GFS and authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
|
2.
|
DUTIES OF GFS
|
|
(a)
|
In order for GFS to perform the Services, the Fund Family
|
|
(i)
|
shall instruct all service providers to the Funds of the Trust to furnish to GFS any and all information requested by GFS, and assist GFS as may be required, and
|
|
(ii)
|
shall provide to GFS, or instruct service providers to provide to GFS, access to all records and documents maintained by the Trust or any service provider to the Fund Family or a Fund of the Trust.
|
|
(b)
|
GFS shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.
|
|
(c)
|
Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, GFS determines, on the basis of information supplied to GFS by the Fund Family, that a violation of applicable law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of applicable law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, GFS shall promptly notify the Fund Family and its administrator of such violation.
|
3.
|
FEES AND EXPENSES
|
|
(a)
|
Fees.
As compensation for the Services provided by GFS to the Fund Family pursuant to this Agreement, the Fund Family, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to pay GFS the fees set forth in
App
e
ndix
III
attached hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the latter of the date of this Agreement or the date GFS begins providing services to such Fund Family or a Fund. For the purpose of determining fees calculated as a function of a Fund’s assets, the value of the Fund’s assets and net assets shall be computed as required by its currently effective Prospectus, generally accepted accounting principles, and resolutions of the Board. GFS will render, after the close of each month in which services have been furnished, a statement reflecting all of the charges for such month. Services provided for partial months shall be subject to pro ration.
|
|
(b)
|
Ex
p
en
s
es.
GFS will bear its own expenses, in connection with the performance of the Services under this Agreement, except as provided herein or as agreed to by the parties. In addition to the fees paid under Section 3(a), the Fund Family agrees to reimburse GFS for all reasonable out‐of‐pocket expenses or advances incurred by GFS to perform the Services or otherwise incurred by GFS at the request or with the consent of the Trust. For reports, analyses and services requested in writing by the Trust and provided by GFS, not in the ordinary course, GFS shall charge hourly fees as specified in
A
p
pend
i
x III
attached hereto.
|
|
(c)
|
Fee
Cha
n
ge
s
.
On each anniversary date of this Agreement (determined from the ”Effective Date” as defined in
Section 12
), the base and/or minimum fees enumerated in
A
pp
e
ndix
III
attached hereto, may be increased by the change in the Consumer Price Index for the Midwest region (the “CPI”) for the twelve‐month period ending with the month preceding such annual anniversary date. Any CPI increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI fee increases in future years. GFS Agrees to provide the Fund Family administrator prior written notice of any CPI increase.
|
|
(d)
|
Due
Dat
e
. All fees contemplated under
Sec
t
ion
3(a)
above and reimbursement for all expenses contemplated under
Sec
t
ion
3(b)
above are due and payable within ten (10) days of receipt of an invoice provided by GFS. Any fees or reimbursements due hereunder not received by its due date may be assessed interest at the maximum amount permitted by law. GFS will use its best efforts to invoice for all fees owing under this Agreement promptly following the close of each month, and within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of any expense to which it is entitled to reimbursement under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Fund Family shall have no obligation to reimburse GFS for expenses incurred by GFS, if GFS has not invoiced the Fund Family with respect to such expense reimbursement within sixty (60) days of the date on which GFS incurred such expense.
|
|
(e)
|
Books
a
n
d
Records.
The accounts, books, records and other documents maintained by GFS in connection with its performance of the Services (the “Records”) shall be the property of the Funds, and shall be surrendered to the Funds, at the expense of the Funds, promptly upon request by the Funds in the form in which such Records have been maintained or preserved, provided that all service fees and expenses charged by GFS in the performance of its duties hereunder have been fully paid to the satisfaction of GFS. GFS agrees to maintain a backup set of Records of the Funds (which backup set shall be updated on at least a weekly basis) at a location other than that where the original Records are stored. GFS shall assist the Funds’ independent auditors, or, upon approval of the Funds, any regulatory body, in any requested review of the Funds’ Records. GFS shall preserve the Records, in accordance with the provisions of, and as they are required to be maintained and preserved under, Rule 31a‐1 under the 1940 Act.
|
|
(f)
|
D
e‐Conversion
Fees.
Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason other than a material breach by GFS, GFS will charge a “De‐ Conversion” fee to compensate GFS for providing to the Fund’s new service providers, all material records, history and data maintained by GFS under this Agreement. The amount of the De‐Conversion fee is specified in
App
e
ndix
III
attached hereto. In addition, GFS reserves the right to charge for out‐of‐pocket expenses associated with the De‐Conversion, as specified in Section 12(d) of this Agreement.
|
|
(g)
|
Post‐E
n
ga
g
ement
Aud
i
t
Support
Fees.
After a De‐Conversion, GFS is often called upon to provide support to a Fund’s service provider and assist with a Fund’s annual audit. Services provided by GFS to accommodate a Fund’s request following termination of this Agreement shall be subject to GFS’s standard hourly rates existing at the time of the request, not to exceed $15,000 in the aggregate.
|
4.
|
STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE
|
|
(a)
|
Inde
m
nificat
i
on
of
GFS
. The Fund Family shall, on behalf of each applicable Fund, indemnify and hold GFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Fund Family’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by the Fund Family contained in this Agreement, or which arise out of the Fund Family’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Fund Family’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement. GFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to this Agreement.
|
|
(b)
|
Inde
m
nificat
i
on
of the Fund Family and Funds
. GFS shall indemnify and hold the Fund Family and each applicable Fund harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to GFS’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by GFS contained in this Agreement or which arise out of GFS’s lack of good faith, gross negligence, or willful misconduct with respect to GFS’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement.
|
|
(c)
|
Reliance
. Except to the extent that GFS may be liable pursuant to
Sec
t
ions
4(a)
and
4(b)
above, the Fund Family shall hold GFS harmless and GFS shall not be liable for any action taken or failure to act in reliance upon, and shall be entitled to rely upon:
|
|
(i)
|
advice of the Fund Family, its officers, independent auditors or counsel to the Fund Family;
|
|
(ii)
|
any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction pursuant to the parties standard operating practices;
|
|
(iii)
|
any written instruction or certified copy of any resolution of the Board, and GFS may rely upon the genuineness of any such document, copy or facsimile thereof reasonably believed by GFS to have been validly executed;
|
|
(iv)
|
any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or other document reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Fund Family or other proper party or parties;
|
|
(v)
|
any instruction, information, data, records or documents provided to GFS or its agents or subcontractors furnished (pursuant to procedures mutually agreed to by GFS and the Fund Family’s service providers) by machine readable input, data entry, email, facsimile or other similar means authorized by the Trust; and
|
|
(vi)
|
any authorization, instruction, approval, item or set of data, or information of any kind transmitted to GFS in person or by telephone, email, facsimile or other electronic means, furnished and reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been given by the proper person or persons. GFS shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Fund Family.
|
At any time, GFS may apply to any officer of the Fund Family for instructions, and may consult with the administrator to the Fund Family with respect to any matter arising in connection with the routine services to be performed by GFS under this Agreement, and GFS and its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Fund Family on behalf of the applicable Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in reasonable reliance upon such instructions or upon the advice of such counsel. GFS agrees to obtain written consent from the Fund’s administrator before engaging in any non-routine legal consultation that may result in additional legal costs to a Fund or the Fund Family.
|
|
(d)
|
Errors
of
O
t
h
ers
. GFS shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers to the Trust, except or unless any GFS action or inaction is a direct cause of the error.
|
|
(e)
|
Reliance
on
Ele
c
tronic
Instructi
o
ns.
If the Fund Family has the ability to originate electronic instructions to GFS in order to (i) effect the transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit Shareholder information or other information, then in such event GFS shall be entitled to rely on the validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security procedures established and agreed upon by GFS and the Fund’s administrator.
|
|
(f)
|
Notific
a
tion
of
Claims.
In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking 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 party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. 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 other party’s prior written consent.
|
|
(g)
|
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, GFS’s maximum liability to the Fund Family or any applicable Fund arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether arising in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence) or otherwise, shall not exceed the direct loss to the Trust or such Fund (as applicable). IN NO EVENT SHALL GFS BE LIABLE FOR TRADING LOSSES, LOST REVENUES, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE OR GFS WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE PREMISED UPON THE LIMITATION STATED IN THIS SECTION.
|
5.
|
LIMITATION OF TRUST,
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
|
6.
|
EXPENSES ASSUMED BY THE FUND FAMILY
|
|
(a)
|
taxes;
|
|
(b)
|
interest;
|
|
(c)
|
brokerage fees and commissions, if any;
|
|
(d)
|
fees for trustees;
|
|
(e)
|
SEC fees (including EDGAR filing fees);
|
|
(f)
|
state blue sky registration or qualification fees;
|
|
(g)
|
advisory fees;
|
|
(h)
|
charges of custodians;
|
|
(i)
|
transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees
|
|
(j)
|
insurance premiums;
|
|
(k)
|
outside auditing and legal expenses;
|
|
(l)
|
costs of maintaining Trusts existence;
|
|
(m)
|
costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes;
|
|
(n)
|
costs of shareholders' reports, Trust meetings and related expenses;
|
|
and
|
|
(o)
|
any extraordinary expenses.
|
7.
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
(a)
|
Rep
r
e
s
en
t
at
i
ons
of
GF
S
.
GFS represents and warrants to the Fund Family that:
|
|
(i)
|
it is a limited liability company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nebraska;
|
|
(ii)
|
it is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement;
|
|
(iii)
|
it has access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and
|
|
(iv)
|
it is registered as a transfer agent under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall continue to be registered throughout the remainder of this Agreement.
|
|
(b)
|
Rep
r
e
s
en
t
at
i
ons
of
t
h
e
Fund Family.
The Fund Family represents and warrants to GFS that:
|
|
(i)
|
each Trust is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its organization;
|
|
(ii)
|
each Trust is empowered under applicable laws and by its Organizational Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement;
|
|
(iii)
|
all proceedings required by said Organizational Documents have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement;
|
|
(iv)
|
each Trust is an open‐end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act and will operate in conformance with the 1940 Act and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder during the term of this Agreement;
|
|
(v)
|
a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 is currently effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings as required, have been or will be made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund(s) being offered for sale; and
|
|
(vi)
|
each Trust’s Organizational Documents, Registration Statement and Prospectus will comply with applicable federal and state securities laws at all times during the term of this Agreement.
|
8.
|
CONFIDENTIALITY
|
|
(a)
|
prepare or assist in the preparation of periodic reports to shareholders and regulatory bodies such as the SEC;
|
|
(b)
|
provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information regarding investment companies; and
|
|
(c)
|
release such information as permitted or required by law or approved in writing by the Trusts, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where GFS may be exposed to civil or criminal liability or proceedings for failure to release the information, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or when so requested by the administrator and the Advisers.
|
9.
|
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
|
|
(a)
|
Proprietary
Information
o
f
GFS
. The Fund Family acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by GFS on databases under the control and ownership of GFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “GFS Proprietary Information”) of substantial value to GFS or the third party. The Fund Family agrees to treat all GFS Proprietary Information as proprietary to GFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any GFS Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement.
|
|
(b)
|
Proprietary
Information
o
f
the
Fund Family
. GFS acknowledges that the Shareholder list and all information related to shareholders furnished to GFS by the Fund Family or by a shareholder in connection with this Agreement (collectively, “Customer Data”) all information regarding the Fund Family portfolios, including the holdings of such portfolios until such time as they are made publicly available at the direction of the Fund Family, arrangements with brokerage firms, compensation paid to or by the Fund Family, trading strategies and all such related information (collectively, Fund Family Proprietary Information”) constitute proprietary information of substantial value to the Fund Family.In no event shall GFS Proprietary Information be deemed Fund Family Proprietary Information or Customer Data. GFS agrees to treat all Fund Family Proprietary Information and Customer Data as proprietary to the Fund Family and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Fund Family Proprietary Information or Customer Data to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may be directed by the Fund Family or as may be duly requested by regulatory authorities.
|
|
(c)
|
Each party shall advise its employees of their obligations pursuant to this Section 9. The obligations of this section shall survive any earlier termination of this Agreement.
|
10.
|
ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND CLASSES
|
11.
|
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
|
12.
|
EFFECTIVE DATE, TERM AND TERMINATION
|
|
(a)
|
Effective
Dat
e
. This Agreement shall become effective on March 21, 2014 or on the date that GFS assumes responsibility for services in the event GFS assumes responsibility for the services prior to that date (such date, the “Effective Date”).
|
|
(b)
|
Term.
This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”) and shall continue in effect for successive twelve‐ month periods (each such period, a “Renewal Period”) provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board.
|
|
(c)
|
Termination
. This Agreement can be terminated at the end of the Initial Term or subsequent Renewal Period upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice by either party. Upon termination of this Agreement, GFS shall, except as expressly set forth herein to the contrary, have no further obligation to provide Services to the terminating Fund(s) and all outstanding payments due from such Fund(s) under this Agreement shall become immediately due and payable to GFS, including any unpaid fees earned through the date of termination and the balance of all future minimum fees due under the remaining term of this Agreement. In the event of termination, GFS agrees that it will cooperate to facilitate the smooth transition of services and to minimize disruption to a Fund and its shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate this agreement at any time, without any penalty or the payment of any fee in respect thereof, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice in the event of a breach by the other party. The breaching party shall have a right to attempt to cure any such breach within the thirty‐day notice period. If the breach is not cured within said period, then the termination hereof will, at the election of the non-breaching party, proceed in accordance with the notice and the parties hereto will submit any outstanding disagreements hereunder to arbitration, in accordance with
S
ecti
o
n
14(g)
, below. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary this Agreement can be terminated with respect to a particular Fund or Funds at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice if the Board makes a determination to liquidate, close, merge or sell such Fund(s).
|
|
(d)
|
Reimburse
m
ent
of
GFS’s
Expenses
. If this Agreement is terminated with respect to a Trust, other than due to a termination by the Trust due to a breach by GFS, GFS shall be entitled to collect from such Trust: (i) the fees and expenses described in Section 3 of this Agreement and (ii) an amount, not to exceed $20,000, sufficient to reimburse GFS for all of GFS’s reasonable labor charges and cash disbursements for services rendered in connection with GFS’s activities in effecting such termination, including, without limitation, the labor costs and expenses associated with the de‐conversion of the Trust’s records from GFS’s computer systems, and the delivery to the Trust or its designees of the Trust’s property, records, instruments and documents, or any copies thereof. Upon payment of such amounts, if applicable, and if not applicable, upon termination of this Agreement, GFS shall turn over all books and records of the Trust that are created and maintained under the provisions of Section 3(e) hereof.
|
|
(e)
|
Survival
of
Certain
Obl
i
gations
. The obligations of Sections 3, 4, 8, 9, 12 and 13 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
|
13.
|
LIAISON WITH ACCOUNTANTS/ADMINISTRATOR
|
|
(a)
|
GFS shall act as liaison with each Fund’s independent public accountants and shall provide account analyses, fiscal year summaries, and other audit‐related schedules with respect to each Fund. GFS shall take reasonable actions in the performance of its duties under this Agreement to ensure that the necessary information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their opinion, as required by the Fund Family.
|
|
(b)
|
GFS shall act as liaison with each Fund’s administrator and shall take reasonable actions to ensure that necessary Fund information is made available to the Fund’s administrator.
|
14.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
|
(a)
|
Amend
m
ents
. This Agreement may not be amended, or any provision hereof waived, except in writing signed by the party against which the enforcement of such amendment or waiver is sought.
|
|
(b)
|
Governing
L
aw
. This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska.
|
|
(c)
|
Enti
r
e Agreement
. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any prior agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof whether oral or written.
|
|
(d)
|
C
ounter
p
art
s
. The parties may execute this Agreement on any number of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
|
|
(e)
|
Severabil
i
t
y
. If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, unenforceable, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, 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, unenforceable or invalid.
|
|
(f)
|
Force
Ma
j
eu
r
e.
Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform if the failure results from a cause beyond its control, including, without limitation, fire, electrical, mechanical, or equipment breakdowns, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, civil disturbances or disorders, terrorist acts, strikes, acts of governmental authority or new governmental restrictions, or acts of God. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that GFS shall maintain a reasonably designed disaster recovery plan at all times during the term hereof, and shall implement the provisions thereof in any appropriate instance in an effort to mitigate or eliminate the impact of any such force majeure event.
|
|
(g)
|
Arbitrati
o
n
. The parties understand and agree that, to the extent permitted by law, all claims arising out of this Agreement will be resolved through final and binding arbitration pursuant to the terms hereof. In this regard, the parties acknowledge and agree that: (i) such arbitration will be final and binding on the parties; (ii) the parties are hereby waiving their rights to seek remedies in court, including the right to a jury trial; (iii) pre‐arbitration discovery is generally more limited than and different from discovery conducted in connection with litigation; (iv) the arbitrator's award is not required to include factual findings or legal reasoning; and (v) a party's right to appeal or seek modification of rulings by the arbitrator will be strictly limited.
|
|
·
|
The class certification is denied;
|
|
·
|
The class is decertified; or
|
|
·
|
The person is excluded from the class by the court.
|
|
(h)
|
Head
i
ngs
. Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
|
|
(i)
|
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or by overnight, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by facsimile to each party at the address set forth below or at such new address designated by such party by notice given pursuant to this Section.
|
To the Shelton Funds Trust:
|
To GFS:
|
|
Stephen C. Rogers
|
Kevin Wolf
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
President
|
|
Shelton Funds
|
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
|
|
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 2100
|
17605 Wright Street, Suite 2
|
|
San Francisco, CA 94104
|
Omaha, NE 68130
|
|
Telephone: (405) 398‐2727
|
Telephone: (402) 895‐1600
|
|
srogers@sheltoncap.com
|
KevinW@geminifund.com
|
|
With a copy to:
|
With a copy to:
|
|
Timothy Johnson, Esq.
|
Brian Nielsen, Esq.
|
|
Reed Smith LLP
|
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
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225 Fifth Avenue
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17605 Wright Street, Suite 2
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Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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Omaha, NE 68130
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To the Shelton Greater China Fund Trust:
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Stephen C. Rogers
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Chief Executive Officer
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Shelton Greater China Fund
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44 Montgomery Street, Suite 2100
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San Francisco, CA 94104
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Telephone: (405) 398‐2727
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srogers@sheltoncap.com
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With a copy to:
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Timothy Johnson, Esq.
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Reed Smith LLP
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225 Fifth Avenue
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Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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(j)
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Safe
k
eep
i
ng
. GFS shall establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund Family for the safekeeping and control of records maintained by GFS under this Agreement including the preparation and use of check forms, facsimile, email or other electronic signature imprinting devices.
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(k)
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Distinction
o
f Funds
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Fund Family are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise.
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(l)
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Rep
r
e
s
en
t
at
i
on of Sign
a
torie
s
. Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that the individual or individuals signing this instrument on their behalf have full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof.
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[Signature Page Follows]
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SHELTON FUNDS TRUST
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GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC
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By:
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/s/Stephen C. Rogers
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By:
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/s/Kevin Wolf
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Stephen C. Rogers
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Kevin Wolf
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Chief Executive Officer
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President
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SHELTON GREATER CHINA FUND TRUST
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By:
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/s/Stephen C. Rogers
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Stephen C. Rogers
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Chief Executive Officer
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1)
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Timely calculate the net asset value per share with the frequency prescribed in each Fund's then‐current Prospectus, transmit the Fund's net asset value to NASDAQ, and communicate such net asset value to the Fund Family and its transfer agent;
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2)
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Calculate each item of income, expense, deduction, credit, gain and loss, if any, as required by the Fund Family and in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), SEC Regulation S‐X (or any successor regulation) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor laws)(the "Code");
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3)
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Prepare and maintain on behalf of the Fund Family, books and records of each Fund, as required by Rule 31a‐1 under the 1940 Act, and as such rule or any successor rule, may be amended from time to time, that are applicable to the fulfillment of GFS’s Fund Accounting Services, as well as any other documents necessary or advisable for compliance with applicable regulations as may be mutually agreed to between the Fund Family and GFS. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, GFS will prepare and maintain the following records upon receipt of information in proper form from the Fund or its authorized agents:
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a.
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Cash receipts journal
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b.
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Cash disbursements journal
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c.
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Dividend record
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d.
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Purchase and sales ‐ portfolio securities journals
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e.
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Subscription and redemption journals
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f.
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Security ledgers
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g.
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Broker ledger
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h.
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General ledger
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i.
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Daily expense accruals
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j.
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Daily income accruals
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k.
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Securities and monies borrowed or loaned and collateral therefore
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l.
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Foreign currency journals
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m.
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Trial balances
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4)
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Make such adjustments over such periods as the Trusts’ administrator deems necessary, and communicates to GFS in writing, to reflect over‐accruals or under‐accruals of estimated expenses or income;
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5)
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Provide the Fund Family and, each investment adviser including the sub-adviser serving as an investment adviser or sub-adviser for a Fund with daily portfolio valuation, net asset value calculation and other requested and standard operational reports as requested, at time of conversion and from time to time;
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6)
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Provide all raw data available from its mutual fund accounting system for the Fund’s investment adviser or the administrator to assist in preparation of the following:
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a.
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Semi‐annual financial statements;
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b.
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Semi‐annual form N‐SAR and annual tax returns;
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c.
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Financial data necessary to update form N‐1A; and
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d.
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Annual proxy statement.
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7)
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Provide facilities to accommodate an annual audit by each Fund’s independent accountants and, upon approval of the Fund Family, any audits or examinations conducted by the SEC or any other governmental or quasi‐governmental entities with jurisdiction;
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8)
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Transmit to and receive from each Fund's transfer agent appropriate data on a daily basis and daily reconcile Shares outstanding and other data with the transfer agent;
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9)
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Periodically reconcile all appropriate data with each Fund's custodian; and
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10)
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Perform such other record keeping, reporting and other tasks as may be specified from time to time in the procedures adopted by the Board pursuant to mutually acceptable timelines and compensation agreements.
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1)
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Provide the services of a transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and, as relevant, agent in connection with accumulation, open‐account or similar plans (including without limitation any periodic investment plan or periodic withdrawal program) that are customary for open‐end management investment companies including:
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a.
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maintaining all shareholder accounts;
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b.
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preparing shareholder meeting lists;
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c.
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preparing and certifying direct shareholder lists in conjunction with proxy solicitations;
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d.
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preparing periodic mailing of year‐end tax and statement information;
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e.
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mailing shareholder reports and prospectuses to current shareholders;
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f.
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withholding taxes on U.S. resident and non‐resident alien accounts;
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g.
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preparing and filing U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099 and other appropriate forms required by federal authorities with respect to distributions for shareholders;
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h.
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preparing and mailing confirmation forms and statements of account to shareholders for all purchases and redemptions of Shares and other confirmable transactions in shareholder accounts; and
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i.
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providing account information in response to inquiries from shareholders.
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2)
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Receiving for acceptance, orders for the purchase of Shares, and promptly delivering payment and appropriate documentation therefore to the Custodian of the Fund authorized by the Board (the “Custodian”); or, in the case of a Fund operating in a master‐feeder or fund of funds structure, to the transfer agent or interest‐holder record keeper for the master portfolios in which the Fund invests;
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3)
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Pursuant to purchase orders, issue the appropriate number of Shares and hold such Shares in the appropriate shareholder account;
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4)
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Receiving for acceptance, redemption requests and redemption directions and delivering the appropriate documentation therefore to the Custodian or, in the case of Fund operating in a master‐feeder or fund of funds structure, to the transfer agent or interest‐holder record keeper for the master portfolios in which the Fund invests;
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5)
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As and when the Fund receives monies paid to it by the Custodian with respect to any redemption, paying over or cause to be paid over the redemption proceeds as required by the Prospectus pursuant to which the redeemed Shares were offered and as instructed by the redeeming shareholders;
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6)
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Effecting transfers of Shares upon receipt of appropriate instructions from shareholders;
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7)
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Monitoring and making appropriate filings with respect to the escheatment laws of the various states and territories of the United States;
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8)
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Preparing and transmitting to shareholders (or crediting the appropriate shareholder accounts) payments for all distributions and dividends declared by the Fund Family with respect to Shares of each Fund;
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9)
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Receiving from shareholders and/or debiting shareholder accounts for sales commissions, including contingent deferred, deferred and other sales charges, and service fees (
i
.e.,
wire redemption charges) and prepare and transmit payments to underwriters, selected dealers and others for commissions and service fees received and provide necessary tracking reports to the Fund Family’s and/or the Fund’s principal underwriter;
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10)
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Recording the issuance of shares of a Fund and maintaining pursuant to SEC Rule 17Ad‐10(e) a record of the total number of shares of the Fund which are authorized, based upon data provided to it by the Fund, issued and outstanding; and
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11)
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Providing the Fund Family on a regular basis with each Fund’s total number of shares that are authorized and issued and outstanding.
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a.
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instructions requesting the issuance,
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b.
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a copy of a resolution of the Board authorizing the issuance,
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c.
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necessary funds for the payment of any original issue tax applicable to such Shares, and
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d.
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an opinion of the Fund Family’s legal counsel as to the legality and validity of the issuance, which opinion may provide that it is contingent upon the filing by the Fund Family of an appropriate notice with the SEC, as required by Section 24 of the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder. If such opinion is contingent upon a filing under Section 24 of the 1940 Act, the Fund Family shall indemnify GFS for any liability arising from the failure of the Fund Family to comply with such section or the rules thereunder.
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a.
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not requiring complete documentation;
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b.
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registering a transfer without an adverse claim inquiry;
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c.
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delaying registration for purposes of such inquiry; or
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d.
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refusing registration whenever an adverse claim requires such refusal.
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a.
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an instruction directing investment in a Fund, a check (other than a third‐party check) or a wire or other electronic payment in the amount designated in the instruction and in the case of an initial purchase, a completed account application; or
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b.
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the information required for purchases pursuant to a selected dealer agreement, processing organization agreement, or a similar contract with a financial intermediary.
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a.
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for a wire received, at the time of the receipt of the wire;
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b.
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for a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, on the second Fund Business Day following receipt of the check; and
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c.
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for a check drawn on an institution that is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, at such time as GFS is credited with Federal Funds with respect to that check.
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a.
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documentation of search policies and procedures;
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b.
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execution of required searches;
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c.
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tracking results and maintaining data sufficient to comply with the Lost Shareholder Rules; and
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d.
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preparation and submission of data and reports required under the Lost Shareholder Rules and, as the agent of the Trust(s), under applicable state escheatment statutes.
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·
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detect and report suspicious activities;
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comply with “know your customer” requirements;
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monitor high‐risk accounts; and
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maintain required records.
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·
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Board reporting of activities and results quarterly
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risk‐based procedures to verify the identity of each Customer to the extent reasonable and practicable, such that the Fund may have a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of each Customer;
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before opening an account, obtain a Customer’s name, date of birth (for an individual), address, and identification number
1
;
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procedures to verify the identity of a Customer within a reasonable time after the account is opened;
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procedures for maintenance of records relating to Customer identification and supporting the verification; and
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procedures to determine whether the Customer’s name appears on any list of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations issued by any federal government agency and designated as such by the Department of the Treasury in consultation with the federal functional regulators, within a reasonable period of time after the account is opened.
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Provide board reporting of activities and results quarterly
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an individual’s unexpired government‐issued identification evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard, (such as a driver’s license or passport); or
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1
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An identification number may be, a taxpayer identification number, passport number and country of issuance, alien identification card number, or number and country of issuance of any other government‐issued document evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard.
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documents showing the existence of an entity, such as articles of incorporation, a government‐issued business license, a partnership agreement, or Fund Family instrument.
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not open an account for the Customer;
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apply limited terms under which a Customer may use an account until the Customer’s identity is verified;
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close an account, after attempts to verify a Customer’s identity have failed; or
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File all Suspicious Activity Reports in accordance with applicable law and regulation, regarding the Customer
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name, address and United States Tax Identification or Social Security number;
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number of Shares held and number of Shares for which certificates, if any, have been issued, including certificate numbers and denominations;
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historical information regarding the account of each shareholder, including dividends and distributions paid and the date and price for all transactions on a shareholder’s account;
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any stop or restraining order placed against a shareholder’s account;
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any correspondence relating to the current maintenance of a shareholder’s account;
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information with respect to withholdings; and
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any information required in order for GFS to perform any calculations by this Agreement
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SHELTON FUNDS TRUST
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GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC
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By:
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/s/Stephen C. Rogers
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By:
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/s/Kevin Wolf
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Stephen C. Rogers
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Kevin Wolf
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Chief Executive Officer
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President
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SHELTON GREATER CHINA FUND TRUST
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By:
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/s/Stephen C. Rogers
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Stephen C. Rogers
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Chief Executive Officer
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/s/ Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
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I.
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Introduction
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A.
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A standard (or standards) of business conduct that the advisor requires of its supervised persons, which standard must reflect the advisor’s fiduciary obligations and those of its supervised persons;
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B.
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Provisions requiring the advisor’s supervised persons to comply with applicable federal securities laws;
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C.
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Provisions that require the advisor’s access persons to report, and the advisor to review, their personal securities transactions and holdings periodically as provided under Rule 204A-1;
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D.
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Provisions requiring the advisor’s supervised persons to report any violations of the advisor’s code of ethics promptly to the chief compliance officer or, provided the chief compliance officer also receives reports of all violations, to other persons who the advisor designates in its code of ethics; and
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E.
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Provisions requiring the advisor to provide each of its supervised persons with a copy of the advisor’s code of ethics and any amendments, and requiring its supervised persons to provide the advisor with a written acknowledgement of their receipt of the code and any amendments.
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II.
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Statement of General Fiduciary Principles
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A.
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Fiduciary Standards. The Code is based on the fundamental principle that the Trust and the Advisor must put clients’ interest first. As an investment adviser, the Advisor has fiduciary responsibilities to clients, including the Trust and each series of the Trust (each a “Fund”); together the “Funds”)) for which it serves as investment adviser. Among the Advisor’s fiduciary responsibilities is the responsibility to ensure that its employees conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner that does not interfere, or appear to interfere, with any Fund transactions or otherwise take unfair advantage of their relationship to the Funds. All Advisor employees must adhere to this fundamental principle as well as comply with the specific provisions set forth herein. It bears emphasis that technical compliance with such provisions will not insulate from scrutiny transactions that show a pattern of compromise or abuse of an employee’s fiduciary responsibilities to the Funds. Accordingly, all Advisor employees must seek to avoid any actual or potential conflicts between their personal interests and the interest of the Funds. In sum, all Advisor employees shall place the interest of the Funds before personal interests.
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B.
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Compliance with Applicable Federal Securities Laws. In particular, Rule 204A-1 requires that all Advisor employees must comply with all applicable federal securities laws (“Federal Securities Laws”).
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1.
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employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Trusts or any Fund of the Trusts.
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2.
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make to the Trusts any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state to the Trusts a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
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3.
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engage in any act, practice or course of business that would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any Fund of the Trusts; or
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4.
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engage in any manipulative act or practice with respect to the Trusts or any Fund of the Trusts, including, but not limited to, intentionally inducing or causing the Trusts to take action or to fail to take action, for the purpose of achieving a personal benefit rather than to benefit the Fund, shall be a violation of this Code.
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a.
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causing any Fund of the Trusts to purchase a Covered Security owned by the individual for the purpose of supporting or increasing the price of the Security; and
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b.
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causing any Fund of the Trusts to refrain from selling a Covered Security in an attempt to protect the value of the individual’s investment, such as an outstanding option.
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5.
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using actual knowledge of transactions for any Fund of the Trusts to profit by the market effect of such transactions shall be a violation of this Code.
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Teresa Axelson, Compliance Officer
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Steve Rogers, Alternate
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IV.
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Definitions
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V.
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Prohibited Purchases and Sales
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(a)
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is being considered for purchase or sale by a Reportable Fund (with the exception of Index Funds which are defined as funds that seek to match or track the components of a market index);
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(b)
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has been purchased or sold by a Reportable Fund within the most recent 7 days if such person participated in the recommendation to, or the decision by, the Reportable Fund to purchase or sell such security (with the exception of Index Funds).
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VI.
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Exempted Transactions/Securities
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(a)
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Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
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(b)
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Purchases or sales, which fall below either 1,000 shares or $50,000, whichever is greater (except IPOs and Limited Offerings).
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(c)
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Purchases or sales of securities, which are not eligible for purchase, or sale by any Fund (except IPOs and Limited Offerings).
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(d)
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Purchases or sales, which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or the Trusts (except IPOs and Limited Offerings) (
e.g.
, receipt of gifts).
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(e)
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Purchases, which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment, plan.
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(f)
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Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer made pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
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(g)
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Purchases and sales, which have received the prior approval of the compliance officer.
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(h)
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Purchases and sales or securities, which are not, included in the definition of “Security” in Part III.g –
i.e.
, non-Reportable Fund shares, government securities and money market instruments.
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(i)
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Purchases and sales of securities, which are in an Index Fund.
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VII.
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Reporting
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(1)
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The date of the transaction, the title and the number of shares, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), and the principal amount of each security involved;
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(2)
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The nature of the transaction (
i.e.
, purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition of disposition);
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(3)
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The price at which the transaction was effected;
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(4)
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The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
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(5)
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The date that the report is being submitted.
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(1)
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the title, number of shares and principal amount of each security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
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(2)
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the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account where such security was held; and
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(3)
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the date that the report is being submitted.
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VIII.
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Exceptions to Reporting Requirements
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IX.
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Review
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X.
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Board Oversight
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XI.
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Records.
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a.
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A copy of the applicable code of ethics and any amendments thereto shall be preserved in an easily accessible place (including for six (6) years after the code or the amendment, as applicable, is no longer in effect).
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b.
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A record of any violation of the code and of any action taken as a result of such violation shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six (6) years following the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs.
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c.
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A record of all written acknowledgements from all Access Persons, as required by Section V of this Code, shall be preserved for not less than six (6) years.
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d.
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A copy of each report, including any information provided in lieu of the report, made by an Access Person pursuant to the code shall be preserved for a period of not less than six (6) years from the end of the fiscal year in which it was made, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
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e.
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A list of all Access Persons who are, or within the past six (6) years have been, required to make reports pursuant to the code and all persons who are, or within the past six (6) years have been, responsible for reviewing the reports, shall be maintained in an easily accessible place.
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f.
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A copy of each report of the Trusts or the Advisor detailing any violations of its code of ethics, or certifying that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating such code of ethics shall be maintained for at least six (6) years after the end of the fiscal year in which it was made, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place.
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1
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The Advisor is generally required to retain records for a minimum of five (5) years under Federal Securities Laws. However, the Funds, as registered investment companies, are generally required to retain records for a minimum of six (6) years. Accordingly, the Advisor has adopted a six(6) year records retention policy with respect to all of its records.
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g.
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A copy of any decisions, and reasons supporting the decisions, to approve the purchase of private placement securities or public offerings by investment personnel shall be maintained for at least six (6) years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
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XII.
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Sanctions
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Signature
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Date
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Printed Name
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