As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 22, 2018

 

1933 Act File No. 333-226273

1940 Act File No. 811-23366

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-2

 

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

[X] Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933

[X] Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5

[   ] Post-Effective Amendment No. _

 

and

 

[X] Registration Statement Under the Investment Company Act of 1940

[X] Amendment No. 5

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter

 

325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645, Chicago, Illinois 60654

Address of Principal Executive Offices (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)

 

(312) 832-1440

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code

 

Marcus L. Collins, Esq.

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645

Chicago, Illinois 60654

 

Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service

 

Copies of Communications to:

 

Morrison C. Warren, Esq. Allison M. Fumai, Esq.
Walter L. Draney, Esq. Dechert LLP
E. Roy Kim, Esq. Three Bryant Park
Chapman and Cutler LLP 1095 Avenue of the Americas
111 West Monroe Street New York, NY 10036
Chicago, Illinois 60603  

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement

 


 

 

If any of the securities being registered on this form are offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. [ ]

 

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

 

[  ] when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c)

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

[   ] This amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed registration statement.

 

[   ] This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is .

 


 

Calculation of Registration Fee Under the Securities Act of 1933

 

 

 

Title of Securities

Being Registered

Amount Being

Registered (2)

Proposed Maximum

Offering Price Per Unit

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate Offering Price (1)

Amount of

Registration Fee (3)

Common Stock, $.0001 par value 1,000 $20.00 $20,000 $2.49

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.

 

(2) This number includes all shares that may be issued pursuant to the Underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

(3) $2.49 of which has been previously paid.

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such dates as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

The Registrant has prepared this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2 for the purpose of filing certain exhibits to the Registration Statement. This Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 does not modify any provisions of the Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration Statement or the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of the Registration Statement.

 

PART A – PROSPECTUS

 

The Prospectus for the Registrant is incorporated by reference to Part A filed with the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-226273; 811-23366) on September 21, 2018.

 

PART B – STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Statement of Additional Information for the Registrant is incorporated by reference to Part B filed with the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-226273; 811-23366) on September 21, 2018.

 

PART C – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25: Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

1. Financial Statements:

 

Part A—None

 

Part B—Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

2. Exhibits:

 

a.1. Articles of Incorporation. (1)

 

a.2. Articles of Amendment and Restatement.

 

b. By-Laws of Fund.

 

c. None.

 

d. None.

 

e. Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

f. None.

 

g.1 Management Agreement between Registrant and RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

 

 

 

g.2 Sub-Advisory Agreement between RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC and MacKay Shields LLC.

 

h.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.

 

h.2 Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters.

 

h.3 Form of Master Selected Dealers Agreement.

 

h.4 Closed-End Fund Distribution Services Agreement.

 

i. None.

 

j. Master Custodian Agreement

 

k.1 Form of Agency Agreement with DST Systems, Inc.

 

k.2 Closed-End Fund Support Services Agreement with Centric Fund Services, LLC.*

 

k.3 Form of Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with ALPS Fund Services, Inc.

 

k.4 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with UBS Securities LLC.

 

k.5 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

 

k.6 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

 

k.7 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

 

k.8 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.

 

k.9 Form of Sales Incentive Fee Agreement.

 

l.1 Draft Opinion and consent of Fund counsel.

 

l.2 Draft Opinion and consent of Maryland counsel.

 

m. None.

 

n. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*

 

o. None.

 

p. Form of Subscription Agreement.

 

q. None.

 

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r.1 Code of Ethics of Registrant.

 

r.2 Code of Ethics of RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC.

 

r.3 Code of Ethics of MacKay Shields LLC.

 

s. Powers of Attorney. (2)

 


 

(1) Filed on July 20, 2018 as Exhibit a to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333- 226273) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(2) Filed on September 21, 2018 as Exhibit s. to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-226273) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

* To be filed by amendment.

 

Item 26: Marketing Arrangements

 

See the Form of Underwriting Agreement, the Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters, the Form of Master Selected Dealers Agreement, the Form of Closed-End Fund Distribution Services Agreement, the Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with UBS Securities LLC, the Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, the Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, the Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC, the Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and the Form of Sales Incentive Fee Agreement filed as Exhibit (h)(1), Exhibit (h)(2), Exhibit (h)(3), Exhibit (h)(4), Exhibit (k)(4), Exhibit (k)(5), Exhibit (k)(6), Exhibit (k)(7), Exhibit (k)(8) and Exhibit (k)(9), respectively, to the Registrant's Registration Statement.

 

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Item 27: Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

Securities and Exchange Commission Fees $ *
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Fees $ *
Printing and Engraving Expenses $ *
Legal Fees $ *
Listing Fees $ *
Accounting Expenses $ *
Blue Sky Filing Fees and Expenses $ *
Miscellaneous Expenses $ *
Total $ *

 

* To be completed by amendment

 

Item 28: Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 29: Number of Holders of Securities

 

At October 22, 2018

 

Title of Class Number of Record Holders
Common Shares, $0.0001 par value 1

 

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Item 30: Indemnification

 

Section 7.2 of the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant provides as follows:

 

Any person who is made a party or is threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is a current or former director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving while a director or officer of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise, or employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified by the Corporation against judgments, penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements, and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding to the fullest extent permissible under Maryland law, the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereinafter in force. In addition, the Corporation shall advance expenses to its current and former directors and officers who are made, or are threatened to be made, parties to any action, suit, or proceeding described above to the fullest extent that advancement of expenses is permitted by Maryland law, the Securities Act and the 1940 Act. The Board of Directors, by Bylaw, resolution, or agreement, may make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees, and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. No provision of this Article VII shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which she or he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of her or his office. Upon the direction of the Board of Directors, an advancement-of-costs agreement may be required in order to require the repayment of reimbursed expenses in the event that the foregoing exclusion was later determined to apply.

 

Reference is made to Section 9 of the Form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit (h)(1) to this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2.

 

Item 31: Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

 

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

 

The information in the Statement of Additional Information under the captions “Board Members and Officers” is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

The principal occupation of the directors and officers of RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) are their services as directors and officers of the Adviser. The address of the Adviser is 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645, Chicago, Illinois 60654.

 

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation and employment of a substantial nature in which each officer of the Adviser is, or at any during the last two fiscal years has been, engaged for their own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee partner or trustee:

 

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Name *

Positions with RiverNorth

Capital Management, LLC

Other Business

  Connections

Type of Business
Brian H. Schmucker President and Board of Managers Board of Directors, RiverNorth Holdings, Co.; Board of Managers, RiverNorth Financial Holdings, LLC Investments
Patrick W. Galley Chief Investment Officer and Board of Managers President and Trustee, RiverNorth Funds; Board of Directors, RiverNorth Holdings, Co.; Board of Managers, RiverNorth Financial Holdings, LLC. Investments
Jonathan M. Mohrhardt Chief Operating Officer and Board of Managers Treasurer, RiverNorth Funds; Board of Directors, RiverNorth Holdings, Co.; Board of Managers, RiverNorth Financial Holdings, LLC Investments
Marcus L. Collins General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Chief Compliance Officer, RiverNorth Funds Investments
Stephen A. O’Neill Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager, RiverNorth Funds Investments

 

* The address for each of the named is 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645, Chicago, Illinois 60654.

 

Item 32: Location of Accounts and Records.

 

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC maintains the Charter, By-Laws, minutes of directors and shareholders meetings and contracts of the Registrant, all advisory material of the investment adviser, all general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances, records of all portfolio purchases and sales, and all other required records.

 

Item 33: Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 34: Undertakings

 

1. Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its shares until it amends its prospectus if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its Registration Statement, the net asset value declines more than 10 percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the Registration Statement, or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.

 

2. Not applicable.

 

3. Not applicable.

 

4. The Registrant undertakes (a) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

 

(1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

 

(3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(b) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

(c) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C; each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the Securities Act of 1933, shall be deemed to be part of and included in this Registration Statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in this Registration Statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration statement or prospectus that is art of this registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supercede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use;

 

(d) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:

 

The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

 

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(1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(2) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(3) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

5. The Registrant undertakes that:

 

a. For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

b. For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in this City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 22nd day of October, 2018.

 

  RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.  
       
  By: /s/ Patrick W. Galley  
    Patrick W. Galley, President  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature Title Date
By: /s/ Patrick W. Galley President (Principal Executive Officer) October 22, 2018
Patrick W. Galley    
By: /s/ Jonathan M Mohrhardt Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer/Principal Accounting Officer) October 22, 2018
Jonathan M Mohrhardt    
By: /s/ Patrick W. Galley Chairman of the Board and Director October 22, 2018
Patrick W. Galley    
John K. Carter(1) Director ) By: /s/ Patrick W. Galley
John S. Oakes(1) Director ) Patrick W. Galley
J. Wayne Hutchens(1) Director ) Attorney-In-Fact
David M. Swanson(1) Director ) October 22, 2018
Jerry Raio(1) Director )  

 

(1) Original powers of attorney authorizing Joshua B. Deringer, Diana E. McCarthy and Patrick W. Galley to execute Registrant’s Registration Statement, and Amendments thereto, for the directors of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed, were previously executed and were filed on September 21, 2018 as Exhibit s. to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-226273).

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

a.2. Articles of Amendment and Restatement.

 

b. By-Laws of Fund.

 

e. Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

g.1 Management Agreement between Registrant and RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

 

g.2 Sub-Advisory Agreement between RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC and MacKay Shields LLC.

 

h.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.

 

h.2 Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters.

 

h.3 Form of Master Selected Dealers Agreement.

 

h.4 Closed-End Fund Distribution Services Agreement.

 

j. Master Custodian Agreement

 

k.1 Form of Agency Agreement with DST Systems, Inc.

 

k.3 Form of Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with ALPS Fund Services, Inc.

 

k.4 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with UBS Securities LLC.

 

k.5 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

 

k.6 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

 

k.7 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

 

k.8 Form of Structuring Fee Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.

 

k.9 Form of Sales Incentive Fee Agreement.

 

l.1 Draft Opinion and consent of Fund counsel.

 

l.2 Draft Opinion and consent of Maryland counsel.

 

p. Form of Subscription Agreement.

 

r.1 Code of Ethics of Registrant.

 

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r.2 Code of Ethics of RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC.

 

r.3 Code of Ethics of MacKay Shields LLC.

 

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RIVERNORTH OPPORTUNISTIC

MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.

 

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

 

FIRST : RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Corporation”), desires to amend and restate its charter as currently in effect and as hereinafter amended.

 

SECOND : The following provisions are all the provisions of the charter of the Corporation (the “ Charter ”) currently in effect and as hereinafter amended:

 

ARTICLE I 

NAME

 

The name of the corporation (the " Corporation ") is "RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.".

 

ARTICLE II 

PURPOSE AND POWER

 

The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are to conduct and carry on the business of a closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the " 1940 Act "), and to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.

 

ARTICLE III 

PRINCIPAL OFFICE AND RESIDENT AGENT

 

The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o Paracorp Incorporated, 245 West Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The name and address of the resident agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland are Paracorp Incorporated, 245 West Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The resident agent is a Maryland corporation.

 

ARTICLE IV 

STOCK

 

Section 4.1 Authorized Shares . The Corporation has authority to issue Fifty Million (50,000,000) shares of stock, all of which are shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $5,000. If shares of one class of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class of stock pursuant to this Article IV, the number of authorized shares of the former class shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, so that the aggregate number of shares of stock of all classes that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of stock set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. To the extent permitted by Maryland law, the Board of Directors, without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.

 

Page 1  

 

Section 4.2 Common Stock . Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of stock.

 

Section 4.3 Preferred Stock . The Board of Directors may classify any unissued shares of stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of stock of any class or series from time to time, in one or more classes or series of stock, including preferred stock (“ Preferred Stock ”).

 

Section 4.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares . Prior to issuance of classified or reclassified shares of any class or series, the Board of Directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the express terms of any class or series of stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the " SDAT "). Any of the terms of any class or series of stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 4.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the Charter (including determinations by the Board of Directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of stock is clearly and expressly set forth in the articles supplementary filed with the SDAT.

 

Section 4.5 Charter and Bylaws . All persons who shall acquire stock in the Corporation shall acquire the same subject to the provisions of the Charter and the Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE V 

PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING
AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE
CORPORATION AND OF THE STOCKHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS

 

Section 5.1 Number of Directors . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation is six (6), which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the Bylaws, but shall never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “ MGCL ”). In no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director. The directors shall have the qualifications, if any, specified in the Bylaws. The Board of Directors may increase the number of directors and may fill any vacancy, whether resulting from an increase in the number of directors or otherwise, on the Board of Directors occurring before the first annual meeting of stockholders in the manner provided in the Bylaws. The names of the directors who shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualify are:

 

John K. Carter 

Patrick W. Galley 

J. Wayne Hutchens 

John S. Oakes 

Jerry R. Raio 

David M. Swanson

 

The Corporation elects, at such time as it becomes eligible pursuant to Section 3-802 of the MGCL to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, that, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which such vacancy occurred and until a successor is duly elected and qualifies.

 

Page 2  

 

On the date (the “Classification Date”) of the closing of the initial underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock, the directors shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal as possible and as determined by the Board of Directors, with Class I directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders after the Classification Date, Class II directors to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders after the Classification Date, and Class III directors to hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholder after the Classification Date, with each director to hold office until her or his successor is duly elected and qualifies. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders after the Classification Date, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders following the meeting at which they were elected and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

 

Section 5.2 Bylaws . The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to make, alter, or repeal the Bylaws.

 

Section 5.3 Extraordinary Actions . Except as specifically provided in Section 5.10 (relating to removal of directors) and as otherwise provided in Article VI (relating to amendments and certain transactions), notwithstanding any provision of law permitting or requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if taken or approved by the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

Section 5.4 Shares Exempt from Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act . Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Charter or the Bylaws to the contrary, the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL) shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation. All shares of capital stock of the Corporation are exempted from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act which, accordingly, shall not apply to any such shares of capital stock of the Corporation.

 

Section 5.5 Authorization by Board of Stock Issuance . The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of stock of the Corporation of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into shares of its stock of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a stock split or stock dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in the Charter or the Bylaws.

 

Section 5.6 Quorum . The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to cast one-third (33 1 / 3 %) of the votes entitled to be cast (without regard to class) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders, except with respect to any such matter that, under applicable statutes or regulatory requirements or the Charter, requires approval by a separate vote of one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of shares entitled to cast one-third (33 1 / 3 %) of the votes entitled to be cast by each such class on such a matter shall constitute a quorum.

 

Page 3  

 

Section 5.7 Preemptive Rights . Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of classified or reclassified shares of stock pursuant to Section 4.4 or as may otherwise be provided by contract, no holder of shares of stock of the Corporation shall, as such holder, have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of stock of the Corporation or any other security of the Corporation which it may issue or sell.

 

Section 5.8 Appraisal Rights . No holder of stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to exercise the rights of an objecting stockholder under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, shall determine that such rights apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, or any proportion of the shares thereof, to a particular transaction or all transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.

 

Section 5.9 Determinations by Board . The determination as to any of the following matters, made in good faith and in accordance with the Charter, by or pursuant to the direction of the Board of Directors consistent with the Charter, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its stock: the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, redemption of its stock, or the payment of other distributions on its stock; the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, annual or other cash flow, net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits, or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration, or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); any interpretation of the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption of any class or series of stock of the Corporation; the fair value, or any sale, bid, or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation or of any shares of stock of the Corporation; the number of shares of stock of any class or series of the Corporation; any matter relating to the acquisition, holding, and disposition of any assets by the Corporation; or any other matter relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation or required or permitted by applicable law, the Charter, or Bylaws or otherwise to be determined by the Board of Directors. No provision of the Charter shall be effective to (a) require a waiver of compliance with any provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation, or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission under those Acts or (b) protect or purport to protect any director or officer against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of her or his office.

 

Section 5.10 Removal of Directors . Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (66 2 / 3 %) of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. For the purpose of this paragraph, "cause" shall mean, with respect to any particular director, conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that such director caused demonstrable, material harm to the Corporation through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty.

 

Section 5.11 Advisory Agreements . Subject to such approval of stockholders and other conditions, if any, as may be required by any applicable statute, rule, or regulation, the Board of Directors may authorize the execution and performance by the Corporation of (each, an “ Advisory Agreement ”) one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general), or other organization whereby, subject to the supervision and control of the Board of Directors, any such other person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general), or other organization shall render or make available to the Corporation managerial, investment, advisory, sub-advisory, and/or related services, office space, and other services and facilities (including, if deemed advisable by the Board of Directors, the management or supervision of the investments of the Corporation) upon such terms and conditions as may be provided in such Advisory Agreement or Advisory Agreements (including, if deemed fair and equitable by the Board of Directors, the compensation payable thereunder by the Corporation).

 

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ARTICLE VI 

AMENDMENTS; CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS; LIMITED PERIOD OF EXISTENCE

 

Section 6.1 Amendments Generally . The Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to its Charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Charter, of any shares of outstanding stock. All rights and powers conferred by the Charter on stockholders, directors, and officers are granted subject to this reservation.

 

Section 6.2 Actions Requiring Supermajority Vote of Stockholders . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter, the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds (66 2 / 3 %) of the votes entitled to be cast thereon by stockholders of the Corporation shall be required to advise, approve, adopt, or authorize any of the following:

 

(a) a merger, consolidation, or statutory share exchange of the Corporation with or into another person;

 

(b) issuance or transfer by the Corporation (in one or a series of transactions in any twelve-month period) of any securities of the Corporation to any person or entity for cash, securities or other property (or combination thereof) having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, excluding (i) issuances or transfers of debt securities of the Corporation, (ii) sales of securities of the Corporation in connection with a public offering, (iii) issuances of securities of the Corporation pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan adopted by the Corporation, (iv) issuances of securities of the Corporation upon the exercise of any stock subscription rights distributed by the Corporation (v) and portfolio transactions effected by the Corporation in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c) sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition by the Corporation (in one or a series of transactions in any 12 month period) to or with any person or entity of any assets of the Corporation having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more except for portfolio transactions (including pledges of portfolio securities in connection with borrowings) effected by the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(d) the voluntary liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or Charter amendment to terminate the Corporation's existence (except as set forth under Section 6.4 of this Article VI);

 

(e) the conversion of the Corporation from a closed-end company to an open-end company, and any amendments necessary to effect the conversion; or

 

(f) unless the 1940 Act or federal law requires a lesser vote, any stockholder proposal as to specific investment decisions made or to be made with respect to the Corporation's assets as to which stockholder approval is required under federal or Maryland law.

 

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However, the stockholder vote described in Section 6.2 of this Article VI shall not be required with respect to the foregoing transactions (other than those set forth in (f) above) if they are approved by a vote of two-thirds (66 2 / 3 %) of the Continuing Directors (as defined below). In that case, if Maryland law or the 1940 Act requires stockholder approval, the affirmative vote by stockholders at a meeting of the stockholders of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation shall be required (provided that, in accordance with Maryland law, such vote shall never be less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter).

 

Section 6.3 Actions Requiring Supermajority Vote of Board of Directors : Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter, the affirmative vote of two-thirds (66 2 / 3 %) of the entire Board of Directors shall be required to advise, approve, adopt, or authorize any of the following: (a) the election and removal of officers; (b) the creation of and delegation of authority and appointment of members to committees of the Board of Directors; (c) amendments to the Bylaws; and (d) Charter amendments not requiring stockholder approval under the 1940 Act.

 

Section 6.4 Limited Period of Existence .

 

(a) Unless (i) earlier dissolved in accordance with the MGCL, (ii) the duration is extended upon the occurrence of the event(s) set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 6.4, or (iii) the events set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 6.4 shall have occurred, the Corporation shall have a limited period of existence and shall cease to exist at the close of business on October 25, 2030 (as such date may be extended pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 6.4, the “Termination Date”). Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Corporation shall continue to exist until the conditions set forth in Section 3-519(a) of the MGCL have been fulfilled.

 

(b) The Termination Date may be extended (i) once for up to one year (i.e., up to October 25, 2031) and, subsequently, (ii) once for up to an additional six months (i.e., up to April 25, 2032), in each case by the action of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, without a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation, provided that the Corporation shall give notice to the stockholders and file a Certificate of Notice with the SDAT to disclose the occurrence of such event resulting in an extension of the limited period of existence.

 

(c) If (i) the Corporation completes an Eligible Tender Offer (as defined below) and (ii) a majority of the entire Board of Directors votes in favor of extending the Corporation’s limited period of existence to have perpetual existence, the Corporation shall have perpetual existence (unless thereafter dissolved in accordance with the MGCL).

 

(d) In any event, whether the Termination Date is (i) extended in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section 6.4, (ii) the Board of Directors determines to complete an Eligible Tender Offer and to extend the Corporation’s limited period of existence in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section 6.4 resulting in the Corporation having a perpetual existence, or (iii) the Corporation determines to not complete an Eligible Tender Offer resulting in the Corporation being terminated on the Termination Date, the Corporation shall give notice to the stockholders and file a Certificate of Notice with the SDAT to disclose the occurrence or nonoccurrence of such event(s). Such notice and/or Certificate of Notice shall be given and/or filed with the SDAT at least thirty (30) days prior to the Termination Date.

 

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Section 6.5 Definitions : As used in this Article VI:

 

(a) " Affiliate " shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(b) " Business Combination " means any of the transactions identified in Section 6.2(a), (b) or (c) in this Article VI.

 

(c) " Continuing Director " means any member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation who is not an Interested Party (as defined below) or an Affiliate of an Interested Party and has been a member of the Board of Directors for a period of at least (12) months, or has been a member of the Board of Directors since October , 2018, or is a successor of a Continuing Director who is unaffiliated with an Interested Party and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by a majority of the Continuing Directors then on the Board of Directors.

 

(d) “ Eligible Tender Offer ” means a tender offer by the Corporation as approved by the Board of Directors to purchase 100% of the then outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation at a price equal to the net asset value per share of Common Stock on the expiration date of the tender offer, which expiration date shall be as of a date within twelve months preceding the Termination Date; provided, however, that such tender offer shall be terminated, and no shares of Common Stock shall be repurchased pursuant to such tender offer, if the number of properly tendered shares of Common Stock in such tender offer would result in the Corporation’s net assets totaling less than $100 million immediately following the tender offer. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter to the contrary, the Corporation may conduct an Eligible Tender Offer upon the action of a majority of the entire Board of Directors, without a vote of the stockholders of the Corporation.

 

(e) " Interested Party " means any person, other than an investment company advised by the Corporation's initial investment adviser or any of its Affiliates, which enters, or proposes to enter, into a Business Combination (as defined above) with the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE VII 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

 

Section 7.1 Limitation of Liability . To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of directors and officers of a corporation, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.

 

Section 7.2 Indemnification and Advance of Expenses . Any person who is made a party or is threatened to be made a party in any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is a current or former director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving while a director or officer of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent, or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise, or employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified by the Corporation against judgments, penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements, and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding to the fullest extent permissible under Maryland law, the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act, as such statutes are now or hereinafter in force. In addition, the Corporation shall advance expenses to its current and former directors and officers who are made, or are threatened to be made, parties to any action, suit, or proceeding described above to the fullest extent that advancement of expenses is permitted by Maryland law, the Securities Act and the 1940 Act. The Board of Directors, by Bylaw, resolution, or agreement, may make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees, and agents to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law. No provision of this Article VII shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which she or he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of her or his office. Upon the direction of the Board of Directors, an advancement-of-costs agreement may be required in order to require the repayment of reimbursed expenses in the event that the foregoing exclusion was later determined to apply.

 

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Section 7.3 1940 Act . The provisions of this Article VII shall be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act.

 

Section 7.4 Amendment or Repeal . Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article VII, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or Bylaws inconsistent with this Article VII, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal, or adoption.

 

THIRD : The amendment to and restatement of the Charter as hereinabove set forth has been advised by the Board of Directors and approved by the initial sole stockholder of the Corporation, as required by law.

 

FOURTH : The current address of the principal office of the Corporation is as set forth in Article III of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the Chatter.

 

FIFTH : The name and address of the Corporation's current resident agent is as set forth in Article III of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the Charter.

 

SIXTH : The number of directors of the Corporation and the names of those currently in office are as set forth in Article V of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the Charter.

 

SEVENTH : The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation had authority to issue immediately prior to this amendment and restatement was 100,000 shares, $0.0001 par value per share, all of one class. The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value was $10.

 

EIGHTH : The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation has authority to issue pursuant to the foregoing amendment and restatement of the Charter is Fifty Million (50,000,000), all of which are shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of stock having par value is $5,000.

 

NINTH : The undersigned President acknowledges these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be the corporate act of the Corporation and as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. has caused these Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its Secretary on this 19 th day of October, 2018.

 

ATTEST:  

RIVERNORTH OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL

INCOME FUND, INC.

 
         
/s/ Marcus L. Collins   By: /s/ Patrick W. Galley (SEAL)
Marcus L. Collins, Secretary     Patrick W. Galley, President  

 

The undersigned, the President of RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf of the Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment and Restatement of which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges in the name and on behalf of said Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment and Restatement to be the corporate act of said Corporation and hereby certifies that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief the matters and facts set forth therein with respect to the authorization and approval thereof are tare in all material respects under the penalties of perjury.

 

  /s/ Patrick W. Galley  
  Patrick W. Galley, President  

 

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Consent of Resident Agent

 

Paracorp Incorporated hereby consents to act as resident agent in Maryland for the entity named in the attached document.

 

  Paracorp Incorporated  
       
  By: /s/ Jody Moua  
  Name: Jody Moua  
  Title: Assistant Secretary   

 

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RIVERNORTH OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC. 

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I
NAME OF COMPANY, LOCATION OF OFFICES AND SEAL

 

Section 1.1 . Name . The name of the Company is RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

Section 1.2 . Principal Offices . The principal office of the Company in the State of Maryland shall be located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Company may, in addition, establish and maintain such other offices, including a principal executive office, and places of business within or outside the State of Maryland as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

 

Section 1.3 . Seal . The corporate seal of the Company shall be circular in form and shall bear the name of the Company, the year of its incorporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Maryland.” The form of the seal shall be subject to alteration by the Board of Directors and the seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile to be impressed or affixed or printed or otherwise reproduced. Any Officer or Director of the Company shall have authority to affix the corporate seal of the Company to any document requiring the same.

 

ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 2.1 . Place of Meetings . All meetings of the Stockholders shall be held at such place, whether within or outside the State of Maryland, as the Board of Directors shall determine, which shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

 

Section 2.2 . Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the Stockholders of the Company shall be held on the date and at such time and place as the Board of Directors shall determine in its discretion, at which time the Stockholders shall elect Directors and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Any business of the Company may be transacted at the annual meeting without being specially designated in the notice except as otherwise provided by statute, by the charter of the Company (the “Charter”) or by these Bylaws.

 

Section 2.3 . Special Meetings .

 

(a) General . The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors may call a special meeting of the Stockholders. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 2.3, a special meeting of Stockholders shall also be called by the Secretary of the Company to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of Stockholders upon the written request of Stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting. Subject to subsection (b) of this Section 2.3, any special meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors, whoever shall have called the meeting. In fixing a date for any special meeting, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Board of Directors may consider such factors as he, she or it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the nature of the matters to be considered, the facts and circumstances surrounding any request for the meeting and any plan of the Board of Directors to call an annual meeting or a special meeting.

 

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(b) Stockholder Requested Special Meetings .

 

(1) Any Stockholder of record seeking to have Stockholders request a special meeting shall, by sending written notice to the Secretary (the “Record Date Request Notice”) by registered mail, return receipt requested, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date to determine the Stockholders entitled to request a special meeting (the “Request Record Date”). The Record Date Request Notice shall set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it, shall be signed by one or more Stockholders of record as of the date of signature (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the Record Date Request Notice), shall bear the date of signature of each such Stockholder (or such agent) and shall set forth all information relating to each such Stockholder and each matter proposed to be acted on at the meeting that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for election of Directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such a solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”). Upon receiving the Record Date Request Notice, the Board of Directors may fix a Request Record Date. The Request Record Date shall not precede and shall not be more than ten days after the close of business on the date on which the resolution fixing the Request Record Date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors, within ten days after the date on which a valid Record Date Request Notice is received, fails to adopt a resolution fixing the Request Record Date, the Request Record Date shall be the close of business on the tenth day after the first date on which a Record Date Request Notice is received by the Secretary.

 

(2) In order for any Stockholder to request a special meeting to act on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of Stockholders, one or more written requests for a special meeting (collectively, the “Special Meeting Request”) signed by Stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in a writing accompanying the request) as of the Request Record Date entitled to cast not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at such meeting (the “Special Meeting Percentage”) shall be delivered to the Secretary. In addition, the Special Meeting Request shall (a) set forth the purpose of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at it (which shall be limited to those lawful matters set forth in the Record Date Request Notice received by the Secretary), (b) bear the date of signature of each such Stockholder (or such agent) signing the Special Meeting Request, (c) set forth (i) the name and address, as they appear in the Company’s books, of each Stockholder signing such request (or on whose behalf the Special Meeting Request is signed), (ii) the class, series and number of all shares of stock of the Company which are owned (beneficially or of record) by each such Stockholder and (iii) the nominee holder for, and number of, shares of stock of the Company owned beneficially but not of record by such Stockholder, (d) be sent to the Secretary by registered mail, return receipt requested, and (e) be received by the Secretary within 60 days after the Request Record Date. Any requesting Stockholder (or agent duly authorized in a writing accompanying the revocation of the Special Meeting Request) may revoke his, her or its request for a special meeting at any time by written revocation delivered to the Secretary.

 

(3) The Secretary shall inform the requesting Stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing or delivering the notice of the meeting (including the Company’s proxy materials). The Secretary shall not be required to call a special meeting upon Stockholder request and such meeting shall not be held unless, in addition to the documents required by paragraph (2) of this Section 2.3(b), the Secretary receives payment of such reasonably estimated cost prior to the preparation and mailing or delivery of such notice of the meeting.

 

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(4) In the case of any special meeting called by the Secretary upon the request of Stockholders (a “Stockholder-Requested Meeting”), such meeting shall be held at such place, date and time as may be designated by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the date of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting shall be not more than 90 days after the record date for such meeting (the “Meeting Record Date”); and provided further that if the Board of Directors fails to designate, within ten days after the date that a valid Special Meeting Request is actually received by the Secretary (the “Delivery Date”), a date and time for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting, then such meeting shall be held at 2:00 p.m. local time on the 90th day after the Meeting Record Date or, if such 90th day is not a Business Day (as defined below), on the first preceding Business Day; and provided further that in the event that the Board of Directors fails to designate a place for a Stockholder-Requested Meeting within ten days after the Delivery Date, then such meeting shall be held at the principal executive office of the Company. In the case of any Stockholder-Requested Meeting, if the Board of Directors fails to fix a Meeting Record Date that is a date within 30 days after the Delivery Date, then the close of business on the 30th day after the Delivery Date shall be the Meeting Record Date. The Board of Directors may revoke the notice for any Stockholder-Requested Meeting in the event that the requesting Stockholders fail to comply with the provisions of paragraph (3) of this Section 2.3(b).

 

(5) If written revocations of the Special Meeting Request have been delivered to the Secretary and the result is that Stockholders of record (or their agents duly authorized in writing), as of the Request Record Date, entitled to cast less than the Special Meeting Percentage have delivered, and not revoked, requests for a special meeting on the matter to the Secretary: (i) if the notice of meeting has not already been delivered, the Secretary shall refrain from delivering the notice of the meeting and send to all requesting Stockholders who have not revoked such requests written notice of any revocation of a request for a special meeting on the matter, or (ii) if the notice of meeting has been delivered and if the Secretary first sends to all requesting Stockholders who have not revoked requests for a special meeting on the matter written notice of any revocation of a request for the special meeting and written notice of the Company’s intention to revoke the notice of the meeting or for the chairman of the meeting to adjourn the meeting without action on the matter, (A) the Secretary may revoke the notice of the meeting at any time before ten days before the commencement of the meeting or (B) the chairman of the meeting may call the meeting to order and adjourn the meeting without acting on the matter. Any request for a special meeting received after a revocation by the Secretary of a notice of a meeting shall be considered a request for a new special meeting.

 

(6) The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may appoint regionally or nationally recognized independent inspectors of elections to act as the agent of the Company for the purpose of promptly performing a ministerial review of the validity of any purported Special Meeting Request received by the Secretary. For the purpose of permitting the inspectors to perform such review, no such purported Special Meeting Request shall be deemed to have been delivered to the Secretary until the earlier of (i) five Business Days after receipt by the Secretary of such purported request and (ii) such date as the independent inspectors certify to the Company that the valid requests received by the Secretary represent, as of the Request Record Date, Stockholders of record entitled to cast not less than the Special Meeting Percentage. Nothing contained in this paragraph (6) shall in any way be construed to suggest or imply that the Company or any Stockholder shall not be entitled to contest the validity of any request, whether during or after such five Business Day period, or to take any other action (including, without limitation, the commencement, prosecution or defense of any litigation with respect thereto, and the seeking of injunctive relief in such litigation).

 

(7) For purposes of these Bylaws, “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

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Section 2.4 . Notice . Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of Stockholders, the Secretary shall give to each Stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each Stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting notice in writing or by electronic transmission stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called. Notice may be delivered by mail, by presenting it to such Stockholder personally, by leaving it at the Stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, by electronic means, or by any other means permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Stockholder at the Stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid. If transmitted electronically, such notice shall be deemed to be given when transmitted to the Stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the Stockholder at which the Stockholder receives electronic transmissions. The Company may give a single notice to all Stockholders who share an address, which single notice shall be effective as to any Stockholder at such address, unless a Stockholder objects to receiving such single notice or revokes a prior consent to receiving such single notice. Failure to give notice of any meeting to one or more Stockholders, or any irregularity in such notice, shall not affect the validity of any meeting fixed in accordance with this Article II or the validity of any proceedings at any such meeting.

 

Subject to Section 2.5(a) of this Article II, any business of the Company may be transacted at an annual meeting of Stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of Stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice. The Company may postpone or cancel a meeting of Stockholders by making a public announcement (as defined in Section 2.5(c)(3) of this Article II) of such postponement or cancellation prior to the meeting. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this section.

 

Section 2.5 . Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominees for Director and Other Stockholder Proposals .

 

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders .

 

(1) Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by the Stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of Stockholders (i) pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by any Stockholder of the Company who was a Stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice by the Stockholder as provided for in this Section 2.5(a) and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with this Section 2.5(a).

 

(2) For any nomination or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a Stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 2.5, the Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Company and, in the case of any such other business, such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by the Stockholders. To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice shall set forth all information required under this Section 2.5 and shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Company not earlier than 9:00 a.m. on the 150 th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the 120 th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 2.5(c)(3)) for the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the preceding year’s annual meeting (or in the case of the first annual meeting of stockholders), notice by the Stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 150 th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 120 th day prior to the date of such annual meeting, as originally convened, or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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(3) Such Stockholder’s notice shall set forth:

 

(i) as to each individual whom the Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director (each, a “Proposed Nominee”),

 

(A) all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a Director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder; and

 

(B) whether such Stockholder believes any such Proposed Nominee is, or is not, an “interested person” of the Company, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder (the “Investment Company Act”) and information regarding such individual that is sufficient, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof or any authorized Officer of the Company, to make such determination;

 

(ii) as to any business that the Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a description of such business, the Stockholder’s reasons for proposing such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such Stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), individually or in the aggregate, including any anticipated benefit to the Stockholder or the Stockholder Associated Person therefrom;

 

(iii) as to the Stockholder giving the notice, any Proposed Nominee and any Stockholder Associated Person,

 

(A) the class, series and number of all shares of stock or other securities of the Company or any affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Company Securities”), if any, which are owned (beneficially or of record) by such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, the date on which each such Company Security was acquired and the investment intent of such acquisition, and any short interest (including any opportunity to profit or share in any benefit from any decrease in the price of such stock or other security) in any Company Securities of any such person;

 

(B) the nominee holder for, and number of, any Company Securities owned beneficially but not of record by such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person;

 

(C) whether and the extent to which such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, directly or indirectly (through brokers, nominees or otherwise), is subject to or during the last twelve months has engaged in any hedging, derivative or other transaction or series of transactions or entered into any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short interest, any borrowing or lending of securities or any proxy or voting agreement), the effect or intent of which is to (I) manage risk or benefit of changes in the price of (x) Company Securities or (y) any security of any other closed-end investment company (a “Peer Group Company”) for such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person or (II) increase or decrease the voting power of such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person in the Company or any affiliate thereof (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company) disproportionately to such person’s economic interest in the Company Securities (or, as applicable, in any Peer Group Company); and

 

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(D) any substantial interest, direct or indirect (including, without limitation, any existing or prospective commercial, business or contractual relationship with the Company), by security holdings or otherwise, of such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person, in the Company or any affiliate thereof, other than an interest arising from the ownership of Company Securities where such Stockholder, Proposed Nominee or Stockholder Associated Person receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all other holders of the same class or series;

 

(iv) as to the Stockholder giving the notice, any Stockholder Associated Person with an interest or ownership referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of this paragraph (3) of this Section 2.5(a) and any Proposed Nominee,

 

(A) the name and address of such Stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s stock ledger, and the current name and business address, if different, of each such Stockholder Associated Person and any Proposed Nominee and

 

(B) the investment strategy or objective, if any, of such Stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person who is not an individual and a copy of the prospectus, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, provided to investors or potential investors in such Stockholder and each such Stockholder Associated Person; and

 

(v) to the extent known by the Stockholder giving the notice, the name and address of any other Stockholder supporting the Proposed Nominee for election or reelection as a Director or the proposal of other business on the date of such Stockholder’s notice.

 

(4) Such Stockholder’s notice shall, with respect to any Proposed Nominee, be accompanied by a certificate executed by the Proposed Nominee (i) certifying that such Proposed Nominee (a) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Company in connection with service or action as a Director that has not been disclosed to the Company and (b) will serve as a Director of the Company if elected; and (ii) attaching a completed Proposed Nominee questionnaire (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Company, upon request, to the Stockholder providing the notice and shall include all information relating to the Proposed Nominee that would be required to be disclosed in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of the Proposed Nominee as a Director in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or would otherwise be required in connection with such solicitation, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, or would be required pursuant to the rules of any national securities exchange or over-the-counter market).

 

(5) Notwithstanding anything in this subsection (a) of this Section 2.5 to the contrary, in the event that the number of Directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased, and there is no public announcement of such action at least 130 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement (as defined in Section 2.5(c)(3)) for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.5(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Company not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Company.

 

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(6) For purposes of this Section 2.5, “Stockholder Associated Person” of any stockholder means (i) any person acting in concert with such Stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the Company owned of record or beneficially by such Stockholder (other than a Stockholder that is a depositary) and (iii) any person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person or is an officer, Director, partner, member, employee or agent of such Stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person.

 

(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of Stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of Stockholders at which Directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with Section 2.3 of this Article II for the purpose of electing Directors, by any Stockholder of the Company who is a Stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.5. In the event the Company calls a special meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more individuals to the Board of Directors, any such Stockholder may nominate an individual or individuals (as the case may be) for election as a Director as specified in the Company’s notice of meeting, if the Stockholder’s notice, containing the information required by paragraph (a)(3) of this Section 2 5 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Company not earlier than the 120 th day prior to such special meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of the 90 th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. The public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c) General .

 

(1) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.5 by any Stockholder proposing a nominee for election as a Director or any proposal for other business at a meeting of Stockholders shall be inaccurate in any material respect, such information may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 2.5. Any such Stockholder shall notify the Company of any inaccuracy or change (within two Business Days of becoming aware of such inaccuracy or change) in any such information. Upon written request by the Secretary of the Company or the Board of Directors, any such Stockholder shall provide, within five Business Days of delivery of such request (or such other period as may be specified in such request), (A) written verification, satisfactory, in the discretion of the Board of Directors or any authorized Officer of the Company, to demonstrate the accuracy of any information submitted by the Stockholder pursuant to this Section 2.5, and (B) a written update of any information (including, if requested by the Company, written confirmation by such Stockholder that it continues to intend to bring such nomination or other business proposal before the meeting) submitted by the Stockholder pursuant to this Section 2.5 as of an earlier date. If a Stockholder fails to provide such written verification or written update within such period, the information as to which written verification or a written update was requested may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 2.5.

 

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(2) Only such individuals who are nominated in accordance with this Section 2.5 shall be eligible for election by Stockholders as Directors, and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of Stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.5. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with this Section 2.5.

 

(3) For purposes of this Section 2.5, “the date of the proxy statement” shall have the same meaning as “the date of the company’s proxy statement released to shareholders” as used in Rule 14a-8(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as interpreted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. “Public announcement” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or other widely circulated news or wire service or (ii) in a document publicly filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Investment Company Act.

 

(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.5, a Stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.5. Nothing in this Section 2.5 shall be deemed to affect any right of a Stockholder to request inclusion of a proposal in, or the right of the Company to omit a proposal from, the Company’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act. Nothing in this Section 2.5 shall require disclosure of revocable proxies received by the Stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person pursuant to a solicitation of proxies after the filing of an effective Schedule 14A by such Stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Section 2.6 . Quorum . At any meeting of Stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of Stockholders entitled to cast one-third (33 1/3%) of all the votes entitled to be cast (without regard to class) at such meeting on any matter shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the charter of the Company for the vote necessary for the approval of any matter. If such quorum is not established at any meeting of the Stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may adjourn the meeting sine die or from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

 

The Stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough Stockholders to leave fewer than would be required to establish a quorum.

 

Section 2.7 . Voting . A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of Stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a Director. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are Directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of Stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless a different vote is required by statute or by the Charter.

 

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Section 2.8 . Voting Rights of Stockholders . Unless otherwise provided by statute or in the Charter, each Stockholder of record having the right to vote shall be entitled at every meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to one vote for each share of stock having voting power standing in the name of such Stockholder on the books of the Company on the record date fixed in accordance with Section 6.5 of these Bylaws, with pro rata voting rights for any fractional shares, and such votes may be cast either in person or by proxy, by any means permitted by law.

 

Section 2.9 . Organization and Conduct . Every meeting of Stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment or appointed individual, by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the Chairman of the Board, by one of the following Officers present at the meeting in the following order: the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice Presidents in order of their rank and seniority, the Secretary, the Treasurer or, in the absence of such Officers, a chairman chosen by the Stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by Stockholders present in person or by proxy. The Secretary, or, in the Secretary’s absence, an Assistant Secretary, or, in the absence of both the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, an individual appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the Secretary presides at a meeting of the Stockholders, an Assistant Secretary, or, in the absence of Assistant Secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of Stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of such chairman and without any action by the Stockholders, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to Stockholders of record of the Company, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to Stockholders of record of the Company entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments; (e) determining when and for how long the polls should be open and when the polls should be closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (g) removing any Stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairman of the meeting; (h) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting; and (i) complying with any state and local laws and regulations concerning safety and security. Unless otherwise determined by the chairman of the meeting, meetings of Stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

Section 2.10 . Proxies . Each Stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of Stockholders may authorize another person to act as proxy for the Stockholder by (a) signing a writing authorizing another person to act as proxy, (b) transmitting an authorization for a person or persons to act as proxy to either (i) the person or persons authorized to act as proxy or (ii) any other person authorized to receive the proxy authorization on behalf of the person or persons authorized to act as proxy or (c) any other means permitted by law. Signing of a writing may be accomplished by the Stockholder or the Stockholder’s authorized agent signing the writing or causing the Stockholder’s signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature. An authorization of a person or persons to serve as proxy may be transmitted by any means permitted by law, including telegram, datagram, electronic mail or any other electronic or telephonic means. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven months from its date unless it provides otherwise. Unless a proxy provides otherwise, every proxy shall be revocable prior to its exercise at the pleasure of the person authorizing it or of his or her personal representatives or assigns. Proxies shall be delivered prior to the meeting to the Secretary of the Company or to the person acting as Secretary of the meeting before being exercised. A proxy with respect to stock held in the name of two or more persons shall be valid if authorized by one of them unless, at or prior to exercise of such proxy, the Company receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of them. A proxy purporting to be authorized by or on behalf of a Stockholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise.

 

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Section 2.11 . Action without Meeting . Any action to be taken by holders of Common Stock, or of Common Stock and Preferred Stock (and any other class of stock) voting together as a single class, may be taken without a meeting if (i) all Stockholders entitled to vote on the matter consent to the action in writing, and (ii) such consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Stockholders. Except as provided above, the holders of Preferred Stock and of any other class of stock (other than Common Stock entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors) may take action or consent to any action by the written consent of the holders of the Preferred Stock and/or such other class of stock entitled to cast not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a Stockholders’ meeting if the Company gives notice of the action to each Stockholder of the Company not later than 10 days after the effective time of the action. A consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

 

Section 2.12 . Inspectors . The Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting may appoint, before or at the meeting, one or more inspectors for the meeting and any successor to the inspector. Except as otherwise provided by the chairman of the meeting, the inspectors, if any, shall (i) determine the number of shares of stock represented at the meeting, in person or by proxy, and the validity and effect of proxies, (ii) receive and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, (iii) report such tabulation to the chairman of the meeting, (iv) hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, and (v) do such acts as are proper to fairly conduct the election or vote. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by the inspector or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

 

ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Section 3.1 . General Powers . Except as otherwise provided in the Charter, the business and affairs of the Company shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. All powers of the Company may be exercised by or under authority of the Board of Directors except as conferred on or reserved to the Stockholders by law, by the Charter or by these Bylaws.

 

Section 3.2 . Board of Three to 12 Directors . At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of Directors, provided that the number thereof shall never be less than three nor more than 12, and further provided that the tenure of office of a Director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be classified at the time and in the manner provided in the Charter.

 

Section 3.3 . Vacancies . If for any reason any or all the Directors cease to be Directors, such event shall not terminate the Company or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining Directors hereunder, if any. Subject to the provisions of the Investment Company Act and except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock, effective upon the Company being eligible under Section 3-802 of the Maryland General Corporation Law to make the election provided for under Section 3-804(c) of the Maryland General Corporation Law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, (a) any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining Directors, even if the remaining Directors do not constitute a quorum and (b) any Director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.

 

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Section 3.4 . Removal . As provided in the Charter, at any meeting of Stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present, a Director may be removed only with cause, and then only by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of Directors.

 

Section 3.5 . Resignation . A Director may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the Board of Directors or the Chairman or the Vice Chairman, if any, of the Board or the Secretary of the Company. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. Acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective, unless the resignation states otherwise.

 

Section 3.6 . Place of Meetings . The Directors may hold their meetings at the principal office of the Company or at such other places, either within or outside the State of Maryland, as they may from time to time determine.

 

Section 3.7 . Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board may be held at such date and time as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board.

 

Section 3.8 . Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board may be called by order of the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board on one day’s notice given to each Director either in person or by mail, telephone, telegram, cable or wireless to each Director at his or her residence or regular place of business. Special meetings will be called by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board or Secretary in a like manner on the written request of a majority of the Directors.

 

Section 3.9 . Quorum and Voting . At all meetings of the Board, the presence of a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum and sufficient for the transaction of business; provided, however, that if there are only two or three Directors, not less than two may constitute a quorum and provided, further, that if there is only one Director, the presence of such Director will constitute a quorum. The act of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, by the Charter or by these Bylaws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of Directors, the Directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

The Directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and at which a quorum has been established may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal from the meeting of enough Directors to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum. If enough Directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave fewer than required to establish a quorum, but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of Directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, by the Charter or by these Bylaws.

 

Section 3.10 . Organization . The Board of Directors shall designate one of its members to serve as Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at each meeting of the Board. In the absence or inability of the Chairman of the Board to act, another Director chosen by a majority of the Directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside at the meeting. The Secretary (or, in his or her absence or inability to act, any person appointed by the Chairman) shall act as secretary of the meeting and keep the minutes of the meeting.

 

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Section 3.11 . Informal Action by Directors and Committees . Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may, except as otherwise required by statute, be taken without a meeting if a consent to such action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by all members of the Board, or of such committee, as the case may be, and filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee. Subject to the Investment Company Act, members of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.

 

Section 3.12 . Executive Committee . There may be an Executive Committee of two or more Directors appointed by the Board who may meet at stated times or on notice to all by any of their own number. The Executive Committee shall consult with and advise the Officers of the Company in the management of its business and exercise such powers of the Board of Directors as may be lawfully delegated by the Board of Directors. Vacancies shall be filled by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting. The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board when required.

 

Section 3.13 . Audit Committee . There shall be an Audit Committee of two or more Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the Investment Company Act) appointed by the Board who may meet at stated times or on notice to all by any of their own number. The Committee’s duties shall include reviewing both the audit and other work of the Company’s independent accountants, recommending to the Board of Directors the independent accountants to be retained, and reviewing generally the maintenance and safekeeping of the Company’s records and documents.

 

Section 3.14 . Other Committees . The Board of Directors may appoint other committees which shall in each case consist of such number of members (which may be one) and shall have and may exercise, to the extent permitted by law, such powers as the Board may determine in the resolution appointing them. A majority of all members of any such committee may determine its action, and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide. The Board of Directors shall have power at any time to change the members and, to the extent permitted by law, to change the powers of any such committee, to fill vacancies and to discharge any such committee.

 

Section 3.15 . Compensation of Directors . The Board may, by resolution, determine what compensation and reimbursement of expenses of attendance at meetings, if any, shall be paid to Directors in connection with their service on the Board or on various committees of the Board. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Company in any other capacity or from receiving compensation therefor.

 

Section 3.16 . Authority to Retain Experts and Advisers . The Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Company may hire employees and retain experts and advisers, including independent legal counsel, at the expense of the Company, to the extent such Directors deem necessary to carry out their duties as Directors.

 

Section 3.17 . Reliance . Each Director and Officer of the Company shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Company, be entitled to rely on any information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by an Officer or employee of the Company whom the Director or Officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, by a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to a matter which the Director or Officer reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional or expert competence, or, with respect to a Director, by a committee of the Board of Directors on which the Director does not serve, as to a matter within its designated authority, if the Director reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

 

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Section 3.18 . Ratification . The Board of Directors or the Stockholders may ratify and make binding on the Company any action or inaction by the Company or its Officers to the extent that the Board of Directors or the Stockholders could have originally authorized the matter. Moreover, any action or inaction questioned in any Stockholders’ derivative proceeding or any other proceeding on the ground of lack of authority, defective or irregular execution, adverse interest of a Director, Officer or Stockholder, non-disclosure, miscomputation, the application of improper principles or practices of accounting or otherwise, may be ratified, before or after judgment, by the Board of Directors or by the Stockholders, and if so ratified, shall have the same force and effect as if the questioned action or inaction had been originally duly authorized, and such ratification shall be binding upon the Company and its Stockholders and shall constitute a bar to any claim or execution of any judgment in respect of such questioned action or inaction.

 

Section 3.19 . Emergency Provisions . Notwithstanding any other provision in the Charter or these Bylaws, this Section 3.19 shall apply during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors under this Article III cannot readily be obtained (an “Emergency”). During any Emergency, unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, (i) a meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof may be called by any Director or Officer by any means feasible under the circumstances; (ii) notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors during such an Emergency may be given less than 24 hours prior to the meeting to as many Directors and by such means as may be feasible at the time, including publication, television or radio; and (iii) the number of Directors necessary to constitute a quorum shall be one-third of the entire Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

 

Section 4.1 . Officers . The Officers of the Company shall be fixed by the Board of Directors and shall include a President, Secretary and Treasurer. Any two offices may be held by the same person except the offices of President and Vice President. A person who holds more than one office in the Company may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged or verified by more than one Officer.

 

Section 4.2 . Election of Officers . The Directors shall elect the Officers, who need not be members of the Board.

 

Section 4.3 . Additional Officers . The Board may appoint such other Officers and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

 

Section 4.4 . Salaries of Officers . The salaries of all Officers of the Company shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.5 . Term, Removal, Resignation and Vacancies . The Officers of the Company shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and hold office for one year and until their successors are elected and qualify. Any officer of the Company may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Company would be served thereby. Any officer of the Company may resign at any time by delivering his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Company. If the office of any Officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.6 . Chief Executive Officer; President . The Chief Executive Officer shall be the highest ranking Officer of the Company and shall, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, have general oversight responsibility for the management of the business of the Company. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. If the Board has not selected a Chief Executive Officer, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chief Executive Officer and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors shall prescribe. The Company may select a President in addition to the Chief Executive Officer, to have such duties as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.

 

Section 4.7 . Vice President . Any Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors shall prescribe.

 

Section 4.8 . Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer . The Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Company and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Company in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. He or she shall disburse the funds of the Company as may be ordered by the Board, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chairman of the Board and Directors at the regular meetings of the Board, or whenever they may require it, an account of the financial condition of the Company.

 

Any Assistant Treasurer may perform such duties of the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer as the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer or the Board of Directors may assign, and, in the absence of the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer, may perform all the duties of the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer.

 

Section 4.9 . Secretary . The Secretary shall attend meetings of the Board and meetings of the Stockholders and record all votes and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for those purposes, and shall perform like duties for the Executive Committee, or other committees, of the Board when required. He or she shall give or cause to be given notice of all meetings of Stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Company and affix it to any instrument when authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

Any Assistant Secretary may perform such duties of the Secretary as the Secretary or the Board of Directors may assign, and, in the absence of the Secretary, may perform all the duties of the Secretary.

 

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Section 4.10 . Subordinate Officers . The Board of Directors from time to time may appoint such other Officers or agents as it may deem advisable, each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and have such title, hold office for such period, have such authority and perform such duties as the Board of Directors may determine. The Board of Directors from time to time may delegate to one or more Officers or agents the power to appoint any such subordinate Officers or agents and to prescribe their respective rights, terms of office, authorities and duties.

 

Section 4.11 . Surety Bonds . The Board of Directors may require any Officer or agent of the Company to execute a bond (including, without limitation, any bond required by the Investment Company Act, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission) to the Company in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board of Directors may determine, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties to the Company, including responsibility for negligence and for the accounting of any of the Company’s property, funds or securities that may come into his or her hands.

 

ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 5.1 . Waiver of Notice . Whenever the Stockholders or the Board of Directors are authorized by statute, the provisions of the Charter or these Bylaws to take any action at any meeting after notice, such notice may be waived, in writing, before or after the holding of the meeting, by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or, in the case of a Stockholder, by his or her duly authorized attorney-in-fact.

 

Section 5.2 . Indemnification and Advance of Expenses .

 

(a) The Company shall indemnify its Directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of Directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”). The Company shall indemnify its Officers to the same extent as its Directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Company shall indemnify its Directors and Officers who, while serving as Directors or Officers, also serve at the request of the Company as a Director, Officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan to the fullest extent consistent with law. The indemnification and other rights provided by this Section shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director or Officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. This Section shall not protect any such person against any liability to the Company or any Stockholder thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office (“disabling conduct”).

 

(b) Any current or former Director or Officer of the Company seeking indemnification within the scope of this Section shall be entitled to advances from the Company for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with the matter as to which he or she is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the MGCL without a preliminary determination of entitlement to indemnification (except as provided below). The person seeking indemnification shall provide to the Company a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Company has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (i) the person seeking indemnification shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Company for his or her undertaking; (ii) the Company is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (iii) a majority of a quorum of Directors of the Company who are neither “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)-(19) of the Investment Company Act nor parties to the proceeding (“disinterested non-party Directors”), or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based on a review of facts readily available to the Company at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification.

 

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(c) At the request of any person claiming indemnification under this Section, the Board of Directors shall determine, or cause to be determined, in a manner consistent with the MGCL, whether the standards required by this Section have been met. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (A) the vote of a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party Directors or (B) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

 

(d) Employees and agents who are not Officers or Directors of the Company may be indemnified, and reasonable expenses may be advanced to such employees or agents, as may be provided by action of the Board of Directors or by contract, subject to any limitations imposed by the Investment Company Act.

 

(e) The Board of Directors may make further provision consistent with law for indemnification and advance of expenses to Directors, Officers, employees and agents by resolution, agreement or otherwise. The indemnification provided by this Section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right, with respect to indemnification or otherwise, to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any insurance or other agreement or resolution of Stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise.

 

(f) References in this Section are to the MGCL and to the Investment Company Act. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the Charter and these Bylaws shall vest immediately upon the election of a Director or Officer. No amendment of these Bylaws shall affect any right of any person under this Section based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to the amendment.

 

Section 5.3 . Insurance . The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Company or who, while a Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a Director, Officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise or employee benefit plan, against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person’s position; provided that no insurance may be purchased by the Company on behalf of any person against any liability to the Company or to its Stockholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

 

Section 5.4 . Checks . All checks or demands for money and notes of the Company shall be signed by such Officer or Officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

 

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Section 5.5 . Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Company shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE VI
SHARES

 

Section 6.1(a) . Certificates of Stock . The Board of Directors may authorize the Company to issue some or all of the shares of any class or series of its stock without certificates. In the event that the Company issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be in such form as prescribed by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized Officer, shall contain the statements and information required by the MGCL and shall be signed by the Officers of the Company in the manner permitted by the MGCL. In the event that the Company issues shares of stock without certificates, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Company shall provide to record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates. There shall be no differences in the rights and obligations of Stockholders based on whether or not their shares are represented by certificates. If shares of a class or series of stock are authorized by the Board of Directors to be issued without certificates, no Stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate or certificates representing any shares of such class or series of stock held by such Stockholder unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors and then only upon written request by such Stockholder to the Secretary of the Company.

 

Section 6.1(b) . Uncertificated Shares . For any shares issued without certificates, the Company or a Transfer Agent of the Company may either issue receipts therefor or may keep accounts upon the books of the Company for the record holders of such shares, who shall in either case be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be the holders of such shares as if they had received certificates therefor.

 

Section 6.2 . Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors, or the President together with the Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer or Secretary, may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate for certificated shares theretofore issued by the Company, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed, or by his or her legal representative; provided, however, if such shares have ceased to be certificated, no new certificate shall be issued unless requested in writing by such stockholder and the Board of Directors has determined that such certificates may be issued. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors, or the President and Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer or Secretary, may, in its or their discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it or they shall require and/or give the Company a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as it or they may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Company with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed for such newly issued certificate.

 

Section 6.3 . Transfer of Stock . Transfer of shares of the Company shall be made on the books of the Company by the registered holder thereof or by his or her duly authorized attorney or legal representative and upon surrender and cancellation of a certificate or certificates, if issued, for the same number of shares of the same class, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, with such proof of the authenticity of the transferor’s signature as the Company or its agents may reasonably require. The shares of stock of the Company may be freely transferred, and the Board of Directors may, from time to time, adopt rules and regulations with reference to the method of transfer of the shares of stock of the Company. Upon the transfer of any uncertificated shares, to the extent then required by the MGCL, the Company shall provide to the record holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.

 

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Section 6.4 . Registered Holder . The Company shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as expressly provided by statute.

 

Section 6.5 . Record Date . The Board of Directors may fix a time not less than 10 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of any meeting of Stockholders as the time as of which Stockholders are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such a meeting; and all such persons who were holders of record of voting stock at such time, and no other, shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such meeting or to express their consent or dissent, as the case may be. If no record date has been fixed, the record date for the determination of the Stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of Stockholders shall be the later of the close of business on the day on which notice of the meeting is mailed or transmitted or the 30th day before the meeting, or, if notice is waived by all Stockholders, at the close of business on the tenth day immediately preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

 

When a record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been set as provided in this section, such record date shall continue to apply to the meeting if adjourned or postponed, except if the meeting is adjourned or postponed to a date more than 120 days after the record date originally fixed for the meeting, in which case a new record date for such meeting may be determined as set forth herein.

 

The Board of Directors may also fix a time not exceeding 90 days preceding the date fixed for the payment of any dividend or the making of any distribution, or for the delivery of evidences of rights, or evidences of interests arising out of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, as a record time for the determination of the Stockholders entitled to receive any such dividend, distribution, rights or interests.

 

Section 6.6 . Stock Ledgers . The stock ledgers of the Company, containing the names and addresses of the Stockholders and the number of shares held by them respectively, shall be kept at the principal offices of the Company or at such other location as may be authorized by the Board of Directors from time to time, except that an original or duplicate stock ledger shall be maintained at the office of the Company’s Transfer Agent.

 

Section 6.7 . Transfer Agents and Registrars . The Board of Directors may from time to time appoint or remove Transfer Agents and/or Registrars of transfers (if any) of shares of stock of the Company, and it may appoint the same person as both Transfer Agent and Registrar. Upon any such appointment being made, all certificates representing shares of capital stock thereafter issued shall be countersigned by one of such Transfer Agents or by one of such Registrars of transfers (if any) or by both and shall not be valid unless so countersigned. If the same person shall be both Transfer Agent and Registrar, only one countersignature by such person shall be required.

 

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ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS

 

Section 7.1 . General . Except as provided in the next succeeding sentence, and except as otherwise required by the Investment Company Act, all Bylaws of the Company shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal, and new Bylaws may be made, exclusively by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (66 2 / 3 %) of the entire Board of Directors, at any regular or special meeting, the notice or waiver of notice of which shall have specified or summarized the proposed amendment, alteration, repeal or new Bylaw. The provisions of Sections 2.5, 3.2, 3.4, 7.1 and 8.1 of these Bylaws shall be subject to amendment, alteration or repeal exclusively by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors, including at least 80% of the Continuing Directors (as such term is defined in the Charter), at any regular or special meeting, the notice or waiver of notice of which shall have specified or summarized the proposed amendment, alteration or repeal.

 

Dated: September 13, 2018

 

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RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal income Fund, Inc.

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) has a dividend reinvestment plan commonly referred to as an “opt-out” plan. Unless the registered owner of the Fund’s common stock (the “Common Shares”) elects to receive cash by contacting DST (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends declared on Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), in additional Common Shares. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Administrator as dividend disbursing agent. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. Such notice will be effective with respect to a particular dividend or other distribution (together, a “Dividend”). Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on behalf of Common Shareholders and may re-invest that cash in additional Common Shares.

 

Whenever the Fund declares a Dividend payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares. The Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“Newly Issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“Open-Market Purchases”) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per Common Share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per Common Share, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions (i.e., the Fund’s Common Shares are trading at a discount), the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases.

 

In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last business day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade on an “ex- dividend” basis or 30 days after the payment date for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the “Last Purchase Date”), to invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired in Open-Market Purchases. It is contemplated that the Fund will pay monthly income Dividends. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued Common Shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares at the net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date.

 

 

The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.

 

Beneficial owners of Common Shares who hold their Common Shares in the name of a broker or nominee should contact the broker or nominee to determine whether and how they may participate in the Plan. In the case of Common Shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.

 

There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. Participants that request a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.

 

All correspondence or questions concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Administrator at 333 West 11 th Street, 5 th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.

 

MANAGEME N T AGREEMENT

 

TO: RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 645

Chicago, IL 60654

 

Dear Sirs:

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal income Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) herewith confirms our agreement with you.

 

The Company has been organized to engage in the business of a closed-end management investment company.

 

You have been selected to act as the sole investment manager of the series of the Company set forth on the Exhibit to this Agreement (the “Fund”) and to provide certain other services, as more fully set forth below, and you are willing to act as such investment manager and to perform such services under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. Accordingly, the Company agrees with you as follows effective upon the date of the execution of this Agreement.

 

1. ADVISORY SERVICES

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Company, you will provide or arrange to be provided to the Fund such investment advice as you in your discretion deem advisable and will furnish or arrange to be furnished a continuous investment program for the Fund consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. You will determine or arrange for others to determine the securities to be purchased for the Fund, the portfolio securities to be held or sold by the Fund and the portion of the Fund’s assets to be held uninvested, subject always to the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect, and subject further to such policies and instructions as the Board may from time to time establish. You will furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Company as the Board of Directors of the Company may request from time to time or as you may deem to be desirable. You also will advise and assist the officers of the Company in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of the Board and the appropriate committees of the Board regarding the conduct of the business of the Company.

 

2. USE OF SUB-ADVISERS

 

You may delegate any or all of the responsibilities, rights or duties described above to one or more sub-advisers who shall enter into agreements with you, provided the agreements are approved and ratified (i) by the Board including a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of you or of the Company, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (ii) if required under interpretations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff, by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund (unless the Company has obtained an exemption from the provisions of Section 15(a) of the Act). Any such delegation shall not relieve you from any liability hereunder.

 

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3. ALLOCATION OF CHARGES AND EXPENSES

 

You will pay the compensation of any sub-adviser retained pursuant to paragraph 2 above and the compensation and expenses of any persons rendering portfolio management services to the Company who are directors, officers, employees, members or stockholders of your corporation or limited liability company. You will make available to the Board of Directors, without expense to the Fund, such of your employees as the Board may request to participate in Board meetings and provide such reports and other assistance as the Directors may reasonably request.

 

The Fund will be responsible for the payment of all operating expenses of the Fund, including the compensation and expenses of any employees and officers of the Company and of any other persons rendering any services to the Fund; clerical and shareholder service staff salaries; office space and other office expenses; fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with membership in investment company organizations; legal, auditing and accounting expenses; expenses of registering shares under federal and state securities laws, including expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with the organization and initial registration of shares of the Fund; insurance expenses; fees and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent, shareholder service agent, plan agent, administrator, accounting and pricing services agent and underwriter of the Fund; expenses, including clerical expenses, of issue, sale, redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund; the cost of preparing and distributing reports and notices to shareholders, the cost of printing or preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information for delivery to shareholders; the cost of printing or preparing stock certificates or any other documents, statements or reports to shareholders; expenses of shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations; advertising, promotion and other expenses incurred directly or indirectly in connection with the sale or distribution of the Fund’s shares that the Fund is authorized to pay pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act; and all other operating expenses not specifically assumed by you. The Fund will also pay all brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, borrowing costs (such as (a) interest and (b) dividend expenses on securities sold short), fees and expenses of the non-interested person Directors and such extraordinary or non-recurring expenses as may arise, including litigation to which the Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Company’s Directors and officers with respect thereto.

 

You may obtain reimbursement from the Fund, at such time or times as you may determine in your sole discretion, for any of the expenses advanced by you, which the Fund is obligated to pay, and such reimbursement shall not be considered to be part of your compensation pursuant to this Agreement.

 

4. COMPENSATION OF THE MANAGER

 

For all of the services to be rendered as provided in this Agreement, as of the last business day of each month, the Fund will pay you a fee based on the average value of the daily net assets of the Fund and paid at an annual rate as set forth on the Exhibit executed with respect to the Fund and attached hereto.

 

The average value of the daily net assets of a Fund shall be determined pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or a resolution of the Board of Directors, if required. If, pursuant to such provisions, the determination of net asset value of a Fund is suspended for any particular business day, then for the purposes of this paragraph, the value of the net assets of the Fund as last determined shall be deemed to be the value of the net assets as of the close of the business day, or as of such other time as the value of the Fund’s net assets may lawfully be determined, on that day. If the determination of the net asset value of a Fund has been suspended for a period including such month, your compensation payable at the end of such month shall be computed on the basis of the value of the net assets of the Fund as last determined (whether during or prior to such month).

 

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5. EXECUTION OF PURCHASE AND SALE ORDERS

 

In connection with purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the account of a Fund, it is understood that you (or the applicable sub-adviser retained pursuant to paragraph 2 above) will arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the account with brokers or dealers selected by you (or the sub-adviser), subject to review of this selection by the Board of Directors from time to time. You (or the sub-adviser) will be responsible for the negotiation and the allocation of principal business and portfolio brokerage. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, you (or the sub-adviser) are directed at all times to seek for the Fund the best qualitative execution, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer.

 

You (or the sub-adviser) should generally seek favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. In seeking best qualitative execution, you (or the sub-adviser) are authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which you exercise investment discretion. You (or the sub-adviser) are authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a Fund portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if you (or the sub-adviser) determine in good faith that the amount of the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker or dealer. The determination may be viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or your (or the sub-adviser’s) overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to accounts over which you (or the sub-adviser) exercise investment discretion. The Fund and you (and the sub-adviser) understand and acknowledge that, although the information may be useful to the Fund and you (and the sub-adviser), it is not possible to place a dollar value on such information. The Board of Directors shall periodically review the commissions paid by the Fund to determine if the commissions paid over representative periods of time were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.

 

A broker’s or dealer's sale or promotion of Fund shares shall not be a factor considered by your personnel responsible for selecting brokers to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Fund. You and your personnel shall not enter into any written or oral agreement or arrangement to compensate a broker or dealer for any promotion or sale of Fund shares by directing to such broker or dealer (i) the Fund's portfolio securities transactions or (ii) any remuneration, including but not limited to, any commission, mark-up, mark down or other fee received or to be received from the Fund's portfolio transactions through such broker or dealer. However, you may place Fund portfolio transactions with brokers or dealers that sell or promote shares of the Fund provided the Board of Directors has adopted policies and procedures under Rule 12b-1(h) under the Act and such transactions are conducted in compliance with those policies and procedures.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Act, and other applicable law, you (or the sub-adviser), any of your (and the sub-adviser’s) affiliates or any affiliates of your (or the sub-adviser’s) affiliates may retain compensation in connection with effecting a Fund’s portfolio transactions, including transactions effected through others. If any occasion should arise in which you (or the sub-adviser) give any advice to your clients (or clients of the sub-adviser) concerning the shares of a Fund, you (or the sub-adviser) will act solely as investment counsel for such client and not in any way on behalf of the Fund.

 

6. PROXY VOTING

 

You will vote, or make arrangements to have voted, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Fund may be invested from time to time. Such proxies will be voted in a manner that you deem, in good faith, to be in the best interest of the Fund and in accordance with your proxy voting policy. You agree to provide a copy of your proxy voting policy, and any amendments thereto, to the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement

 

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7 . CODE OF ETHICS

 

You have adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Act and will provide the Company with a copy of the code and evidence of its adoption. Within 45 days of the last calendar quarter of each year while this Agreement is in effect, you will provide to the Board of Directors of the Company a written report that describes any issues arising under the code of ethics since the last report to the Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the code and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and which certifies that you have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent access persons (as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating the code.

 

8. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE/USE OF NAME

 

Your services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and it is understood that you may render investment advice, management and other services to others, including other registered investment companies, provided, however, that such other services and activities do not, during the term of this Agreement, interfere in a material manner, with your ability to meet all of your obligations with respect to rendering services to the Fund.

 

The Company and you acknowledge that all rights to the name “RiverNorth” or any variation thereof belong to you, and that the Company is being granted a limited license to use such words in its Fund name or in any class name. In the event you cease to be the adviser to the Fund, the Company’s right to the use of the name “RiverNorth” shall automatically cease on the ninetieth day following the termination of this Agreement. The right to the name may also be withdrawn by you during the term of this Agreement upon ninety (90) days’ written notice by you to the Company. Nothing contained herein shall impair or diminish in any respect, your right to use the name “RiverNorth” in the name of, or in connection with, any other business enterprises with which you are or may become associated. There is no charge to the Company for the right to use this name.

 

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF MANAGER

 

You may rely on information reasonably believed by you to be accurate and reliable. Except as may otherwise be required by the Act or the rules thereunder, neither you nor your directors, officers, employees, shareholders, members, agents, control persons or affiliates of any thereof shall be subject to any liability for, or any damages, expenses or losses incurred by the Company in connection with, any error of judgment, mistake of law, any act or omission connected with or arising out of any services rendered under, or payments made pursuant to, this Agreement or any other matter to which this Agreement relates, except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of any such persons in the performance of your duties under this Agreement, or by reason of reckless disregard by any of such persons of your obligations and duties under this Agreement.

 

Any person, even though also a director, officer, employee, shareholder, member or agent of you, who may be or become a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, shall be deemed, when rendering services to the Company or acting on any business of the Company (other than services or business in connection with your duties hereunder), to be rendering such services to or acting solely for the Company and not as a director, officer, employee, shareholder, member, or agent of you, or one under your control or direction, even though paid by you.

 

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10. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date of this Agreement for the Fund that has executed an Exhibit hereto as of the date of this Agreement and shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund (and any subsequent Fund added pursuant to an Exhibit executed during the initial two-year term of this Agreement) for a period of two years. This Agreement shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter, subject to termination as hereinafter provided, if such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of the Company’s Board of Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by vote of a majority of the Directors of the Company who are not parties to this Agreement or “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. If a Fund is added pursuant to an Exhibit executed after the date of this Agreement as described above, this Agreement shall become effective with respect to that Fund upon execution of the applicable Exhibit and shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date thereof and from year to year thereafter, subject to approval as described above.

 

This Agreement may, on sixty (60) days written notice, be terminated with respect to the Fund, at any time without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or by you. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

 

11. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT

 

No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated orally, and no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons of you or of the Company, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (if required under interpretations of the Act by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff) by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund to which the amendment relates.

 

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY TO COMPANY PROPERTY

 

The term “RiverNorth Funds” means and refers to the Directors from time to time serving under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation as the same may subsequently thereto have been, or subsequently hereto be, amended. It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Company hereunder shall not be binding upon any of Directors, officers, employees, agents or nominees of the Company, or any shareholders of any series of the Company, personally, but bind only the property of the Company (and only the property of the applicable Fund), as provided in the Articles of Incorporation. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have been authorized by the Directors and shareholders of the applicable Fund and signed by officers of the Company, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Directors and shareholders nor such execution and delivery by such officers shall be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the property of the Company (and only the property of applicable Fund) as provided in its Articles of Incorporation. A copy of the Articles of Incorporation is on file with the Secretary of State of Maryland.

 

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13. SEVERABILITY

 

In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.

 

14. BOOKS AND RECORDS

 

In compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the Act, you agree that all record which you maintain for the Company are the property of the Company and you agree to surrender promptly to the Company such records upon the Company’s request. You further agree to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the Act all records which you maintain for the Company that are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the Act.

 

15. QUESTIONS OF INTERPRETATION

 

(a)   This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

(b) For the purpose of this Agreement, the terms “assignment,” “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “control” and “interested person” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the Act and rules and regulations thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Act; and the term “brokerage and research services” shall have the meaning given in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

(c) Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts or in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the Act, reflected in any provision of this Agreement, is revised by rule, regulation, order or interpretation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation, order or interpretation.

 

16. NOTICES

 

Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing, addressed and delivered or mailed postage paid to the other party at such address as such other party may designate for the receipt of such notice. Until further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Company is 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 645 Chicago, IL 60610.

 

17. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

You agree to treat all records and other information relating to the Company and the securities holdings of the Fund as confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other person unless (i) the Board of Directors of the Company has approved the disclosure or (ii) such disclosure is compelled by law. In addition, you, and your officers, directors and employees are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund’s portfolio holdings. You agree that, consistent with your Code of Ethics, neither your nor your officers, directors or employees may engage in personal securities transactions based on nonpublic information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.

 

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18. COUNTERPARTS

 

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

 

19. BINDING EFFECT

 

Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that he has the full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated, and that his signature will operate to bind the party indicated to the foregoing terms.

 

20. CAPTIONS

 

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

 

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of acceptance on the accompanying counterpart of this letter and return such counterpart to the Company, whereupon this letter shall become a binding contract upon the date thereof.

 

Yours very truly,

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.  
       
Dated: as of September 13, 2018 By: /s/ Patrick Galley  
  Print Name: Patrick Galley  
  Title: President  

 

ACCEPTANCE:

 

The foregoing Agreement is hereby accepted.

 

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC  
       
Dated: as of September 2018 By: /s/ Brian Schmucker  
  Print Name: Brian Schmucker  
  Title: Chief Executive Officer  

 

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Exhibit 1

 

Fund

Percentage of Average

Daily Managed Assets

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. 1.05%

 

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Execution Version

 

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

THIS SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of this 22 day of October, 2018, by and between RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), a Delaware limited liability company registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) located at 325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645, Chicago, Illinois 60654, and MacKay Shields LLC (the “Subadviser”), a Delaware limited liability company registered under the Advisers Act, located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 43rd Floor, New York, New York 10105, with respect to the RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Fund” or “Company”). The effective date of this Agreement (the “ Effective Date ”) shall be the inception date of the Fund.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser has, pursuant to a Management Agreement with the Company dated as of the 13th day of September, 2018, (the “Management Agreement”), been retained to act as investment adviser for the Fund;

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser represents that the Management Agreement permits the Adviser to delegate certain of its duties under the Management Agreement to other investment advisers, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act; and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to retain the Subadviser to assist it in the provision of a continuous investment program for that discrete portion of the Fund’s assets that the Adviser will assign to the Subadviser, and Subadviser is willing to render such services subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties do mutually agree and promise as follows with respect to the Fund:

 

1. Appointment as Subadviser . The Adviser hereby appoints the Subadviser to act as investment subadviser for and to manage a discrete portion of the assets of the Fund designated by the Adviser (the “Subadviser Assets”) subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board of Directors of the Company and subject to the terms of this Agreement; and the Subadviser hereby accepts such appointment. In such capacity, the Subadviser shall be responsible for the investment management of the Subadviser Assets, including, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the authority (i) to make all investment decisions with respect to the Subadviser Assets, including without limitation the discretion to acquire (by purchase, exchange, subscription or otherwise), hold and dispose of (by sale, exchange or otherwise) investments, (ii) to enter into such agreements and make such representations (including representations regarding the opening of brokerage accounts and purchase of securities for investment) as may be necessary or proper in connection with the performance by the Subadviser of its duties hereunder, and (iii) to grant on behalf of the Fund any consents or waivers relating to the Subadviser Assets. It is recognized that the Subadviser and certain of its affiliates may act as investment adviser to one or more other investment companies and other managed accounts, including investment companies and managed accounts with similar or overlapping investment programs to those of the Subadviser Assets, and that the Adviser and the Company do not object to such activities.

 

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For purposes of complying with Rule l0f-3, Rule 12d3-1, Rule 17a-10 and Rule 17e-l under the 1940 Act, the Subadviser hereby agrees that it will not consult with any other subadviser of an investment company or a series of an investment company that is advised by the Adviser (the "RiverNorth Fund complex") concerning transactions in securities or other fund assets for the Fund or any fund in the RiverNorth Fund complex, except that such consultations are permitted for purposes of complying with Rule 12d3-l under the 1940 Act and between the current and any successor sub-adviser (if any) of the Fund in order to effect an orderly transition of subadvisory duties as long as such consultations are not concerning transactions that would be prohibited by Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act but for the existence of an exemptive rule or order or an SEC staff no-action letter to similar effect. The Adviser or the Fund will provide to the Subadviser a list of the other current sub-advisers to the RiverNorth Fund complex and will promptly provide in writing to the Subadviser any changes to that list. In determining its compliance with this paragraph, the Subadviser is entitled to rely on that list.

 

2. Duties of Subadviser .

 

(a) Investments . The Subadviser is hereby authorized and directed and hereby agrees, subject to the stated investment policies and restrictions of the Fund as set forth in the Fund’s prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”) as currently in effect and, as soon as practical after the Fund or the Adviser notifies the Subadviser thereof, as supplemented or amended from time to time and subject to the directions of the Adviser and the Company’s Board of Directors, to monitor on a continuous basis the performance of the Subadviser Assets and to conduct a continuous program of investment, evaluation and, if deemed appropriate in the Subadviser’s judgment, sale and reinvestment of the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser agrees to provide the Subadviser with such assistance as may be reasonably requested by the Subadviser in connection with the Subadviser’s activities under this Agreement, including, without limitation, providing information concerning the Fund, its cash flow and cash available for investment and generally as to the conditions of the Fund’s affairs. The Subadviser will also be responsible, in cooperation with the Adviser, for the management of any form of leverage associated with the Subadviser Assets, including activities associated with the issuance of tender option bonds (TOBs) or similar instruments.

 

(b) Compliance with Applicable Laws and Governing Documents . In the performance of its services under this Agreement, the Subadviser shall act in conformity with the Prospectus, SAI and the Company’s Agreement and Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as currently in effect and, as soon as practicable after the Fund or the Adviser notifies the Subadviser thereof, as supplemented, amended and/or restated from time to time (referred to hereinafter as the “Articles of Incorporation” and “By-Laws,” respectively) and with the instructions and directions received in writing from the Adviser or the Directors of the Company and will conform to, and comply with, the requirements of the 1940 Act, Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (subject to the obligations of the Adviser set forth below), and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Without limiting the preceding sentence, the Adviser promptly shall notify the Subadviser as to any act or omission of the Subadviser hereunder that the Adviser reasonably deems to constitute or to be the basis of any noncompliance or nonconformance with any of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Prospectus and the SAI, the instructions and directions received in writing from the Adviser or the Directors of the Company, the 1940 Act, the Code, or any other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser shall remain responsible for ensuring the Fund’s overall compliance with the 1940 Act, the Code and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations and the Subadviser is only obligated to comply with this subsection (b) with respect to the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser timely will provide the Subadviser with a copy of the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company to the extent they may affect the Fund or the services of the Subadviser, copies of any financial statements or reports made by the Fund to its shareholders, copies of the Prospectus, SAI and the Company’s Agreement and Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and any further materials or information which the Subadviser may reasonably request to enable it to perform its functions under this Agreement.

 

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The Adviser shall perform quarterly and annual tax compliance tests to ensure that the Fund is in compliance with Subchapter M of the Code. In this regard, the Adviser acknowledges that the Subadviser shall rely completely upon the Adviser’s determination of whether and to what extent the Fund is in compliance with Subchapter M of the Code and that the Subadviser has no separate and independent responsibility to test the Fund (or the Subadviser Assets) for such compliance. In connection with such compliance tests, the Adviser shall inform the Subadviser at least ten (10) business days prior to a calendar quarter end if the Subadviser Assets are out of compliance with the diversification requirements under Subchapter M. If the Adviser notifies the Subadviser that the Subadviser Assets are not in compliance with such requirements noted above; the Subadviser will use commercially reasonable efforts to bring the Subadviser Assets back into compliance within the time permitted under the Code.

 

The Adviser shall perform quarterly compliance tests to ensure that the Fund is in compliance with the diversification provisions of Section 817 of the Code and the regulations thereunder. In this regard, the Adviser acknowledges that the Subadviser shall rely completely upon the Adviser’s determination of whether and to what extent the Fund is in compliance with the diversification provisions of Section 817 and the regulations thereunder and that the Subadviser has no separate and independent responsibility to test the Fund (or the Subadviser Assets) for such compliance. In connection with such compliance tests, the Adviser shall inform the Subadviser no more than five (5) business days after the end of a calendar quarter if the Subadviser Assets are out of compliance with these diversification requirements. If the Adviser notifies the Subadviser that the Subadviser Assets are not in compliance with such requirements noted above, the Subadviser will use commercially reasonable efforts to bring the Subadviser Assets back into compliance within the time permitted under the Code.

 

The Adviser will provide the Subadviser with reasonable advance notice of any change in the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions as stated in the Prospectus and SAI, and the Subadviser shall, in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement, manage the Subadviser Assets consistent with such changes, provided that the Subadviser has received prompt notice of the effectiveness of such changes from the Company or the Adviser. In addition to such notice, the Adviser shall provide to the Subadviser a copy of any modified Prospectus and SAI reflecting such changes. The Adviser acknowledges and will ensure that the Prospectus and SAI will at all times be in compliance with all disclosure requirements under all applicable federal and state laws and regulations relating to the Fund, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Subadviser shall have no liability in connection therewith, except as to the accuracy of material information furnished in writing by the Subadviser to the Company or to the Adviser specifically for inclusion in the Prospectus and SAI. The Subadviser hereby agrees to provide to the Adviser in a timely manner following a request from the Adviser such information relating to the Subadviser and its relationship to, and actions for, the Company as may be required to be contained in the Prospectus, SAI or in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 and any amendments thereto.

 

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(c) Voting of Proxies and Class Actions. The Adviser hereby delegates to the Subadviser the Adviser’s discretionary authority to exercise voting rights with respect to the securities and other investments in the Subadviser Assets and authorizes the Subadviser to delegate further such discretionary authority to a designee identified in a notice given to the Company and the Adviser. The Subadviser, including without limitation its designee, shall have the power to vote, either in person or by proxy, all securities and other investments in which the Subadviser Assets may be invested from time to time, and shall not be required to seek or take instructions from, the Adviser or the Company or take any action with respect thereto. Such authorization shall include the ability to exercise authority with regard to corporate actions affecting investments in the Subadviser Assets.

 

The Subadviser has established a written procedure for proxy voting in compliance with current applicable rules and regulations, including but not limited to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act. The Subadviser will provide the Adviser, or its designee, a copy of such procedure and establish a process for the timely distribution of the Subadviser’s voting record with respect to the Fund’s securities and other information necessary for the Fund to complete information required by Form N-2 under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Form N-PX under the 1940 Act, and Form N-CSR under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, respectively.

 

The Subadviser will not take any action or render any advice with respect to any assets held by the Fund that are named in or subject to any class action. The Adviser will instruct the custodian bank and all other applicable parties not to forward to the Subadviser any information concerning such actions.

 

(d) Power of Attorney. The Subadviser is hereby appointed the Adviser’s and the Company’s agent and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority for the Adviser and the Company and on their respective behalf to buy, sell and otherwise deal in securities, investment instruments and contracts relating to the same with respect to the Subadviser Assets. The Adviser and the Company further grant to the Subadviser as their agent and attorney-in-fact the power and authority to do and perform every act necessary and proper to be done in the exercise of the foregoing powers as fully as the Adviser or the Company might or could do if personally present. This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall terminate only on termination of this Agreement. The Subadviser agrees to provide the Adviser and the Company, upon request, with copies of any such agreements executed on behalf of the Adviser or the Company.

 

(e) Brokerage.  The Subadviser is authorized, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the plenary authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, to establish and maintain accounts on behalf of the Fund with, and place orders for the investment and reinvestment, including without limitation purchase and sale, of the Subadviser Assets with or through such persons, brokers (including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any broker affiliated with the Subadviser) or dealers (collectively “Brokers”) as the Subadviser may elect and negotiate commissions to be paid on such transactions. The Subadviser, however, is not required to obtain the consent of the Adviser or the Company’s Board of Directors prior to establishing any such brokerage account. The Subadviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio investments for the Fund’s account with Brokers selected by the Subadviser. In the selection of such Brokers and the placing of such orders, the Subadviser shall seek to obtain for the Fund the most favorable price and execution available under the circumstances, except to the extent it may be permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for brokerage and research services, as provided below. It is expressly acknowledged that the Subadviser will not be obligated to solicit competitive bids for each transaction or to seek the lowest available commission cost. In using its reasonable efforts to obtain for the Fund the most favorable price and execution available under the circumstances, the Subadviser, bearing in mind the best interests of the Fund at all times, shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including but not limited to price, the size of the transaction, the breadth and nature of the market for the security, the difficulty of the execution, the amount of the commission, if any, the timing of the transaction, market prices and trends, the reputation, experience and financial stability of the Broker involved, and the quality of service rendered by the Broker in other transactions. The Subadviser shall not consider a Broker’s sale of Fund shares when selecting the Broker to execute trades. Neither the Company nor the Adviser shall instruct the Subadviser to place orders with any particular Broker(s) with respect to the Subadviser Assets. Subject to such policies as the Directors may determine, or as may be mutually agreed to by the Adviser and the Subadviser, the Subadviser is authorized but not obligated to cause, and shall not be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty created by this Agreement or otherwise solely by reason of its having caused, the Fund to pay a Broker that provides brokerage and research services (within the meaning of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Subadviser an amount of commission for effecting a Subadviser Assets investment transaction that is in excess of the amount of commission that another Broker would have charged for effecting that transaction if, but only if, the Subadviser determines in good faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such Broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibility of the Subadviser with respect to the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion. It is recognized that the services provided by such Brokers may be useful to the Subadviser in connection with the Subadviser’s services to other clients.

 

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On occasions when the Subadviser determines to purchase or sell a security or other investment for the Fund with respect to the Subadviser Assets as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities or other investments to be sold or purchased if in the Subadviser’s reasonable judgment such aggregation would result in an overall economic benefit to the Subadviser Assets, taking into consideration the advantageous selling or purchase price, brokerage commissions and other expenses. The Adviser acknowledges that the determination of such economic benefit to the Fund by the Subadviser represents the Subadviser’s evaluation that the Fund is benefited by relatively better purchase or sales prices, lower commission expenses and beneficial timing of transactions or a combination of these and other factors. In any single transaction in which purchases and or sales of securities of any issuer for the account of the Fund are aggregated with other accounts managed by the Subadviser, determinations will be made in accordance with the Subadviser’s then-current procedures governing trade allocations. In such event, allocation of securities so sold or purchased, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients. It is recognized that in some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for, or disposed of by, the Fund with respect to the Subadviser Assets.

 

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(f) Securities Transactions . The Subadviser and any affiliated person of the Subadviser may purchase securities or other instruments from or sell securities or other instruments to the Fund only if such transaction is permissible under applicable laws and regulations, including, without limitation, the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

The Subadviser, on its own behalf and with respect to its Access Persons (as defined in subsection (e) of Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act), agrees to observe and comply with Rule 17j-1 and its Code of Ethics (which shall comply in all material respects with Rule 17j-1), as the same may be amended from time to time. On at least an annual basis, the Subadviser will comply with the reporting requirements of Rule 17j-1, which include (i) certifying to the Adviser and the Company that the Subadviser and its Access Persons have complied with the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics with respect to the Subadviser Assets and (ii) identifying any violations which have occurred with respect to the Subadviser Assets. The Subadviser will have also submitted its Code of Ethics for its initial approval by the Company’s Board of Directors no later than the date of execution of this Agreement and subsequently within six months of any material change thereto.

 

(g) Books and Records. The Subadviser shall maintain such separate detailed records as are required by applicable laws and regulations of all matters hereunder pertaining to the Subadviser Assets (the “Fund’s Records”), including, without limitation, brokerage and other records of all securities transactions. The Subadviser acknowledges that the Fund’s Records are property of the Company, except to the extent that the Subadviser is required to maintain the Fund’s Records under the Advisers Act or other applicable law and except that the Subadviser, at its own expense, is entitled to make and keep a copy of the Fund’s Records for its internal files. The Fund’s Records shall be available to the Adviser or the Company at any time upon reasonable request during normal business hours and shall be available for telecopying promptly to the Adviser during any day that the Fund is open for business as set forth in the Prospectus.

 

(h) Information Concerning Subadviser Assets and Subadviser. From time to time as the Adviser or the Company reasonably may request in good faith, the Subadviser will furnish the Adviser or the Company with reports on portfolio transactions and reports on the Subadviser Assets, all in such reasonable detail as the parties may reasonably agree in good faith. The Subadviser will also inform the Adviser in a timely manner of material changes in portfolio managers responsible for Subadviser Assets or any material changes in the control or management of the Subadviser. Upon the Company’s or the Adviser’s reasonable request, the Subadviser will make available its officers and employees to meet with the Company’s Board of Directors to review the Subadviser Assets via telephone on a quarterly basis and on a less frequent basis in person as agreed upon by the parties. The Subadviser will upon reasonable request provide the Adviser with information regarding the pricing of particular securities or obligations identified by the Adviser that are included among the Subadviser Assets (based on the Subadviser’s own pricing policies), it being understood and agreed that (i) the responsibility for pricing any such securities or obligations to calculate the Fund’s net asset value or for any other purpose remains the sole responsibility of the Adviser and (ii) the Subadviser will have no liability to the Adviser or the Fund or any of the Fund’s shareholders for any assistance provided in connection with the pricing of securities or obligations. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Subadviser will also provide such information or perform such additional acts as may reasonably be requested by the Adviser with respect to the Subadviser Assets for the Company or the Adviser to comply with their respective obligations under applicable laws, including without limitation, the Code, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, and the Securities Act, and any rule or regulation thereunder.

 

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(i) Custody Arrangements. The Company or the Adviser shall notify the Subadviser of the identities of the Company’s custodian banks and the custody arrangements therewith with respect to the Subadviser Assets and shall give the Subadviser sixty (60) days’ advance written notice of any changes in such custodian banks or custody arrangements. The Subadviser shall, on each business day, provide the Adviser and the Company’s custodian such information as the Adviser and the Company’s custodian may reasonably request in good faith relating to all transactions on such business day concerning the Subadviser Assets. The Company shall instruct its custodian banks to (i) carry out all investment instructions as may be directed by the Subadviser with respect to the Subadviser Assets (which instructions may be orally given if confirmed in writing); and (ii) provide the Subadviser with all operational information necessary for the Subadviser to purchase, sell, trade or otherwise act with respect to the Subadviser Assets on behalf of the Fund. The Subadviser shall have no liability for the acts or omissions of the authorized custodian(s), unless such act or omission is required by and taken in reliance upon instructions given to the authorized custodian(s) by a representative of the Subadviser properly authorized (pursuant to written instruction by the Adviser) to give such instructions.

 

3. Independent Contractor . In the performance of its services hereunder, the Subadviser is and shall be an independent contractor and unless otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise authorized in writing, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Fund or the Adviser in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund or the Adviser.

 

4. Expenses . During the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser will provide, at its own expense, the office space, furnishings and equipment and personnel required by it to perform the services on the terms and for the compensation provided herein, but shall not bear any expenses in connection with its activities under this Agreement that are not customarily regarded as overhead costs for an investment manager. The Subadviser shall not be responsible for the Fund’s or Adviser’s expenses, which shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of securities, commodities and other investments (including brokerage commissions and other transaction charges, if any) purchased for the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith, expenses of holding or carrying Subadviser Assets, including, without limitation, expenses of dividends on stock borrowed to cover a short sale and interest, fees or other charges incurred in connection with leverage and related borrowings with respect to the Subadviser Assets, organizational and offering expenses (which include, but are not limited to, out-of- pocket expenses, but not overhead or employee costs of the Subadviser); expenses for legal, accounting and auditing services (which include, but are not limited to, services provided in connection with the workout of securities or obligations held by the Fund); taxes and governmental fees; dues and expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; costs of printing and distributing shareholder reports, proxy materials, prospectuses, stock certificates and distribution of dividends; charges of the Fund’s custodians and sub-custodians, administrators and sub-administrators, registrars, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents and dividend reinvestment plan agents; payment for portfolio pricing services to a pricing agent, if any; registration and filing fees of the SEC; expenses of registering or qualifying securities of the Fund for sale in the various states; freight and other charges in connection with the shipment or movement of the Fund’s portfolio securities; fees and expenses of Directors; salaries of shareholder relations personnel; costs of shareholders meetings; insurance; interest; brokerage costs; and litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary or non- recurring expenses. The Company or the Adviser, as the case may be, shall reimburse the Subadviser for any expenses of the Fund or the Adviser as may be reasonably incurred by such Subadviser on behalf of the Fund or the Adviser. The Subadviser shall keep and supply to the Company and the Adviser reasonable records of all such expenses.

 

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5. Investment Analysis and Commentary . The Subadviser will provide quarterly performance analysis and market commentary (the “Investment Report”) during the term of this Agreement. The Investment Reports are due within fifteen (15) business days after the end of each quarter. In addition, interim Investment Reports may be issued at such times as may be mutually agreed upon by the Adviser and Subadviser. The subject of each Investment Report shall be mutually agreed upon, which agreement shall not prohibit the Adviser from publicly distributing the same or similar information as is contained within the Investment Report. Each Investment Report will remain the property of the Subadviser and shall not be distributed or reproduced without the Subadviser’s prior written consent. For the avoidance of doubt, no Investment Report shall be deemed a “work for hire” and no rights in any such report shall attach to the Adviser or the Company.

 

6. Compensation . For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the Subadviser is entitled to an annual fee equal to the amounts described in Schedule A attached hereto. Such fee will be computed daily and paid no later than the tenth (10th) business day following the end of each month by the Adviser, calculated at an annual rate based on the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund (as defined in the Fund’s prospectus) and will provide the Subadviser with a schedule showing the manner in which the fee was computed. Managed Assets of the Fund shall be valued consistently with the valuation of such assets in determining net asset value as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and/or SAI. If this Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of a month with respect to the Fund, the aforesaid fee shall be prorated for the portion of such month during which this Agreement is in effect for the Fund. Expense caps or fee waivers for the Fund that may be agreed to by the Manager, but not agreed to in writing by the Subadvisor, shall not cause a reduction in the amount of the payment to the Subadvisor.

 

7. Representations and Warranties of Subadviser . The Subadviser represents and warrants to the Adviser and the Company as follows:

 

(a) The Subadviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act;

 

(b) The Subadviser is a limited liability company duly organized and properly registered and operating under the laws of the State of Delaware with the power to own and possess its assets and carry on its business as it is now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted hereunder; and

 

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

 

(d)  T he Subadviser is not providing commodity interest trading advice with respect to the Fund.

 

8. Representations and Warranties of Adviser. The Adviser represents and warrants to the Subadviser as follows:

 

(a) The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act;

 

(b) The Adviser is a limited liability company duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with the power to own and possess its assets and carry on its business as it is now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted hereunder;

 

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

 

(d) It received a copy of the Subadviser’s Form ADV Part 2A and the applicable Form ADV Part 2B prior to the execution of this Agreement;

 

(e) The Adviser and the Company have duly entered into the Management Agreement pursuant to which the Company authorized the Adviser to delegate certain of its duties under the Management Agreement to other investment advisers, including without limitation, the appointment of a subadviser with respect to assets of the Fund and the Adviser’s entering into and performing this Agreement; and

 

(f) The Fund is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act by virtue of being a member of a “family of funds” as defined in Rule 144A.

 

(g) The Adviser has claimed the CPO exclusion in Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) Regulation 4.5 with respect to the Fund and will file the notice required under CFTC Regulation 4.5 with respect to the Fund and will annually reaffirm such notice filing on behalf of the Fund as required by CFTC Regulation 4.5. The Adviser further represents, warrants and covenants that the Fund is, and until this Agreement is terminated will remain, an “eligible contract participant” within the meaning of Section 1a(18) of the CEA.

 

9.  Survival of Representations and Warranties; Duty to Update Information . All representations and warranties made by the Subadviser and the Adviser pursuant to the recitals above and Sections 7 and 8, respectively, shall survive for the duration of this Agreement and the parties hereto shall promptly notify each other in writing upon becoming aware that any of the foregoing representations and warranties are no longer true or accurate in all material aspects.

 

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10. Liability and Indemnification .

 

(a)  Liability . The Subadviser shall exercise that level of judgment required of others in a similar position in rendering its services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, but otherwise, in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Subadviser, each of its affiliates and all respective partners, officers, directors and employees (“Affiliates”) and each person, if any, who within the meaning of the Securities Act controls the Subadviser (“Controlling Persons”), if any, shall not be subject to any expenses or liability to the Adviser or the Fund or any of the Fund’s shareholders, in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, including without limitation for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of Subadviser Assets. The Adviser shall exercise that level of judgment required of others in a similar position in rendering its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, but otherwise (except as set forth in Section 11(c) below), in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser, any of its Affiliates and each of the Adviser’s Controlling Persons, if any, shall not be subject to any liability to the Subadviser, for any act or omission in the case of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of Subadviser Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall relieve the Adviser and the Subadviser from any of their obligations under applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws.

 

(b)  Indemnification . The Subadviser shall indemnify the Adviser and the Fund, and their respective Affiliates and Controlling Persons for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which the Adviser and/or the Fund and their respective Affiliates and Controlling Persons sustain as a result of the Subadviser’s willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence, or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws. Unless otherwise obligated under applicable law, the Subadviser shall not be liable for indirect, punitive, special or consequential damages arising out of this Agreement.

 

The Adviser shall indemnify the Subadviser, its Affiliates and its Controlling Persons, for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, sustained as a result of the Adviser’s willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws.

 

The Company shall indemnify the Subadviser, its Affiliates and its Controlling Persons to the fullest extent permitted by law (taking into account any exemptive relief granted to the Company) against any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, sustained as a result of any (i) willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws, by the Company, (ii) untrue statement of a material fact in the Fund’s registration statement relating to shares of the Fund or any other sales materials relating to the Fund or (iii) omission of a material fact required to have been included in such registration statement or sales material, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) the statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information provided by the Subadviser to the Adviser or the Fund for use in the registration statement or sales material.

 

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(c)  Acts of the Adviser . The Subadviser shall not be liable to the Adviser, the Fund or their respective shareholders or Controlling Persons for acts of the Subadviser which result from acts of the Adviser, including, but not limited to, a failure of the Adviser to provide accurate and current information with respect to any records maintained by the Adviser, which records are not also maintained by or otherwise available to the Subadviser upon reasonable request. Without limiting the indemnity set forth in subsection (b) above, the Adviser shall indemnify the Subadviser, its Affiliates and its Controlling Persons, for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, sustained as a result of the Adviser’s failure to provide accurate and current information with respect to any records maintained by the Adviser, which records are not also maintained by or otherwise available to the Subadviser upon reasonable request.

 

11. Duration and Termination .

 

(a)  Duration . Unless sooner terminated, this Agreement shall continue for an initial period of no more than two years following the Effective Date of this Agreement, and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods with respect to the Fund, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Company’s Board of Directors or vote of the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting if holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund; provided that in either event its continuance also is approved by a majority of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

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

 

(i) By vote of a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors, or by “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), or by the Adviser, in each case, upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser;

 

(ii) By any party hereto upon written notice to the other party in the event of a material breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party if the material breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of the material breach; or

 

(iii) By the Subadviser upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Company.

This Agreement shall not be assigned (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) and shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment or upon the termination of the Management Agreement. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the right of the Subadviser to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the compensation described in Section 6 earned prior to such termination and for any additional period during which the Subadviser serves as such for the Company, subject to applicable law.

 

12.   Duties of the Adviser . The Adviser shall continue to have responsibility for all services to be provided to the Fund pursuant to the Management Agreement and shall oversee and review the Subadviser’s performance of its duties under this Agreement. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall obligate the Adviser to provide any funding or other support for the purpose of directly or indirectly promoting investments in a Fund.

 

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13. Reference to Adviser and Subadviser .

 

(a) During the term of this Agreement only, the Subadviser grants, subject to the conditions below, the Adviser a limited, non- exclusive rights to use, display and promote trademarks of the Subadviser solely in conjunction with any activity associated with the Fund. In addition, the Adviser may promote the identity of and services provided by the Subadviser to the Adviser, which references shall not differ in substance from those included in the Prospectus, SAI and this Agreement, in any advertising or promotional materials. The Adviser shall protect the goodwill and reputation of the Subadviser in connection with marketing and promotion of the Fund. The Adviser shall submit to the Subadviser for its review and approval all such public informational or sales materials relating to the Fund (including, without limitation, prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to shareholders) that refer in any way to the Subadviser or refer to or contain any recognizable variant or any registered mark or logo or other proprietary designation of the Subadviser. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Subadviser and notice of approval or disapproval will be provided promptly.

 

(b) Neither the Subadviser nor any Affiliate or agent of the Subadviser shall make reference to or use the name of the Adviser or any of its Affiliates, or any of their clients, except references concerning the identity of and services provided by the Subadviser to the Fund or to the Adviser, which references shall not differ in substance from those included in the Prospectus, SAI and this Agreement, in any advertising or promotional materials without the prior approval of Adviser, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and notice of approval or disapproval will be provided promptly. Subsequent advertising or promotional materials having very substantially the same form as previously approved by the Adviser may be used by the Subadviser without obtaining the Adviser’s consent unless such consent is withdrawn in writing by the Adviser. The Subadviser hereby agrees to make all reasonable efforts to cause any Affiliate of the Subadviser to satisfy the foregoing obligation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser acknowledges and agrees that the Subadviser may identify the Adviser as a client of the Subadviser, which identification may include a statement describing the Subadviser’s role with respect to the Adviser and the Fund.

 

14.  Amendment; Waiver . This Agreement may be amended by mutual written consent of the parties, provided that the terms of any material amendment shall be approved by: (a) to the extent required by the 1940 Act, the Company’s Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as required by the 1940 Act), and (b) the vote of a majority of those Directors of the Company who are not “interested persons” of any party to this Agreement cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, if such approval is required by applicable law. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising on the part of any party hereto, of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof.

 

15.  Confidentiality . Each party hereto shall keep confidential and shall not disclose any and all information obtained in connection with the services rendered hereunder and relating to the other party (and in the case of the Adviser, the Fund) without the consent of such party, except to the extent that such disclosure meets one of the following conditions:

 

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(a)  Law or Regulation . The disclosure is necessary to comply with applicable law or regulation or the rules or regulations of any self-regulatory organization or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Subadviser, the Adviser or the Fund;

 

(b)  Court or Regulatory Authority . Disclosure of such information is expressly required or requested by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction or applicable federal or state regulatory authorities;

 

(c)  Publicly Known Without Breach . Such information becomes known to the general public without a breach of this Agreement or a similar confidential disclosure agreement regarding such information;

 

(d)  Already Known . Such information already was known by the party prior to the date of this Agreement or becomes known to it from a source other than the other party (which source is not known to the recipient to be violating an obligation of confidentiality);

 

(e)  Received From Third Party . Such information was or is hereafter rightfully received by the party from a third party (expressly excluding the Fund’s custodian, prime broker and administrator) without restriction on its disclosure and without breach of this Agreement or of a similar confidential disclosure agreement regarding them;

 

(f)  Independently Developed . The party independently developed such information; or

 

(g)  Disclosure to Representatives . The disclosure is made to the party’s attorneys, accountants, service providers, officers, employees, advisory personnel, directors, trustees, partners or affiliates (“Representatives”), provided that such Representatives shall protect the confidentiality of such information pursuant to this paragraph 15 and each party shall remain liable for any breaches by its Representatives who are provided with confidential information.

 

In addition, the Subadviser and its officers, directors and employees are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the Fund, in exchange for disclosing the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

 

16.  Non-Exclusive Services . The Subadviser is free to act for its own account and to provide to others services similar to those to be provided hereunder. The Adviser acknowledges that the Subadviser and its partners, principals, officers, employees and agents, and the Subadviser’s other clients, may at any time have, acquire, increase, decrease or dispose of positions in the same investments which are at the time being held, acquired for or disposed of under this Agreement for the Fund. The Adviser agrees that the Subadviser may give advice and take action in the performances of its duties with respect to any of its other clients which may differ from advice given or the timing or nature of action taken with respect to the Subadviser Assets.

 

17.  Miscellaneous . No person other than the Fund, the Adviser, and the Subadviser is a party to this Agreement or shall be entitled to any right or benefit arising under or in respect of this Agreement; there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be read to, (i) create in any person other than the Fund (including without limitation any shareholder in the Fund) any direct, indirect, derivative, or other rights against the Adviser or Subadviser, or (ii) create or give rise to any duty or obligation on the part of the Adviser or Subadviser (including without limitation any fiduciary duty) to any person other than the Fund, all of which rights, benefits, duties, and obligations are hereby expressly excluded.

 

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18.  Additional Information . Without limiting any other provision of this Agreement, the Adviser and the Fund shall furnish such other information with regard to their affairs as the Subadviser may reasonably request.

 

19.  Notice . Any notice that is required to be given by the parties to each other under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered, or mailed postpaid to the other parties, to the parties at the following addresses, which may from time to time be changed by the parties by notice to the other party:

 

If to the Subadviser:

 

MacKay Shields, LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

43rd Floor

New York, NY 10105

Attention: General Counsel

Phone: 212-758-5400

If to the Adviser:

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 645

Chicago, Illinois 60654

Attention: General Counsel

Phone: 312-445-2251

 

20.  Jurisdiction . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

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

 

22.  Certain Definitions . For the purposes of this Agreement and except as otherwise provided herein, “interested person,” “affiliated person,” and “assignment” shall have their respective meanings as set forth in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC.

 

23.  Captions . The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof.

 

24.  Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision or applicable law, the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected adversely and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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25.  Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with all exhibits, attachments and appendices, contains the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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

 

ADVISER    
RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC  
     
BY:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    
     
SUBADVISER    
MACKAY SHIELDS LLC  
     
BY:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    
     
FUND    
RIVERNORTH OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.
     
BY:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    

 

 

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SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

between RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”),

and MacKay Shields, LLC (the “Subadviser”)

 

SCHEDULE A

 

FUNDS TO BE SERVICED ANNUAL FEE
RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

20 basis points (or .20%) of the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund (as defined in the Fund’s prospectus)

 

Fee payment:

 

Adviser will pay the fee to the Subadviser by wire transfer as follows:

 

MacKay Shields LLC
Account No. 8901282006
Bank of New York Mellon New York, New York, USA
ABA No.: 021 000 018
SWIFT No.: IRVTUS3N

 

Any changes to the Subadviser’s wire instructions, if necessary, shall be communicated to Adviser in writing by the current head of the Subadviser’s Client Services Department.

 

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RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

[•] Shares of Common Stock

Par Value $0.0001 Per Share

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

 

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

UBS Securities LLC

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company

B. Riley Wealth Management, Inc.

CIM Securities, LLC

D.A. Davidson & Co.

Incapital LLC

Janney Montgomery Scott

Ladenburg Thalmann

Newbridge Securities Corporation

Wedbush Securities Inc.

 

c/o UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland (the “ Fund ”), proposes to issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule A annexed hereto (the “ Underwriters ”) an aggregate of [•] shares of common stock (the “ Firm Shares ”), par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Common Shares ”), of the Fund. In addition, solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, the Fund proposes to grant to the Underwriters the option to purchase from the Fund up to an additional [•] Common Shares (the “ Additional Shares ”). The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively sometimes referred to as the “ Shares .” The Shares are described in the Prospectus which is defined below. UBS Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company (the “ Managing Representatives ”) will act as managing representatives for the Underwriters in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares.

 

The Fund has filed, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively called the “ Securities Act ”), and with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively called the “ Investment Company Act ”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-226273 and 811-23366), including a prospectus and a statement of additional information, relating to the Shares. In addition, the Fund has filed a Notification of Registration on Form N-8A (the “ Notification ”) pursuant to Section 8 of the Investment Company Act.

 

 

 

Except where the context otherwise requires, “ Preliminary Prospectus ,” as used herein, means each prospectus (including the statement of additional information incorporated therein by reference) included in such registration statement, or amendment thereof, before it became effective under the Securities Act and any prospectus (including the statement of additional information incorporated therein by reference) filed with the Commission by the Fund with the consent of the Managing Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, pursuant to Rule 497(a) under the Securities Act.

 

Except where the context otherwise requires, “ Registration Statement ,” as used herein, means the registration statement, as amended at the time of such registration statement’s effectiveness for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act, as such section applies to the respective Underwriters (the “ Effective Time ”), including (i) all documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, (ii) any information contained in a prospectus subsequently filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act and deemed to be part of the registration statement at the Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, and (iii) any registration statement filed to register the offer and sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act.

 

Except where the context otherwise requires, “ Prospectus ,” as used herein, means the final prospectus (including the statement of additional information incorporated therein by reference) as filed by the Fund with the Commission (i) pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act on or before the second business day after the date hereof (or such earlier time as may be required under the Securities Act) or (ii) pursuant to Rule 497(c) under the Securities Act on or before the fifth business day after the date hereof (or such earlier time as may be required under the Securities Act), or, if no such filing is required, the final prospectus (including the final statement of additional information) included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Time, in each case in the form furnished by the Fund to you for use by the Underwriters and by dealers in connection with the confirmation of sales in the offering of the Shares.

 

Pricing Prospectus ” means the Preliminary Prospectus, dated [•], 2018, including the statement of additional information incorporated therein by reference.

 

Pricing Information ” means the information relating to (i) the number of Shares issued and (ii) the offering price of the Shares included on the cover page of the Prospectus.

 

Disclosure Package ” means the Pricing Prospectus taken together with the Pricing Information.

 

Sales Materials ” means those advertising materials, sales literature or other promotional materials or documents, if any, constituting an advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act authorized or prepared by the Fund or authorized or prepared on behalf of the Fund by the Investment Adviser (as defined below), the Sub-Adviser (as defined below) or any representative thereof for use in connection with the public offering or sale of the Shares; provided , howeve r, that Sales Materials do not include any slides, tapes or other materials or documents that constitute a “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) used in connection with a “road show” or a “bona fide electronic road show” (each as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act) related to the offering of Shares contemplated hereby (collectively, “ Road Show Materials ”).

 

 

 

Applicable Time ” means the time as of which this Underwriting Agreement was entered into, which shall be [•] p.m. (New York City time) on the date of this Underwriting Agreement (or such other time as is agreed to by the Fund and the Managing Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters).

 

The Fund has prepared and filed, in accordance with Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “ Exchange Act ”), a registration statement (as amended, the “ Exchange Act Registration Statement ”) on Form 8-A (File No. 001-38684) under the Exchange Act to register, under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, the class of securities consisting of the Common Shares.

 

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Investment Adviser ”), will act as the Fund’s investment adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Fund and the Investment Adviser, dated as of [•], 2018 (the “ Investment Advisory Agreement ”). MacKay Shields LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Sub-Adviser ,” and together with the Investment Adviser, the “ Advisers ”), will act as the Fund’s sub-adviser pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement by and between the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, dated as of [•], 2018 (the “ Subadvisory Agreement ”). State Street Bank and Trust Company will act as the custodian (the “ Custodian ”) of the Fund’s cash and portfolio assets pursuant to the Master Custodian Agreement, dated as of [•], 2018 (the “ Custodian Agreement ”). DST Systems, Inc. will act as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar, and dividend disbursing agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”) pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, dated as of [•], 2018 (the “ Transfer Agency Agreement ”). ALPS Fund Services, Inc. will act as the Fund’s administrator (the “ Administrator ”) pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement dated [•], 2018 (the “ Administration Agreement ”). The Investment Adviser has entered into a Structuring Fee Agreement with UBS Securities dated [•], 2018 (the “ UBS Agreement ”), Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC dated [•], 2018 (the “ Morgan Stanley Agreement ”), Wells Fargo Securities, LLC dated [•], 2018 (the “ Wells Fargo Agreement ”), RBC Capital Markets, LLC dated [•], 2018 (the “ RBC Agreement ”) and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company dated [•], 2018 (the “ Stifel Agreement ”). The Investment Advisor has also entered into an Incentive Fee Agreement with B. Riley Wealth Management, Inc. dated [•], 2018 (the “ B. Riley Agreement ”), CIM Securities, LLC dated [•], 2018 (the “ CIM Agreement ”), D.A. Davidson & Co. dated [•], 2018 (the “ D.A. Davidson Agreement ”), Incapital LLC dated [•], 2018 (the “ Incapital Agreement ”), Janney Montgomery Scott dated [•], 2018 (the “ Janney Agreement ”), Ladenburg Thalmann dated [•], 2018 (the “ Ladenburg Agreement ”), Newbridge Securities Corporation dated [•], 2018 (the “ Newbridge Agreement ”) and Webush Securities, Inc. dated [•], 2018 (the “ Wedbush Agreement ” and together with the UBS Agreement, the Morgan Stanley Agreement, the Wells Fargo Agreement, the RBC Agreement, the Stifel Agreement, the B. Riley Agreement, the CIM Agreement, the D.A. Davidson Agreement, the Incapital Agreement, the Janney Agreement and the Ladenburg Agreement, the “ Fee Agreements ”).

 

 

 

The Fund and the Investment Adviser have entered into a Subscription Agreement dated as of [•], 2018 (the “ Subscription Agreement ”). In addition, the Fund has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (the “ Dividend Reinvestment Plan ”) pursuant to which holders of Shares may have their dividends automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund unless they elect to receive such dividends in cash.

 

As used in this Underwriting Agreement, “ business day ” shall mean a day on which the New York Stock Exchange (the “ NYSE ”) is open for trading. The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereinafter” and similar terms, as used in this Underwriting Agreement, shall in each case refer to this Underwriting Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph, sentence or other subdivision of this Underwriting Agreement. The term “ or ,” as used herein, is not exclusive.

 

The Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Underwriters agree as follows:

 

1. Sale and Purchase . Upon the basis of the warranties and representations and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Fund agrees to sell to the respective Underwriters and each of the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Fund the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule A attached hereto in each case at a purchase price of $20.00 per Share (the “ Purchase Price ”). The Fund is advised that the Underwriters intend (i) to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Firm Shares as soon after the Effective Time as is advisable and (ii) initially to offer the Firm Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus. The Underwriters may from time to time increase or decrease the public offering price after the initial public offering to such extent as they may determine.

 

In addition, the Fund hereby grants to the several Underwriters the option to purchase, and upon the basis of the warranties and representations and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, from the Fund, ratably in accordance with the number of Firm Shares to be purchased by each of them, all or a portion of the Additional Shares as may be necessary to cover over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares, at the Purchase Price less an amount per Share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Fund paid and payable on the Firm Shares, but not payable on the Additional Shares. This option may be exercised by the Managing Representatives on behalf of the several Underwriters at any time and from time to time on or before the forty-fifth (45 th ) day following the date hereof, by written notice to the Fund. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Additional Shares as to which the option is being exercised, and the date and time when the Additional Shares are to be paid for and delivered (such date and time being herein referred to as the (“ Additional Shares Closing Time ”); provided , however , that the Additional Shares Closing Time shall not be earlier than the Firm Shares Closing Time (as defined below) nor earlier than the second business day after the date on which the option shall have been exercised no later than the tenth business day after the date of such notice. The number of Additional Shares to be sold to each Underwriter shall be the number that bears the same proportion to the aggregate number of Additional Shares being purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule A hereto bears to the total number of Firm Shares (subject, in each case, to such adjustment to eliminate fractional shares as the Managing Representatives may determine).

 

 

 

2. Payment and Delivery . Payment of the aggregate Purchase Price for the Firm Shares shall be made by the Underwriters to the Fund by Federal Funds wire transfer, against delivery of the Firm Shares to the Representatives through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company for the respective accounts of the Underwriters. Such payment and delivery shall be made at a time mutually agreed upon by the parties on the third business day following the date of this Underwriting Agreement (unless another date shall be agreed to by the Fund and the Managing Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters). The time at which such payment and delivery are actually made is hereinafter sometimes called the “ Firm Shares Closing Time .” Certificates, if any, for the Firm Shares shall be delivered to the Representatives in definitive form in such names and in such denominations as the Representatives shall specify on the second business day preceding the Firm Shares Closing Time. If the Firm Shares are to be certificated, for the purpose of expediting the checking of the certificates, if any, for the Firm Shares by the Representatives, the Fund agrees to make such certificates, if any, available to the Representatives for such purpose at least one full business day preceding the Firm Shares Closing Time.

 

Payment of the purchase price for the Additional Shares shall be made at the Additional Shares Closing Time in the same manner and at the same office as the payment for the Firm Shares. Certificates, if any, for the Additional Shares shall be delivered to the Representatives in definitive form in such names and in such denominations as the Representatives shall specify no later than the second business day preceding the Additional Shares Closing Time. If the Additional Shares, if any, are to be certificated, for the purpose of expediting the checking of the certificates, if any, for the Additional Shares by the Representatives, the Fund agrees to make such certificates, if any, available to the Representatives for such purpose at least one full business day preceding the Additional Shares Closing Time. The Firm Shares Closing Time and the Additional Shares Closing Time are sometimes referred to herein as the “ Closing Times .”

 

3. Representations and Warranties of the Fund and the Advisers . Each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser jointly and severally represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date of this Underwriting Agreement, as of the Applicable Time, as of the Firm Shares Closing Time and as of each Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, as follows:

 

(a) (i)(A) The Registration Statement has heretofore become effective under the Securities Act or, with respect to any registration statement to be filed to register the offer and sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, will be filed with the Commission and become effective under the Securities Act no later than 10:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date of determination of the public offering price for the Shares; (B) no stop order of the Commission preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or Sales Materials or of the Prospectus or the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, no revocation of registration has been issued and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or, to the Fund’s or such Adviser’s knowledge, are contemplated by the Commission; and (C) the Exchange Act Registration Statement has become effective as provided in Section 12 of the Exchange Act;

 

 

 

(ii)(A) The Registration Statement complied at the Effective Time, complies as of the date hereof and will comply, as amended or supplemented, at the Firm Shares Closing Time, at each Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, and at each and any time of a sale of Shares by an Underwriter during the period in which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with any sale of Shares, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act; (B) each Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus complied or will comply, at the time it was or is filed with the Commission, and the Prospectus complies as of its date and will comply, as amended or supplemented, at the Firm Shares Closing Time, at each Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, and at each and any time of a sale of Shares by an Underwriter during the period in which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with any sale of Shares, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, Section 10(a) of the Securities Act) and the Investment Company Act; (C) each Preliminary Prospectus and Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the public offering of the Shares was identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T; and (D) each of the Sales Materials complied, at the time it was first used in connection with the public offering of the Shares, and complies as of the date hereof, in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, Rule 482 thereunder), the Investment Company Act and the applicable rules and interpretations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”);

 

(iii)(A)(1) The Registration Statement as of the Effective Time did not, (2) the Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment thereto declared or deemed to be effective by the Commission) as of the date hereof does not, and (3) the Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment thereto declared or deemed to be effective by the Commission), as of the Firm Shares Closing Time and each Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, will not, in each case, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (B) at no time during the period that begins as of the Applicable Time and ends at the Firm Shares Closing Time did or will the Disclosure Package, as then amended or supplemented, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (C) at no time during the period that begins at the time each of the Sales Materials was first used in connection with the public offering of the Shares and ends at the Applicable Time did any of the Sales Materials (as materials deemed to be a prospectus under Section 10(b) of the Securities Act pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act), as then amended or supplemented, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and (D) at no time during the period that begins on the earlier of the date of the Prospectus and the date the Prospectus is filed with the Commission and ends at the latest of the Firm Shares Closing Time, the latest Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, and the end of the period during which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with any sale of Shares did or will the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided , however , that each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser makes no representation or warranty with respect to any statement contained in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information concerning an Underwriter furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Managing Representatives to the Fund expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials or the Prospectus as described in Section 9(f) hereof; and provided, further that if any event occurs during any of the periods referred to in clauses (B), (C) or (D) of this Section 3(a)(iii) as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus, the Disclosure Package or the Sales Materials, as applicable, in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and the Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials or the Prospectus, as applicable, is amended or supplemented in connection therewith in accordance with Section 5(d) of this Underwriting Agreement, such amendment or supplement shall be deemed, for purposes of this Section 3(a)(iii), to have been made contemporaneously with the occurrence of such event.

 

 

 

(b) The Fund (i) has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland; (ii) has full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and conduct its business and other activities conducted by it as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus; (ii) is duly licensed and qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it owns or leases property or in which the conduct of its business or other activity requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund; (iii) owns, possesses or has obtained and currently maintains all governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations (collectively, the “ Licenses and Permits ”), whether foreign or domestic, necessary to carry on its business as contemplated in the Registration Statement, Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus; (iv) has no subsidiaries; and (v) has made all necessary filings required under any applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, clause (v) of this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

 

 

(c) The capitalization of the Fund is as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus. The Common Shares conform to the description of them in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus. All the issued and outstanding Common Shares have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and conform to the description thereof in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus. The Shares to be issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with this Underwriting Agreement against payment therefor as provided by this Underwriting Agreement have been duly authorized and when issued and delivered to the Underwriters will have been validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable. The issuance of the Shares has been done in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and is not subject to any preemptive rights. No person is entitled to any preemptive or other similar rights with respect to the issuance of the Shares.

 

(d) The Fund is duly registered with the Commission under the Investment Company Act as a diversified, closed-end management investment company, no order of suspension or revocation of such registration has been issued or proceedings thereof initiated or, to the knowledge of the Fund or such Adviser, threatened by the Commission and, subject to the filing of any final amendment to the Registration Statement (a “ Final Amendment ”), if not already filed, all action under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, as the case may be, necessary to make the public offering and consummate the sale of the Shares as provided in this Underwriting Agreement has or will have been taken by the Fund; the provisions of the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act.

 

(e) The Fund has full power and authority to enter into each of this Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Custodian Agreement, the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (collectively, the “ Fund Agreements ”) and to perform all of the terms and provisions hereof and thereof to be carried out by it and (i) each Fund Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Fund, (ii) each Fund Agreement complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively called the “ Advisers Act ”), as the case may be, and (iii) assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, each Fund Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Fund enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, whether statutory or decisional, and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) and except as rights to indemnity thereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws.

 

(f) None of (i) the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of the Fund Agreements, (ii) the issuance and sale by the Fund of the Shares as contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement and (iii) the performance by the Fund of its obligations under any of the Fund Agreements or consummation by the Fund of the other transactions contemplated by the Fund Agreements (A) conflicts with or will conflict with, results in or will result in a breach or violation of, constitutes or will constitute a default or an event of default under, or results in or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Fund under, the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws or similar organizational documents of the Fund, or the terms and provisions of any agreement, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, insurance or surety agreement, lease or other instrument to which the Fund is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Fund is subject or (B) results in or will result in any violation of any order, law, rule or regulation of any court, governmental instrumentality, securities exchange or association or arbitrator, whether foreign or domestic, applicable to the Fund or having jurisdiction over the Fund’s properties, other than state securities or “blue sky” laws applicable in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement; which conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults under (A) and (B), either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

 

 

 

(g) The Fund is not currently in material breach of, or in material default under, any written agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or its property is bound or affected.

 

(h) There are no restrictions, limitations or regulations with respect to the ability of the Fund to invest its assets as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, other than as described therein.

 

(i) No person has any right to the registration of any securities of the Fund because of the filing of the registration statement with the Commission. No person has tag along rights or other similar rights to have any securities included in the offering contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement.

 

(j) No consent, approval, authorization, notification or order of, or filing with, or the issuance of any license or permit by, any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental or regulatory agency, commission, board, authority or body or with any self-regulatory organization, other non-governmental regulatory authority, securities exchange or association, whether foreign or domestic, is required by the Fund for the consummation by the Fund of the transactions to be performed by the Fund or the performance by the Fund of all the material terms and provisions to be performed by or on behalf of it in each case as contemplated in the Fund Agreements, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, except such as have been obtained and such as may be required (and shall be obtained prior to commencement of the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement) under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act or the Advisers Act, and may be required by the NYSE, FINRA or under state securities or “blue sky” laws, in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement.

 

 

 

(k) No transaction has occurred between or among the Fund and any of its officers or directors, stockholders or affiliates or any affiliate or affiliates of any such officer or director or stockholder or affiliate that is required to be described in and is not described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(l) Neither the Fund nor any employee or agent of the Fund has made any payment of funds of the Fund or received or retained any funds, which payment, receipt or retention of funds is of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, except as so disclosed. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(m) The Shares are duly authorized for listing, subject to official notice of issuance, on the NYSE and the Notification has become effective.

 

(n) Cohen & Company, Ltd. (“Cohen”) was engaged by the Fund to act as its independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the Investment Company Act. Cohen, whose report appears in the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm with respect to the Fund as required by the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act and the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

 

(o) The statement of assets and liabilities, together with any related notes or schedules thereto, included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus presents fairly in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis, the financial position of the Fund as of the dates or for the periods indicated and complies with all applicable accounting requirements under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act.

 

(p) Since the date as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (i) there has been no material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects, management, properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business; (ii) the Fund has not incurred any liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any transactions, other than in the ordinary course of business or incident to its organization; (iii) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made on any class of the Fund’s capital shares; and (iv) the Fund has not incurred any long-term debt.

 

 

 

(q) There is no action, suit, claim, inquiry, investigation or proceeding affecting the Fund or to which the Fund is a party before or by any court, commission, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental agency or body, whether foreign or domestic, now pending or, to the knowledge of the Fund or such Adviser, threatened against or affecting the Fund (except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus).

 

(r) There are no contracts, franchises or other documents that are of a character required to be described in, or that are required to be filed as exhibits to, the Registration Statement which are not described or filed as required.

 

(s) Except for stabilization transactions conducted by the Underwriters, and except for tender offers, Share repurchases and the issuance or purchase of Shares pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan effected following the date on which the distribution of the Shares is completed in accordance with the policies of the Fund as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, the Fund has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, or which will constitute, stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares in violation of applicable federal securities laws.

 

(t) The Fund intends to direct the investment of the proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and will qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.

 

(u) The Fund intends to direct the proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to comply with the asset coverage requirements of the Investment Company Act.

 

(v) The Fund has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of the (i) date of the last Closing Time and (ii) completion of the distribution of the Shares, will not distribute any offering materials in connection with the public offering or sale of the Shares other than the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package, the Sales Materials and the Prospectus. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(w) To the knowledge of the Fund or such Adviser after due inquiry, there are no Sales Materials other than the [•] and the [•], which were filed with FINRA on [ · ], 2018; and no Road Show Materials authorized or prepared by the Fund or authorized or prepared on behalf of the Fund by the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or any representative thereof for use in connection with the public offering or sale of the Shares contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

 

 

(x) No person is serving or acting as an officer, director or investment adviser of the Fund except in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any of them), no director of the Fund is (i) an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund or (ii) an “affiliated person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any Underwriter listed in Schedule A hereto.

 

(y) There are no transfer taxes or other similar fees or charges under federal law or the laws of any state, or any political subdivision thereof, required to be paid in connection with the execution and delivery of this Underwriting Agreement or the issuance by the Fund or sale by the Fund of the Shares.

 

(z) The Fund has (i) appointed a Chief Compliance Officer and (ii) adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the Federal Securities Laws (as that term is defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act) by the Fund, including policies and procedures that provide oversight of compliance for each investment adviser, administrator and transfer agent of the Fund.

 

(aa) Any statistical, demographic or market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Sales Materials or the Road Show Materials are based on or derived from sources that the Fund and the Advisers believe to be reliable and accurate in all material respects, and all such data included in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Sales Materials or the Road Show Materials accurately reflects the materials upon which it is based or from which it was derived.

 

(bb) The Fund is insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which it is engaged and which the Fund deems adequate; all policies of insurance insuring the Fund or its business, assets, employees, officers and directors, including the Fund’s directors and officers errors and omissions insurance policy and its fidelity bond required by Rule 17g-1 of the Investment Company Act, are in full force and effect; the Fund is in compliance with the terms of such policy and fidelity bond; and there are no claims by the Fund under any such policy or fidelity bond as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; the Fund has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Fund has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage and fidelity bond as and when such coverage and fidelity bond expires or to obtain similar coverage and fidelity bond from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business.

 

(cc) The Fund owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, adequate patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems, or procedures), trademarks, service marks, trade names or other intellectual property (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) necessary to carry on the business operated by the Fund, and the Fund has not received any notice or is not otherwise aware of any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property or of any facts or circumstances which would render any Intellectual Property invalid or inadequate to protect the interest of the Fund.

 

 

 

(dd) The Fund maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets through an asset reconciliation procedure or otherwise at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(ee) The Fund has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures; such disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 30a-3 under the Investment Company Act) are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Fund is made known to the Fund’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within the Fund, and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to perform the functions for which they were established; the Fund is not aware of any material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(ff) The Fund and its officers and directors, in their capacities as such, are in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”).

 

(gg) The Fund’s Board of Directors has validly appointed an audit committee whose composition satisfies the requirements of Rules 303A.06 and 303A.07(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual and the Board of Directors and/or the audit committee has adopted a charter that satisfies the requirements of Rule 303A.07(c) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

 

(hh) The Fund or, to the Fund’s or the Adviser’s knowledge, any other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Fund including, without limitation, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Fund, has not, directly or indirectly, while acting on behalf of the Fund (i) used any corporate funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity; (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds; (iii) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (“ FCPA ”); or (iv) made any other unlawful payment. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

 

 

(ii) Neither the Fund nor its subsidiaries or affiliates, will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of the FCPA or any applicable anti-corruption laws. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(jj) The operations of the Fund are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Fund with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Fund or such Adviser, threatened. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(kk) Neither the Fund nor, to the knowledge of the Fund or such Adviser, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Fund is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“ OFAC ”); and the Fund will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

(ll) All of the information provided to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters by the Fund, its officers and directors in connection with letters, filings or other supplemental information provided to FINRA pursuant to FINRA’s conduct rules is true, complete and correct. With respect to the Sub-Adviser, this representation is qualified and limited to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent a representation includes a statement regarding a party’s knowledge, belief, intention, awareness, or words of similar intent, such party is the only party making any representation regarding that statement. In addition, any certificate signed by any officer of the Fund or an Adviser and delivered to the Underwriters or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Fund or such Adviser, as applicable, as to matters covered thereby, to each Underwriter.

 

 

 

4. Representations and Warranties of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser . Each of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser represents, severally, as to itself only, to each Underwriter as of the date of this Underwriting Agreement, as of the Applicable Time, as of the Firm Shares Closing Time and as of each Additional Shares Closing Time, if any, as follows:

 

(a) Such Adviser (i) has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing as, in the case of the Investment Adviser, a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware and, in the case of the Sub-Adviser, a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware; (ii) has full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets, and conduct its business and other activities conducted by it as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus; (iii) is duly licensed and qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it owns or leases property or in which other activity requires such qualification; it is required to be so qualified, except to the extent that failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse affect on such Adviser’s ability to provide services to the Fund as contemplated by the Investment Advisory Agreement or the Subadvisory Agreement, as applicable; and (iv) owns, possesses or has obtained and currently maintains all Licenses and Permits, whether foreign or domestic, necessary to carry on its business as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus except those the absence of which, either individually or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on such Adviser; and (v) has made all necessary filings required under any applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, regulation or rule.

 

(b) Such Adviser is (i) duly registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and (ii) not prohibited by the Advisers Act or the Investment Company Act from acting as an investment adviser for the Fund as contemplated by the Investment Advisory Agreement or the Subadvisory Agreement, as applicable, to which it is a party, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus and no order or suspension or revocation of such registration has been issued or proceedings thereof initiated or, to the knowledge of the Sub-Adviser, threatened by the Commission.

 

(c) Such Adviser has full power and authority to enter into each of this Underwriting Agreement, the Subadvisory Agreement and, in the case of Investment Adviser, the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subscription Agreement and the Fee Agreements, to which such Adviser is a party (collectively, the “ Adviser Agreements ”), and carry out all the terms and provisions hereof and thereof to be carried out by it; and (i) each respective Adviser Agreement to which such Adviser is a party has been or will be duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by such Adviser, (ii) the Adviser Agreements to which such Adviser is a party do not violate in any material respect any of the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act or the Advisers Act and (iii) assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto, each of the Adviser Agreements to which such Adviser is a party constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Adviser enforceable in accordance with its terms, (A) subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, whether statutory or decisional, and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (B) except as rights to indemnity thereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws.

 

 

 

(d) None of (i) the execution, delivery and performance by such Adviser of the Adviser Agreements to which it is a party, (ii) the issuance and sale by the Fund of the Shares as contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus, the Prospectus or any of the Adviser Agreements and (iii) the performance by such Adviser of its obligations under any of the Adviser Agreements to which it is a party or the performance and consummation by such Adviser of the other transactions contemplated by such Adviser Agreements (A) conflicts with or will conflict with, results in or will result in a breach or violation of, constitutes or will constitute a default or an event of default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of such Adviser under, the limited liability company operating agreement, bylaws or similar organizational documents of such Adviser, or the terms and provisions of any agreement, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, insurance or surety agreement, lease or other instrument to which such Adviser is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Adviser is subject or (B) results in or will result in any violation of any order, law, rule or regulation of any court, governmental instrumentality, securities exchange or association or arbitrator, whether foreign or domestic, applicable to such Adviser or having jurisdiction over such Adviser’s properties; which conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults under (A) and (B), either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on such Adviser.

 

(e) The Investment Advisory Agreement, in the case of the Investment Adviser, and the Subadvisory Agreement are in full force and effect and neither the Fund nor such Adviser are in default thereunder, and no event has occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would constitute a default under such agreements.

 

(f) No consent, approval, authorization, notification or order of, or filing with, or the issuance of any license or permit by, any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental or regulatory agency, commission, board, authority or body or with any self-regulatory organization, other non-governmental regulatory organization, securities exchange or association, whether foreign or domestic, is required by such Adviser for the consummation by the Adviser of the transactions to be performed by it or the performance by the Adviser of all the terms and provisions to be performed by or on behalf of it in each case as contemplated in the Adviser Agreements to which it is a party, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, except such as (i) have been obtained and such as may be required (and shall be obtained prior to commencement of the transaction contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement) under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act or the Advisers Act, and (ii) may be required by the NYSE, FINRA or under state securities or “blue sky” laws, in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement.

 

 

 

(g) The description of such Adviser and its business and the statements attributed to such Adviser in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act and do not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein (in the case of the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading.

 

(h) There is no action, suit, claim, inquiry, investigation or proceeding affecting such Adviser or to which such Adviser is a party before or by any court, commission, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental agency or body, whether foreign or domestic, now pending or, to the knowledge of such Adviser, threatened against the Adviser which (i) if determined adversely against such Adviser would result in any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects, management, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser (except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus), or (ii) is of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus and is not so described as required.

 

(i) Except for stabilization transactions conducted by the Underwriters, and except for tender offers, Share repurchases and the issuance or purchase of Shares pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan effected following the date on which the distribution of the Shares is completed in accordance with the policies of the Fund as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, such Adviser (i) has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed or which could reasonably be expected to cause or result in, or which will constitute, stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Shares in violation of applicable federal securities laws, (ii) has not since the filing of the Registration Statement sold, bid for or purchased, or paid anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of, Shares of the Fund (except as described in the Registration Statement) and (iii) will not, until the completion of the distribution (within the meaning of the anti-manipulation rules under the Exchange Act) of the Shares, sell, bid for or purchase, pay or agree to pay any person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Fund (except pursuant to this Agreement); provided that any action in connection with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan will not be deemed to be within the terms of this Section.

 

 

 

(j) In the event that the Fund or such Adviser has made available any Road Show Materials or promotional materials (other than the Sales Materials) by means of an Internet web site or similar electronic means such as to constitute a bona fide electronic road show, such Adviser has installed and maintained pre-qualification and password-protection or similar procedures which are designed and reasonably expected to effectively prohibit access to such Road Show Materials or promotional materials by persons other than qualified broker-dealers and registered representatives thereof.

 

(k) Each Adviser intends to direct the proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to cause the Fund to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code.

 

(l) Such Adviser has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures under Rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act reasonably designed to prevent violation of the Advisers Act by the Adviser and its supervised persons.

 

(m) Each Adviser owns or possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, the Intellectual Property necessary to carry on the business operated by each Adviser, and the Advisers have not received any notice or are not otherwise aware of any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property or of any facts or circumstances which would render any Intellectual Property invalid or inadequate to protect the interest of the Investment Advisers.

 

(n) Such Adviser maintains a system of internal controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions effectuated by it under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement, as applicable, are executed in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization; and (ii) access to the Fund’s assets is permitted only in accordance with its management’s general or specific authorization.

 

(o) The Investment Adviser has filed with the National Futures Association a notice of eligibility for relief from inclusion within the definition of a commodity pool operator pursuant to Section 4.5 of the general regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, with respect to the Fund.

 

(p) Such Adviser or, to such Adviser’s knowledge, any other person associated with or acting on behalf of such Adviser including, without limitation, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of such Adviser, has not, directly or indirectly, while acting on behalf of the Adviser (i) used any corporate funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity; (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds; (iii) violated any provision of the FCPA; or (iv) made any other unlawful payment.

 

 

 

(q) The operations of such Adviser and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable Money Laundering Laws and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving such Adviser with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of such Adviser, threatened.

 

(r) Neither such Adviser nor, to the knowledge of such Adviser, any member, director, trustee, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of such Adviser is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC; and such Adviser will not directly or indirectly direct the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

In addition, any certificate signed by any officer of the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser and delivered to the Underwriters or counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, as applicable, as to matters covered thereby, to each Underwriter.

 

5. Agreements of the Parties .

 

(a) If the registration statement relating to the Shares has not yet become effective, the Fund will promptly file a Final Amendment, if not previously filed, with the Commission, and will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and, as soon as the Fund is advised, will advise the Managing Representatives when the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has become effective. If it is necessary for a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, or a Registration Statement under Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, to be filed with the Commission and become effective before the Shares may be sold, the Fund will use its best efforts to cause such post-effective amendment or such Registration Statement to be filed and become effective as soon as possible, and the Fund will advise the Managing Representatives promptly and, if requested by the Managing Representatives, will confirm such advice in writing, when such post-effective amendment or such Registration Statement has become effective. If the Registration Statement has become effective and the Prospectus contained therein omits certain information at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act, the Fund will file a 430A Prospectus pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable, but no later than the second business day following the earlier of the date of the determination of the offering price of the Shares or the date the Prospectus is first used after the Effective Time. If the Registration Statement has become effective and the Prospectus contained therein does not so omit such information, the Fund will file a Prospectus pursuant to Rule 497(c) or a certification pursuant to Rule 497(j) under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable, but no later than the fifth business day following the date of the later of the Effective Time or the commencement of the public offering of the Shares after the Effective Time. In either case, the Fund will provide the Managing Representatives satisfactory evidence of the filing. The Fund will not file with the Commission any Prospectus or any other amendment (except any post-effective amendment which is filed with the Commission after the later of (i) one year from the date of this Underwriting Agreement or (ii) the date on which distribution of the Shares is completed) or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus unless a copy has first been submitted to the Managing Representatives a reasonable time before its filing and the Managing Representatives have not objected to it in writing within a reasonable time after receiving the copy.

 

 

 

(b) For the period of three years from the date hereof, the Fund will advise the Managing Representatives promptly (i) of the issuance by the Commission of any order in respect of the Fund, or in respect of the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, which relates to the Fund and would materially affect the ability of the Investment Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to perform its respective obligations to the Fund, (ii) of the initiation or threatening in writing of any proceedings for, or receipt by the Fund of any written notice with respect to, any suspension of the qualification of the Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the issuance of any order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (iii) of receipt by the Fund, or any representative or attorney of the Fund, of any other communication from the Commission relating in any material way to the Fund (other than communications with respect to an offering of preferred stock), the Registration Statement, the Notification, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Sales Materials, the Prospectus or to the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement and (iv) the issuance by any federal, state, local, or foreign court, or governmental or regulatory agency, commission, board, authority or body or with any self-regulatory organization, administrative agency, other non-governmental regulatory authority, whether foreign or domestic, of any order, ruling or decree, or the threat in writing to initiate any proceedings with respect thereto, regarding the Fund, which relates in any material way to the Fund or any material arrangements or proposed material arrangements involving the Fund. The Fund will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and, if any such order is issued, to obtain its lifting as soon as practicable.

 

(c) If not delivered prior to the date of this Underwriting Agreement, the Fund will deliver to the Managing Representatives, without charge, a signed copy of the Registration Statement, the Exchange Act Registration Statement and the Notification and of any amendments (except any post-effective amendment which is filed with the Commission after the later of (i) one year from the date of this Underwriting Agreement or (ii) the date on which the distribution of the Shares is completed) to either the Registration Statement, the Exchange Act Registration Statement or the Notification (including all exhibits filed with any such document) and as many conformed copies of the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto (except any post-effective amendment which is filed with the Commission after the later of (i) one year from the date of this Underwriting Agreement or (ii) the date on which the distribution of the Shares is completed) (excluding exhibits) as the Managing Representatives may reasonably request.

 

 

 

(d) During such period as a prospectus is required by law to be delivered by an underwriter or a dealer, the Fund will deliver, without charge, to the Managing Representatives, the Underwriters and any dealers, at such office or offices as the Managing Representatives may designate, as many copies of the Prospectus as the Managing Representatives may reasonably request, and, if any event occurs during such period as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus, in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in any material respect, or if during such period it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or the Investment Company Act, the Fund promptly will prepare, submit to the Managing Representatives, file with the Commission and deliver, without charge, to the Underwriters and to dealers (whose names and addresses the Managing Representatives will furnish to the Fund) to whom Shares may have been sold by the Underwriters, and to other dealers on request, amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in such Prospectus, as so amended or supplemented, will not, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement therein not be misleading in any material respect and will comply with the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act. Delivery by the Underwriters of any such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus will not constitute a waiver of any of the conditions in Section 6 hereof.

 

(e) The Fund will make generally available to holders of the Fund’s securities, as soon as practicable but in no event later than the last day of the 18th full calendar month following the calendar quarter in which the date of the Effective Time falls, an earnings statement, if applicable, satisfying the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and, at the option of the Fund, Rule 158 under the Securities Act.

 

(f) If the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement are consummated, the Fund shall pay all costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Fund under this Underwriting Agreement (to the extent such expenses do not, in the aggregate, exceed $0.04 per Share), including but not limited to costs and expenses of or relating to (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement and exhibits to it, each Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus and all amendments and supplements thereto, (ii) the issuance of the Shares and the preparation and delivery of certificates for the Shares, (iii) the fees and disbursements of the Fund’s counsel, accountants and other advisers, (iv) the registration or qualification, if any, of the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any applicable jurisdictions, including the reasonable fees and disbursements, if any, of counsel for the Underwriters in that connection, and the preparation and printing of any preliminary and supplemental “blue sky” memoranda, (v) the furnishing (including costs of design, production, shipping and mailing) to the Underwriters and dealers of copies of each Preliminary Prospectus relating to the Shares, the Sales Materials, the Prospectus, and all amendments or supplements to the Prospectus, and of the other documents required by this Section to be so furnished, (vi) the filing requirements of FINRA, in connection with its review of the underwriting arrangements and the Sales Materials, including filing fees paid by counsel for the Underwriters in that connection, in an amount not to exceed $[•], (vii) all transfer taxes, if any, with respect to the sale and delivery of the Shares by the Fund to the Underwriters, (viii) the listing of the Shares on the NYSE and (ix) the transfer agent for the Shares; provided that (A) the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and each Underwriter shall pay its own costs and expenses relating to the attendance at any road show or other informational meeting relating to the Fund, (B) each Underwriter shall pay the costs and expenses of any internal promotional or informational materials relating to the Fund, other than the Sales Materials, prepared by such Underwriter in connection with the offering of the Shares, (C) the Underwriters shall pay the costs and expenses of any “tombstone” announcements relating to the offering of the Shares and (D) except as expressly provided in this Section 5(f), the Underwriters shall pay their own costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel. To the extent the foregoing costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Fund under this Underwriting Agreement exceed, in the aggregate, $0.04 per Share, the Advisers or an affiliate will pay all such excess costs and expenses. In addition, the Investment Adviser agrees to pay an amount equal to $0.60 per Share sold under this Agreement to UBS Securities LLC, on behalf of the Underwriters, on behalf of the Underwriters at the Closing Time. The Fund and the Advisers may otherwise agree among themselves as to the payment of the foregoing expenses, whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement are consummated, provided , however , that in no event shall the Underwriters be obligated to pay any expenses intended to be borne by the Fund or an Adviser as provided above.

 

 

 

(g) If the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement are not consummated, except as otherwise provided herein, no party will be under any liability to any other party, except that (i) if this Underwriting Agreement is terminated by (A) the Fund or an Adviser pursuant to any of the provisions hereof (otherwise than pursuant to Section 7 hereof) or (B) the Managing Representatives or the Underwriters because of any inability, failure or refusal on the part of the Fund or an Adviser to comply with any terms of this Underwriting Agreement or because any of the conditions in Section 6 are not satisfied, the Advisers or the Advisers’ affiliates and the Fund, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of their counsel) reasonably incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the Shares ( provided , however , that the Fund and the Advisers shall not be liable for any loss of anticipated profits or speculative or consequential or similar damages for such termination) and (ii) no Underwriter who has failed or refused to purchase the Shares agreed to be purchased by it under this Underwriting Agreement, in breach of its obligations pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement, will be relieved of liability to the Fund, the Advisers and the other Underwriters for damages occasioned by its default.

 

 

 

(h) Without the prior written consent of the Managing Representatives, the Fund will not offer, sell or register with the Commission, or announce an offering of, any equity securities of the Fund, within 180 days after the date of the Effective Time, except for the Shares as described in the Prospectus and any issuance of Common Shares pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

 

(i) The Fund will cause the Shares to be listed on the NYSE prior to the date the Shares are issued, subject only to official notice of the issuance thereof, and comply with the rules and regulations of such exchange.

 

(j) The Fund will direct the investment of the net proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to comply with the investment objective and policies of the Fund as described in the Prospectus.

 

6. Conditions of the Underwriters’ Obligations . The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Shares are subject to the accuracy on the date of this Underwriting Agreement, as of the Applicable Time and as of each of the Closing Times, of the representations of the Fund and the Advisers in this Underwriting Agreement, to the accuracy and completeness of all statements made by the Fund or the Advisers or any of their respective officers in any certificate delivered to the Managing Representatives or their counsel pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement, to performance by the Fund and the Advisers of their respective obligations under this Underwriting Agreement and to the satisfaction (or waiver in writing by the Managing Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters) of each of the following additional conditions:

 

(a) The Registration Statement must have become effective by 5:30 p.m., New York City time, on the date of this Underwriting Agreement or such later date and time as the Managing Representatives consent to in writing. The Prospectus must have been filed in accordance with Rule 497(c) or (h) or a certificate must have been filed in accordance with Rule 497(j), as the case may be, under the Securities Act.

 

(b) No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement may be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose may be pending before or, to the knowledge of the Fund, the Advisers or counsel to the Underwriters, threatened by the Commission, and any requests for additional information on the part of the Commission (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) must be complied with or waived to the reasonable satisfaction of the Managing Representatives.

 

 

 

(c) Since the dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, as of the date of this Underwriting Agreement, (i) there must not have been any change in the Common Shares or any adverse change in the liabilities of the Fund except as set forth in or contemplated by the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus; (ii) there must not have been any adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, business affairs, business prospects, management, properties, net assets or results of operations, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Fund or the Advisers as set forth in or contemplated by the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus; (iii) the Fund must not have sustained any loss or interference with its business from any court or from any legislative or other governmental action, order or decree, whether foreign or domestic, or from any other occurrence not described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus; and (iv) there must not have occurred any event that makes untrue or incorrect in any respect any statement or information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any statement or information omitted in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus that should be reflected therein in order to make the statements or information therein (in the case of the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made), not misleading in any material respect; if, in the judgment of the Managing Representatives, any such development referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph (c) is material and adverse so as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to consummate the sale and delivery of the Shares to the public on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Pricing Prospectus.

 

(d) The Managing Representatives must have received as of each Closing Time a certificate, dated such date, of the Chief Executive Officer, President, Managing Director or a Vice-President and the Controller, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser certifying (in their capacity as such officers) that (i) the signers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus, the Prospectus and this Underwriting Agreement, (ii) the representations of the Fund (with respect to the certificates from such Fund officers), the representations of the Investment Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Investment Adviser) and the representations of the Sub-Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Sub-Adviser) in this Underwriting Agreement are accurate on and as of the date of the certificate, (iii) there has not been any material adverse change in the condition, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change (financial or otherwise), earnings, business affairs, business prospects, management, property, net assets or results of operations of the Fund (with respect to the certificates from such Fund officers), the Investment Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Investment Adviser) or the Sub-Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Sub-Adviser), which change would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, as the case may be, to fulfill its obligations under this Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Advisory Agreement (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Investment Adviser) or the Subadvisory Agreement (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Sub-Adviser), whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, (iv) with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Fund only, no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, prohibiting the sale of any of the Shares or otherwise having an adverse effect on the Fund has been issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or, to the knowledge of such officers after reasonable investigation, threatened by the Commission or any other regulatory body, whether foreign or domestic, (v) with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Investment Adviser only, no order having an adverse effect on the ability of the Investment Adviser to fulfill its obligations under this Underwriting Agreement, the Fee Agreements, the Investment Advisory Agreement or the Subadvisory Agreement, as the case may be, has been issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or, to the knowledge of such officers of the Investment Adviser after reasonable investigation, threatened by the Commission or any other regulatory body, whether foreign or domestic, (vi) with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Sub-Adviser only, no order having a material adverse effect on the ability of the Sub-Adviser to fulfill its obligations under this Underwriting Agreement or the Subadvisory Agreement, as the case may be, has been issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or, to the knowledge of such officers of the Sub-Adviser after reasonable investigation, threatened by the Commission or any other regulatory body, whether foreign or domestic and (vii) each of the Fund (with respect to the certificates from such Fund officers), the Investment Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Investment Adviser) and the Sub-Adviser (with respect to the certificates from such officers of the Sub-Adviser) has performed all of its respective agreements that this Underwriting Agreement requires it to perform by such Closing Time (to the extent not waived in writing by the Managing Representatives).

 

 

 

(e) The Managing Representatives must have received as of each Closing Time the opinions dated as of the date thereof substantially in the form of Schedules B and C to this Underwriting Agreement from the counsel identified in each such Schedules. With respect to the opinions identified in such Schedule B, to the extent that the matters addressed in such opinions relate to matters of Maryland law, such opinions may be rendered by Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, P.A. addressed to the Managing Representatives.

 

(f) The Managing Representatives must have received as of each Closing Time from Dechert LLP an opinion dated as of the date thereof with respect to the Fund, the Shares, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and this Underwriting Agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory in all respects to the Managing Representatives. The Fund and the Advisers must have furnished to such counsel such documents as counsel may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to render such opinion.

 

(g) The Managing Representatives must have received on the date this Underwriting Agreement is signed and delivered by you a signed report from Cohen, dated such date, and in form and substance satisfactory to the Managing Representatives containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ reports with respect to the financial information of the Fund contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus. The Managing Representatives also must have received from Cohen a report, as of each Closing Time, dated as of the date thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to the Managing Representatives, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the earlier report, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three business days prior to such Closing Time.

 

 

 

(h) The Fund and the Advisers shall furnish to the Underwriters such further information, certificates and documents as the Underwriters may reasonably request.

 

All opinions, letters, reports, evidence and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this Underwriting Agreement will comply only if they are in form and scope reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, provided that any such documents, forms of which are annexed hereto, shall be deemed satisfactory to such counsel if substantially in such form.

 

7. Termination . This Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Managing Representatives by notifying the Fund at any time:

 

(a) before the later of the Effective Time and the time when any of the Shares are first generally offered pursuant to this Underwriting Agreement by the Managing Representatives to dealers by electronic delivery, letter or telegram;

 

(b) as of or before any Closing Time if, in the sole judgment of the Managing Representatives, payment for and delivery of any Shares is rendered impracticable or inadvisable because (i) trading in the equity securities of the Fund is suspended by the Commission or by the principal exchange that lists the Shares, (ii) trading in securities generally on the NYSE, NYSE American or the NASDAQ Stock Market shall have been suspended or limited or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on such exchange or over-the-counter market, (iii) additional material governmental restrictions, not in force on the date of this Underwriting Agreement, have been imposed upon trading in securities or trading has been suspended on any U.S. securities exchange, (iv) a general banking moratorium has been established by U.S. federal or New York authorities or (v) there shall have occurred a material adverse change in the financial or securities markets in the United States or the international financial markets, a material adverse change in the political, financial or economic conditions in the United States, or an outbreak or material escalation of hostilities, other calamity, terrorist activity, crises or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions or declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or other calamity, the effect of any of which is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the Managing Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus; or

 

 

 

(c) as of or before any Closing Time, if any of the conditions specified in Section 6 with respect to such Closing Time have not been fulfilled when and as required by this Underwriting Agreement, and the Managing Representatives shall have given the Fund and the Advisers notice thereof and a reasonable opportunity to fulfill such condition.

 

8. Substitution of Underwriters . If one or more of the Underwriters fails (other than for a reason sufficient to justify the termination of this Underwriting Agreement) to purchase as of any Closing Time the Shares agreed to be purchased as of such Closing Time by such Underwriter or Underwriters, the Managing Representatives may find one or more substitute underwriters to purchase such Shares or make such other arrangements as the Managing Representatives deem advisable, or one or more of the remaining Underwriters may agree to purchase such Shares in such proportions as may be approved by the Managing Representatives, in each case upon the terms set forth in this Underwriting Agreement. If no such arrangements have been made within 36 hours after the date of such Closing Time, and

 

(a) the number of Shares to be purchased by the defaulting Underwriters as of such Closing Time does not exceed 10% of the Shares that the Underwriters are obligated to purchase as of such Closing Time, each of the nondefaulting Underwriters will be obligated to purchase such Shares on the terms set forth in this Underwriting Agreement in proportion to their respective obligations under this Underwriting Agreement, or

 

(b) the number of Shares to be purchased by the defaulting Underwriters as of such Closing Time exceeds 10% of the Shares to be purchased by all the Underwriters as of such Closing Time, the Fund will be entitled to an additional period of 24 hours within which to find one or more substitute underwriters reasonably satisfactory to the Managing Representatives to purchase such Shares on the terms set forth in this Underwriting Agreement.

 

Upon the occurrence of the circumstances described in the foregoing paragraph (b), either the Managing Representatives or the Fund will have the right to postpone the date of the applicable Closing Time for not more than five business days in order that necessary changes and arrangements (including any necessary amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus) may be effected by the Managing Representatives and the Fund. If the number of Shares to be purchased as of such Closing Time by such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters exceeds 10% of the Shares that the Underwriters are obligated to purchase as of such Closing Time, and none of the nondefaulting Underwriters or the Fund makes arrangements pursuant to this Section 8 within the period stated for the purchase of the Shares that the defaulting Underwriters agreed to purchase, this Underwriting Agreement will terminate without liability on the part of any nondefaulting Underwriter, the Fund or the Advisers except as provided in Sections 5(g) and 9 hereof. Any action taken under this Section will not affect the liability of any defaulting Underwriter to the Fund or the Advisers or to any nondefaulting Underwriters arising out of such default. A substitute underwriter will become an Underwriter for all purposes of this Underwriting Agreement.

 

 

 

9. Indemnity and Contribution .

 

(a) Each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Underwriter, its partners, the directors, members, managers, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and any person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons from and against any loss, damage, expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which, jointly or severally, any such Underwriter or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act, the common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage, expense, liability or claim (i) arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or in the Registration Statement as amended by any post-effective amendment thereof by the Fund) or arises out of or is based upon an omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (ii) arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any Preliminary Prospectus, any Road Show Material, the Disclosure Package, any Sales Material or the Prospectus (as it may be amended or supplemented) or arises out of or is based upon an omission or alleged omission to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except with respect to either of the foregoing clause (i) and (ii) insofar as any such loss, damage, expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in and in conformity with information concerning such Underwriters furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Managing Representatives to the Fund expressly for use with reference to any Underwriter in such Registration Statement or in such Disclosure Package or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as set forth in Section 9(f) hereof or arises out of or is based upon any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated in such Registration Statement or in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or necessary to make such information (with respect to such Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made), not misleading.

 

 

 

If any action, suit or proceeding (together, a “ Proceeding ”) is brought against an Underwriter or any such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Fund or an Adviser pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, such Underwriter or such person shall promptly notify the Fund or such Adviser, as the case may be, in writing of the institution of such Proceeding and the Fund or such Adviser shall assume the defense of such Proceeding, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party and payment of all fees and expenses; provided , however , that the omission to so notify the Fund or such Adviser shall not relieve the Fund or such Adviser from any liability which the Fund or such Adviser may have to any Underwriter or any such person or otherwise. Such Underwriter or such person shall have the right to employ additional counsel in any such case, but the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Underwriter or of such person unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Fund or such Adviser, as the case may be, in connection with the defense of such Proceeding or the Fund or such Adviser shall not have, within a reasonable period of time in light of the circumstances, employed counsel to have charge of the defense of such Proceeding or such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them, which are different from, additional to or in conflict with those available to the Fund or such Adviser (in which case the Fund or such Adviser shall not have the right to direct the defense of such Proceeding on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events such reasonable fees and expenses shall be borne by the Fund or such Adviser and paid as incurred (it being understood, however, that the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (in addition to any local counsel) in any one Proceeding or series of related Proceedings in the same jurisdiction representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such Proceeding). Neither the Fund nor an Adviser shall be liable for any settlement of any Proceeding effected without its written consent but if settled with the written consent of the Fund or such Adviser, the Fund or such Adviser, as the case may be, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Underwriter and any such person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second sentence of this paragraph, then the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any Proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 60 business days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement and (iii) such indemnified party shall have given the indemnifying party at least 30 days’ prior notice of its intention to settle. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened Proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding and does not include an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of such indemnified party.

 

 

 

(b) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, and each of their respective shareholders, partners, managers, members, trustees, directors and officers, and any person who controls the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons from and against any loss, damage, expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation), which, jointly or severally, the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act, the common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage, expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in and in conformity with information concerning such Underwriters furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter to the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or in the Registration Statement as amended by any post-effective amendment thereof by the Fund) or in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus as set forth in Section 9(f) hereof, or arises out of or is based upon an omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated in such Registration Statement or the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or necessary to make such information (with respect to the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made), not misleading.

 

If any Proceeding is brought against the Fund, an Adviser or any such person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, the Fund, such Adviser or such person shall promptly notify such Underwriter in writing of the institution of such Proceeding and such Underwriter shall assume the defense of such Proceeding, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party and payment of all fees and expenses; provided , however , that the omission to so notify such Underwriter shall not relieve such Underwriter from any liability which such Underwriter may have to the Fund, such Adviser or any such person or otherwise. The Fund, such Adviser or such person shall have the right to employ additional counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Fund, such Adviser or such person, as the case may be, unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by such Underwriter in connection with the defense of such Proceeding or such Underwriter shall not have, within a reasonable period of time in light of the circumstances, employed counsel to have charge of the defense of such Proceeding or such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them, which are different from or additional to or in conflict with those available to such Underwriter (in which case such Underwriter shall not have the right to direct the defense of such Proceeding on behalf of the indemnified party or parties, but such Underwriter may employ counsel in connection with the defense thereof but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Underwriter), in any of which events such fees and expenses shall be borne by such Underwriter and paid as incurred (it being understood, however, that such Underwriter shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (in addition to any local counsel) in any one Proceeding or series of related Proceedings in the same jurisdiction representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such Proceeding). No Underwriter shall be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding effected without the written consent of such Underwriter but if settled with the written consent of such Underwriter, such Underwriter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and any such person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second sentence of this paragraph, then the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any Proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 60 business days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement and (iii) such indemnified party shall have given the indemnifying party at least 30 days’ prior notice of its intention to settle. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened Proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding and does not include an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of such indemnified party.

 

 

 

(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable to an indemnified party under subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 9 in respect of any losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions, which resulted in such losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total proceeds from the offering (net of underwriting discounts and commissions but before deducting expenses) received by the Fund and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, bear to the aggregate public offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, damages, expenses, liabilities and claims referred to in this subsection shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending any Proceeding.

 

 

 

(d) The Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in subsection (c) above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the fees and commissions received by such Underwriter. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 9 are several in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.

 

(e) The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 9 and the covenants, warranties and representations of the Fund contained in this Underwriting Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, its partners, the directors, members, managers, officers, employees, agents and affiliates or any person (including each partner, officer or director of such person) who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, or by or on behalf of the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, its shareholders, partners, advisers, members, trustees, directors or officers or any person who controls the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and shall survive any termination of this Underwriting Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Shares. The Fund, the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and each Underwriter agree promptly to notify each other of the commencement of any Proceeding against it and, in the case of the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, against any of the Fund’s directors or officers, or any of the Investment Adviser’s or the Sub-Adviser’s shareholders, partners, managers, members, trustees, directors or officers in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares, or in connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

 

 

 

(f) The Fund and the Advisers each acknowledge that the statements in the Prospectus with respect to the names of the Underwriters and number of Common Shares allocated for purchase by such Underwriters, the selling concessions and reallowances of selling concessions, the statements regarding stabilization, penalty bids and syndicate short selling, and the statements regarding electronic delivery of prospectuses, all as described under the caption “Underwriters” in the Prospectus, constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Managing Representatives to the Fund expressly for use with reference to such Underwriter in the Registration Statement or in the Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented). The Underwriters severally confirm that these statements are correct in all material respects and were so furnished by or on behalf of each of the Underwriters severally for use in the Prospectus.

 

(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Section 9, no party shall be entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Underwriting Agreement against any loss, claim, liability, expense or damage arising by reason of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties in the performance of its duties hereunder. The parties hereto acknowledge that the foregoing provision shall be applicable solely as to matters arising under Section 17(i) of the Investment Company Act, and shall not be construed to impose any duties or obligations upon any such parties under this Underwriting Agreement other than as specifically set forth herein (it being understood that the Underwriters have no duty hereunder to the Fund to perform any due diligence investigation).

 

10. No Fiduciary Relationship . The Fund and the Advisers hereby acknowledge and agree that the Underwriters are acting solely as underwriters in connection with the purchase and sale of the Fund’s securities contemplated hereby. The Fund and the Advisers further acknowledge and agree that the Underwriters are acting pursuant to a contractual relationship created solely by this Underwriting Agreement entered into on an arm’s length basis, and in no event do the parties intend that the Underwriters act or be responsible as a fiduciary to the Fund, its management, shareholders or creditors or any other person in connection with any activity that the Underwriters may undertake or have undertaken in furtherance of such purchase and sale of the Fund’s securities, either before or after the date hereof. The Underwriters hereby expressly disclaim any fiduciary or similar obligations to the Fund or the Advisers, either in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement or any matters leading up to such transactions, and the Fund and the Advisers hereby confirm their understanding and agreement to that effect. The Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters agree that they are each responsible for making their own independent judgments with respect to any such transactions and that any opinions or views expressed by the Underwriters to the Fund or the Advisers regarding such transactions, including, but not limited to, any opinions or views with respect to the price or market for the Fund’s securities, do not constitute advice or recommendations to the Fund or the Advisers. The Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters agree that each Underwriter is acting solely as principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Fund or the Advisers and no Underwriter has assumed, and no Underwriter will assume, any advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Fund or the Advisers with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Fund or the Advisers on other matters); provided, that an Underwriter, in its capacity as an independent contractor, may provide advice to an Adviser as to the structure and organization of the Fund pursuant to a Fee Agreement. The Fund and the Advisers acknowledge and agree that the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and each of the Fund and the Advisers have consulted its own respective legal, accounting, regulatory, and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate. The Fund and the Advisers hereby waive and release, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Fund or the Advisers may have against the Underwriters with respect to any breach or alleged breach of any fiduciary, advisory or similar duty to the Fund or the Advisers in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Underwriting Agreement or any matters leading up to such transactions.

 

 

 

11. Notices . Except as otherwise herein provided, all statements, requests, notices and agreements shall be in writing or by telegram and, if to the Underwriters, shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Syndicate / [•] (fax: [ · ]); and if to the Fund or the Advisers shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to the Fund or the Advisers, as the case may be, at the offices of the Fund or the Advisers at [•], Attention: [ · ].

 

12. Governing Law; Construction . This Underwriting Agreement and any claim, counterclaim or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Underwriting Agreement (“ Claim ”), directly or indirectly, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The Section headings in this Underwriting Agreement have been inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a part of this Underwriting Agreement.

 

13. Submission to Jurisdiction . Except as set forth below, no Claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which courts shall have jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters, and the Fund and the Underwriters each consent to the jurisdiction of such courts and personal service with respect thereto. Each of the Underwriters, the Fund (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates), the Investment Adviser (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and the Sub-Adviser (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based upon contract, tort or otherwise) in any way arising out of or relating to this Underwriting Agreement. Each of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser agrees that a final judgment in any such action, proceeding or counterclaim brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, as the case may be, and may be enforced in any other courts in the jurisdiction of which the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, as the case may be, is or may be subject, by suit upon such judgment.

 

 

 

14. Parties at Interest . The Agreement herein set forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and to the extent provided in Section 9 hereof the controlling persons, shareholders, partners, members, trustees, managers, directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates referred to in such section, and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives and executors and administrators. No other person, partnership, association or corporation (including a purchaser, as such purchaser, from any of the Underwriters) shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Underwriting Agreement.

 

15. Counterparts . This Underwriting Agreement may be signed by the parties in one or more counterparts which together shall constitute one and the same agreement among the parties.

 

16. Successors and Assigns . This Underwriting Agreement shall be binding upon the Underwriters, the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and any successor or assign of any substantial portion of the Fund’s, the Investment Adviser’s, the Sub-Adviser’s or any of the Underwriters’ respective businesses and/or assets, as the case may be.

 

 

 

If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding among the Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters, please so indicate in the space provided below, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall constitute a binding agreement among the Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters, severally.

 

  Very truly yours,  
     
  RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.  
     
     
  By: [•]  
  Title: [•]  
     
  RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC  
     
     
  By: [•]  
  Title: [•]  
     
  MacKay Shields LLC  
     
     
  By: [•]  
  Title: [•]  

 

Schedule C- 1  

 

Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written, on behalf of themselves and the other several Underwriters named in Schedule A

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC  
   
   
By:  
Title:  
   
   
By:  
Title:  

 

Schedule C- 2  

 

SCHEDULE A

Underwriters Number of Shares
UBS Securities LLC [•]
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC [•]
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC [•]
RBC Capital Markets, LLC [•]
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company [•]
B. Riley Wealth Management, Inc. [•]
CIM Securities, LLC [•]
D.A. Davidson & Co. [•]
Incapital LLC [•]
Janney Montgomery Scott [•]
Ladenburg Thalmann [•]
Newbridge Securities Corporation [•]
Wedbush Securities Inc. [•]
   
Total

[•]

 

Schedule C-3

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC

 

MASTER AGREEMENT AMONG UNDERWRITERS

 

REGISTERED SEC OFFERINGS

 

(INCLUDING MULTIPLE SYNDICATE OFFERINGS)

 

AND

 

EXEMPT OFFERINGS

 

(OTHER THAN OFFERINGS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES)

 

June 6, 2014

 

This Master Agreement Among Underwriters (this “ Master AAU ”), dated as of June 6, 2014, is by and between UBS Securities LLC (“ UBS ,” or “ we ”) and the party named on the signature page hereto (an “ Underwriter ,” as defined in Section 1.1 hereof, or “ you ”). From time to time we or one or more of our affiliates may invite you (and others) to participate on the terms set forth herein as an underwriter or an initial purchaser, or in a similar capacity, in connection with certain offerings of securities that are managed solely by us or with one or more other co-managers. If we invite you to participate in a specific offering and sale of securities (an “ Offering ”) to which this Master AAU will apply, we will send the information set forth in Section 1.1 hereof to you by one or more wires, telexes, telecopy or electronic data transmissions, or other written communications (each, a “ Wire ,” and collectively, an “ AAU ”), unless you are otherwise deemed to have accepted an AAU with respect to such Offering pursuant to Section 1.2 hereof. Each Wire will indicate that it is a Wire pursuant to this Master AAU. The Wire inviting you to participate in an Offering is referred to herein as an “ Invitation Wire .” You and we hereby agree that by the terms hereof the provisions of this Master AAU automatically will be incorporated by reference in each AAU, except that any such AAU may also exclude or revise such provisions of this Master AAU in respect of the Offering to which such AAU relates, and may contain such additional provisions as may be specified in any Wire relating to such AAU. You and we further agree as follows :

 

I. GENERAL

 

1.1.  Terms of AAU; Certain Definitions; Construction . Each AAU will relate to an Offering, and will identify: (i) the securities to be offered in the Offering (the “ Securities ”), their principal terms, the issuer or issuers (each, an “ Issuer ”) and any guarantor (each, a “ Guarantor ”) thereof, and, if different from the Issuer, the seller or sellers (each, a “ Seller ”) of the Securities, (ii) the underwriting agreement, purchase agreement, standby underwriting agreement, distribution agreement, or similar agreement (as identified in such AAU and as amended or supplemented, including a terms agreement or pricing agreement pursuant to any of the foregoing, collectively, the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) providing for the purchase, on a several and not joint basis, of the Securities by the several underwriters, initial purchasers, or others acting in a similar capacity (the “ Underwriters ”) on whose behalf the Manager (as defined below) executes the Underwriting Agreement, and whether such agreement provides for: (x) an option to purchase Additional Securities (as defined below) to cover over-allotments, or (y) an offering in multiple jurisdictions or markets involving two or more syndicates (an “ International Offering ”), each of which will offer and sell Securities subject to such restrictions as may be specified in any Intersyndicate Agreement (as defined below) referred to in such AAU, (iii) the price at which the Securities are to be purchased by the several Underwriters from any Issuer or Seller thereof (the “ Purchase Price ”), (iv) the offering terms, including, if applicable, the price or prices at which the Securities initially will be offered by the Underwriters (the “ Offering Price ”), any selling concession to dealers (the “ Selling Concession ”), reallowance (the “ Reallowance ”), management fee, global coordinators’ fee, praecipium, or other similar fees, discounts, or commissions (collectively, the “ Fees and Commissions ”) with respect to the Securities, and (v) other principal terms of the Offering, which may include, without limitation: (A) the proposed or actual pricing date (“ Pricing Date ”) and settlement date (the “ Settlement Date ”), (B) any contractual restrictions on the offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, Intersyndicate Agreement, or otherwise, (C) any co-managers for such Offering (the “ Co-Managers ”), (D) your proposed participation in the Offering, and (E) any trustee, fiscal agent, or similar agent (the “ Trustee ”) for the indenture, trust agreement, fiscal agency agreement, or similar agreement (the “ Indenture ”) under which such Securities will be issued.

 

 

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Manager ” means UBS Securities LLC, except as set forth in Section 9.9 hereof. “ Representative ” means the Manager and any Co-Manager that signs the applicable Underwriting Agreement on behalf of the Underwriters or is identified as a Representative in the applicable Underwriting Agreement. “ Underwriters ” includes the Representative(s), the Manager, and the Co-Managers. “ Firm Securities ” means the number or amount of Securities that the several Underwriters are initially committed to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement (which may be expressed as a percentage of an aggregate number or amount of Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters, as in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement). “ Additional Securities ” means the Securities, if any, that the several Underwriters have an option to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement to cover over-allotments. The number, amount, or percentage of Firm Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter’s name in the Underwriting Agreement plus any additional Firm Securities which such Underwriter has made a commitment to purchase, irrespective of whether such Underwriter actually purchases or sells such number, amount, or percentage of Securities under the Underwriting Agreement or Article XI hereof, is hereinafter referred to as the “ Original Underwriting Obligation ” of such Underwriter, and the ratio which such Original Underwriting Obligation bears to the total of all Firm Securities set forth in the Underwriting Agreement (or, in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement, to 100%) is hereinafter referred to as the “ Underwriting Percentage ” of such Underwriter. For the avoidance of doubt, each Underwriter acknowledges and agrees that, for all purposes under this Agreement and otherwise (including, to the extent applicable, for purposes of Section 11(e) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “ 1933 Act ”)), each Underwriter’s Underwriting Percentage of the total number, amount, or percentage of Securities offered and sold in the Offering (including any Additional Securities), and only such number, amount, or percentage, constitutes the securities underwritten by such Underwriter and distributed to investors. 1

 

 

 

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References herein to laws, statutory and regulatory sections, rules, regulations, forms, and interpretive materials will be deemed to include any successor provisions.

 

1.2.  Acceptance of AAU . You will have accepted an AAU for an Offering if: (a) we receive your acceptance, prior to the time specified in the Invitation Wire for such Offering, by wire, telex, telecopy or electronic data transmission, or other written communication (any such communication being deemed “ In Writing ”) or orally (if promptly confirmed In Writing), in the manner specified in the Invitation Wire, of our invitation to participate in the Offering, or (b) notwithstanding that we did not send you an Invitation Wire or you have not otherwise responded In Writing to any such Wire, you: (i) agree (orally or by a Wire) to be named as an Underwriter in the relevant Underwriting Agreement executed by us as Manager, or (ii) receive and retain an economic benefit for participating in the Offering as an Underwriter. Your acceptance of the invitation to participate will cause such AAU to constitute a valid and binding contract between us. Your acceptance of the AAU as provided above or an Invitation Wire will also constitute acceptance by you of the terms of subsequent Wires to you relating to the Offering unless we receive In Writing, within the time and in the manner specified in such subsequent Wire, a notice from you to the effect that you do not accept the terms of such subsequent Wire, in which case you will be deemed to have elected not to participate in the Offering.

 

1.3. Underwriters’ Questionnaire . Your acceptance of the Invitation Wire for an Offering or your participation in an Offering as an Underwriter will confirm that you have no exceptions to the Underwriters’ Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (or to any other questions addressed to you in any Wires relating to the Offering previously sent to you), other than exceptions noted by you In Writing in connection with the Offering and received from you by us before the time specified in the Invitation Wire or any subsequent Wire.

 

II. OFFERING MATERIALS; OFFERING AGREEMENTS

 

2.1.   Registered Offerings . In the case of an Offering that will be registered in whole or in part (a “ Registered Offering ”) under the 1933 Act, you acknowledge that the Issuer has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement, including a prospectus relating to the Securities. “ Registration Statement ” means such registration statement as amended to the effective date of the Underwriting Agreement and, in the event that the Issuer files an abbreviated registration statement to register additional Securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) or 462(e) under the 1933 Act, such abbreviated registration statement. “ Prospectus ” means the prospectus, together with the final prospectus supplement, if any, containing the final terms of the Securities and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, “ Prospectus ” means, collectively, each prospectus or offering circular, together with each final prospectus supplement or final offering circular supplement, if any, relating to the Offering, in the respective forms containing the final terms of the Securities. “ Preliminary Prospectus ” means any preliminary prospectus relating to the Offering or any preliminary prospectus supplement together with a prospectus relating to the Offering and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, “ Preliminary Prospectus ” means, collectively, each preliminary prospectus or preliminary offering circular relating to the Offering or each preliminary prospectus supplement or preliminary offering circular supplement, together with a prospectus or offering circular, respectively, relating to the Offering. “ Free Writing Prospectus ” means, in the case of a Registered Offering, a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act. As used herein the terms “ Registration Statement ,” “ Prospectus ,” “ Preliminary Prospectus ,” and “ Free Writing Prospectus ” will include in each case the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein, and as used herein, the term “ Registration Statement ” includes information deemed to be part thereof pursuant to, and as of the date and time specified in, Rules 430A, 430B, or 430C under the 1933 Act, while the terms “ Prospectus ” and “ Preliminary Prospectus ” include information deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to the rules and regulations under the 1933 Act, but only as of the actual time that information is first used or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the 1933 Act. The Manager will furnish, make available to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain copies (which may, to the extent permitted by law, be in electronic form) of each Prospectus and Preliminary Prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if applicable, but excluding, for this purpose, unless otherwise required pursuant to rules or regulations under the 1933 Act, documents incorporated therein by reference) as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof have been made available by the Issuer.

 


1 Meant to clarify mechanics of underwriting for purposes of Section 11(e), and rebut footnote 8 of the WorldCom decision (See In re: Worldcom, Inc. Securities Litigation , U.S. Dist. Ct. (SDNY), slip-op 02 Civ 3288, March 14, 2005 (unpublished)).

 

 

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As used herein, in the case of an Offering that is an offering of asset-backed securities, the term “ ABS Underwriter Derived Information ” means any analytical or computational materials as described in clause (5) of footnote 271 of Commission Release No. 33-8591, issued July 19, 2005 (Securities Offering Reform) (the “ Securities Offering Reform Release ”).

 

2.2.  Non-Registered Offerings . In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you acknowledge that no registration statement has been filed with the Commission. “ Offering Circular ” means the final offering circular or memorandum, if any, or any other final written materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with an Offering that is not a Registered Offering. “ Preliminary Offering Circular ” means any preliminary offering circular or memorandum, if any, or any other written preliminary materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with such an Offering. As used herein, the terms “ Offering Circular ” and “ Preliminary Offering Circular ” include the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein. We will either, as soon as practicable after the later of the date of the Invitation Wire or the date made available to us by the Issuer, furnish to you (or make available for your review) a copy of any Preliminary Offering Circular or any proof or draft of the Offering Circular. In any event, in any Offering involving an Offering Circular, the Manager will furnish, make available to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain, as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof are made available by the Issuer, copies (which may, to the extent permitted by law, be in electronic form) of the Preliminary Offering Circular and Offering Circular, as amended or supplemented, if applicable (but excluding, for this purpose, documents incorporated therein by reference).

 

 

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2.3.   Authority to Execute Underwriting and Intersyndicate Agreements . You authorize the Manager, on your behalf: (a) to determine the form of the Underwriting Agreement and to execute and deliver to the Issuer, Guarantor, or Seller the Underwriting Agreement to purchase: (i) up to the number, amount, or percentage of Firm Securities set forth in the applicable AAU, and (ii) if the Manager elects on behalf of the several Underwriters to exercise any option to purchase Additional Securities, up to the number, amount, or percentage of Additional Securities set forth in the applicable AAU, subject, in each case, to reduction pursuant to Article IV; and (b) to determine the form of any agreement or agreements, including, but not limited to, underwriting agreements, between or among the syndicates participating in the Offering or International Offering, respectively (each, an “ Intersyndicate Agreement ”), and to execute and deliver any such Intersyndicate Agreement.

 

III. MANAGER’S AUTHORITY

 

3.1.  Terms of Offering . You authorize the Manager to act as manager of the Offering of the Securities by the Underwriters (the “ Underwriters’ Securities ”) or by the Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts (the “ Contract Securities ”), if any, contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement. You authorize the Manager: (i) to purchase any or all of the Additional Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) to agree, on your behalf and on behalf of the Co-Managers, to any addition to, change in, or waiver of any provision of, or the termination of, the Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement (other than an increase in the Purchase Price or in your Original Underwriting Obligation to purchase Securities, in either case from that contemplated by the applicable AAU), (iii) to add prospective or remove existing Underwriters from the syndicate, (iv) to exercise, in the Manager’s discretion, all of the authority vested in the Manager in the Underwriting Agreement, (v) except as described below in this Section 3.1, to take any other action as may seem advisable to the Manager in respect of the Offering (including, in the case of an Offering of asset-backed securities, the preparation and delivery of ABS Underwriter Derived Information), including actions and communications with the Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“ FINRA ”), state blue sky or securities commissions, stock exchanges, and other regulatory bodies or organizations. Furthermore, the Manager will have exclusive authority, on your behalf and on behalf of the Co-Managers, to exercise powers and pursue enforcement of the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement and any Intersyndicate Agreement, whether or not actually exercised, except as otherwise specified herein or therein. If, in accordance with the terms of the applicable AAU, the Offering of the Securities is at varying prices based on prevailing market prices, or prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices, you authorize the Manager to determine, on your behalf in the Manager’s discretion, any Offering Price and the Fees and Commissions applicable to the Offering from time to time. You authorize the Manager on your behalf to arrange for any currency transactions (including forward and hedging currency transactions) as the Manager may deem necessary to facilitate settlement of the purchase of the Securities, but you do not authorize the Manager on your behalf to engage in any other forward or hedging transactions (including interest rate hedging transactions) in connection with the Offering unless such transactions are specified in an applicable AAU or are otherwise consented to by you. You further authorize the Manager, subject to the provisions of Section 1.2 hereof: (i) to vary the offering terms of the Securities in effect at any time, including, if applicable, the Offering Price, Fees, and Commissions set forth in the applicable AAU, (ii) to determine, on your behalf, the Purchase Price, and (iii) to increase or decrease the number, amount, or percentage of Securities being offered. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.1, the Manager will notify the Underwriters, prior to the signing of the Underwriting Agreement, of any provision in the Underwriting Agreement that could result in an increase in the number, amount, or percentage of Firm Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter’s name in the Underwriting Agreement by more than 25% (or such other percentage as will have been specified in the applicable Invitation Wire or otherwise consented to by you) as a result of the failure or refusal of another Underwriter or Underwriters to perform its or their obligations thereunder. The Manager may, at its discretion, delegate to any Underwriter any and all authority vested in the applicable AAU, including, but not limited to, the powers set forth in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof.

 

 

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3.2.  Offering Date . The Offering is to be made on or about the time the Underwriting Agreement is entered into by the Issuer, Guarantor, or Seller and the Manager as in the Manager’s judgment is advisable, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU. You will not sell any Securities prior to the time the Manager releases such Securities for sale to purchasers. The date on which such Securities are released for sale is referred to herein as the “ Offering Date .”

 

3.3.  Communications . Any public announcement or advertisement of the Offering will be made by the Manager on behalf of the Underwriters on such date as the Manager may determine. You will not announce or advertise the Offering prior to the date of the Manager’s announcement or advertisement thereof without the Manager’s consent. You will abide by any restrictions in the Underwriting Agreement relating to any general solicitation, announcement, advertising or publicity in addition to the restrictions in this Section 3.3. Further, if the Offering is made in whole or in part in reliance on any applicable exemption from registration under the 1933 Act, you will not engage in any general solicitation, announcement, or advertising in connection with the Offering that would be inconsistent with such exemption. Any announcement or advertisement you may make of the Offering after such date will be your own responsibility, and at your own expense and risk. In addition to your compliance with restrictions on the Offering pursuant to Sections 10.10, 10.11 and 10.12 hereof, you represent that you have not, and you agree that you will not, in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities in the Offering, give, send, or otherwise convey to any prospective purchaser or any purchaser of the Securities or other person not in your employ any written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) other than:

 

(i) any Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus, Preliminary Offering Circular, or Offering Circular,

 

(ii) (A) written confirmations and notices of allocation delivered to your customers in accordance with Rules 172 or 173 under the 1933 Act, and written communications based on the exemption provided by Rule 134 under the 1933 Act, and (B) in the case of Offerings not registered under the 1933 Act, such written communications (1) as would be permitted by Section 3.3(v)(D)(1) below were such Offering registered under the 1933 Act, or (2) that the Manager or Underwriting Agreement may permit; provided, however , that such written communication under this clause (B) would not have otherwise constituted “ Issuer Information ” as defined below, or would have qualified for the exemption provided by Rule 134 under the 1933 Act, in each case, if such communication had been furnished in the context of a Registered Offering (“ Supplemental Materials ”),

 

 

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(iii) any “issuer free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 433(h) under the 1933 Act, an “ Issuer Free Writing Prospectus ”), the issuance or use of which has been permitted or consented to by the Issuer and the Manager,

 

(iv) information contained in any computational materials, or in the case of an Offering of asset backed securities, the ABS Underwriter Derived Information, or any other offering materials not constituting a Free Writing Prospectus concerning the Offering, the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller, in each case, prepared by or with the permission of the Manager for use by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering, and, in the case of a Registered Offering, filed (if required) with the Commission or FINRA, as applicable,

 

(v) a Free Writing Prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, or used or referred to by, an Underwriter in connection with the Offering, so long as: (A) such Free Writing Prospectus is not required to be filed with the Commission, (B) the proposed use of such Free Writing Prospectus is permitted by the Underwriting Agreement, (C) such Free Writing Prospectus complies with the legending condition of Rule 433 under the 1933 Act, and you comply with the record-keeping condition of Rule 433, and (D) (1) such Free Writing Prospectus contains only information describing the preliminary terms of the Securities and other pricing data 2 that is not “ Issuer Information ” (as defined in Rule 433(h) under the 1933 Act, including footnote 271 of the Securities Offering Reform Release), or (2) the Issuer has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to file a final term sheet under Rule 433 within the time period necessary to avoid a requirement for any Underwriter to file the Free Writing Prospectus to be used by such Underwriter, and the Free Writing Prospectus used by such Underwriter contains only information describing the terms of the Securities or their offering that is included in such final term sheet of the Issuer and other pricing data that is not Issuer Information (a Free Writing Prospectus meeting the requirements of (A) through (D) above is referred to herein as an “ Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus ”). Without limiting the foregoing, any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus that you use or refer to will not be distributed by you or on your behalf in a manner reasonably designed to lead to its broad unrestricted dissemination. You will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder in connection with your use of any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus,

 

(vi) any written communication prepared by or on behalf of, or used or referred to by, the Issuer, the conveyance of which by you in reliance on Section 5(d) of the 1933 Act has been permitted or consented to by the Issuer and the Manager (a “ Written Testing-the-Waters Communication ”), so long as (A) you convey any such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication solely to entities that are 3 qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the 1933 Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the 1933 Act, and (B) you otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 5(d) of the 1933 Act, and

 


2 Meant to permit disclosure of non-Issuer related information, such as benchmark Treasury rate, in preliminary term sheets or price talk.

 

 

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(vii) any written communication not otherwise permitted under clauses (i) through (vi) above, the conveyance of which by you has been permitted or consented to by the Manager (a “ Manager-Approved Communication ”).

 

3.4.  Institutional and Retail Sales . You authorize the Manager to sell to institutions and retail purchasers such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as the Manager will determine. The Selling Concession on any such sales will be credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager will determine.

 

3.5.  Sales to Dealers . You authorize the Manager to sell to Dealers (as defined below) such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as the Manager will determine. A “ Dealer ” will be a person who is: (a) a broker or dealer (as defined by FINRA) actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business, and (i) a member in good standing of FINRA, or (ii) a non-U.S. bank, broker, dealer, or other institution not eligible for membership in FINRA that, in the case of either clause (a)(i) or (a)(ii), makes the representations and agreements applicable to such institutions contained in Section 10.5 hereof, or (b) in the case of Offerings of Securities that are exempt securities under Section 3(a)(12) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “ 1934 Act ”), and such other Securities as from time to time may be sold by a “bank” (as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the 1934 Act (a “ Bank ”)), a Bank that is not a member of FINRA and that makes the representations and agreements applicable to such institutions contained in Section 10.5 hereof. If the price for any such sales by the Manager to Dealers exceeds an amount equal to the Offering Price less the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU, the amount of such excess, if any, will be credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager will determine.

 

3.6.  Direct Sales . The Manager will advise you promptly, on the Offering Date, as to the Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement that you will retain for direct sale. At any time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU, any such Securities that are held by the Manager for sale but not sold may, on your request and at the Manager’s discretion, be released to you for direct sale, and Securities so released to you will no longer be deemed held for sale by the Manager. You may allow, and Dealers may reallow, a discount on sales to Dealers in an amount not in excess of the Reallowance set forth in the applicable AAU. You may not purchase Securities from, or sell Securities to, any other Underwriter or Dealer at any discount or concession other than the Reallowance, except with the prior consent of the Manager.

 


3 If, and after, the SEC clarifies that “reasonable belief” is the applicable standard in this context, this language should be revised to reflect that standard.

 

 

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3.7.  Release of Unsold Securities . From time to time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU, at the request of the Manager, you will advise the Manager of the number or amount of Securities remaining unsold which were retained by or released to you for direct sale, and of the number or amount of Securities and Other Securities (as defined below) purchased for your account remaining unsold which were delivered to you pursuant to Article V hereof or pursuant to any Intersyndicate Agreement, and, on the request of the Manager, you will release to the Manager any such Securities and Other Securities remaining unsold: (a) for sale by the Manager to institutions, Dealers, or retail purchasers, (b) for sale by the Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts, or (c) if, in the Manager’s opinion, such Securities or Other Securities are needed to make delivery against sales made pursuant to Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement.

 

3.8.  International Offerings . In the case of an International Offering, you authorize the Manager: (i) to make representations on your behalf as set forth in any Intersyndicate Agreement, and (ii) to purchase or sell for your account pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement: (a) Securities, (b) any other securities of the same class and series, or any securities into which the Securities may be converted or for which the Securities may be exchanged or exercised, and (c) any other securities designated in the applicable AAU or applicable Intersyndicate Agreement (the securities referred to in clauses (b) and (c) above being referred to collectively as the “ Other Securities ”).

 

IV. DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS

 

4.1.  Arrangements for Sales . Arrangements for sales of Contract Securities will be made only through the Manager acting either directly or through Dealers (including Underwriters acting as Dealers), and you authorize the Manager to act on your behalf in making such arrangements. The aggregate number or amount of Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters will be reduced by the respective number or amounts of Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters as hereinafter provided. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2 hereof, the aggregate number or amount of Contract Securities will be attributed to the Underwriters as nearly as practicable in proportion to their respective Underwriting Percentages, except that, as determined by the Manager in its discretion: (a) Contract Securities directed and allocated by a purchaser to specific Underwriters will be attributed to such Underwriters, and (b) Contract Securities for which arrangements have been made for sale through Dealers will be attributed to each Underwriter approximately in the proportion that Securities of such Underwriter held by the Manager for sales to Dealers bear to all Securities so held. The fee with respect to Contract Securities payable to the Manager for the accounts of the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement will be credited to the accounts of the respective Underwriters in proportion to the Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.1, less, in the case of each Underwriter, the concession to Dealers on Contract Securities sold through Dealers and attributed to such Underwriter.

 

4.2.  Excess Sales . If the number or amount of Contract Securities attributable to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof would exceed such Underwriter’s Original Underwriting Obligation reduced by the number or amount of Underwriters’ Securities sold by or on behalf of such Underwriter, such excess will not be attributed to such Underwriter, and such Underwriter will be regarded as having acted only as a Dealer with respect to, and will receive only the concession to Dealers on, such excess.

 

 

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V. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES

 

5.1.  Facilitation of Distribution . In order to facilitate the distribution and sale of the Securities, you authorize the Manager to buy and sell Securities and any Other Securities, in addition to Securities sold pursuant to Article III hereof, in the open market or otherwise (including, without limitation, pursuant to any Intersyndicate Agreement), for long or short account, on such terms as it may deem advisable, and to over-allot in arranging sales. Such purchases and sales and over-allotments will be made for the accounts of the several Underwriters as nearly as practicable to their respective Underwriting Percentages or, in the case of an International Offering, such purchases and sales will be for such accounts as set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Any Securities or Other Securities which may have been purchased by the Manager for stabilizing purposes in connection with the Offering prior to the acceptance of the applicable AAU will be treated as having been purchased pursuant to this Section 5.1 for the accounts of the several Underwriters or, in the case of an International Offering, for such accounts as are set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Your net commitment pursuant to the foregoing authorization will not exceed at the close of business on any day an amount equal to 20% of your Underwriting Percentage of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Firm Securities, it being understood that, in calculating such net commitment, the initial Offering Price will be used with respect to the Securities so purchased or sold and, in the case of all Other Securities, will be the purchase price thereof. For purposes of determining your net commitment for short account ( i.e. , “naked short”), any short position that can be covered with: (a) Securities that may be purchased upon exercise of any over-allotment option then exercisable, (b) in the case of an International Offering, any Securities or Other Securities that the Manager has agreed to purchase for your account pursuant to any applicable Intersyndicate Agreement, and (c) Securities that may be purchased pursuant to a forward sale contract or similar arrangement with the Issuer or any selling security holder in the Offering, will be disregarded. On demand you will take up and pay for any Securities or Other Securities so purchased for your account and any Securities released to you pursuant to Section 3.7 hereof, and will deliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities so sold or over-allotted for your account or released to you. The Manager will notify you if it engages in any stabilization transaction in accordance with Rule 17a-2 under the 1934 Act, and will notify you of the date of termination of stabilization. You will not stabilize or engage in any syndicate covering transaction (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M under the 1934 Act (“ Regulation M ”)) in connection with the Offering without the prior consent of the Manager. You will provide to the Manager any reports required of you pursuant to Rule 17a-2 under the 1934 Act not later than the date specified therein.

 

5.2.  Penalty with Respect to Securities Repurchased by the Manager . If pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.1 hereof and prior to the termination of the Manager’s authority to cover any short position incurred under the applicable AAU or such other date as the Manager may specify in a Wire, either: (a) the Manager purchases or contracts to purchase for the account of any Underwriter in the open market or otherwise any Securities which were retained by, or released to, you for direct sale or any Securities sold pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof for which you received a portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU, or any Securities which may have been issued on transfer or in exchange for such Securities, and which Securities were therefore not effectively placed for investment, or (b) if the Manager has advised you by Wire that trading in the Securities will be reported to the Manager pursuant to the “Initial Public Offering Tracking System” of The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) and the Manager determines, based on notices from DTC, that your customers sold a number or amount of Securities during any day that exceeds the number or amount previously notified to you by Wire, then you authorize the Manager either to charge your account with an amount equal to such portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU received by you with respect to such Securities or, in the case of clause (b), such Securities as exceed the number or amount specified in such Wire, or to require you to repurchase such Securities or, in the case of clause (b), such Securities as exceed the number or amount specified in such Wire, at a price equal to the total cost of such purchase, including transfer taxes, accrued interest, dividends, and commissions, if any.

 

 

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5.3.  Compliance with Regulation M . You represent that, at all times since you were invited to participate in the Offering, you have complied with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to the Offering, in each case as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. If you have been notified in a Wire that the Underwriters may conduct passive market making in compliance with Rule 103 of Regulation M in connection with the Offering, you represent that, at all times since your receipt of such Wire, you have complied with the provisions of such Rule applicable to such Offering, as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. You will comply with any additional provisions of Regulation M if and to the extent set forth in the Invitation Wire or other Wire.

 

5.4.  Standby Underwritings . You authorize the Manager in its discretion, at any time on, or from time to time prior to, the expiration of the conversion right of convertible securities identified in the applicable AAU in the case of securities called for redemption, or the expiration of rights to acquire securities in the case of rights offerings, for which, in either case, standby underwriting arrangements have been made: (i) to purchase convertible securities or rights to acquire Securities for your account, in the open market or otherwise, on such terms as the Manager determines, and to convert convertible securities or exercise rights so purchased; and (ii) to offer and sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares for your account, in the open market or otherwise, for long or short account (for purposes of such commitment, such common stock or depositary shares being considered the equivalent of convertible securities or rights), on such terms consistent with the terms of the Offering set forth in the Prospectus or Offering Circular as the Manager determines. On demand, you will take up and pay for any securities so purchased for your account or you will deliver to the Manager against payment any securities so sold, as the case may be. During such period, you may offer and sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares, but only at prices set by the Manager from time to time, and any such sales will be subject to the Manager’s right to sell to you the underlying common stock or depositary shares as above provided and to the Manager’s right to reserve your securities purchased, received, or to be received upon conversion. You agree not to otherwise bid for, purchase, or attempt to induce others to purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares, provided, however , that no Underwriter will be prohibited from: (a) selling underlying common stock owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the day the convertible securities were first called for redemption, (b) converting convertible securities owned beneficially by such Underwriter on such date or selling 12 underlying common stock issued upon conversion of convertible securities so owned, (c) exercising rights owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the record date for a rights offering, or selling the underlying common stock or depositary shares issued upon exercise of rights so owned, or (d) purchasing or selling convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares as a broker pursuant to unsolicited orders.

 

 

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VI. PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT

 

You will deliver to the Manager on the date and at the place and time specified in the applicable AAU (or on such later date and at such place and time as may be specified by the Manager in a subsequent Wire) the funds specified in the applicable AAU, payable to the order of UBS Securities LLC, for: (a) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you, (b) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of such of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you as will have been retained by or released to you for direct sale as contemplated by Section 3.6 hereof, or (c) the amount set forth or indicated in the applicable AAU, as the Manager will advise. You will make similar payment as the Manager may direct for Additional Securities, if any, to be purchased by you on the date specified by the Manager for such payment. The Manager will make payment to the Issuer or Seller against delivery to the Manager for your account of the Securities to be purchased by you, and the Manager will deliver to you the Securities paid for by you which will have been retained by or released to you for direct sale. If the Manager determines that transactions in the Securities are to be settled through DTC or another clearinghouse facility and payment in the settlement currency is supported by such facility, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by you will be made through such facilities, if you are a participant, or, if you are not a participant, settlement will be made through your ordinary correspondent who is a participant.

 

VII. EXPENSES

 

7.1.  Management Fee . You authorize the Manager to charge your account as compensation for the Manager’s and Co-Managers’ services in connection with the Offering, including the purchase from the Issuer or Seller of the Securities, as the case may be, and the management of the Offering, the amount, if any, set forth as the management fee, global coordinators’ fee, praecipium, or other similar fee in the applicable AAU. Such amount will be divided among the Manager and any Co-Managers named in the applicable AAU as they may determine. Each Underwriter acknowledges that such fees are being paid by the Underwriters, and are not a benefit received directly or indirectly from the Issuer of the type referred to in Section 11(e) of the 1933 Act.

 

7.2.  Offering Expenses . You authorize the Manager to charge your account with your Underwriting Percentage of all expenses agreed to be paid by the Underwriters in the Underwriting Agreement and all expenses of a general nature incurred by the Manager and Co- Managers under the applicable AAU in connection with the Offering, including the negotiation and preparation thereof, or in connection with the purchase, carrying, marketing, sale and distribution of any securities under the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, transfer taxes, costs associated with approval of the Offering by FINRA, and the costs of currency transactions (including forward and hedging currency transactions) or, if permitted pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof, any other forward or hedging transactions (including interest rate swaps) entered into to facilitate settlement of the purchase of Securities permitted hereunder.

 

 

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VIII. MANAGEMENT OF SECURITIES AND FUNDS

 

8.1. Advances; Loans; Pledges . You authorize the Manager to advance the Manager’s own funds for your account, charging current interest rates, and to arrange loans for your account for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, and in connection therewith, to hold or pledge as security therefor all or any securities which the Manager may be holding for your account under the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, to execute and deliver any notes or other instruments evidencing such advances or loans, and to give all instructions to the lenders with respect to any such loans and the proceeds thereof. The obligations of the Underwriters under loans arranged on their behalf will be several in proportion to their respective Original Underwriting Obligations, and not joint. Any lender is authorized to accept the Manager’s instructions as to the disposition of the proceeds of any such loans. In the event of any such advance or loan, repayment thereof will, in the discretion of the Manager, be effected prior to making any remittance or delivery pursuant to Section 8.2, 8.3, or 9.2 hereof.

 

8.2.  Return of Amount Paid for Securities . Out of payment received by the Manager for Securities sold for your account which have been paid for by you, the Manager will remit to you promptly an amount equal to the price paid by you for such Securities.

 

8.3. Delivery and Redelivery of Securities for Carrying Purposes . The Manager may deliver to you from time to time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof against payment, for carrying purposes only, any Securities or Other Securities purchased by you under the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement which the Manager is holding for sale for your account but which are not sold and paid for. You will redeliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities delivered to you for carrying purposes at such times as the Manager may demand.

 

IX. TERMINATION; INDEMNIFICATION; CONTRIBUTION; SETTLEMENT

 

9.1. Termination . Each AAU will terminate at the close of business on the later of: (a) the date on which the Underwriters pay the Issuer or Seller for the Securities, and (b) 45 calendar days after the applicable Offering Date, unless sooner terminated by the Manager. The Manager may at its discretion by notice to you prior to the termination of such AAU alter any of the terms or conditions of the Offering to the extent permitted by Articles III and IV hereof, or terminate or suspend the effectiveness of Article V hereof, or any part thereof. No termination or suspension pursuant to this paragraph will affect the Manager’s authority under Section 3.1 hereof to take actions in respect of the Offering or under Article V hereof to cover any short position incurred under such AAU or in connection with covering any such short position to require you to repurchase Securities as specified in Section 5.2 hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, unless otherwise agreed in a Wire or an Intersyndicate Agreement, the Manager’s authority to purchase Securities or Other Securities, for long account, pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof, will terminate or be suspended upon the termination or suspension, as the case may be, of the applicable AAU (or any provision and or term thereof in respect of trading, price or offering restrictions as set forth in a Wire that is sent by the Manager following the time the Securities are released for sale to purchasers) or Article V or Section 5.1 hereof pursuant to this paragraph.

 

 

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9.2.  Delivery or Sale of Securities; Settlement of Accounts . Upon termination of each AAU, or prior thereto at the Manager’s discretion, the Manager will deliver to you any Securities paid for by you pursuant to Article VI hereof and held by the Manager for sale pursuant to Section 3.4 or 3.5 hereof but not sold and paid for and any Securities or Other Securities that are held by the Manager for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the termination of such AAU, if the aggregate initial Offering Price of any such Securities and the aggregate purchase price of any Other Securities so held and not sold and paid for does not exceed an amount equal to 20% of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Securities, the Manager may, in its discretion, sell such Securities and Other Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, at such prices, on such terms, at such times, and in such manner as it may determine. Within the period specified by applicable FINRA Rules or, if no period is so specified, as soon as practicable after termination of such AAU, your account will be settled and paid. The Manager may reserve from distribution such amount as the Manager deems advisable to cover possible additional expenses. The determination by the Manager of the amount so to be paid to or by you will be final and conclusive. Any of your funds under the Manager’s control may be held with the Manager’s general funds without accountability for interest.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of this Master AAU other than Section 10.12 hereof, upon termination of each AAU, or prior thereto at the Manager’s discretion, the Manager may: (i) allocate to the accounts of the Underwriters the expenses described in Section 7.2 hereof and any losses incurred upon the sale of Securities or Other Securities pursuant to the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement (including any losses incurred upon the sale of securities referred to in Section 5.4(ii) hereof), (ii) deliver to the Underwriters any unsold Securities or Other Securities purchased pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement, and (iii) deliver to the Underwriters any unsold Securities purchased pursuant to the applicable Underwriting Agreement, in each case in the Manager’s discretion. The only limitations on such discretion will be as follows: (a) no Underwriter that is not the Manager or a Co-Manager will bear more than its share of such expenses, losses, or Securities (such share will not exceed such Underwriter’s Underwriting Percentage and will be determined pro rata among all such Underwriters based on their Underwriting Percentages), (b) no such Underwriter will receive Securities that, together with any Securities purchased by such Underwriter pursuant to Article VI (but excluding any Securities that such Underwriter is required to repurchase pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof) exceed such Underwriter’s Original Underwriting Obligation, and (c) no Co- Manager will bear more than its share of such expenses, losses, or Securities (such share to be determined pro rata among the Manager and all Co-Managers based on their Underwriting Percentages). If any Securities or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) above were not paid for by you pursuant to Article VI hereof, you will pay to the Manager an amount per security equal to the amount set forth in clause (i) of Article VI, in the case of Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (iii) above, or the purchase price of such securities, in the case of Securities or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) above.

 

 

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9.3. Certain Other Expenses . You will pay your Underwriting Percentage of: (i) all expenses incurred by the Manager in investigating, preparing to defend, and defending against any action, claim, or proceeding which is asserted, threatened, or instituted by any party, including any governmental or regulatory body (each, an “Action”), relating to: (A) the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular (and any amendment or supplement thereto), any Supplemental Materials, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, and any ABS Underwriter Derived Information used by any Underwriter other than the Manager, (B) the violation of any applicable restrictions on the offer, sale, resale, or purchase of Securities or Other Securities imposed by U.S. Federal or state laws or non-U.S. laws and the rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder or pursuant to the terms of the applicable AAU, the Underwriting Agreement, or any Intersyndicate Agreement, and (C) any claim that the Underwriters constitute a partnership, an association, or an unincorporated business or other separate entity, and (ii) any Losses (as defined in Section 9.4 hereof) incurred by the Manager in respect of any such Action, whether such Loss will be the result of a judgment or arbitrator’s determination or as a result of any settlement agreed to by the Manager. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you will not be required to pay your Underwriting Percentage of any such expense or liability: (1) to the extent that such expense or liability was caused by the Manager’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; (2) as to which, and to the extent, the Manager actually receives (a) indemnity pursuant to Section 9.4 hereof, (b) contribution pursuant to Section 9.5 hereof, (c) indemnity or contribution pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, or (d) damages from an Underwriter for breach of its representations, warranties, agreements, or covenants contained in the applicable AAU; or (3) of the Manager (other than fees of Syndicate Counsel) that relates to a settlement entered into by the Manager on a basis that results in a settlement of such Action against it and fewer than all the Underwriters. None of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.3 will relieve any defaulting or breaching Underwriter from liability for its defaults or breach. Failure of any party to give notice under Section 9.10 hereof will not relieve any Underwriter of an obligation to pay expenses pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9.3.

 

9.4.  Indemnification . Notwithstanding any settlement or the termination of the applicable AAU, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act (each, an “ Indemnified Party ”), to the extent and upon the terms which you agree to indemnify and hold harmless any of the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, any person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors, and, in the case of a Registered Offering, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and, in the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, its officers, in each case as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses not reimbursed pursuant to Section 9.3 hereof (collectively, “ Losses ”) related to, arising out of, or in connection with the breach or violation by you of the terms of Section 3.3 hereof, including any and all Losses under Section 5 of the 1933 Act, and any litigation, investigation, and proceeding (collectively, “ Litigation ”) relating to any of the foregoing. You will also reimburse each such Indemnified Party upon demand for all expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing for, or defending any of the foregoing. You will indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all Losses related to, arising out of, or in connection with, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus, Manager- Approved Communication or Supplemental Material used by you, or any research report in the form of a written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933 Act) used by you in reliance upon the penultimate sentence of Section 2(a)(3) of the 1933 Act prior to completion of the distribution of an initial public offering (a “ Written Research Report ”), or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and any Litigation relating to any of the foregoing, and to reimburse each such Indemnified Party upon demand for all expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing for, or defending any of the foregoing. In addition, you will indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party from and against any and all Losses related to, arising out of, or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any ABS Underwriter Derived Information used by you, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and any Litigation relating to any of the foregoing, and to reimburse each such Indemnified Party upon demand for all expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing for, or defending any of the foregoing; provided, however, that any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Underwriter, arising out of or based upon any ABS Underwriter Derived Information which was used only by such Underwriter, or in connection with the preparation of which an Underwriter is found to have acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, will be paid solely by such Underwriter.

 

 

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Each Underwriter will further indemnify and hold harmless any investment banking firm identified in a Wire as the qualified independent underwriter as defined in FINRA Rule 5121 or any successor rule thereto (in such capacity, a “ QIU ”) for an Offering and each person, if any, who controls such QIU within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, from and against any and all Losses related to, arising out of, or in connection with such investment banking firm’s activities as QIU for the Offering. Each Underwriter will reimburse such QIU for all expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing for, and defending any Action related to, arising out of, or in connection with such QIU’s activities as a QIU for the Offering. Each Underwriter will be responsible for its Underwriting Percentage of any amount due to such QIU on account of the foregoing indemnity and reimbursement. Such QIU will have no additional liability to any Underwriter or otherwise as a result of its serving as QIU in connection with the Offering. To the extent the indemnification provided to a QIU under this Section 9.4 is unavailable to such QIU or is insufficient in respect of any Losses related thereto, whether as a matter of law or public policy or as a result of the default of any Underwriter in performing its obligations under this Section 9.4, each other Underwriter will contribute to the amount paid or payable by such QIU as a result of such Losses related thereto in proportion to its Underwriting Percentage.

 

 

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For the avoidance of doubt, references to an “Underwriter” or “you” in this Section 9.4 shall include the Manager in its role as an Underwriter.

 

9.5.  Contribution . Notwithstanding any settlement or the termination of the applicable AAU, you will pay upon request of the Manager, as contribution, your Underwriting Percentage of any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Indemnified Party to any person other than an Indemnified Party, arising out of or in connection with the breach or violation of the terms of Section 3.3 hereof, including any and all Losses under Section 5 of the 1933 Act, and any Litigation relating to the foregoing. Further, you will pay upon request of the Manager, as contribution, your Underwriting Percentage of any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Indemnified Party to any person other than an Indemnified Party, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular (and any amendment or supplement thereto), any Supplemental Materials, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any other materials prepared or used by an Underwriter in accordance with Section 3.3 hereof, or any Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus, Manager-Approved Communication or Written Research Report, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (other than an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company In Writing by the Underwriter on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made expressly for use therein), or any act or omission to act or any alleged act or omission to act by the Manager or, if applicable, a Representative, as the Manager or a Representative, in connection with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement or undertaken in preparing for the purchase, sale, and delivery of the Securities (provided, that you will not be required to pay in any such case to the extent that any such Loss resulted from the Manager’s or such Representative’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction), and your Underwriting Percentage of any legal or other expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Party (with the approval of the Manager) on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made in connection with investigating or defending any such Loss or any action in respect thereof; provided, however, that no request will be made on behalf of any Indemnified Party guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) from any Indemnified Party who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act); provided, further, that any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Indemnified Party, arising out of or based upon an Underwriter’s Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus, Manager-Approved Communication, Written Research Report or Supplemental Material, will be paid by only the Underwriters that used such Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus, Manager-Approved Communication, Written Research Report or Supplemental Material, as the case may be (the “Contributing Underwriters”), and the amount to be paid by each Contributing Underwriter will be determined pro rata among the Contributing Underwriters based on their Underwriting Percentages. None of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.5 will relieve any defaulting or breaching Underwriter from liability for its defaults or breach.

 

 

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In addition, you will pay upon request of the Manager, as contribution, your Underwriting Percentage of any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Indemnified Party to any person other than an Indemnified Party, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any ABS Underwriter Derived Information, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (other than an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company In Writing by the Underwriter on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made expressly for use therein) and your Underwriting Percentage of any expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel, as they are incurred, reasonably incurred by the Indemnified Party (with the approval of the Manager) on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made in connection with investigating, preparing for, or defending any such Loss or any action in respect thereof; provided, however, that any Losses, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Underwriter, arising out of or based upon any ABS Underwriter Derived Information which was used only by such Underwriter, or in connection with the preparation of which the Underwriter is found to have acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, will be paid solely by the Underwriter.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, references to an “Underwriter” or “you” in this Section 9.5 shall include the Manager in its role as an Underwriter.

 

9.6.  Separate Counsel . If any Action is asserted or commenced pursuant to which the indemnity provided in Section 9.4 hereof or the right of contribution provided in Section 9.5 hereof may apply, the Manager may take such action in connection therewith as it deems necessary or desirable, including retention of counsel for the Underwriters (“ Syndicate Counsel ”), and in its discretion separate counsel for any particular Underwriter or group of Underwriters, and the fees and disbursements of any counsel so retained will be allocated among the several Underwriters as determined by the Manager. Any such Syndicate Counsel retained by the Manager will be counsel to the Underwriters as a group and, in the event that: (a) the Manager settles any Action on a basis that results in the settlement of such Action against it and fewer than all the Underwriters, or (b)(i) a conflict develops between the Manager and the other Underwriters, or (ii) differing defenses are available to the other Underwriters and not available to the Manager, and as a result of either (b)(i) or (b)(ii) such Syndicate Counsel concludes that it is unable to continue to represent the Manager and the other Underwriters, then in each such case, after notification to the Manager and the other Underwriters, Syndicate Counsel will remain counsel to the other Underwriters and will withdraw as counsel to the Manager. The Manager hereby consents to such arrangement and undertakes to take steps to: (i) ensure that any engagement letters with Syndicate Counsel are consistent with such arrangement; (ii) issue a notice to all other Underwriters promptly following receipt of any advice (whether oral or written) from Syndicate Counsel regarding its inability to represent the Manager and the other Underwriters jointly; and (iii) facilitate Syndicate Counsel’s continued representation of the other Underwriters. Any Underwriter may elect to retain at its own expense its own counsel and, on advice of such counsel, may settle or consent to the settlement of any such Action, but only in compliance with Section 9.7 hereof, and in each case, only after notification to every other Underwriter. The Manager may settle or consent to the settlement of any such Action, but only in compliance with Section 9.7 hereof.

 

 

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9.7.  Settlement of Actions . Neither the Manager nor any other Underwriter party to this Master AAU may settle or agree to settle any Action related to or arising out of the Offering, nor may any other Underwriter settle or agree to settle any such Action without the consent of the Manager, nor may any other Underwriter seek the Manager’s consent to any such settlement agreement, nor may the Manager consent to any such settlement agreement, unless: (A) the Manager, together with such other Underwriters as constitute a majority in aggregate interest based on the Underwriting Percentage of the Underwriters as a whole (including the Manager’s interest), approve the settlement of such Action, in which case the Manager is authorized to settle for all Underwriters, provided, however, that the settlement agreement results in the settlement of the Action against all Underwriters raised by the plaintiffs party thereto; or (B) (i) such settlement agreement expressly provides that the non-settling Underwriters will be given a judgment credit (or credit in settlement) with respect to all such Actions for which the non- settling Underwriters may be found liable (or will pay in subsequent settlement), in an amount that is the greatest of: (x) the dollar amount paid in such initial settlement to settle such Actions, (y) the proportionate share of the settling Underwriter’s fault in respect of common damages arising in connection with such Actions as proven at trial, if applicable, or (z) the amount by which the settling Underwriter would have been required to make contribution had it not settled, under Sections 9.5 and 11.2 hereof in respect of the final non-appealable judgment (or settlement) subsequently entered into by the non-settling Underwriters (such greatest amount of either (x), (y), or (z), the “ Judgment Credit ”); 4 (ii) such settlement agreement expressly provides that in the event that the applicable court does not approve the Judgment Credit as part of the settlement, the settlement agreement will automatically terminate; and (iii) the final judgment entered with respect to the settlement agreement contains the Judgment Credit.

 

9.8.  Survival . Except as set forth in the last sentence of Section 9.1, your agreements contained in Article V and Sections 3.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 9.10, and 11.2 hereof will remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any termination of an AAU and: (a) any termination of the Underwriting Agreement, (b) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors or officers, or any person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller, and (c) acceptance of any payment for any Securities.

 


4 Seeks to ensure that there is no harm to non-settling Underwriter due to settlement. For example, assume that plaintiffs have suffered $1,000 in damage in a case in which the Underwriters are 50% at fault and other defendants, all of whom are insolvent, are 50% at fault. Further assume that there were two Underwriters, each which underwrote 50% of the offering, and they were equally at fault. If neither Underwriter settles, then each would be required to pay $500 to satisfy the $1,000 verdict for which they are jointly and severally liable (or, if one paid $1,000, Section 9.5 would obligate the other to contribute $500 towards such payment). If the first Underwriter settles for $100, then the second Underwriter will obtain a judgment credit of $500, being equal to the greater of: (a) settlement amount ($100), (b) the first Underwriter’s fault ($250), and (c) the amount which the settling Underwriters would have been required to contribute under the contribution provisions ($500). This formula ensures that the second Underwriter is not harmed by the settlement. By contrast, the judgment credit applied in WorldCom ignored clause (c), resulting in a credit of only $250 and leading the non-settling Underwriter to pay $750, or $250 more than had the first Underwriter not settled.

 

 

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9.9. Replacement of Manager . If at any time after any Action is brought the Manager settles the Action on a basis that results in the settlement of such Action against it and fewer than all the Underwriters (whether or not such settlement complies with Section 9.7 hereof), the Manager will, at such time, for purposes of Sections 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7 hereof, cease to be the Manager. The non-settling Underwriters will, by vote of holders of a majority of the Underwriting Percentage of such non-settling Underwriters, select a new Manager, which will become the new “ Manager ” for all purposes of Sections 9.3, 9.4., 9.5, 9.6, and 9.7 hereof as well as this section; provided that the non-settling Underwriter(s) with the largest Underwriting Percentage will act as Manager until such vote occurs and a new Manager is selected. 5

 

Notwithstanding such a settlement, the Manager and the other settling Underwriters will remain obligated to the non-settling Underwriters to assist and cooperate fully, in good faith, and at their own expense, in the defense of any Actions, including, without limitation, by providing, upon reasonable request of any non-settling Underwriter, and without the necessity of court process, access to or copies of all relevant records, and reasonable access to all witnesses under control of the Manager or the other settling Underwriters, for the purpose of interviews, depositions, and testimony at trial, subject in each case to the applicable legal and procedural obligations of such Manager and such other settling Underwriter.

 

In addition, if at any time, the Manager is unwilling or unable for any reason to assume or discharge its duties as Manager under the applicable AAU, whether resulting from its insolvency (voluntary or involuntary), resignation or otherwise, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the remaining Underwriters will, by vote of holders of a majority of the Underwriting Percentage of such Underwriters, be entitled to select a new Manager, which will become the new Manager for all purposes under this Agreement. 6 Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Manager replaced pursuant to this Section 9.9 shall continue to benefit from and be subject to all other terms and conditions of this Agreement applicable to an Underwriter.

 

9.10.  Notice . When the Manager receives notice of the assertion of any Action to which the provisions of Sections 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, or 9.7 hereof would apply, it will give prompt notice thereof to each Underwriter, and whenever an Underwriter receives notice of the assertion of any claim or commencement of any Action to which the provisions of Sections 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, or 9.7 hereof would apply, such Underwriter will give prompt notice thereof to the Manager. The Manager also will furnish each Underwriter with periodic reports, at such times as it deems appropriate, as to the status of such Action, and the actions taken by it in connection therewith. If the Manager or any other Underwriter engages in any settlement discussion that involves or contemplates settlement on any basis other than settlement of all Actions against all Underwriters on a pro rata basis according to their Underwriting Percentages, the Manager (or other Underwriter engaging in such discussions) will notify all other Underwriters promptly and provide reasonable details about such discussions.

 


5 Permits new Manager to replace settling Manager and manage the litigation–related provisions of this agreement.
6 Permits new Manager to replace insolvent Manager and manage all aspects of this MAAU.

 

 

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X. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF UNDERWRITERS

 

10.1. Knowledge of Offering . You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to examine the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, any amendment or supplement thereto relating to the Offering, any Preliminary Prospectus or Preliminary Offering Circular, and the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Supplemental Materials, and any ABS Underwriter Derived Information, and you will familiarize yourself with the terms of the Securities, any applicable Indenture, and the other terms of the Offering thereof which are to be reflected in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU and Underwriting Agreement. The Manager is authorized, with the advice of counsel for the Underwriters, to approve on your behalf any amendments or supplements to the documents described in the preceding sentence.

 

10.2. Accuracy of Underwriters’ Information . You confirm that the information that you have given and are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters’ Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (and to any other questions addressed to you in the Invitation Wire or other Wires), which information has been furnished to the Issuer for use in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, or Offering Circular, as the case may be, or has otherwise been relied upon in connection with the Offering, is complete and accurate. You will notify the Manager immediately of any development before the termination of the applicable AAU which makes untrue or incomplete any information that you have given or are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters’ Questionnaire (or such other questions).

 

10.3. Name; Address . Unless you have promptly notified the Manager In Writing otherwise, your name as it should appear in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or Offering Circular and any advertisement, if different, and your address, are as set forth on the signature pages hereof.

 

10.4. Compliance with Capital Requirements . You represent that your commitment to purchase the Securities will not result in a violation of the financial responsibility requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the 1934 Act or of any similar provision of any applicable rules of any securities exchange to which you are subject or, if you are a financial institution subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, or the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, will not place you in violation of any applicable capital requirements or restrictions of such regulator or any other regulator to which you are subject.

 

10.5.  FINRA Requirements . (A) You represent that you are a member in good standing of FINRA, or a non-U.S. bank, broker, dealer, or institution not eligible for membership in FINRA or a Bank.

 

(i) If you are a member of FINRA, you will comply with all applicable rules of FINRA in respect of any Offering of Securities, including, without limitation, the requirements of FINRA Rules 5110, 5121, 5130, 5131 and 5141 (to the extent any or all such rules are applicable to the particular Offering).

 

 

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(ii) If you are a non-U.S. bank, broker, dealer, or other non-U.S. institution not eligible for membership in FINRA, you represent that you are not required to be registered as a broker or dealer under the 1934 Act and you will not make any offers or sales of the Securities in, or to nationals or residents of, the United States, its territories, or its possessions, except to the extent permitted by Rule 15a-6 under the 1934 Act (or any successor rule thereto adopted by the SEC). In making any offers or sales of the Securities you also agree to comply with the requirements of the following FINRA rules (including any successor rules thereto adopted by FINRA): (a) to the extent that you are acting, in respect of offers or sales of the Securities, as a “conduit” for, or are receiving in connection with such offers and sales any selling commissions, discounts, allowances or other compensation from, or are otherwise being directed with respect to allocations or disposition of the Securities by, a FINRA member, FINRA Rule 5130 and FINRA Rule 5141 as though you are a member of FINRA, and (b) NASD Conduct Rule 2420(c), as that Rule applies to a non-member broker/dealer in a non-U.S. country.

 

(iii) If you are a Bank, you agree that (a) to the extent you are acting, in respect of offers or sales of the Securities, as a “conduit” for, or are receiving in connection with such offers and sales any selling commissions, discounts, allowances or other compensation from, or are otherwise being directed with respect to allocations or disposition of the Securities by, a FINRA member, you will comply with FINRA Rules 5130 and 5141 as though you are a member of FINRA, and (b) you will not accept any portion of the management fee paid by the Underwriters with respect to any Offering or, in connection with any Offering of Securities that do not constitute “exempted securities” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act, or purchase any Securities at a discount from the offering price from any Underwriter or Dealer or otherwise accept any Fees and Commissions from any Underwriter or Dealer, which in any such case is not permitted under FINRA rules (including, without limitation, NASD Conduct Rule 2420 or any successor rule thereto adopted by FINRA) or would subject you to registration and regulation as a “broker” or “dealer” under Section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of the 1934 Act.

 

(B) With respect to any Offering of Securities that constitutes a “new issue” under FINRA Rule 5131, you agree that, with respect to any Securities trading at a premium to the public offering price that are returned by a purchaser (the “ Returned Securities ”) to you after secondary market trading commences, you will promptly consult with the Manager or Co- Manager that has been appointed to manage the syndicate short position for that Offering (the “ Designated Syndicate Agent ”) to determine the appropriate treatment of the Returned Securities under FINRA Rule 5131(d)(3), and agree to (i) return the Returned Securities to the Designated Syndicate Agent if directed to do so by that entity, or (ii) if no such direction has been provided by the Designated Syndicate Agent, to comply with the provisions of FINRA Rule 5131(d)(3)(B) with respect to the disposition of the Returned Securities.

 

10.6.  FATCA Certification. If you are a Foreign Financial Institution (“ FFI ”) as that term is defined pursuant to FATCA (as defined below) (including a U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank), you represent that you are not, and have not been identified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“ IRS ”) as, a nonparticipating FFI as that term is defined pursuant to FATCA. Unless otherwise agreed, promptly following your acceptance of an AAU for an Offering, but not later than such Offering’s Pricing Date, you will provide us such documents (including an IRS Form W-8BEN-E or an IRS Form W-8BEN if the instructions to the IRS Form W-8BEN-E have not been released) as may be necessary to confirm that no tax is required to be withheld under FATCA in respect of payments to you that we make or are deemed to make for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are required to make any deduction or withholding pursuant to or on account of FATCA in respect of payments to you that we make or are deemed to make for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we do not so deduct or withhold and a liability resulting from such failure to withhold or deduct is assessed directly against us, then you will indemnify us therefor (without duplication of any applicable indemnification obligation, and without triggering any contribution obligation of any other Underwriter, with respect thereto under Article IX hereof) and promptly pay us the amount of such liability (including any related liability for interest and penalties). “ FATCA ” means sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “ Code ”), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into thereunder, or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation thereof.

 

 

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10.7.  Further State Notice . The Manager will file a Further State Notice with the Department of State of New York, if required.

 

10.8.  Compliance with Rule 15c2-8 . In the case of a Registered Offering and any other Offering to which the provisions of Rule 15c2-8 under the 1934 Act are made applicable pursuant to the AAU or otherwise, you will comply with such Rule in connection with the Offering. In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you will comply with applicable Federal and state laws and the applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by underwriters.

 

10.9.  Discretionary Accounts . In the case of a Registered Offering of Securities issued by an Issuer that was not, immediately prior to the filing of the Registration Statement, subject to the requirements of Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, you will not make sales to any account over which you exercise discretionary authority in connection with such sale, except as otherwise permitted by the applicable AAU for such Offering.

 

10.10.  Offering Restrictions . You will not make any offers or sales of Securities or any Other Securities in jurisdictions outside the United States except under circumstances that will result in compliance with (i) applicable laws, including private placement requirements, in each such jurisdiction and (ii) the restrictions on offers or sales set forth in any AAU or the Prospectus, Preliminary Prospectus, Offering Circular, or Preliminary Offering Circular, as the case may be.

 

It is understood that, except as specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular or applicable AAU, no action has been taken by the Manager, the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller to permit you to offer Securities in any jurisdiction other than the United States, in the case of a Registered Offering, where action would be required for such purpose.

 

10.11.  Representations, Warranties, and Agreements . You will make to each other Underwriter participating in an Offering the same representations, warranties, and agreements, if any, made by the Underwriters to the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller in the applicable Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement, and you authorize the Manager to make such representations, warranties, and agreements to the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller on your behalf.

 

 

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10.12.  Limitation on the Authority of the Manager to Purchase and Sell Securities for the Account of Certain Underwriters . Notwithstanding any provision of this AAU authorizing the Manager to purchase or sell any Securities or Other Securities (including arranging for the sale of Contract Securities) or over-allot in arranging sales of Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, the Manager may not, in connection with the Offering of any Securities, make any such purchases, sales, and/or over-allotments for the account of any Underwriter that, not later than its acceptance of the Invitation Wire relating to such Offering, has advised the Manager that, due to its status as, or relationship to, a bank or bank holding company such purchases, sales, and/or over-allotments are prohibited by applicable law. If any Underwriter so advises the Manager, the Manager may allocate any such purchases, sales, and over-allotments (and the related expenses) which otherwise would have been allocated to your account based on your respective Underwriting Percentage to your account based on the ratio of your Original Underwriting Obligation to the Original Underwriting Obligations of all Underwriters other than the advising Underwriter or Underwriters, or in such other manner as the Manager will determine.

 

10.13.  Agreement Regarding Oral Due Diligence . By participating in an Offering, each Underwriter agrees that it, each of its affiliates participating in an Offering as Underwriter or financial intermediary and each controlling person of it and each such participating affiliate are bound by the Agreement Regarding Oral Due Diligence currently in effect between UBS Securities LLC and the accounting firm or firms that participate in oral due diligence in such offering.

 

XI. DEFAULTING UNDERWRITERS

 

11.1.  Effect of Termination . If the Underwriting Agreement is terminated as permitted by the terms thereof, your obligations hereunder with respect to the Offering of the Securities will immediately terminate except: (a) as set forth in Section 9.8 hereof, (b) that you will remain liable for your Underwriting Percentage (or such other percentage as may be specified pursuant to Section 9.2 hereof) of all expenses, and for any purchases or sales which may have been made for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement, and (c) that such termination will not affect any obligations of any defaulting or breaching Underwriter.

 

11.2.  Sharing of Liability . If any Underwriter defaults in its obligations: (a) pursuant to Section 5.1, 5.2 or 5.4 hereof, (b) to pay amounts charged to its account pursuant to Section 7.1, 7.2, or 8.1 hereof, or (c) pursuant to Section 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, or 11.1 hereof, you will assume your proportionate share (determined on the basis of the respective Underwriting Percentages of the non-defaulting Underwriters) of such obligations, but no such assumption will relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability to the non-defaulting Underwriters, the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller for its default.

 

 

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11.3.  Arrangements for Purchases . The Manager is authorized to arrange for the purchase by others (including the Manager or any other Underwriter) of any Securities not purchased by any defaulting Underwriter in accordance with the terms of the applicable Underwriting Agreement or, if the applicable Underwriting Agreement does not provide arrangements for defaulting Underwriters, in the discretion of the Manager. If such arrangements are made, the respective amounts of Securities to be purchased by the remaining Underwriters and such other person or persons, if any, will be taken as the basis for all rights and obligations hereunder, but this will not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

 

XII. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1. Obligations Several . Nothing contained in this Master AAU or any AAU constitutes you partners with the Manager or with the other Underwriters, and the obligations of you and each of the other Underwriters are several and not joint. Each Underwriter elects to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A, of the Code. Each Underwriter authorizes the Manager, on behalf of such Underwriter, to execute such evidence of such election as may be required by the IRS.

 

12.2. Liability of Manager . The Manager will not be liable to you for any act or omission, except for obligations expressly assumed by the Manager in the applicable AAU.

 

12.3. Termination of Master AAU . This Master AAU may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days’ written notice to the other party; provided, however, that with respect to any Offering for which an AAU was sent prior to such notice, this Master AAU as it applies to such Offering will remain in full force and effect and will terminate with respect to such Offering in accordance with Section 9.1 hereof.

 

12.4.  Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial . This Master AAU and each AAU will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. You hereby irrevocably: (a) submit to the jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York located in the City of New York or the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of the State of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, or other proceeding arising out of this Master AAU, or any of the agreements or transactions contemplated hereby (each, a “ Proceeding ”), (b) agree that all claims in respect of any Proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any immunity from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process therein, (d) agree not to commence any Proceeding other than in such courts, and (e) waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claim that such Proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum. Each party hereto irrevocably waives any right that it may have to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Master AAU and each AAU or the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

12.5. Amendments . This Master AAU may be amended from time to time by consent of the parties hereto. Your consent will be deemed to have been given to an amendment to this Master AAU, and such amendment will be effective, five business days following written notice to you of such amendment if you do not notify us In Writing prior to the close of business on such fifth business day that you do not consent to such amendment. Upon effectiveness, the provisions of this Master AAU as so amended will apply to each AAU thereafter entered into, except as otherwise specifically provided in any such AAU.

 

 

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12.6.  Notices . Any notice to any Underwriter will be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, sent by wire, telecopy or electronic transmission or other written communication, or delivered in person to such Underwriter at the address set forth in its Underwriters’ Questionnaire, or if no address is provided in an Underwriters’ Questionnaire, then at the address set forth in reports filed by such Underwriter with FINRA. Any such notice will take effect upon receipt thereof.

 

12.7. Severability . In case any provision in this Master AAU is deemed invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

12.8.  Counterparts . This Master AAU may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument. Transmission by telecopy of an executed counterpart of this Master AAU will constitute due and sufficient delivery of such counterpart.

 

 

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Please confirm your acceptance of this Master AAU by signing and returning to us the enclosed duplicate copy hereof.

 

  UBS SECURITIES LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    
      (Authorized Officer)  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    
      (Authorized Officer)  

 

Confirmed and accepted

as of __________, 20___

 

   
(Legal Name of Underwriter)  
   

 

 
(Address)  

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    
  (Authorized Officer)  

 

(If person signing is not an officer or a partner, please attach instrument of authorization)

 

 

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GUIDE TO DEFINED TERMS

Term Section Reference
1933 Act 1.1
1934 Act 3.5
AAU Foreword
ABS Underwriter Derived Information 2.1
Action 9.3
Additional Securities 1.1
Bank 3.5
Code 10.6
Co-Managers 1.1
Commission 2.1
Contract Securities 3.1
Contributing Underwriters 9.5
Dealer 3.5
Designated Syndicate Agent 10.5
DTC 5.2
FATCA 10.6
Fees and Commissions 1.1
FFI 10.6
FINRA 3.1
Firm Securities 1.1
Free Writing Prospectus 2.1
Guarantor 1.1
In Writing 1.2
Indemnified Party 9.4
Indenture 1.1
International Offering 1.1
Intersyndicate Agreement 2.3
Invitation Wire Foreword
IRS 10.6
Issuer 1.1
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus 3.3
Issuer Information 3.3
Judgment Credit 9.7
Litigation 9.4
Losses 9.4
Manager 1.1
Manager-Approved Communication 3.3
Master AAU Foreword
Offering Foreword
Offering Circular 2.2
Offering Date 3.2
Offering Price 1.1

 

 

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Original Underwriting Obligation 1.1
Preliminary Offering Circular 2.2
Preliminary Prospectus 2.1
Pricing Date 1.1
Proceeding 12.4
Prospectus 2.1
Purchase Price 1.1
QIU 9.4
Reallowance 1.1
Registered Offering 2.1
Registration Statement 2.1
Regulation M 5.1
Representative 1.1
Returned Securities 10.5
Securities 1.1
Securities Offering Reform Release 2.1
Seller 1.1
Selling Concession 1.1
Settlement Date 1.1
Supplemental Materials 3.3
Syndicate Counsel 9.6
Trustee 1.1
Underwriter Free Writing Prospectus 3.3
Underwriters 1.1
Underwriters’ Securities 3.1
Underwriting Agreement 1.1
Underwriting Percentage 1.1
Wire Foreword
Written Research Report 9.4
Written Testing-the-Waters Communication 3.3

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

UNDERWRITERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE

 

In connection with each Offering governed by the UBS Securities LLC Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 6, 2014, except as otherwise indicated in a timely acceptance of the Invitation Wire pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Master Agreement Among Underwriters (“ Master AAU ”) or already expressly disclosed in the Preliminary Prospectus or Preliminary Offering Circular, as the case may be, each Underwriter participating in such Offering severally advises the Issuer and the other participating Underwriters (all capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings given to them in the Master AAU) as follows:

 

(a) neither such Underwriter nor any of its directors, officers, or partners have a material relationship, as “material” is defined in Regulation C under the 1933 Act, with the Issuer, the Guarantor, or the Seller;

 

(b) if the Registration Statement is on Form S-1, neither such Underwriter nor any “group” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of which such Underwriter is aware is the beneficial (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) owner of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or Guarantor, nor does such Underwriter have any knowledge that more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor is held or to be held subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement, nor does such Underwriter have any knowledge that more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor is held or to be held subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement;

 

(c) other than as may be stated in the UBS Securities LLC Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 6, 2014, the applicable AAU, the Intersyndicate Agreement or dealer agreement, if any, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, or the Offering Circular, such Underwriter does not know and has no reason to believe that there is an intention to over-allot or that the price of any security may be stabilized to facilitate the offering of the Securities;

 

(d) other than as stated in the Invitation Wire, such Underwriter does not know of (i) any other discounts or commissions to be allowed or paid to the Underwriters or of any other items that would be deemed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”) to constitute underwriting compensation for purposes of FINRA Rule 5110, or (ii) any discounts or commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers, including all cash, securities, contracts, or other consideration to be received by any dealer in connection with the sale of the Securities;

 

(e) such Underwriter has not prepared any report or memorandum for external use in connection with the Offering;

 

(f) if the offer and sale of the Securities are to be registered under the 1933 Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form F-1, such Underwriter has not within the past 12 months prepared or had prepared for such Underwriter any engineering, management, or similar report or memorandum relating to broad aspects of the business, operations, or products of the Issuer or the Guarantor. The immediately preceding sentence does not apply to reports solely comprised of recommendations to buy, sell, or hold the Issuer’s or the Guarantor’s securities, unless such recommendations have changed within the past six months, or to information already contained in documents filed with the Commission;

 

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(g) in the case of Registered Offerings and Offerings of Securities exempt under Section 3 of the 1933 Act, such Underwriter does not have a “conflict of interest” with the Issuer or the Guarantor under FINRA Rule 5121. In that regard, such Underwriter specifically confirms that, at the time of such Underwriter's participation in the subject Offering, (A) such Underwriter is not issuing the Securities in such Offering; (B) neither the Issuer nor the Guarantor controls, is controlled by or is under common control (as the term “control” is defined in FINRA Rule 5121(f)(6)) with such Underwriter or such Underwriter's “associated persons” (as such term is defined by FINRA); (C) less than five percent of the net proceeds of the Offering, not including Fees and Commissions, are intended to be: (i) used to reduce or retire the balance of a loan or credit facility extended by such Underwriter, its “affiliates” and its “associated persons” (as such terms are defined by FINRA), in the aggregate; or (ii) otherwise directed to such Underwriter, its affiliates and associated persons, in the aggregate, and (D) as a result of such Offering and any transactions contemplated at the time of such Offering: (i) such Underwriter will not become an affiliate of the Issuer or Guarantor; (ii) such Underwriter will not become publicly owned; and (iii) the Issuer or Guarantor will not become a FINRA member or form a broker-dealer subsidiary. Furthermore, such Underwriter specifically confirms that such Underwriter does not, (a) beneficially own 10% or more of the Issuer's or Guarantor's outstanding “common equity,” “preferred equity” or “subordinated debt” (as each such term is defined in FINRA Rule 5121), including the right to receive such securities or subordinated debt within 60 days of such Underwriter's participation in the Offering; (b) in the case of an Issuer or Guarantor which is a partnership, beneficially own a general, limited or special partnership interest in 10% or more of the Issuer's or Guarantor's distributable profits or losses, or a right to receive an interest in such distributable profits or losses within 60 days of such Underwriter's participation in the Offering; or (c) have the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of the Issuer or the Guarantor;

 

(h) other than as stated in the Invitation Wire, in the case of Registered Offerings and Offerings of Securities exempt under Section 3 of the 1933 Act, neither such Underwriter nor any of its directors, officers, partners, or “persons associated with” such Underwriter (as defined by FINRA) nor, to such Underwriter’s knowledge, any “related person” (defined by FINRA to include counsel, financial consultants and advisors, finders, members of the selling or distribution group, any FINRA member participating in the offering, and any other persons associated with or related to and members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing) or any other broker-dealer: (A) within the last six months have purchased in private transactions, or intend before, at, or within six months after the commencement of the public offering of the Securities to purchase in private transactions, any securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor, or any Issuer Related Party (as hereinafter defined), (B) within the last 6 months have had any dealings with the Issuer, the Guarantor, any Seller, or any subsidiary or controlling person thereof (other than relating to the proposed Underwriting Agreement) as to which documents or information are required to be filed with FINRA, or (C) during the 6 months immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement (or, if there is none, the Offering Circular), have entered into any arrangement which provided or provides for the receipt of any item of value (including, but not limited to, cash payments, expense reimbursements and rights of first refusal to participate in a future public offering, private placement or other financing transaction) and/or the transfer of any warrants, options, or other securities from the Issuer, the Guarantor, or any Issuer Related Party to you or any related person;

 

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(i) in the case of Registered Offerings and Offerings of Securities exempt under Section 3 of the 1933 Act, there is no association or affiliation between such Underwriter and; (A) any officer or director of the Issuer, the Guarantor or, any Issuer Related Party, or (B) any securityholder of 5% or more (or, in the case of an initial public offering of equity securities, any securityholder) of any class of securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor, or an Issuer Related Party; it being understood that for purposes of paragraph (i) above and this paragraph (j), the term “Issuer Related Party” includes any Seller, any affiliate of the Issuer, the Guarantor, or a Seller, and the officers or general partners, directors, employees, and securityholders thereof;

 

(j)  in the case of Registered Offerings and Offerings of Securities exempt under Section 3 of the 1933 Act, and if the Securities are not issued by a real estate investment trust, no portion of the net offering proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be paid to such Underwriter or any of its affiliates or “persons associated with” such Underwriter (as defined by FINRA) or members of the immediate family of any such person; and

 

(k) in the case of Securities which are debt securities whose offer and sale is to be registered under the 1933 Act, such Underwriter is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 0-2 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) of the Trustee for the Securities or of its parent, if any. Neither the Trustee nor its parent, if any, nor any of their directors or executive officers is a “director, officer, partner, employee, appointee, or representative” of such Underwriter (as those terms are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or in the relevant instructions to Form T-1). Such Underwriter and its directors, partners, and executive officers, taken as a group, did not on the date specified in the Invitation, and do not, own beneficially 1% or more of the shares of any class of voting securities of the Trustee or of its parent, if any. If such Underwriter is a corporation, it does not have outstanding and has not assumed or guaranteed any securities issued otherwise than in its present corporate name.

 

If an Underwriter notes an exception with respect to material of the type referred to in clauses (e) and (f), such underwriter will send three copies of each item of such material, together with a statement as to distribution, identifying classes of recipients and the number of copies distributed to each such class, and, if relevant, the number of equity securities or the face value of debt securities owned by such person, the date such securities were acquired, and the price paid for such securities to UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: [Fixed Income Syndicate] [Equity Syndicate].

Final adopted version dated May 23, 2012

 

UBS Securities LLC

 

MASTER SELECTED DEALERS AGREEMENT

 

REGISTERED SEC OFFERINGS

 

AND

 

EXEMPT OFFERINGS

 

(OTHER THAN OFFERINGS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES)

 

May 23, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

This Master Selected Dealers Agreement (this “ Master SDA ”), dated as of May 23, 2012, is by and between UBS Securities LLC (including its successors and assigns) (“ we ,” “ our ,” “ us ” or the “ Manager ”) and the party named on the signature page hereof (a “ Dealer ,” “ you ” or “ your ”). From time to time, in connection with an offering and sale (an “ Offering ”) of securities (the “ Securities ”), managed solely by us or with one or more other managers or co- managers, we or one or more of our affiliates may offer you (and others) the opportunity to purchase as principal a portion of such securities on the terms set forth herein as a Selected Dealer (as defined below).

 

References herein to laws, statutory and regulatory sections, rules, regulations, forms and interpretive materials are deemed to include successor provisions. The following provisions of this Master SDA shall apply separately to each individual Offering of Securities. You and we further agree as follows:

 

1.  Applicability of this Master SDA . The terms and conditions of this Master SDA will be applicable to any Offering in which you accept an offer to participate as a Selected Dealer (including through the receipt by you of Securities), whether pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”), or exempt from registration thereunder, in respect of which we (acting for our own account or for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate) are responsible for managing or otherwise implementing the sale of Securities to Selected Dealers. A Dealer is a person who meets the requirements of Section 10 hereof. The parties who agree to participate (including by the receipt by such parties of Securities) or are designated a selling concession to Dealers (the “ Selling Concession ”), and reallowance, if any (the “ Reallowance ”), in such Offering as selected Dealers are hereinafter referred to as “ Selected Dealers ”. In the case of any Offering where we are acting for the account of the several underwriters, initial purchasers or others acting in a similar capacity (the “ Underwriters ”), the terms and conditions of this Master SDA will be for the benefit of such Underwriters, including, in the case of any Offering where we are acting with others as representatives of Underwriters, such other representatives.

 

2.   Terms of the Offering . We may advise you orally or by one or more wires, telexes, telecopy or electronic data transmissions, or other written communications (each, a “Wire”) of the particular method and supplementary terms and conditions of any Offering (including the price or prices at which the Securities initially will be offered by the several Underwriters, or if the price is to be determined by a formula based on market price, the terms of the formula, (the “Offering Price”) and any Selling Concession or, if applicable, Reallowance) in which you are invited to participate. Any such Wire may also amend or modify such provisions of this Master SDA in respect of the Offering to which such Wire relates, and may contain such supplementary provisions as may be specified in any Wire relating to an Offering. To the extent such supplementary terms and conditions are inconsistent with any provision herein, such supplementary terms and conditions shall supersede any provision of this Master SDA. Unless otherwise indicated in any such Wire, acceptances and other communications by you with respect to an Offering should be sent pursuant to the terms of Section 19 hereof. Notwithstanding that we may not have sent you a Wire or other form of invitation to participate in such Offering or that you may not otherwise have responded by wire or other written communication (any such communication being deemed “ In Writing ”) to any such Wire or other form of invitation, you will be deemed to have accepted the terms of our offer to participate as a Selected Dealer and of this Master SDA (as amended, modified or supplemented by any Wire) by your purchase of Securities or otherwise receiving and retaining an economic benefit for participating in the Offering as a Selected Dealer. We reserve the right to reject any acceptance in whole or in part.

 

 

 

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Any Offering will be subject to delivery of the Securities and their acceptance by us and any other Underwriters may be subject to the approval of all legal matters by counsel and may be subject to the satisfaction of other conditions. Any application for additional Securities will be subject to rejection in whole or in part.

 

3.  Offering Documents . Upon your request, we will furnish, make available to you or make arrangements for you to obtain copies (which may, to the extent permitted by law, be in electronic form) of each prospectus, prospectus supplement, offering memorandum, offering circular or similar offering document, and any preliminary version thereof, as soon as reasonably practicable after sufficient quantities thereof have been made available by the issuer of the Securities (each, an “ Issuer ”) and any guarantor (each, a “ Guarantor ”) thereof, and, if different from the Issuer, the seller or sellers (each, a “ Seller ”) of the Securities. You agree that you will comply with the applicable United States federal and state laws, and the applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder, and the applicable laws, rules and regulations of any non-United States jurisdiction, governing the use and distribution of offering materials by brokers and dealers. You represent and warrant that you are familiar with Rule l5c2-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ 1934 Act ”), relating to the distribution of preliminary and final prospectuses and agree that your purchase of Securities shall constitute your confirmation that you have delivered and will deliver all preliminary prospectuses and final prospectuses required for compliance therewith. You agree to make a record of your distribution of each preliminary prospectus and, when furnished with copies of any revised preliminary prospectus or final prospectus, you will, upon our request, promptly forward copies thereof to each person to whom you have theretofore distributed a preliminary prospectus. You agree that, in purchasing Securities, you will rely upon no statement whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular or similar offering document delivered to you by us. You are not authorized by the Issuer or other Seller of Securities offered pursuant to a final prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular or similar offering document or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained therein in connection with the sale of such Securities.

 

4. Offering of Securities .

 

(a)  In respect of any Offering, we will inform you of any Selling Concession and Reallowance, if any. The Offering of Securities is made subject to the conditions referred to in the prospectus, offering memorandum, or offering circular or similar offering document related to the Offering and to the terms and conditions set forth in any Wire. After the initial Offering has commenced, we may change the Offering Price, the Selling Concession and the Reallowance (if any) to Selected Dealers. If a Reallowance is in effect, a reallowance from the Offering Price not in excess of such Reallowance may be allowed (i) in the case of Offerings of Securities that are not exempted securities (as defined in Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act), as consideration for services rendered in distribution to Dealers who are either members in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”) who agree to abide by the applicable rules of FINRA or non-U.S. banks, brokers, dealers or other non-U.S. institutions not eligible for membership in FINRA who represent to you that they will promptly reoffer such Securities at the Offering Price and will abide by the conditions with respect to non-U.S. banks, dealers and other non-U.S. institutions set forth in Section 10 hereof, or (ii) in the case of Offerings of Securities that are exempted securities (as defined in Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act), as consideration for services rendered in distribution not only to Dealers identified in the immediately preceding clause but also to Dealers that are Banks (as defined in Section 10 hereof) and represent to you that they will promptly reoffer such Securities at the Offering Price and will abide by the conditions with respect to Banks set forth in Section 10 hereof.

 

 

 

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(b)   No expenses will be charged to Selected Dealers. A single transfer tax upon the sale of the Securities by the respective Underwriters to you will be paid by such Underwriters when such Securities are delivered to you. However, you shall pay any transfer tax on sales of Securities by you and you shall pay your proportionate share of any transfer tax or other tax (other than the single transfer tax described above) in the event that any such tax shall from time to time be assessed against you and other Selected Dealers as a group or otherwise.

 

5.  Payment and Delivery . You will deliver to us, on the date and at the place and time specified by us orally or In Writing, payment in the manner and type of currency specified by us orally or In Writing, payable to the order of UBS Securities LLC (or as we may subsequently inform you), for an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the prospectus or offering circular or other similar offering document furnished in connection with the Offering of the Securities. We may, in our sole discretion, retain the applicable Selling Concession in respect of the Securities to be purchased by you for release at a date specified by us. We will make payment to the Issuer or Seller against delivery to us for your account of the Securities to be purchased by you, and we will deliver to you the Securities paid for by you which will have been retained by or released to you for direct sale. If we determine that transactions in the Securities are to be settled through The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) or another clearinghouse facility and payment in the settlement currency is supported by such facility, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by you will be made through such facility, if you are a participant, or, if you are not a participant, settlement will be made through your ordinary correspondent who is a participant.

 

6.  Over-allotment; Stabilization; Unsold Allotments; Penalty Bids . We may, with respect to any Offering, be authorized to over-allot in arranging sales to Selected Dealers, to purchase and sell Securities for long or short account and to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities. You agree that upon our request at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the provisions of Section 4 hereof with respect to any Offering, you will report to us the amount of Securities purchased by you pursuant to such Offering which then remain unsold by you and will, upon our request at any such time, sell to us for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters such amount of such unsold Securities as we may designate at the Offering Price less an amount to be determined by us not in excess of the Selling Concession. Prior to the termination of the Manager’s authority to cover any short position in connection with the Offering or such other date as the Manager may specify by Wire, if the Manager determines pursuant to the “Initial Public Offering Tracking System” of DTC that the Manager has purchased, or any of your customers have sold, a number or amount of Securities retained by, or released to, you for direct sale or any Securities sold pursuant to Section 4 hereof for which you received a portion of the Selling Concession, or any Securities which may have been issued on transfer or in exchange for such Securities, which Securities were therefore not effectively placed for investment, then you authorize the Manager to charge your account with an amount equal to such portion of the Selling Concession received by you with respect to such Securities at a price equal to the total cost of such purchase, including transfer taxes, accrued interest, dividends, and commissions, if any.

 

 

 

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7. Termination .

 

(a)  The terms and conditions set forth in (i) Section 4, (ii) the second sentence of Section 6, (iii) Section 15 and (iv) Section 16 of this Master SDA (collectively, the “ offering provisions ”) will terminate with respect to each Offering pursuant to this Master SDA at the close of business on the later of (a) the date on which the Underwriters pay the Issuer or Seller for the Securities, and (b) 45 calendar days after the applicable Offering date, unless in either such case the effectiveness of such offering provisions is extended or sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. We may terminate such offering provisions other than Section 6 at any time by notice to you to the effect that the offering provisions are terminated and we may terminate the provisions of Section 6 at any time at or subsequent to the termination of the other offering provisions by notice to you to the effect that the penalty bid provisions are terminated. All other provisions of the Master SDA shall remain operative and in full force and effect with respect to such Offering.

 

(b)  This Master SDA may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days’ written notice to the other party; provided, however, that with respect to any particular Offering, if we receive any such notice from you after we have advised you of the amount of Securities allotted to you, this Master SDA shall remain in full force and effect as to such Offering and shall terminate with respect to such Offering and all previous Offerings only in accordance with and to the extent provided in subsection (a) of this Section 7.

 

8.  Amendments . This Master SDA may be amended from time to time by consent of the parties hereto. Your consent will be deemed to have been given to an amendment to this Master SDA, and such amendment will be effective, five business days following written notice to you of such amendment if you do not notify us In Writing prior to the close of business on such fifth business day that you do not consent to such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you agree that any amendment, supplement or modification of the terms of this Master SDA by Wire or otherwise In Writing will be effective immediately and your consent will be deemed to have been given to any such amendment, supplement or modification by your purchase of Securities or otherwise receiving and retaining an economic benefit for participating in the Offering as a Selected Dealer; provided that such amendment, supplement or modification of the terms of this Master SDA shall only be effective with respect to the related Offering.

 

 

 

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9.  Relationship Among Underwriters and Selected Dealers . We shall have full authority to take such actions as we deem advisable in all matters pertaining to any Offering under this Master SDA. You are not authorized to act as an agent for us, any Underwriter or the Issuer or other Seller of any Securities in offering Securities to the public or otherwise. Neither we nor any Underwriter will be under any obligation to you except for obligations assumed hereby or in any Wire from us in connection with any Offering, and no obligations on our part as the Manager will be implied hereby or inferred herefrom. Nothing contained in this Master SDA or any Wire shall constitute the Selected Dealers an association or partners with us or any Underwriter or with one another, and the obligations of you and each of the other Selected Dealers or any of the Underwriters are several and not joint. If the Selected Dealers, among themselves, with us or with the Underwriters, should be deemed to constitute a partnership for federal income tax purposes, then you elect to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and agree not to take any position inconsistent with such election. You authorize the Manager, in its discretion, to execute on your behalf such evidence of such election as may be required by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In connection with any Offering, you will be liable for your proportionate share of the amount of any tax, claim, demand or liability that may be asserted against you alone or against one or more Selected Dealers participating in such Offering, or against us or the Underwriters, based upon the claim that the Selected Dealers, or any of them, constitute an association, an unincorporated business or other entity, including, in each case, your proportionate share of the amount of any expense (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred in defending against any such tax, claim, demand or liability.

 

10.  FINRA Compliance . You represent and warrant that you are (a) a broker or dealer (as defined in Section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of the 1934 Act) that is a member in good standing of FINRA, (b) a non-U.S. bank, broker, dealer or other non-U.S. institution that is not eligible for membership in FINRA and is not required to be registered as a broker or dealer under the 1934 Act (a “ non-member non-U.S. dealer ”), or (c) only in the case of Offerings of Securities that are exempted securities (as defined in Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act), and such other Securities as from time to time may be sold by a “bank” (as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the 1934 Act (a “ Bank ”)), that you are a Bank that is acting in connection with the Offering in accordance with an applicable exception or exemption from the definition of broker and dealer under Sections 3(a)(4) and 3(a)(5) of the 1934 Act.

 

You further represent, warrant and agree that, in connection with any purchase or sale of the Securities wherein a selling concession, discount or other allowance is received or granted by or to you:

 

(i) if you are a member of FINRA, you will comply with all applicable rules of FINRA, including, without limitation, the requirements of FINRA Rules 5110, 5121, 5130, 5131 and 5141 (to the extent any or all such rules are applicable to the particular Offering);

 

(ii) if you are a non-member non-U.S. dealer, (x) you will not make any offers or sales of the Securities in, or to nationals or residents of, the United States, its territories, or its possessions, except to the extent permitted by Rule 15a-6 under the 1934 Act (or any successor rule thereto adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)), (y) in making any offers or sales of the Securities, you will comply with the requirements of the following FINRA rules (including any successor rules thereto adopted by FINRA): (A) to the extent that you are acting, in respect of offers or sales of the Securities, as a “conduit” for, or are receiving in connection with such offers and sales any selling commissions, discounts, allowances or other compensation from, or are otherwise being directed with respect to allocations or disposition of the Securities by, a FINRA member, FINRA Rule 5130 and FINRA Rule 5141 as though you are a member of FINRA, and (B) NASD Conduct Rule 2420(c), as that Rule applies to a non-member broker or dealer in a non-U.S. country, and (z) you are, and will remain at all relevant times, an appropriately registered or licensed broker or dealer (to the extent required) in your home jurisdiction and in any non-U.S. jurisdiction in which you engage in activities in connection with an Offering;

 

 

 

6

 

(iii) if you are a Bank, (x) to the extent you are acting, in respect of offers or sales of the Securities, as a “conduit” for, or are receiving in connection with such offers and sales any selling commissions, discounts, allowances or other compensation from, or are otherwise being directed with respect to allocations or disposition of the Securities by, a FINRA member, you will comply with FINRA Rules 5130 and 5141 as though you are a member of FINRA, and (y) you will not accept any fee or other compensation, or purchase any Securities at a discount from the offering price from any Underwriter or Dealer, which would not be permitted under applicable FINRA rules (including, without limitation, NASD Conduct Rule 2420 or any successor rule thereto adopted by FINRA) or would subject you to registration and regulation as a “broker” or “dealer” under Section 3(a)(4) or 3(a)(5) of the 1934 Act;

 

(iv) in respect of each Offering in which you participate (as indicated by your participation therein), you have provided to us all documents and other information required to be filed with respect to you, any related person or any person associated with you or any such related person pursuant to FINRA’s requirements and interpretations with respect to review of corporate financing transactions as such requirements and interpretations relate to such Offering; and

 

(v) you are fully familiar with the 1933 Act, 1934 Act and FINRA provisions referenced in this Section 10 and elsewhere in this Master SDA.

 

11.  Blue Sky Matters . Upon application to us, we shall inform you as to any advice we have received from counsel concerning the jurisdictions in which Securities have been qualified for sale or are exempt under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of such jurisdictions, but we do not assume any obligation or responsibility as to your right to sell Securities in any such jurisdiction, notwithstanding any information we may furnish to you in that connection.

 

12.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Master SDA (as it may be modified or supplemented by any Wire) will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State. You hereby irrevocably: (a) submit to the jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York located in the City of New York or the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of the State of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, or other proceeding arising out of this Master SDA, or any of the agreements or transactions contemplated hereby (each, a “ Proceeding ”), (b) agree that all claims in respect of any Proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any immunity from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process therein, (d) agree not to commence any Proceeding other than in such courts, and (e) waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claim that such Proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

 

 

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13.  Successors and Assigns . This Master SDA will be binding on, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and other persons specified in Section 1 hereof, and the respective successors and assigns of each of them; provided, however, that you may not assign your rights or delegate any of your duties under this Master SDA without our prior written consent.

 

14.  Compliance with Law . You agree that in selling Securities pursuant to any Offering (which agreement shall also be for the benefit of the Issuer or other Seller of such Securities) you will comply with all applicable rules and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and the 1934 Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, the applicable rules and regulations of FINRA, the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or other regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction over the Offering and the applicable laws, rules and regulations specified in Section 16(a) and 16(b) hereof.

 

15.  Discretionary Accounts . In the case of an Offering of Securities registered under the 1933 Act by an Issuer that was not, immediately prior to the filing of the related registration statement, subject to the requirements of Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, you will not make sales to any account over which you exercise discretionary authority in connection with such sale, except as otherwise permitted by us for such Offering In Writing.

 

16.  Offering Restrictions . You will not make any offers or sales of Securities or any other securities in jurisdictions outside the United States except under circumstances that will result in compliance with (a) applicable laws, including private placement requirements, in each such jurisdiction and (b) the restrictions on offers or sales set forth in this Master SDA, any Wire or the prospectus, preliminary prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular, or preliminary offering memorandum or preliminary offering circular or other similar offering document, as the case may be. It is understood that, except as specified in this Master SDA, the prospectus, offering memorandum or offering circular or other similar offering document, or applicable Wire, no action has been taken by us, the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller or any other party to permit you to offer Securities in any jurisdiction other than the United States, in the case of a Registered Offering, where action would be required for such purpose.

 

17.  Prohibition on Money Laundering . The operations of your business and your subsidiaries are and, to your knowledge, have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving you or any of your subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to your knowledge, threatened.

 

 

 

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18.  Liability of Manager . The Manager will not be liable to you for any act or omission, except for obligations expressly assumed by the Manager In Writing.

 

19.  Notices . Any notice to you will be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, sent by Wire, or delivered in person to you at the address set forth on the signature page hereto (or to such other address, telephone, telecopy or telex as you will be notified by us), or if such address is no longer valid, then at the address set forth in reports filed by you with FINRA. Any such notice will take effect upon receipt thereof. Communications by Wire will be deemed to be “written” communications and made In Writing.

 

20.  Severability . In case any provision in this Master SDA or any Wire is deemed invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

21.  Counterparts . This Master SDA may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument. Transmission by telecopy of an executed counterpart of this Master SDA will constitute due and sufficient delivery of such counterpart.

 

Please confirm by signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Master SDA that your subscription to, or your acceptance of any reservation of, any Securities pursuant to an Offering shall constitute (a) acceptance of and agreement to the terms and conditions of this Master SDA (as supplemented and amended pursuant to Section 8 hereof) together with and subject to any supplementary terms and conditions contained in any Wire from us in connection with such Offering, all of which shall constitute a binding agreement between you and us individually or as representative of any Underwriters, (b) confirmation that your representations and warranties set forth herein are true and correct at that time, (c) confirmation that your agreements herein have been and will be fully performed by you to the extent and at the times required thereby and (d) in the case of any Offering described in Section 3 hereof, acknowledgment that you have requested and received from us sufficient copies of the final prospectus, offering memorandum or offering circular, as the case may be, with respect to such Offering in order to comply with your undertakings in Section 16(a) or 16(b) hereof.

 

( Remainder of page intentionally left blank )

 

( Signature page follows )

 

 

 

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This Master SDA is dated as of May 23, 2012, and executed by and between UBS Securities LLC and [ insert name of selected dealer ].

 

  Very truly yours,  
         
  UBS Securities LLC  
         
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    
         
By:    
    Name:    
  Title:    

 

Confirmed as of (date):

 

CONFIRMED: ______________ , 2012

 

[ INSERT NAME OF SELECTED DEALER ]

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Address:

 

Telephone:

 

Facsimile:

 

Email:

 

 

 

10

 

Master Selected Dealers Agreement

 

GUIDE TO DEFINED TERMS

 

Term Section Reference
1933 Act 1
1934 Act 3
Bank 10
Dealer Foreward
DTC. 5
FINRA. 4(a)
Guarantor 3
In Writing 2
Issuer 3
Manager Foreword
Master SDA Foreword
Money Laundering Laws 17
non-member non-U.S. dealer 10
Offering Foreword
Offering Price. 2
offering provisions 7(a)
Proceeding 12
Reallowance 1
SEC 10
Securities 1
Selected Dealers 1
Seller 3
Selling Concession 1
Underwriters 1
Wire 2

CLOSED-END FUND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS CLOSED-END FUND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made, as of September ___, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and among First Dominion Capital Corp. (“ FDCC ”), Vision 4 Fund Distributors, LLC (“ Vision ”) and RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), relating to certain services to be provided by FDCC and Vision to the Adviser with respect to a proposed closed-end investment company, currently referred to as RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund (the “ Fund ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser is the investment adviser to the Fund;

 

WHEREAS, the Fund will be operated as a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “ 1940 Act ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Fund will offer for sale common shares of beneficial interest (the “ Shares ” and the holders of the Shares being referred to herein as the “ Shareholders ”);

 

WHEREAS, in connection with serving as investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser wishes to retain FDCC to provide the distribution and marketing services set forth herein to the Adviser under the terms and conditions stated below, and FDCC is willing to provide such services for the compensation set forth below;

 

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

 

1. APPOINTMENT. The Adviser hereby retains FDCC to furnish, and FDCC hereby agrees to furnish, the services set forth in paragraph 2 below.

 

2. SERVICES AND DUTIES OF FDCC. At such times and to the extent that the Adviser may reasonably request, FDCC registered representatives who are also employees of Vision will assist the Adviser with the distribution of the Shares in an initial public offering (the “ Offering ”) by:

 

(a) making all of its registered representatives who are also employees of Vision available to the Adviser and the Fund to aid in the distribution of the Shares and to generally provide sales services with respect to the Shares;

 

(b) developing and coordinating a targeted “road show” with respect to the Offering;

 

(c) assisting in the customization of marketing materials for use by, and presentations to the sales networks at, broker-dealers that distribute the Shares;

 

(d) assisting in the review of materials made available to prospective investors and broker-dealers;

 

(e) assisting in scheduling and marketing national, informational conference calls in targeted broker-dealer channels for the Offering;

 

- 1 -

 

(f) organizing and hosting meetings with key financial advisers, closed-end fund wholesalers, analysts, service providers and ratings and information organizations that cover closed-end funds;

 

(g) making such reports and recommendations to the board of trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) as the Board and/or the Adviser may reasonably request or deem appropriate;

 

(h) replying to requests for information from broker-dealers or prospective investors concerning the Shares, the Offering or the Fund;

 

(i) assisting in the drafting of press releases in connection with the Offering; providing the sales support and marketing services typical for an offering of the Shares; and

 

(j) providing such other services as the parties may mutually agree from time to time.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, such distribution and marketing services shall not involve acting as underwriter of any offering of the Fund on a firm commitment or best efforts basis.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, FDCC acknowledges and agrees that it is not authorized to provide any information or make any representation regarding the Fund, the Offering or the Shares other than as contained in the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information or any sales literature and advertising or marketing materials specifically approved by the Adviser for use by FDCC in connection with the performance of the services provided by FDCC hereunder.

 

FDCC further acknowledges and agrees that it will not use or cause to be used any sales literature or advertising or marketing materials in connection with the Offering unless such sales literature or advertising or marketing materials have, if required by applicable law or the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), been filed with FINRA in a timely manner and, if required by applicable law or the rules and regulations, FINRA has indicated that such sales literature or advertising or marketing materials appear consistent with applicable standards.

 

3. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. In all matters pertaining to the performance of this Agreement, FDCC will act in conformity with the reasonable directions of the Adviser and the Board, officers and employees of the Fund and will conform to and comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including, without limitation rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and FINRA.

 

4. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The services to be provided hereunder by FDCC and Vision are not deemed to be exclusive, and FDCC and Vision and each of its respective members, officers, employees and affiliates are free to render such services to other funds or clients as long as FDCC’s and Vision’s services under this Agreement are not impaired thereby.

 

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5. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF FDCC and Vision.

 

FDCC and Vision jointly and severally represent, warrant and agree as follows:

 

(a) FDCC has obtained all necessary registrations, licenses and approvals in order to perform the services provided in this Agreement. FDCC is registered as a broker-dealer with the SEC, is a member of FINRA and is registered in each state where such registration is required. FDCC covenants to maintain all necessary registrations, licenses and approvals in effect during the term of this Agreement.

 

(b) FDCC and Vision shall promptly notify the Adviser (i) in the event that the SEC, FINRA or any other United States or state regulatory authority, governmental agency or body or securities exchange or association has censured FDCC’s or Vision’s activities,functions or operations, suspended or revoked any registration, license or approval, or has commenced proceedings or an investigation that may result in any of these actions, (ii) in the event that there is a change of control of FDCC or Vision or a change in its senior management or (iii) of any change to FDCC or Vision that materially and adversely affects its ability to perform services under this Agreement.

 

(c) (i) FDCC and Vision are validly existing entities and have full corporate power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement, (ii) this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of FDCC and Vision and constitutes the binding and enforceable obligation of FDCC and Vision in accordance with its terms, and (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the incurrence of its obligations herein set forth and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not constitute a breach of, or default under, its constituent documents, other instruments to which FDCC or Vision is a party or by which FDCC or Vision is bound or affected, or under any order, rule or regulation applicable to FDCC or Vision of any court or any governmental body or administrative agency having jurisdiction over FDCC or Vision, except for those breaches or defaults that would not materially and adversely affect FDCC’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(d) FDCC has reviewed and understands Rule 206(4)-5 (the “ Rule ”) promulgated by the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and FDCC shall not, and shall cause each of its members, managers, employees and affiliates, including each registered representatives who is also an employee of Vision, (each of the foregoing, together with FDCC, “ FDCC Representatives ”) not to engage in conduct that would reasonably be expected to (i) cause paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of the Rule to apply to the Adviser or any of its affiliates (taking into account the exceptions provided by paragraph (b) of the Rule, to the extent applicable) or (ii) constitute a violation of paragraph (a)(2) of the Rule with respect to the Adviser or its affiliates, in either case, as though each FDCC Representative was a covered associate of the Adviser or its affiliates. FDCC hereby further represents and warrants that (except to the extent disclosed in writing to the Adviser as of the date hereof) no FDCC Representative has, in the two year period prior to the date of this Agreement, engaged in conduct that would reasonably be expected to cause paragraph (a)(1) of the Rule to apply to the Adviser or its affiliates (taking into account the exceptions provided by paragraph (b) of the Rule, to the extent applicable) as though each FDCC Representative was a covered associate of the Adviser or its affiliates. Each of the representations, warranties and agreements in this Section 5(d) shall be subject to and interpreted in accordance with the other paragraphs of the Rule, including, without limitation, paragraphs (c) and (d) thereof. Terms used in this subsection shall have the same meanings ascribed to them as set forth in paragraph (f) of the Rule.

  

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(e) Any information furnished by FDCC or Vision expressly for use in the Fund’s registration statement, prospectus, statement of additional information, sales literature or advertising or marketing materials does not or will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

6. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE ADVISER.

 

(a) The Adviser agrees that it shall promptly notify FDCC (i) in the event that the SEC or any other United States or state regulatory authority, governmental agency or body or securities exchange or association has censured in writing the Adviser’s or the Fund’s activities, functions or operations, suspended or revoked any registration, license or approval, or has commenced proceedings that may result in any of these actions, (ii) in the event that there is a change of control of the Adviser or (iii) of any change to the Adviser that materially and adversely affects the Adviser’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

(b) The Adviser represents and warrants that (i) it is a validly existing entity and has full power and authority to perform its obligations under this Agreement, (ii) this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered on its behalf and constitutes the binding and enforceable obligation of the Adviser in accordance with its terms, (iii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the incurrence of its obligations herein set forth and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will not constitute a breach of, or default under, its constituent documents, other instruments to which the Adviser is a party or by which the Adviser is bound or affected, or under any order, rule or regulation applicable to it of any court or any governmental body or administrative agency having jurisdiction over it, and (iv) the Adviser is, or will be prior to the commencement of investment operations of the Fund, registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and in any state where registration is required.

 

7. COMPENSATION.

 

(a) As compensation for the services to be provided by FDCC to the Adviser under this Agreement, the Adviser shall pay FDCC as follows:

 

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(i) Within 10 business days of the closing date of the initial offering of the Fund’s shares, the Adviser shall pay FDCC a fee in an amount equal to 0.3875% (38.75 basis points) of the total price to the public of the Shares sold in the Offering (including any Shares offered pursuant to an underwriter’s overallotment option).

 

(b) As compensation for the services under this Agreement, FDCC may pay compensation to those persons who are registered representatives of FDCC and employees of Vision pursuant to the terms of the contract between FDCC and the registered representative.

 

8. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. Within 10 business days of the earlier of the closing date of the Offering or the termination this Agreement pursuant to Paragraphs 11(a)(ii)-(iv), the Adviser will promptly reimburse FDCC for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it and its registered representatives providing services in connection with this Agreement, including expenses associated with hosting events and meetings as contemplated under this Agreement and expenses associated with travel, lodging, meals, printing, shipping, mailing expenses and other similar expenses. Such out-of-pocket expenses shall not exceed $400,000, without the prior written approval of the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser will also contribute up to $20,000 for an in-person training session prior to the launch date of the Fund. FDCC shall invoice the Adviser and provide reasonable evidence of such expenses.

 

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF FDCC. FDCC will not be liable for any act or omission or for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Adviser in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, from the reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement or from a material breach by FDCC or Vision of any representation, warranty or covenant hereunder (“ FDCC Disabling Conduct ”).

 

The Adviser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold FDCC, its members and officers, and any person who controls FDCC within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, “ FDCC Indemnified Persons ”), free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable and documented costs of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and the reasonable and documented fees of one counsel incurred in connection therewith) that any FDCC Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or relating to (i) the Adviser’s breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, (ii) the Adviser’s failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or (iii) the Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the Adviser’s reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the FDCC Indemnified Persons or resulting from such claims or demands shall not arise out of or be based upon FDCC Disabling Conduct.

 

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF THE ADVISER. The Adviser will not be liable for any act or omission or for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by FDCC or Vision in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, from the reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement or from a material breach by the Adviser of any representation, warrant or covenant hereunder (“ Adviser Disabling Conduct ”).

 

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FDCC agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Fund, the Adviser, their several officers and directors, and any person who controls the Adviser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 (collectively, “ Adviser Indemnified Persons ”), free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable and documented costs of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and reasonable and documented fees of one counsel incurred in connection therewith) that any Adviser Indemnified Persons may incur arising out of or relating to (i) FDCC’s breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement, (ii) FDCC’s failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or (iii) FDCC’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or FDCC’s reckless disregard by it of its duties under this Agreement, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Adviser Indemnified Persons or resulting from such claims or demands shall not arise out of or be based upon Adviser Disabling Conduct.

 

11. TERMINATION.

 

(a) This Agreement may be terminated solely as follows:

 

(i) The Adviser may terminate this Agreement upon 10 days’ prior written notice to FDCC and Vision in the event of a material breach by FDCC or Vision of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement.

 

(ii) FDCC and Vision may terminate this Agreement upon 10 days’ prior written notice to the Adviser in the event of a material breach by the Adviser of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement.

 

(iii) This Agreement may also be terminated upon the express written mutual agreement of FDCC, Vision, and the Adviser upon 30 days’ prior written notice.

 

(iv) This Agreement will terminate after the closing of the initial public offering of the Fund’s shares.

 

(b) In the event that the Adviser terminates this Agreement pursuant to paragraph 11(a)(i), the Adviser shall not be responsible for paying any fee to FDCC or for reimbursing any expense of FDCC pursuant to paragraph 8 above.

 

Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to paragraphs 11(a)(ii) - (iv), the Adviser shall reimburse any amounts due to FDCC pursuant to paragraph 8 above.

 

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12. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, amended or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by FDCC, Vision and the Adviser.

 

13. CONFIDENTIALITY. FDCC and the Adviser each acknowledge that it may obtain certain confidential information of the other party to this Agreement or, in the case of FDCC, of the Fund or its Shareholders, during the performance of its duties under this Agreement and each party hereto agrees to treat all such confidential information as proprietary information of the applicable party and to keep such information confidential by using the same care and discretion it uses with respect to its own confidential information, property and trade secrets, provided that a party may disclose confidential information if (i) such disclosure is approved in writing by the applicable party to which the confidential information relates or originates or (ii) such disclosure is required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations, or such disclosure is made to a regulatory authority in the normal course of an examination, audit or investigation involving the receipt or otherwise in response to a valid request by a regulatory authority. If a party is required or requested to disclose confidential information of another party pursuant to (ii) above, such party shall, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, immediately notify the other parties to this Agreement in order to provide such parties the opportunity to pursue such legal or other action as such parties may desire to prevent the release of such confidential information, and such party agrees to provide reasonable assistance to any party seeking to prevent the release of such confidential information, at the expense of the requesting party.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, “confidential information” does not include information which, without any breach of FDCC or the Adviser of the foregoing, (1) is or becomes publicly available (other than in breach of this Agreement or a violation of a confidentiality obligation owed to a party hereto), (2) is in the possession of FDCC or the Adviser (as the case may be) prior to disclosure by the other party, (3) is independently developed by FDCC or the Adviser (as the case may be) outside the scope of this Agreement and without use of confidential information or (4) is rightfully obtained by FDCC or the Adviser (as the case may be) from third parties who have no duty of confidentiality to the Adviser or FDCC, respectively.

 

In the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and in respect of any information provided to FDCC in connection with this Agreement, FDCC agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to the collection, storage, handling, processing and transfer of non-public personal information (“ Applicable Data Security Laws ”), and to implement and maintain appropriate security measures to protect the confidentiality, security and integrity of non-public personal information in the manner provided for under and to the extent required by all such Applicable Data Security Laws.

 

FDCC confirms that it is aware that securities laws of various jurisdictions restrict persons from trading in securities of an issuer while in possession of material non-public information regarding such issuer, and from communicating such information to a person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person may trade in such security.

 

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14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and all questions relating to its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, notwithstanding any conflict of laws doctrines of any jurisdiction to the contrary.

 

15. BOOKS AND RECORDS.

 

(a) In compliance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, FDCC hereby agrees that all records which it may maintain for the Fund or the Adviser, as the case may be, are the property of the Adviser and the Fund, as the case may be, and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Adviser or the Fund, as the case may be any of such records upon request. FDCC may retain such copies of records delivered to the Advisor or Fund as may be required to satisfy its record keeping requirements; provided that it holds such copies in strict confidence for as long as it retains them.

 

(b) FDCC hereby agrees to furnish to regulatory authorities having the requisite authority any information or reports in connection with services that FDCC renders pursuant to this Agreement which may be requested in order to ascertain whether the operations of the Adviser and/or the Fund are being conducted in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations. If FDCC is required or requested to provide any information or reports to regulatory authorities, FDCC shall, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, immediately notify the Adviser in order to provide the Adviser the opportunity to pursue such legal or other action as it may desire to prevent the release of the information or reports, and FDCC agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Adviser in seeking to prevent the release of the information.

 

16. BENEFIT TO OTHERS. The understandings contained in this Agreement are for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and, except as otherwise provided herein, they shall not be construed as conferring, and are not intended to confer, any rights on any other persons except as specifically provided herein.

 

17. BINDING NATURE OF AGREEMENT; NO ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, except that no party may assign or transfer its rights nor delegate its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of FDCC and the Adviser.

 

18. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against the any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as signatories.

 

19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Preferred Distribution Provider Agreement contain the entire understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, inducements or conditions, express or implied, oral or written, except as herein contained. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.

 

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20. WAIVERS. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of any party to this Agreement to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.

 

21. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

 

22. NOTICES.

 

All notices required or permitted to be sent under this Agreement shall be sent, if to the Adviser, to:

 

RiverNorth Capital Management, LC

c/o General Counsel

325 North LaSalle Street

Suite 645

Chicago, IL 60654

Email: mcollins@rivernorth.com

 

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Or if to Vision, to:

 

Vision 4 Fund Distributors, LLC

c/o Henry Johnson

Vision 4 Fund Distributors

9260 East Raintree Drive, Suite 100

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

e-mail: henry.johnson@v4fd.com

 

Or if to FDCC to:

 

First Dominion Capital Corp.

8730 Stony Point Parkway

Building III, Suite 205

Richmond, VA 23235 Attn: Compliance

e-mail: svermillera@ccofva.com

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

  

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

 

  First Dominion Capital Corp.  
         
  By: /s/ John Pasco, III  
    Name: John Pasco, III  
    Title: President  
         
  Vision 4 Fund Distributors, LLC  
         
  By: /s/ Paul Kujalowicz  
    Name: Paul Kujalowicz  
    Title: Managing Partner - GPS  
         
  RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC  
         
  By: /s/ Marcus Collins  
    Name: Marcus Collins  
    Title: General Counsel  

 

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Master Custodian Agreement

 

This Agreement is made as of March 3, 2014 by and between each management investment company identified on Appendix A hereto (each such investment company and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 20.5 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Fund ”), and State Street Bank and Trust Company , a Massachusetts trust company (the “ Custodian ”).

 

W itnesseth:

 

Whereas , each Fund may or may not be authorized to issue shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest in separate series (“ Shares ”), with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;

 

Whereas , each Fund so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to each of its series set forth on Appendix A hereto (such series together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 20.5 below, shall hereinafter be referred to as the “ Portfolio(s) ”);

 

Whereas , each Fund not so authorized intends that this Agreement be applicable to it and all references hereinafter to one or more “Portfolio(s)” shall be deemed to refer to such Fund(s); and

 

Now, Therefore , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Section 1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It .

 

Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as a custodian of assets of the Portfolios, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, desires to be held in places within the United States (“ domestic securities ”) and securities it desires to be held outside the United States (“ foreign securities ”). Each Fund, on behalf of its Portfolio(s), agrees to deliver to the Custodian all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for such Shares as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio which is not received by it or which is delivered out in accordance with Proper Instructions (as such term is defined in Section 8 hereof). With respect to uncertificated shares (the “ Underlying Shares ”) of registered “investment companies” (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time (the “ 1940 Act ”)), whether in the same “group of investment companies” (as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the 1940 Act) or otherwise, including pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “ Underlying Portfolios ”) the holding of confirmation statements that identify the shares as being recorded in the Custodian’s name on behalf of the Portfolios will be deemed custody for purposes hereof.

 

 

Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall on behalf of a Fund appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities located in the United States and designated in such Proper Instructions to act as a sub-custodian for the purposes of effecting such transaction(s) as may be designated by a Fund. Each such designated sub-custodian is referred to herein as a “ Special Sub-Custodian .” The Custodian may place and maintain each Fund’s foreign securities with foreign banking institution sub-custodians employed by the Custodian and/or foreign securities depositories, in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 3 and 4 hereof.

 

Section 2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Portfolios to be Held in the United States .

 

Section 2.1 Holding Securities . The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property to be held by it in the United States, including all domestic securities owned by such Portfolio other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.8 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (each, a “ U.S. Securities System ”) and (b) Underlying Shares owned by each Fund which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof in an account with State Street Bank and Trust Company or such other entity which may from time to time be appointed by the Fund to act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions (the “ Underlying Transfer Agent ”).

 

Section 2.2 Delivery of Domestic Securities . The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian, in a U.S. Securities System account of the Custodian or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying (a) the domestic securities of the Portfolio to be delivered and (b) the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

 

Section 2.3 Registration of Securities . Domestic securities held by the Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other registered management investment companies having the same investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.7 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be in “street name” or other good delivery form. If, however, a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in “street name,” the Custodian shall utilize reasonable efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.

 

Section 2.4 Payment of Fund Monies . The Custodian shall pay out monies of a Portfolio upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

 

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Section 2.5 Bank Accounts . The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of each Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the 1940 Act and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the board of directors or trustees, as applicable, of the Fund (the “ Board ”). Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.

 

Section 2.6 Collection of Income . Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent. The Custodian shall present for payment all income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held hereunder. The Custodian shall credit income to the Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodian’s then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodian’s applicable rate for time credited. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned shall be the responsibility of the applicable Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.

 

Section 2.7 Appointment of Agents . The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company which is itself qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Section 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder. The Underlying Transfer Agent shall not be deemed an agent or sub-custodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.8 Deposit of Fund Assets in U.S. Securities Systems . The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a U.S. Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

 

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Section 2.9 Segregated Account . Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, the Custodian shall establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio for any purpose, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof.

 

Section 2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets with the Underlying Transfer Agent . Underlying Shares beneficially owned by the Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall be deposited and/or maintained in an account or accounts maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent and the Custodian’s only responsibilities with respect thereto shall be limited to the following:

 

1) Upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from an Underlying Transfer Agent that such Underlying Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall identify by book-entry that such Underlying Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of such Portfolio.

 

2) In respect of the purchase of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay out monies of such Portfolio as so directed, and record such payment from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

 

3) In respect of the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall transfer such Underlying Shares as so directed, record such transfer from the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records and, upon the Custodian’s receipt of the proceeds therefor, record such payment for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodian’s books and records.

 

Section 2.11 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes . The Custodian shall execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with transfers of securities.

 

Section 2.12 Proxies . The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such securities.

 

Section 2.13 Communications Relating to Domestic Portfolio Securities . Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with domestic securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian is in actual possession of such domestic securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such right or power. For avoidance of doubt, upon and after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, with respect to a Fund or its Portfolio(s), as may be applicable, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to so transmit any information under this Section 2.13.

 

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Section 3. Provisions Relating to Rules 17f-5 and 17f-7 .

 

Section 3.1. Definitions . As used throughout this Agreement, the capitalized terms set forth below shall have the indicated meanings:

 

Country Risk ” means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country including, but not limited to, risks arising from such country’s political environment, economic and financial infrastructure (including any Eligible Securities Depository operating in the country); prevailing or developing custody, tax and settlement practices; nationalization, expropriation or other government actions; currency restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations; market conditions affecting the orderly execution of securities transactions or the value of assets; the regulation of the banking and securities industries, including changes in market rules; and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.

 

Eligible Foreign Custodian ” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5.

 

Eligible Securities Depository ” has the meaning set forth in section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7.

 

Foreign Assets ” means any of the Portfolios’ investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States, and any cash and cash equivalents that are reasonably necessary to effect the Portfolios’ transactions in those investments.

 

Foreign Custody Manager ” has the meaning set forth in section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5.

 

Foreign Securities System ” means an Eligible Securities Depository listed on Schedule B hereto.

 

Rule 17f-5 ” means Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

 

Rule 17f-7 ” means Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.

 

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Section 3.2. The Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager .

 

3.2.1  Delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager . Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this Section 3.2 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolios.

 

3.2.2  Countries Covered . The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities defined below only with respect to the countries and custody arrangements for each such country listed on Schedule A to this Agreement, which list of countries may be amended from time to time by any Fund with the agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A the Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the assets of the Portfolios, which list of Eligible Foreign Custodians may be amended from time to time in the sole discretion of the Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager will provide amended versions of Schedule A in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereof.

 

Upon the receipt by the Foreign Custody Manager of Proper Instructions to open an account or to place or maintain Foreign Assets in a country listed on Schedule A, and the fulfillment by each Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), of the applicable account opening requirements for such country, the Foreign Custody Manager shall be deemed to have been delegated by such Fund’s Board on behalf of such Portfolio(s) responsibility as Foreign Custody Manager with respect to that country and to have accepted such delegation. Execution of this Agreement by each Fund shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction to open an account, or to place or maintain Foreign Assets, in each country listed on Schedule A. Following the receipt of Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account of a Portfolio with the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in a designated country, the delegation by the Board on behalf of such Portfolio to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager for that country shall be deemed to have been withdrawn and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to such Portfolio with respect to that country.

 

The Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of delegated responsibilities with respect to a designated country upon written notice to the Fund. Thirty days (or such longer period to which the parties agree in writing) after receipt of any such notice by the Fund, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Fund with respect to the country as to which the Custodian’s acceptance of delegation is withdrawn.

 

3.2.3  Scope of Delegated Responsibilities :

 

(a)  Selection of Eligible Foreign Custodians . Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.2, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain the Foreign Assets in the care of the Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each country listed on Schedule A, as amended from time to time. In performing its delegated responsibilities as Foreign Custody Manager to place or maintain Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by that Eligible Foreign Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).

 

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(b)  Contracts With Eligible Foreign Custodians . The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that the contract governing the foreign custody arrangements with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2).

 

(c)  Monitoring . In each case in which the Foreign Custody Manager maintains Foreign Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager, the Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with such Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the contract governing the custody arrangements established by the Foreign Custody Manager with the Eligible Foreign Custodian. In the event the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian it has selected are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall notify the Board in accordance with Section 3.2.5 hereunder.

 

3.2.4  Guidelines for the Exercise of Delegated Authority . For purposes of this Section 3.2, the Board shall be deemed to have considered and determined to accept such Country Risk as is incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets in each country for which the Custodian is serving as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

 

3.2.5  Reporting Requirements . The Foreign Custody Manager shall report the withdrawal of the Foreign Assets from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of such Foreign Assets with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which an amendment to such Schedule has occurred. The Foreign Custody Manager shall make written reports notifying the Board of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 3.2 after the occurrence of the material change.

 

3.2.6  Standard of Care as Foreign Custody Manager . The Foreign Custody Manager agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of the Foreign Assets would exercise, in performing the delegated responsibilities.

 

3.2.7  Representations with Respect to Rule 17f-5 . The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in section (a)(7) of Rule 17f-5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has determined that it is reasonable for such Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios.

 

3.2.8  Effective Date and Termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager . Each Board’s delegation to the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios shall be effective as of the date hereof and shall remain in effect until terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party. Termination will become effective thirty (30) days after receipt by the non-terminating party of such notice. The provisions of Section 3.2.2 hereof shall govern the delegation to and termination of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios with respect to designated countries.

 

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Section 3.3 Eligible Securities Depositories .

 

3.3.1  Analysis and Monitoring . The Custodian shall (a) provide the Fund (or its duly-authorized investment manager or investment advisor (“ Investment Advisor ”)) with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Eligible Securities Depositories set forth on Schedule B hereto in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(A) of Rule 17f-7, and (b) monitor such risks on a continuing basis, and promptly notify the Fund (or its Investment Advisor) of any material change in such risks, in accordance with section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7.

 

3.3.2   Standard of Care . The Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in performing the duties set forth in Section 3.3.1.

 

Section 4. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Portfolios to be Held Outside the United States .

 

Section 4.1. Holding Securities . The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the foreign securities held by each Eligible Foreign Custodian or Foreign Securities System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Eligible Foreign Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers, provided however, that (i) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities of the Portfolios which are maintained in such account shall identify those securities as belonging to the Portfolios and (ii), to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities so held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian be held separately from any assets of such Eligible Foreign Custodian or of other customers of such Eligible Foreign Custodian.

 

Section 4.2. Foreign Securities Systems . Foreign securities shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a designated country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, as applicable, in such country.

 

Section 4.3. Transactions in Foreign Custody Account .

 

4.3.1.  Delivery of Foreign Securities . The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall release and deliver foreign securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or such Eligible Foreign Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, s pecifying (a) the foreign securities to be delivered and (b) the person or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.

 

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4.3.2.  Payment of Portfolio Monies . The Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Eligible Foreign Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to pay out, monies of a Portfolio only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.

 

4.3.3.  Market Conditions . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for such Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer.

 

The Custodian shall provide to each Board the information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian described on Schedule C hereto at the time or times set forth on such Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time, provided that no such revision shall result in a Board being provided with substantively less information than had been previously provided hereunder.

 

Section 4.4. Registration of Foreign Securities . Foreign securities maintained in the custody of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Eligible Foreign Custodian or in the name of any nominee of the foregoing, and the applicable Fund on behalf of such Portfolio agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such foreign securities. The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall not be obligated to accept securities on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of such securities and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with reasonable market practice.

 

Section 4.5 Bank Accounts . The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the applicable Fund cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. Where the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance of, cash on the books of the Custodian, a bank account or bank accounts shall be opened and maintained outside the United States on behalf of a Portfolio with an Eligible Foreign Custodian. All accounts referred to in this Section shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian (or, if applicable, such Eligible Foreign Custodian) acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to hold cash received by or from or for the account of the Portfolio. Cash maintained on the books of the Custodian (including its branches, subsidiaries and affiliates), regardless of currency denomination, is maintained in bank accounts established under, and subject to the laws of, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

Section 4.6. Collection of Income . The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which the Portfolios shall be entitled. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such income, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures. The Custodian shall credit income to the applicable Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with Custodian’s then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodian’s applicable rate for time credited. Income on securities loaned other than from the Custodian’s securities lending program shall be credited as received.

 

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Section 4.7 Shareholder Rights . With respect to the foreign securities held pursuant to this Section 4, the Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities are issued. Each Fund acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of such Fund to exercise shareholder rights.

 

Section 4.8. Communications Relating to Foreign Portfolio Securities . The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian via Eligible Foreign Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities being held for the account of the Portfolios. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials so received by the Custodian from issuers of the foreign securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party (or its agents) making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with foreign securities or other property of the Portfolios at any time held by it unless (i) the Custodian or the respective Eligible Foreign Custodian is in actual possession of such foreign securities or property and (ii) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of any such right or power, and both (i) and (ii) occur at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise such right or power. For avoidance of doubt, upon and after the effective date of any termination of this Agreement, with respect to a Fund or its Portfolio(s), as may be applicable, the Custodian shall have no responsibility to so transmit any information under this Section 4.8.

 

Section 4.9. Contracts With Eligible Foreign Custodians . Each contract pursuant to which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 and, to the extent possible, require the Eligible Foreign Custodian to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the Eligible Foreign Custodian’s performance of such obligations. At a Fund’s election, the Portfolios shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against an Eligible Foreign Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent that the Portfolios have not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim. In no event shall the Custodian be obligated to bring suit in its own name or to allow suit to be brought in its name.

 

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Section 5. Contractual Settlement Services (Purchase / Sales) .

 

Section 5.1 The Custodian shall, in accordance with the terms set out in this section, debit or credit the appropriate cash account of each Portfolio in connection with (i) the purchase of securities for such Portfolio, and (ii) proceeds of the sale of securities held on behalf of such Portfolio, on a contractual settlement basis.

 

Section 5.2 The services described above (the “ Contractual Settlement Services ”) shall be provided for such instruments and in such markets as the Custodian may advise from time to time. The Custodian may terminate or suspend any part of the provision of the Contractual Settlement Services under this Agreement at its sole discretion immediately upon notice to the applicable Fund on behalf of each Portfolio, including, without limitation, in the event of force majeure events affecting settlement, any disorder in markets, or other changed external business circumstances affecting the markets or the Fund.

 

Section 5.3 The consideration payable in connection with a purchase transaction shall be debited from the appropriate cash account of the Portfolio as of the time and date that monies would ordinarily be required to settle such transaction in the applicable market. The Custodian shall promptly recredit such amount at the time that the Portfolio or the Fund notifies the Custodian by Proper Instruction that such transaction has been canceled.

 

Section 5.4 With respect to the settlement of a sale of securities, a provisional credit of an amount equal to the net sale price for the transaction (the “ Settlement Amount ”) shall be made to the account of the Portfolio as if the Settlement Amount had been received as of the close of business on the date that monies would ordinarily be available in good funds in the applicable market. Such provisional credit will be made conditional upon the Custodian having received Proper Instructions with respect to, or reasonable notice of, the transaction, as applicable; and the Custodian or its agents having possession of the asset(s) (which shall exclude assets subject to any third party lending arrangement entered into by a Portfolio) associated with the transaction in good deliverable form and not being aware of any facts which would lead them to believe that the transaction will not settle in the time period ordinarily applicable to such transactions in the applicable market.

 

Section 5.5. Simultaneously with the making of such provisional credit, the Portfolio agrees that the Custodian shall have, and hereby grants to the Custodian, a security interest in any property at any time held for the account of the Portfolio to the full extent of the credited amount, and each Portfolio hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Custodian a continuing security interest and a lien on any and all such property under the Custodian’s possession, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. In the event that the applicable Portfolio fails to promptly repay any provisional credit, the Custodian shall have all of the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

Section 5.6 The Custodian shall have the right to reverse any provisional credit or debit given in connection with the Contractual Settlement Services at any time when the Custodian believes, in its reasonable judgment, that such transaction will not settle in accordance with its terms or amounts due pursuant thereto, will not be collectable or where the Custodian has not been provided Proper Instructions with respect thereto, as applicable, and the Portfolio shall be responsible for any costs or liabilities resulting from such reversal. Upon such reversal, a sum equal to the credited or debited amount shall become immediately payable by the Portfolio to the Custodian and may be debited from any cash account held for benefit of the Portfolio.

 

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Section 5.7 In the event that the Custodian is unable to debit an account of the Portfolio, and the Portfolio fails to pay any amount due to the Custodian at the time such amount becomes payable in accordance with this Agreement, (i) the Custodian may charge the Portfolio for costs and expenses associated with providing the provisional credit, including without limitation the cost of funds associated therewith, (ii) the amount of any accrued dividends, interest and other distributions with respect to assets associated with such transaction may be set off against the credited amount, (iii) the provisional credit and any such costs and expenses shall be considered an advance of cash for purposes of the Agreement and (iv) the Custodian shall have the right to setoff against any property and to sell, exchange, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of any property at any time held for the account of the Portfolio to the full extent necessary for the Custodian to make itself whole.

 

Section 6. Tax Services .

 

Subject to and to the extent of receipt by the Custodian of relevant and necessary documentation and information with respect to the Funds and Portfolios that the Custodian has requested, the Custodian shall perform the following services: (i) file claims for exemptions, reductions in withholding taxes, or refunds of any tax with respect to withheld foreign (non-U.S.) taxes in instances in which such claims are appropriate; (ii) withhold appropriate amounts as required by U.S. tax laws with respect to amounts received on behalf of nonresident aliens; and (iii) provide to the Funds such information actually received by the Custodian that could, in the Custodian’s reasonable belief and sole discretion, assist any of the Funds in their submission of any reports or returns with respect to taxes. Other than the servicing responsibilities identified herein, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed on any Fund, the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian of the Portfolios by the tax law of any country or of any state or political subdivision thereof.

 

It shall be the responsibility of each Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on such Fund or the Custodian as custodian by the tax law of countries, states and political subdivisions thereof, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of countries for which such Fund has provided sufficient information and documentation. As the Custodian does not provide tax advice, it is specifically understood and agreed that the Custodian shall not be considered the Fund’s tax advisor or tax counsel. In connection with the provision of services pursuant to this Section 6, the Custodian shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to a Fund for any obligations, including taxes, withholding and reporting requirements, claims for exemption and refund, additions for late payment, interest, penalties and other expenses that may be assessed against the Fund, the Portfolios or the Custodian as custodian of the assets of such Fund or Portfolios. Each of the Funds agrees that the Custodian is authorized to deduct from any cash received or credited to the account of a Portfolio any taxes or levies required by any tax or other governmental authority having jurisdiction in respect of such Portfolio’s transactions, and that the Custodian is authorized to disclose any information required by any such tax or other governmental authority in relation to processing any claim for exemption from or reduction or refund of any taxes relating to Portfolio transactions and holdings.

 

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Section 7 . Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares .

 

The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of the Shares or from the Fund’s transfer agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”)and deposit into the account of the appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares thereof issued or sold from time to time by the applicable Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to such Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.

 

From such funds as may be available for the purpose, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by a Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between such Fund and the Custodian.

 

Section 8 . Proper Instructions .

 

Proper Instructions ,” which may also be standing instructions, shall mean instructions received by the Custodian from a Fund, its Investment Advisor, or a person or entity duly authorized by either of them. Such instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized person or persons or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed from time to time by the Custodian and the person(s) or entity giving such instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures agreed to from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian including, but not limited to, the security procedures selected by the Fund via the form of Funds Transfer Addendum hereto, the terms of which are hereby agreed to. The Custodian may agree to accept oral instructions, and in such case oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. The Custodian shall be entitled conclusively to rely and act upon Proper Instructions until the Custodian has received notice of any change from the Fund and has had a reasonable time to implement such change. The Custodian may act on a Proper Instruction if it reasonably believes it contains sufficient information, and may refrain from acting on any Proper Instructions until such time that it has determined, in its sole discretion, that is has received any required clarification and/or authentication of Proper Instructions. The Custodian may rely upon and shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund.

 

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If the Custodian is not provided with reasonable time to execute a Proper Instruction (including any Proper Instruction not to execute, or any other modification to, a prior Proper Instruction) the Custodian will use good faith efforts to execute the Proper Instruction but will not be responsible or liable if such efforts are not successful (including any inability to change any actions that the Custodian had taken pursuant to the prior Proper Instruction). The inclusion of a statement of purpose or intent (or any similar notation) in a Proper Instruction shall not impose any additional obligations on the Custodian or condition or qualify its authority to effect such Proper Instruction. The Custodian will not assume a duty to ensure that the stated purpose or intent is fulfilled, and will have no responsibility or liability when it follows the Proper Instruction without regard to such purpose or intent.

 

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian an officer’s certificate setting forth the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund. Such certificate may be accepted and conclusively relied upon by the Custodian and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary.

 

Section 9 . Actions Permitted without Express Authority .

 

The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:

 

1) Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Agreement; provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;

 

2) Surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive form;

 

3) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and

 

4) In general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the applicable Board.

 

Section 10. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income .

 

The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or entities appointed by the applicable Board to keep the books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per Share of the outstanding Shares or, if directed in writing to do so by a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value per Share. If and as so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the Fund’s currently effective prospectus (“ Prospectus ”) and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its various components. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to investments maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent, the Underlying Transfer Agent is the sole source of information on the number of shares of a fund held by it on behalf of a Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information furnished by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Agreement, including without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 10 and in Section 11 hereof; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to reconcile information as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report promptly any discrepancies to the Underlying Transfer Agent. If and as so directed, the calculations of the net asset value per Share and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the Prospectus.

 

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Section 11. Records .

 

The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the 1940 Act, with particular attention to section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of such Fund and employees and agents of the SEC. The Custodian shall, at the Fund’s request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations. In the event that the Custodian is requested or authorized by a Fund, or required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with any investigation, examination or inspection of the Fund by state or federal regulatory agencies, to produce the records of the Fund or the Custodian’s personnel as witnesses or deponents, the Fund agrees to pay the Custodian for the Custodian’s time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of the Custodian’s counsel, incurred in such production.

 

Section 12. Opinion of Fund’s Independent Accountant .

 

The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as a Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund’s independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund’s Form N-1A or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements thereof.

 

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Section 13. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants .

 

The Custodian shall provide the applicable Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios at such times as such Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a U.S. Securities System or a Foreign Securities System (either, a “ Securities System ”), relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.

 

Section 14. Compensation of Custodian .

 

The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services and expenses, as agreed upon from time to time between each Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.

 

Section 15. Responsibility of Custodian .

 

The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, and shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to any Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence, including, without limitation, acting in accordance with any Proper Instruction. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The Custodian shall be without liability to any Fund or Portfolio for any loss or expense resulting from or caused by Country Risk. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of an Eligible Foreign Custodian to the same extent as if such action or omission were performed by the Custodian itself, taking into account the facts and circumstances and the established local market practices and laws prevailing in the particular jurisdiction in which the Fund elects to invest. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be liable for the insolvency of any Eligible Foreign Custodian. In no event shall the Custodian be liable for indirect, special or consequential damages.

 

The Custodian shall be without responsibility or liability to any Fund for: (i) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any securities market or system, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism or other similar force majeure events or acts; (ii) errors by any Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other duly authorized person in their instructions to the Custodian; (iii) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a Securities System, Underlying Transfer Agent or Special Sub-Custodian; (iv) the failure of any Fund, its Investment Advisor or any duly authorized person to adhere to the Custodian’s operational policies and procedures;(v) any delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian’s sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities sold; (vi) any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other body in charge of registering or transferring securities in the name of the Custodian, any Fund, the Custodian’s sub-custodians, nominees or agents including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (vii) delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security or Securities System; and (viii) the effect of any provision of any law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

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The Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon the information it receives from the Fund or any third party on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any data supplied to it by or on behalf of any Fund. The Custodian shall have no liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fund arising from the performance of the Custodian’s duties hereunder in reliance upon records that were maintained for the Fund by entities other than the Custodian prior to its appointment as custodian.

 

If a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio instructs the Custodian to take any action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, such Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to the Custodian taking such action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to it. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties.

 

Any property at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security for the Fund’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement. The obligations include the Fund’s obligations to reimburse the Custodian if the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents advances cash or securities to the Fund for any purpose (including but not limited to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement), or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, as well as the Fund’s obligation to compensate the Custodian pursuant to Section 14 hereof. Should the Fund fail to reimburse or otherwise pay the Custodian any obligation under this Agreement promptly, the Custodian shall have the rights and remedies of a secured party under this Agreement, the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law, including the right to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio’s assets to the extent necessary to obtain payment or reimbursement. The Custodian may at any time decline to follow Proper Instructions to deliver out to the Fund cash or securities if the Custodian determines in its reasonable discretion that, after giving effect to the Proper Instructions, the cash or securities remaining will not have sufficient value fully to secure the Fund's payment or reimbursement obligations, whether contingent or otherwise.

 

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The Custodian has no responsibility to monitor or oversee the investment activity undertaken by a Fund or its Investment Advisor. The Custodian has no duty to ensure (or to inquire whether) an Investment Advisor complies with any investment objectives or restrictions agreed between a Fund and such Investment Advisor, or whether such Investment Advisor complies with its legal obligations to under applicable securities laws or other laws, including laws intended to protect the interests of investors. The Custodian shall neither assess nor take any responsibility or liability for the suitability or appropriateness of the investments made by a Fund or on its behalf.

 

A Fund’s receipt of securities from a counterparty in connection with any of its purchase transactions and its receipt of cash from a counterparty in connection with any sale of securities will be at the Fund’s sole risk, and the Custodian shall not be obligated to make demands on the Fund’s behalf if the Fund’s counterparty defaults. If a Fund’s counterparty fails to deliver securities or cash, the Custodian will, as its sole responsibility, notify the Investment Advisor of such failure within a reasonable time after becoming aware of the same.

 

Section 16. Effective Period and Termination .

 

This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for an initial term ending March 3, 2017 (the “ Initial Term ”). After the expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms (each, a “ Renewal Term ”) unless a written notice of non-renewal is delivered by the non-renewing party no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, as the case may be. During the Initial Term and thereafter, either party may terminate this Agreement: (i) in the event of the other party’s material breach of a material provision of this Agreement that the other party has either (a) failed to cure or (b) failed to establish a remedial plan to cure that is reasonably acceptable, within 60 days’ written notice of such breach, or (ii) in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the other party or upon the happening of a like event to the other party at the direction of an appropriate agency or court of competent jurisdiction. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph with respect to any Fund or Portfolio, the applicable Fund shall pay Custodian its compensation due and shall reimburse Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.

 

In the event of: (i) any Fund's termination of this Agreement with respect to such Fund or its Portfolio(s) for any reason other than as set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph or (ii) a transaction not in the ordinary course of business pursuant to which the Custodian is not retained to continue providing services hereunder to a Fund or Portfolio (or its respective successor), the applicable Fund shall pay the Custodian its compensation due through the end of the then-current term (based upon the average monthly compensation previously earned by Custodian with respect to such Fund or Portfolio) and shall reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements. Upon receipt of such payment and reimbursement, the Custodian will deliver such Fund’s or Portfolio’s securities and cash as set forth hereinbelow. For the avoidance of doubt, no payment will be required pursuant to clause (ii) of this paragraph in the event of any transaction such as (a) the liquidation or dissolution of a Fund or a Portfolio and distribution of such Fund’s or Portfolio’s assets as a result of the Board’s determination in its reasonable business judgment that the Fund or Portfolio is no longer viable (b) a merger of a Fund or Portfolio into, or the consolidation of a Fund or Portfolio with, another entity, or (c) the sale by a Fund or Portfolio of all, or substantially all, of its assets to another entity, in each of (b) and (c) where the Custodian is retained to continue providing services to such Fund or Portfolio (or its respective successor) on substantially the same terms as this Agreement.

 

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Termination of this Agreement with respect to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio. The provisions of Sections 14 and 15 and the indemnification obligations of Section 6 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement for any reason.

 

Section 17. Successor Custodian .

 

If a successor custodian for one or more Portfolios shall be appointed by the applicable Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities, funds and other properties of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.

 

If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with Proper Instructions.

 

In the event that no Proper Instructions designating a successor custodian or alternative arrangements shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts or New York, New York, of its own selection, all securities, funds and other properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property of each applicable Portfolio then held by it under this Agreement on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Agreement.

 

In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of any Fund to provide Proper Instructions as aforesaid, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.

 

Section 18. Remote Access Services Addendum . The Custodian and each Fund agree to be bound by the terms of the Remote Access Services Addendum hereto.

 

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Section 19. Loan Services Addendum . In the event the Fund directs Custodian in writing to perform loan services, Custodian and the Fund hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Loan Services Addendum attached hereto and the Fund shall reimburse Custodian for its fees and expenses related thereto as agreed upon from time to time in writing by the Fund and Custodian.

 

Section 20 . General .

 

Section 20.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to any conflict of laws rules.

 

Section 20.2 Prior Agreements; Amendments . This Agreement supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior agreements between each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian relating to the custody of such Fund’s assets. This Agreement may be amended at any time in writing by mutual agreement of the parties hereto.

 

Section 20.3 Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned by (a) any Fund without the written consent of the Custodian or (b) by the Custodian without the written consent of each applicable Fund, except that the Custodian may assign this Agreement to a successor of all or a substantial portion of its business, or to a party controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Custodian.

 

Section 20.4 Interpretive and Additional Provisions. In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by all parties, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable laws or regulations or any provision of a Fund’s articles of organization and by-laws or agreement or declaration of trust, as applicable, and Prospectus (collectively, “ Governing Documents”) . No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.

 

Section 20.5 Additional Funds and Portfolios . In the event that any management investment company in addition to those listed on Appendix A hereto desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such management investment company shall become a Fund hereunder and be bound by all terms and conditions and provisions hereof including, without limitation, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 20.6 below. In the event that any Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in addition to those set forth on Appendix A hereto with respect to which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.

 

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Section 20.6 The Parties . All references herein to the “Fund” are to each of the management investment companies listed on Appendix A hereto, and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 20.5 above, individually, as if this Agreement were between such individual Fund and the Custodian. In the case of a series corporation, trust or other entity, all references herein to the “Portfolio” are to the individual series or portfolio of such corporation, trust or other entity, or to such corporation, trust or other entity on behalf of the individual series or portfolio, as appropriate. Any reference in this Agreement to “the parties” shall mean the Custodian and such other individual Fund as to which the matter pertains. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is organized and validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its Governing Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid, binding and enforceable agreement; and (e) its entrance into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Fund or any law or regulation applicable to it.

 

Section 20.7 Notices . Any notice, instruction or other instrument required to be given hereunder will be in writing and may be sent by hand, or by facsimile transmission, or overnight delivery by any recognized delivery service, to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.

 

To any Fund: c/o RiverNorth Funds

325 N. LaSalle St., Suite 645

Chicago, IL 60654

Attention: Jonathan Mohrdardt

Telephone: 312-840-9012

Telecopy: 312-832-1461

 

To the Custodian: State Street Bank and Trust Company

801 Pennsylvania

Kansasa City, MO 64105

Attention: Vice President – Mutual Funds

Telephone: 816-871-4100

Telecopy: 816-871-9675

 

Section 20.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement . Counterparts may be executed in either original or electronically transmitted form (e.g., faxes or emailed portable document format (PDF) form), and the parties hereby adopt as original any signatures received via electronically transmitted form.

 

Section 20.9 Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The failure of a party hereto to insist upo-n strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion or the failure of a party hereto to -exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any such term, right or remedy or a waiver of any other rights or remedies, and no single or partial exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement shall prevent any further exercise of the right or remedy or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

 

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Section 20.10 Confidentiality . The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially all information provided by each party to the other party regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering or receiving services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (i) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (ii) that is independently derived by any party hereto without the use of any information provided by the other party hereto in connection with this Agreement, (iii) that is required in any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, or by operation of law or regulation, or (iv) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Custodian and its affiliates may report and use nonpublic portfolio holdings information of its clients, including a Fund or Portfolio, on an aggregated basis with all or substantially all other client information and without specific reference to any Fund or Portfolio.

 

Section 20.11 Reproduction of Documents . This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties hereto all/each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

 

Section 20.12 Regulation GG . Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that it does not engage in an “Internet gambling business,” as such term is defined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG (12 CFR 233) (“ Regulation GG ”). Each Fund hereby covenants that it shall not engage in an Internet gambling business. In accordance with Regulation GG, each Fund is hereby notified that “restricted transactions,” as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.

 

Section 20.13 Data Privacy. The Custodian will implement and maintain a written information security program that contains appropriate security measures to safeguard the personal information of the Funds’ shareholders, employees, directors and/or officers that the Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of services hereunder. For these purposes, “personal information” shall mean (i) an individual’s name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (a) Social Security number, (b) driver’s license number, (c) state identification card number, (d) debit or credit card number, (e) financial account number or (f) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a person’s account, or (ii) any combination of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individual’s account. Notwithstanding the foregoing “personal information” shall not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.

 

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Section 20.14 Shareholder Communications Election . SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, as may be applicable, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Fund’s name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian “no,” the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian “yes” or does not check either “yes” or “no” below, the Custodian is required by the rule, as applicable, to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Fund’s protection, the Rule, as applicable, prohibits the requesting company from using the Fund’s name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.

 

YES [   ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

 

NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund’s name, address, and share positions.

 

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Signature Page

 

In Witness Whereof , each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative under seal as of the date first above-written.

 

EACH OF THE ENTITIES

SET FORTH ON APPENDIX A HERETO

 

By: /s/ Jonathan M. Mohrhardt  
  Name: Jonathan M. Mohrhardt  
  Title: Treasurer  

 

STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY

 

By: /s/ Michael F. Rogers  
Name: Michael F. Rogers  
Title: Executive Vice President  

 

Master Custodian Agreement

 

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APPENDIX A

to

Master Custodian Agreement

 

Management Investment Companies Registered with the SEC and Portfolios thereof, If Any

 

RiverNorth Funds

 

RiverNorth Core Opportunity Fund

RiverNorth Managed Volatility Fund

RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income Fund – RiverNorth

RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income Fund - Oaktree

RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Income Fund – RiverNorth

RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Income Fund – DoubleLine 1

RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Income Fund – DoubleLine 2

RiverNorth Equity Opportunity Fund

 

D- 1

 

AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT made the __ day of __________, 2018, by and between RIVERNORTH _____________ , a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, having its principal place of business at ___________________________________ (the "Fund") and any other investment products set forth on Schedule I, attached hereto, as amended from time to time (each such investment program hereinafter jointly and severally referred to as "Fund"), and DST SYSTEMS, INC. , a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, having its principal place of business at 333 West 11 th Street, 5 th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64105 ("DST"):

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS , the Fund desires to appoint DST as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, and DST desires to accept such appointment upon the terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

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

 

1. Documents to be Provided with Appointment .

 

In connection with the appointment of DST as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent for the Fund, there will be filed with DST the following documents:

 

A. A certified copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors/Trustees, as appropriate, of the Fund appointing DST as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, approving the form of this Agreement, and designating certain persons to sign stock certificates, if any, and give written instructions and requests on behalf of the Fund;

 

B. A certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust, as appropriate, of the Fund and all amendments thereto;

 

C. A certified copy of the Bylaws/Articles, as appropriate, of the Fund;

 

D. Copies of Registration Statements and amendments thereto, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

E. Specimens of all forms of outstanding stock certificates, if any, in the forms approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees, as appropriate, of the Fund, with a certificate of the Secretary/Clerk of the Fund, evidencing such approval;

 

 

 

F. Specimens of the signatures of the officers of the Fund authorized to sign stock certificates, if any, and individuals authorized to sign written instructions and requests;

 

G. A certificate by the Secretary or similarly situated officer of the Fund (who may be the Fund’s General Counsel) with respect to:

 

(1) The Fund's organization and existence under the laws of its state of organization,

 

(2) The status of all shares of stock of the Fund covered by the appointment under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and any other applicable federal or state statute, and

 

(3) That all issued shares are, and all unissued shares will be, when issued, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

H. For this Section 1, a certificate from the Fund’s Secretary or Chief Financial Officer is acceptable.

 

2. Certain Representations and Warranties of DST .

 

DST represents and warrants to the Fund that:

 

A. It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

 

B. It is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of Missouri.

 

C. It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into and perform the services contemplated in this Agreement.

 

D. It is registered as a transfer agent to the extent required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”'), and is a transfer agent and registrar approved by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE-Approved Transfer Agent”), and DST will continue to be registered and so approved during the term of this Agreement. DST will promptly notify the Fund in the event of any material change in its status as a registered transfer agent or NYSE-Approved Transfer Agent; and if DST fails to be so registered or approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or the New York Stock Exchange, or any successor agency of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, or any additional agency to the extent the existing Services as they apply to the current Funds become subject to additional regulatory oversight by an agency other than the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, DST shall register as a transfer agent for such Services.

 

 

 

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

 

F. It has and will continue to have and maintain the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

 

G. It is accepted by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) as a DTC Direct Registration System Limited Participant. In this regard, DST will participate in DTC's Fast Automated Transfer Program, provide a Direct Mail by Agent function as mandated by DST in connection with participation in the Direct Registration System (“DRS”); will undergo sufficient training regarding DRS and DST’s Profile Modification System (“Profile”); and will participate in DTC’s Profile Surety Program as a prerequisite to initiating Profile transactions.

 

H. For so long as this Agreement remains in full force and effect DST will maintain an electronic interface with the FAST System owned and operated by DTC.

 

I. DST will add the Fund to the FAST System program and Profile through DTC and will make the Fund’s shares eligible for the DRS Program as soon as reasonably practicably, and, except for the Fund’s responsibility to ensure that (i) the Fund’s governing documents permit the issuance of uncertificated shares, (ii) the Fund’s Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of uncertificated shares, and (iii) all associated tax reporting requirements are complied with, will maintain the Fund’s eligibility to participate therein, in accordance with all applicable DTC requirements and SEC rules and regulations, including, without limitation, by mailing or otherwise making available to a shareholder (i) a shareholder transaction advice or statement within three (3) business days of each DRS account transaction that affects the shareholders’ position or more often as required by SEC regulations; and (ii) DRS Book Entry statements to registered owners at least annually or more often as required by SEC regulations.

 

 

 

3. Certain Representations and Warranties of the Fund .

 

The Fund represents and warrants to DST that:

 

A. It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and it is duly qualified, as required, to carry on its business in the jurisdictions in which it is required to so qualify or in which DST provides the Services.

 

B. It is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

C. A registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 has been filed and will be effective with respect to all shares of the Fund being offered for sale.

 

D. All requisite steps have been and will at all times material hereto continue to be taken to register the Fund's shares for sale in all applicable states and such registration will be effective at all times shares are offered for sale in such state All Shares issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement were issued pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act or were exempt or were issued in a transaction or transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Any Shares issued after the date hereof will be issued pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act, unless in each case such Shares or transaction is exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.

 

E. Each offer to sell or sale of shares of the Fund by the Fund or its agents, representatives and dealers in each state in which a share is offered for sale or sold will be made in material compliance with all applicable Federal, State or local laws, rules and regulations.

 

F. The Fund is empowered under applicable laws and by its charter/declaration, as appropriate, and Bylaws/Articles, as appropriate, to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

4. Scope of Appointment .

 

A. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Fund hereby appoints DST as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent.

 

B. DST hereby accepts such appointment and agrees that it will act as the Fund's Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent. DST agrees that it will also act as agent in connection with the Fund's periodic withdrawal payment accounts and other open accounts or similar plans for securityholders, if any.

 

 

 

C. The Fund agrees to use its reasonable efforts to deliver to DST in Kansas City, Missouri, as soon as they are available, all of its securityholder account records.

 

D. DST, utilizing TA2000 TM , DST's computerized data processing system for securityholder accounting (the "TA2000 System") and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, will perform the following services as transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund, and as agent of the Fund for securityholder accounts thereof, in a timely manner: (i) issuing (including countersigning), transferring and canceling share certificates; (ii) maintaining on the TA2000 System securityholder accounts; (iii) accepting and effectuating the registration and maintenance of accounts through Networking and the purchase, redemption, transfer and exchange of shares in such accounts through Fund/SERV (Networking and Fund/SERV being programs operated by the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) on behalf of NSCC’s participants, including the Funds), in accordance with instructions transmitted to and received by DST by transmission from NSCC on behalf of broker-dealers and banks which have been established by, or in accordance with the instructions of, an Authorized Person, as hereinafter defined, on the Dealer File maintained by DST; (iv) issuing instructions to the Funds’ banks for the settlement of transactions between the Funds and NSCC (acting on behalf of its broker-dealer and bank participants); (v) providing account and transaction information from each affected Fund’s records on TA2000 in accordance with NSCC’s Networking and Fund/SERV rules for those broker-dealers; (vi) maintaining securityholder accounts on TA2000 through Networking; (vii) providing transaction journals; (viii) once annually preparing securityholder meeting lists for use in connection with the annual meeting and certifying a copy of such list; (ix) mailing securityholder reports and prospectuses; (x) withholding, as required by federal law, taxes on securityholder accounts, preparing, filing and mailing U.S. Treasury Department Forms 1099, 1042, and 1042S and performing and paying backup withholding as required for all securityholders; (xi) disbursing income dividends and capital gains distributions to securityholders and recording reinvestment of dividends and distributions in shares of the Fund; (xii) preparing and mailing confirmation forms to securityholders and dealers, as instructed, for all purchases and liquidations of shares of the Fund and other confirmable transactions in securityholders' accounts; (xiii) providing or making available on-line daily and monthly reports as provided by the TA2000 System and as requested by the Fund or its management company; (xiv) maintaining those records necessary to carry out DST's duties hereunder, including all information reasonably required by the Fund to account for all transactions in the Fund shares; (xv) calculating the appropriate sales charge with respect to each purchase of the Fund shares as instructed by an Authorized Person, as hereinafter defined, determining the portion of each sales charge payable to the dealer participating in a sale in accordance with schedules and instructions delivered to DST by the Fund's principal underwriter or distributor (hereinafter "principal underwriter") or an Authorized Person from time to time, disbursing dealer commissions collected to such dealers, determining the portion of each sales charge payable to such principal underwriter and disbursing such commissions to the principal underwriter; (xvi) receiving correspondence pertaining to any former, existing or new securityholder account, processing such correspondence for proper recordkeeping, and responding promptly to securityholder correspondence; mailing to dealers confirmations of wire order trades; mailing copies of securityholder statements to securityholders and registered representatives of dealers in accordance with the instructions of an Authorized Person; (xvii) processing, generally on the date of receipt, purchases or redemptions or instructions to settle any mail or wire order purchases or redemptions received in proper order as set forth in the prospectus, rejecting promptly any requests not received in proper order (as defined by an Authorized Person or the Procedures as hereinafter defined), and causing exchanges of shares to be executed in accordance with the instructions of Authorized Persons, the applicable prospectus and the general exchange privilege applicable; (xviii) providing to the person designated by an Authorized Person the daily Blue Sky reports generated by the Blue Sky module of TA2000 with respect to purchases of shares of the Funds on TA2000; (xix) providing to the Fund escheatment reports as requested by an Authorized Person with respect to the status of accounts and outstanding checks on TA2000 and (xxi) providing a Cash Utilization Arrangement consistent with the provisions set forth in Exhibit A. For clarification, with respect to Blue Sky obligations, the Fund is responsible any registration or filing with a federal or state government body or obtaining approval from such body required for the sale of shares of the Fund in each jurisdiction in which it is sold. DST’s sole obligation is to provide the Fund access to the Blue Sky module of TA2000 with respect to purchases of shares of the Fund on TA2000. It is the Fund’s responsibility to validate that the blue sky module settings are accurate and complete and to validate the output produced thereby and other applicable reports provided by DST, to ensure accuracy. DST is not responsible in any way for claims that the sale of shares of the Fund violated any such requirement (unless such violation results from a failure of the DST Blue Sky module to notify the Fund that such sales do not comply with the parameters set by the Fund for sales to residents of a given state).

 

 

 

 

E. At the request of an Authorized Person, DST shall use reasonable efforts to provide the services set forth in Section 4.D in connection with transactions (i) the processing of which transactions require DST to use methods and procedures other than those usually employed by DST to perform securityholder servicing agent services, (ii) involving the provision of information to DST after the commencement of the nightly processing cycle of the TA2000 System or (iii) which require more manual intervention by DST, either in the entry of data or in the modification or amendment of reports generated by the TA2000 System than is usually required by normal transactions, (the “Exception Services”).

 

F. DST shall use reasonable efforts to provide, reasonably promptly under the circumstances, the same services with respect to any new, additional functions or features or any changes or improvements to existing functions or features as provided for in the Fund's instructions, prospectus or application as amended from time to time, for the Fund provided (i) DST is advised in advance by the Fund of any changes therein and (ii) the TA2000 System and the mode of operations utilized by DST as then constituted supports such additional functions and features. If any addition to, improvement of or change in the features and functions currently provided by the TA2000 System or the operations as requested by the Fund requires an enhancement or modification to the TA2000 System or to operations as presently conducted by DST, DST shall not be liable therefore until such modification or enhancement is installed on the TA2000 System or new mode of operation is instituted. If any new, additional function or feature or change or improvement to existing functions or features or new service or mode of operation is considered in DST’s discretion to be an optional service, and which measurably increases DST's cost of performing the services required hereunder at the current level of service, DST shall advise the Fund of the amount of such increase and if the Fund elects to utilize such function, feature or service, DST shall be entitled to increase its fees by an amount mutually agreed to by the parties. In no event shall DST be responsible for or liable to provide any additional function, feature, improvement or change in method of operation until DST has consented thereto in writing and DST and the Fund have agreed upon an incremental fee for such additional function, feature, improvement or change in method of operation. If any new, additional function or feature or change or improvement to existing functions or features or new service or mode of operation is in DST’s discretion a mandated change to the Services, and are charged generally to other existing clients used the modified or improved system, then DST may charge the Fund for the Fund’s pro rata share (based on number of accounts or other equitable measure based on the Service revised or modified) of the cost of the system modifications and improvements.

 

 

 

G. The Fund shall add all new series to the TA2000 System upon at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to DST provided that the requirements of the new series are generally consistent with services then being provided by DST under this Agreement. Rates or charges for additional series shall be as set forth in Exhibit A, as hereinafter defined, for the remainder of the contract term except as such series use functions, features or characteristics for which DST has imposed an additional charge as part of its standard pricing schedule. In the latter event, rates and charges shall be in accordance with DST's then-standard pricing schedule.

 

H. The provisions of this Section 4.H that follow this sentence shall take precedence over and shall govern in the event of any inconsistency between such provisions and any other provisions of this Agency Agreement or any provisions of any exhibit or other attachment to this Agency Agreement (or any provisions of any attachment to any such exhibit or attachment). The parties agree that – to the extent that DST provides any services under this Agency Agreement that relate to compliance by the Fund with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other tax law, including without limitation the services described in Section 4.D(x) – it is the parties’ mutual intent that DST will provide only printing, reproducing, and other mechanical assistance to the Fund and that DST will not make any judgments or exercise any discretion of any kind, and particularly that DST will not make any judgments or exercise any discretion in: (1) determining generally the actions that are required in connection with such compliance or determining generally when such compliance has been achieved; (2) determining the amounts of taxes that should be withheld on securityholder accounts (except to the extent of making mathematical calculations of such amounts based on express instructions provided by the Fund); (3) determining the amounts that should be reported in or on any specific box or line of any tax form (except to the extent of making mathematical calculations of such amounts based on express instructions provided by the Fund which among other things identify the specific boxes and lines into which amounts calculated by DST are to be placed); (4) classifying the status of securityholders and securityholder accounts under applicable tax law (except to the extent of following express instructions regarding such classification provided by the Fund); and (5) paying withholding and other taxes, except pursuant to the express instructions of the Fund. The Fund agrees that it will provide express and comprehensive instructions to DST in connection with all of the services that are to be provided by DST under this Agency Agreement that relate to compliance by the Fund with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other tax law (including without limitation the services described in Section 4.D(x)), including promptly providing responses to requests for direction that may be made from time to time by DST of the Fund in this regard.

 

 

 

I. Additionally, upon receipt of a Financial Product’s written request, DST shall provide transmissions of shareholder activity to the print vendor selected by the Financial Product.

 

5. Limit of Authority .

 

Unless otherwise expressly limited by the resolution of appointment or by subsequent action by the Fund, the appointment of DST as Transfer Agent will be construed to cover the full amount of authorized stock of the class or classes for which DST is appointed as the same will, from time to time, be constituted, and any subsequent increases in such authorized amount.

 

 

 

In case of such increase the Fund will file with DST:

 

A. If the appointment of DST was theretofore expressly limited, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Fund increasing the authority of DST;

 

B. A certified copy of the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund authorizing the increase of stock;

 

C. A certified copy of the order or consent of each governmental or regulatory authority required by law to consent to the issuance of the increased stock, and an opinion by the Secretary or similarly situated officer of the Fund (who may be the Fund’s General Counsel) stating that the order or consent of no other governmental or regulatory authority is required;

 

D. A certificate by the Secretary or similarly situated officer of the Fund (who may be the Fund’s General Counsel) stating:

 

(1) The status of the additional shares of stock of the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other applicable federal or state statute; and

 

(2) That the additional shares are, or when issued will be, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

6. Compensation and Expenses .

 

A. In consideration for its services hereunder as Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, the Fund will pay to DST from time to time a reasonable compensation for all services rendered as Agent, and also, all its reasonable billable expenses, charges, counsel fees, and other disbursements ("Compensation and Expenses") incurred in connection with the agency. Such compensation is set forth in a separate schedule to be agreed to by the Fund and DST, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. If the Fund has not paid such Compensation and Expenses to DST within a reasonable time, DST may, charge against any monies held under this Agreement, the amount of any Compensation and/or Expenses for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under this Agreement. The monthly fee for an open account shall be charged in the month during which an account is opened through the month in which such account is closed. The monthly fee for a closed account shall be charged in the month following the month during which such account is closed and shall cease to be charged in the month following the Purge Date, as hereinafter defined in Section 17.

 

 

 

B. The Fund also agrees promptly to reimburse DST for all reasonable and reasonably verified billable expenses or disbursements incurred by DST in connection with the performance of services under this Agreement including, but not limited to, expenses for postage, express delivery services, freight charges, envelopes, checks, drafts, forms (continuous or otherwise), specially requested reports and statements, telephone calls, telegraphs, stationery supplies, counsel fees, outside printing and mailing firms, magnetic tapes, reels or cartridges (if sent to the Fund or to a third party at the Fund's request) and magnetic tape handling charges, off-site record storage, media for storage of records (e.g., microfilm, microfiche, optical platters, computer tapes), computer equipment installed at the Fund's request at the Fund's or a third party's premises, telecommunications equipment, telephone/telecommunication lines between the Fund and its agents, on one hand, and DST on the other, proxy soliciting, processing and/or tabulating costs, second-site backup computer facility, transmission of statement data for remote printing or processing, and National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") transaction fees (collectively the “Expenses” and each an “Expense”) to the extent any of the foregoing are paid by DST. The Fund agrees to pay postage expenses at least one day in advance if so requested. In addition, any other expenses incurred by DST at the request or with the consent of the Fund will be promptly reimbursed by the Fund. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, DST must provide a reasonably itemized invoice showing aggregated Expenses for all Funds, or other reasonable evidence of such Expenses upon the request of the Fund as a condition to reimbursement.

 

C. Amounts due hereunder shall be due and paid on or before the thirtieth (30 th ) business day after receipt of the statement therefor by the Fund (the "Due Date"). The Fund is aware that its failure to pay all amounts in a timely fashion so that they will be received by DST on or before the Due Date will give rise to costs to DST not contemplated by this Agreement, including but not limited to carrying, processing and accounting charges. Accordingly, subject to Section 6.D. hereof, in the event that any amounts due hereunder are not received by DST by the Due Date, the Fund shall pay a late charge equal to the lesser of the maximum amount permitted by applicable law or the product of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month times the amount overdue times the number of months from the Due Date up to and including the day on which payment is received by DST. The parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable computation of the costs incurred by reason of late payment or payment of amounts not properly due. Acceptance of such late charge shall in no event constitute a waiver of the Fund's or DST's default or prevent the non-defaulting party from exercising any other rights and remedies available to it.

 

 

 

D. In the event that any charges are disputed, the Fund shall, on or before the Due Date, pay all undisputed amounts due hereunder and notify DST in writing of any disputed charges for billable expenses which it is disputing in good faith. Payment for such disputed charges shall be due on or before the close of the fifth (5 th ) business day after the day on which DST provides to the Fund documentation which an objective observer would agree reasonably supports the disputed charges (the "Revised Due Date"). Late charges shall not begin to accrue as to charges disputed in good faith until the first business day after the Revised Due Date.

 

E. The fees and charges set forth on Exhibit A shall increase or may be increased as follows:

 

(1) On the first day of each new term, in accordance with the "Fee Increases" provision in Exhibit A;

 

(2) DST may increase the fees and charges set forth on Exhibit A upon at least ninety (90) days prior written notice, if changes in existing laws, rules or regulations: (i) require substantial system modifications or (ii) materially increase cost of performance hereunder;

 

(3) DST may charge for additional features of TA2000 used by the Fund which features are not consistent with the Fund's current processing requirements and if in DST’s sole discretion those additional features are optional services, then the Fund must elect to utilize or have DST utilize such services on the Fund’s behalf prior to the Fund being responsible for payment; and

 

 

 

(4) In the event DST, at the Fund’s request or direction, performs Exception Services, DST shall be entitled to increase the fees and charges for such Exception Services from those set forth on Exhibit A to the extent such Exception Services increase DST’s cost of performance.

 

If DST notifies the Fund of an increase in fees or charges pursuant to subparagraph (2) of this Section 6.E., the parties shall confer, diligently and in good faith and agree upon a new fee to cover the amount necessary, but not more than such amount, to reimburse DST for the Fund's allocable portion of the cost of developing the new software to comply with regulatory charges and for the increased cost of operation.

 

If DST notifies the Fund of an increase in fees or charges under subparagraphs (3) or (4) of this Section 6.E., the parties shall confer, diligently and in good faith, and agree upon a new fee to cover such new fund feature.

 

7. Operation of DST System .

 

In connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement, DST is responsible for such items as:

 

A. That entries in DST's records, and in the Fund's records on the TA2000 System created by DST, reflect the orders, instructions, and other information received by DST from the Fund, the Fund's distributor, manager or principal underwriter, the Fund's investment adviser, the Fund’s sponsor, the Fund’s custodian, the Fund’s administrator and any other person whom the Fund names on Exhibit B (each an “Authorized Person”), broker-dealers or securityholders;

 

B. That securityholder lists, securityholder account verifications, confirmations and other securityholder account information to be produced from its records or data be available and accurately reflect the data in the Fund's records on the TA2000 System;

 

C. The accurate and timely issuance of dividend and distribution checks in accordance with instructions received from the Fund and the data in the Fund's records on the TA2000 System;

 

D. That redemption transactions and payments be effected timely, under normal circumstances on the day of receipt, and accurately in accordance with redemption instructions received by DST from Authorized Persons, broker-dealers or securityholders and the data in the Fund's records on the TA2000 System;

 

 

 

E. The deposit daily in the Fund's appropriate special bank account of all checks and payments received by DST from NSCC, broker-dealers or securityholders for investment in shares;

 

F. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to "as of" adjustments, DST will not assume one hundred percent (100%) responsibility for losses resulting from "as ofs" due to clerical errors or misinterpretations of securityholder instructions, but DST will discuss with the Fund DST's accepting liability for an "as of" on a case-by-case basis and may accept financial responsibility for a particular situation resulting in a financial loss to the Fund where such loss is “material”, as hereinafter defined, and, under the particular facts at issue, DST in its discretion believes DST’s conduct was culpable and DST’s conduct is the sole cause of the loss. A loss is “material” for purposes of this Section 7.F. when it results in a pricing error on a given day which is (i) greater than a negligible amount per securityholder, (ii) equals or exceeds one ($.01) full cent per share times the number of shares outstanding or (iii) equals or exceeds the product of one-half of one percent (½%) times Fund’s Net Asset Value per share times the number of shares outstanding (or, in case of (ii) or (iii), such other amounts as may be adopted by applicable accounting or regulatory authorities from time to time). When DST concludes that it should contribute to the settlement of a loss, DST’s responsibility will commence with that portion of the loss over $0.01 per share calculated on the basis of the total value of all shares owned by the affected portfolio (i.e., on the basis of the value of the shares of the total portfolio, including all classes of that portfolio, not just those of the affected class);

 

G. The requiring of proper forms of instructions, signatures and signature guarantees and any necessary documents supporting the opening of securityholder accounts, transfers, redemptions and other securityholder account transactions, all in conformance with DST's present procedures as set forth in its Legal Manual, Third Party Check Procedures, Checkwriting Draft Procedures, Compliance + and Identity Theft Programs and Signature Guarantee Procedures (collectively the "Procedures") with such changes or deviations therefrom as may be from time to time required or approved by the Fund, its investment adviser or principal underwriter, or its or DST's counsel and the rejection of orders or instructions not in good order in accordance with the applicable prospectus or the Procedures;

 

 

 

H. The maintenance of customary records in connection with its agency in accordance with the transfer agent recordkeeping requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as those records required to be maintained pursuant to subparagraph (2)(iv) of paragraph (b) of Rule 31a-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, if any; and

 

I. The maintenance of a current, duplicate set of the Fund's essential records at a secure separate location, in a form available and usable forthwith in the event of any breakdown or disaster disrupting its main operation.

 

8. Indemnification .

 

A. DST shall at all times use reasonable care, due diligence and act in good faith in performing its duties under this Agreement. DST shall provide its services as Transfer Agent in accordance with Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations thereunder. In the absence of bad faith, willful misconduct, knowing violations of applicable law pertaining to the manner in which transfer agency services are to be performed by DST (excluding any violations arising directly or indirectly out of the actions or omissions to act of third parties unaffiliated with DST), reckless disregard of the performance of its duties, or material default by DST of DST’s obligations under this Agreement, DST shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted by it or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. For those activities or actions delineated in the Procedures, DST shall be presumed to have used reasonable care, due diligence and acted in good faith and have acted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement if it has acted in accordance with the Procedures in effect when DST acted or omitted to act.

 

B. DST shall not be responsible for, and the Fund shall indemnify and hold DST harmless from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability which may be asserted against DST or for which DST may be held to be liable (including without limitation any attorney’s fees or court costs incurred by DST in enforcing this right to the Fund’s indemnification) (the “Adverse Consequences”), arising out of or attributable to:

 

 

 

(1) All actions or omissions of DST required to be taken or omitted by DST pursuant to this Agreement, provided that DST has acted in good faith, with due diligence and with reasonable care and fulfilled all obligations under this Agreement with respect to the matter for which DST is seeking indemnification;

 

(2) The Fund's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, the Fund’s willful misconduct or the material breach of any representation or warranty of the Fund hereunder;

 

(3) The good faith reliance on, or the carrying out of, any written or oral instructions or requests of persons designated by the Fund in writing (see Exhibit B) from time to time as authorized to give instructions on its behalf or representatives of an Authorized Person or DST's good faith reliance on, or use of, information, data, records, transmissions and documents received from, or which have been prepared and/or maintained by the Fund, its investment advisor, its sponsor, its principal underwriter or any other person or entity from whom the Fund instructs DST to accept and utilize information, data, records, transmissions and documents;

 

(4) Defaults by dealers or shareowners with respect to payment for share orders previously entered;

 

(5) The offer or sale of the Fund's shares in violation of any requirement under federal securities laws or regulations or the securities laws or regulations of any state or in violation of any stop order or other determination or ruling by any federal agency or state with respect to the offer or sale of such shares in such state (unless such violation results from DST's failure to comply with written instructions of the Fund or of any officer of the Fund that no offers or sales be permitted to remain in the Fund's securityholder records in or to residents of such state);

 

 

 

(6) The Fund's errors and mistakes in the use of the TA2000 System, the data center, computer and related equipment used to access the TA2000 System (the "DST Facilities"), and control procedures relating thereto in the verification of output and in the remote input of data;

 

(7) Errors, inaccuracies, and omissions in, or errors, inaccuracies or omissions of DST arising out of or resulting from such errors, inaccuracies and omissions in, the Fund's records, securityholder and other records, delivered to DST hereunder by the Fund or its prior agent(s);

 

(8) Actions or omissions to act by the Fund or agents designated by the Fund with respect to duties assumed thereby as provided for in Section 21 hereof; and

 

(9) DST’s performance of Exception Services except where DST acted or omitted to act in bad faith, with reckless disregard of its obligations or with gross negligence.

 

C. Except where DST is entitled to indemnification under Section 8.B. hereof and with respect to "as ofs" set forth in Section 7.F., DST shall indemnify and hold the Fund harmless from and against any and all Adverse Consequences arising out of or attributable to DST’s bad faith, willful misconduct, knowing violations of applicable law pertaining to the manner in which transfer agency services are to be performed by DST (excluding any violations arising directly or indirectly out of the actions or omissions to act of third parties unaffiliated with DST), reckless disregard of the performance of DST’s duties, negligence on its part, or material default by DST under this Agreement; provided, however, that DST's cumulative liability during any term of this Agreement with respect to, arising from or arising in connection with this Agreement, or from all services provided or omitted to be provided under this Agreement, whether in contract, or in tort, or otherwise, is limited to, and shall not exceed, the amounts paid hereunder by the Fund to DST as fees and charges, but not including reimbursable expenses, during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to DST’s liability.

 

D. IN NO EVENT AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EITHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE OTHER PARTY, FOR PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR OTHER SPECIAL DAMAGES UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR FOR ANY ACT OR FAILURE TO ACT HEREUNDER, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.

 

 

 

E. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified person of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified person will, if a claim in respect thereto is to be made against an indemnifying party hereunder, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve an indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified person for contribution or otherwise under the indemnity agreement contained herein except to the extent it is prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure to timely notify. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified person and such indemnified person seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it may wish, assume the defense thereof (in its own name or in the name and on behalf of any indemnified party or both with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified person); provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified person and an indemnifying party and the indemnified person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict between the positions of the indemnified person and an indemnifying party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified persons which are inconsistent with those available to an indemnifying party, the indemnified person or indemnified persons shall have the right to select one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel) to assume such legal defense and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified person or indemnified persons at such indemnified party's sole expense. Upon receipt of notice from an indemnifying party to such indemnified person of its election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified person of counsel, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld (and any disapproval shall be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons therefor), the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified person hereunder for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified person in connection with the defense thereof. An indemnifying party will not settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified persons are actual or potential parties to such claim, action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified person from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding. An indemnified party will not, without the prior written consent of the indemnifying party settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder. If it does so, it waives its right to indemnification therefor.

 

 

 

9. Certain Covenants of DST and the Fund .

 

A. All requisite steps will be taken by the Fund from time to time when and as necessary to register the Fund's shares for sale in all states in which the Fund's shares shall at the time be offered for sale and require registration. If at any time the Fund receives notice or becomes aware of any stop order or other proceeding in any such state affecting such registration or the sale of the Fund's shares, or of any stop order or other proceeding under the federal securities laws affecting the sale of the Fund's shares, the Fund will give prompt notice thereof to DST.

 

B. DST hereby agrees to perform such transfer agency functions as are set forth in Section 4.D. above and establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of stock certificates, check forms, and facsimile signature imprinting devices, if any; and for the preparation or use, and for keeping account of, such certificates, forms and devices, and to carry such insurance as it considers adequate and reasonably available.

 

C. To the extent required by Section 31 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended and Rules thereunder, DST agrees that all records maintained by DST relating to the services to be performed by DST under this Agreement are the property of the Fund and will be preserved and will be surrendered promptly to the Fund on request.

 

 

 

D. DST agrees to furnish the Fund annual reports of its financial condition, consisting of a balance sheet, earnings statement and any other financial information reasonably requested by the Fund. The annual financial statements will be certified by DST's certified public accountants.

 

E. DST represents and agrees that it will use its reasonable efforts to keep current on the trends of the investment company industry relating to securityholder services and will use its reasonable efforts to continue to modernize and improve.

 

F. DST will permit the Fund and its authorized representatives (subject to execution of DST’s standard confidentiality and non-use agreement) to make periodic inspections of its operations as such involves or is utilized by DST to provide services to the Fund at reasonable times during business hours. DST will permit the Internal Revenue Service and any other tax authority to inspect its operations in connection with examinations by any such authority of DST’s or other taxpayer’s compliance with the tax laws, and the costs of each such inspection and examination shall be paid by the Fund to the extent that the examination relates to DST’s performance of services under this Agency Agreement. DST will permit duly authorized federal examiners to make periodic inspections of its operations as such would involve the Fund to obtain, inter alia , information and records relating to DST’s performance of its Compliance + Program or Identity Theft Program obligations and to inspect DST’s operations for purposes of the Program.” Any costs imposed by such examiners in connection with such examination (other than fines or other penalties) shall be paid by the Fund.

 

G. DST shall comply with Exhibit C (Information Protection Program), which are made a part of this Agreement and apply to the Services. The policies and procedures specified in Exhibit C (Information Protection Program) are subject to change at any time in accordance with DST’s internal change control procedures, provided that the protections afforded thereby will not be diminished in comparison with those currently provided by DST to the Fund under this Agreement. Throughout the Term of this Agreement, as part of the Services, DST shall maintain reasonable backup and security procedures in accordance with its then current internal policies and procedures. DST will be reasonably available to meet with and provide assurances to the Fund concerning its backup procedures as well as its security procedures.

 

 

 

10. Recapitalization or Readjustment .

 

In case of any recapitalization, readjustment or other change in the capital structure of the Fund requiring a change in the form of stock certificates, DST will issue or register certificates in the new form in exchange for, or in transfer of, the outstanding certificates in the old form, upon receiving:

 

A. Written instructions from an officer of the Fund;

 

B. Certified copy of the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or other document effecting the change;

 

C. Certified copy of the order or consent of each governmental or regulatory authority, required by law to the issuance of the stock in the new form, and an opinion of counsel that the order or consent of no other government or regulatory authority is required;

 

D. Specimens of the new certificates in the form approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, with a certificate of the Secretary of the Fund as to such approval;

 

E. A certificate by the Secretary or similarly situated officer of the Fund (who may be the Fund’s General Counsel) stating:

 

(1) The status of the shares of stock of the Fund in the new form under the 1933 Act, and any other applicable federal or state statute; and

 

(2) That the issued shares in the new form are, and all unissued shares will be, when issued, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

11. Stock Certificates .

 

A. The Fund will furnish DST with a sufficient supply of blank stock certificates and from time to time will renew such supply upon the request of DST. Such certificates will be signed manually or by facsimile signatures of the officers of the Fund authorized by law and by bylaws to sign stock certificates, and if required, will bear the corporate seal or facsimile thereof.

 

 

 

B. In the event that certificates for shares of the Fund shall be represented to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, DST, upon being furnished with an indemnity bond in such form and amount and with such surety as shall be reasonably satisfactory to it, is authorized to countersign a new certificate or certificates for the number of shares of the Fund represented by the lost or stolen certificate.

 

C. In the event that certificates of the Fund shall be represented to have been lost, stolen, missing, counterfeited or recovered, DST shall file Form X-17F-1A with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or its designee, as required by Rule 17f-1(c) under the 1934 Act.

 

12. Death, Resignation or Removal of Signing Officer .

 

The Fund will file promptly with DST written notice of any change in the officers authorized to sign stock certificates, written instructions or requests, together with two signature cards bearing the specimen signature of each newly authorized officer. In case any officer of the Fund who will have signed manually or whose facsimile signature will have been affixed to blank stock certificates will die, resign, or be removed prior to the issuance of such certificates DST may issue or register such stock certificates as the stock certificates of the Fund notwithstanding such death, resignation, or removal, until specifically directed to the contrary by the Fund in writing.

 

In the absence of such direction, the Fund will file promptly with DST such approval, adoption, or ratification as may be required by law.

 

13. Future Amendments of Charter/Declaration and Bylaws/Articles, as appropriate .

 

The Fund will promptly file with DST copies of all material amendments to its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws made after the date of this Agreement.

 

14. Instructions, Opinion of Counsel and Signatures .

 

At any time DST may apply to any person authorized by the Fund to give instructions to DST, and may with the approval of a Fund officer consult with legal counsel for the Fund, or DST’s own legal counsel at the expense of the Fund with the approval of an Authorized Person or a Fund officer, with respect to any matter arising in connection with the agency and it will not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in reliance upon such instructions or upon the opinion of such counsel. In connection with services provided by DST under this Agency Agreement that relate to compliance by the Fund with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other tax law, including without limitation the services described in Section 4.D(x), DST shall have no obligation to continue to provide such services after it has asked the Fund to give it instructions which it reasonably believes are needed by it to so continue to provide such services and before it receives the needed instructions from the Fund, and DST shall have no liability for any damages (including without limitation penalties imposed by any tax authority) caused by or that result from its failure to provide services as contemplated by this sentence. DST will be protected in acting upon any paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper person or persons and will not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Fund. It will also be protected in recognizing stock certificates which it reasonably believes to bear the proper manual or facsimile signatures of the officers of the Fund, and the proper countersignature of any former Transfer Agent or Registrar, or of a co-Transfer Agent or co-Registrar.

 

 

 

15. Force Majeure and Disaster Recovery Plans.

 

A. DST shall not be responsible or liable for its failure or delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation: any interruption, loss or malfunction of any public utility, transportation, computer (hardware or software, provided any such hardware has been reasonably maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, if any, and any delay or failure caused by such malfunctioning hardware cannot be mitigated or eliminated by implementation of a disaster recovery plan) or communication service (provided that any such delay caused by the inability to access the telecommunication lines/network between the Fund and DST or obstruction of such telecommunication lines/network between the Fund and DST cannot reasonably be circumvented through the prompt implementation of alternative routing options); inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or transportation, or a delay in mails; governmental or exchange action, statute, ordinance, rulings, regulations or direction; war, strike, riot, emergency, civil disturbance, terrorism, vandalism, explosions, labor disputes, freezes, floods, fires, tornados, acts of God or public enemy, revolutions, or insurrection; or any other cause, contingency, circumstance or delay not subject to DST's reasonable control which prevents or hinders DST's performance hereunder.

 

 

 

B. Provided the Fund is paying its pro rata portion of the charge therefor, DST shall provide back-up facilities to the data center or centers used by DST to provide the transfer agency services hereunder (collectively, the “Back-Up Facilities”) capable of supplying the transfer agency services specified herein to the Funds in case of damage to the primary facility providing those services. The back-up to the data center operations facility will have no other function that could not be suspended immediately for an indefinite period of time to the extent necessary to allow, or continue to be supported while allowing, the facility to function as a back-up facility and support all functionality scheduled to be supported in DST’s Business Contingency Plan. Transfer to the Back-Up Facility shall commence promptly after the DST’s declaration of a disaster and shall be conducted in accordance with DST’s Business Contingency Plan, which Plan calls for the transfer of TA2000 to the Back-Up Facilities to be completed within 4 hours after DST’s declaration of a disaster. The Fund shall not bear any costs (in addition to the Fees and charges set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto) related to such transfer. At least once annually, DST shall complete a successful test of the Business Contingency Plan.

 

C. DST also currently maintains, separate from the area in which the operations which provides the services to the Fund hereunder are located, a Crisis Management Center consisting of phones, computers and the other equipment necessary to operate a full service transfer agency business in the event one of its operations areas is rendered inoperable. The transfer of operations to other operating areas or to the Crisis Management Center is also covered in DST's Business Contingency Plan.

 

D. DST is not responsible for a failure, unavailability, disruption, or any circumstance arising out of, related to, or resulting from DST’s efforts (including DST intentionally making the System(s) unavailable) to block or otherwise prevent a security breach, provided that DST has fulfilled its information security obligations under the Agreement otherwise and Client is notified promptly as reasonably practicable.

 

 

 

16. Certification of Documents .

 

The required copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund and copies of all amendments thereto will be certified by the Secretary of State (or other appropriate official) of the State of Incorporation, and if such Articles of Incorporation and amendments are required by law to be also filed with a county, city or other officer of official body, a certificate of such filing will appear on the certified copy submitted to DST. A copy of the order or consent of each governmental or regulatory authority required by law to the issuance of the stock will be certified by the Secretary or Clerk of such governmental or regulatory authority, under proper seal of such authority. The copy of the Bylaws and copies of all amendments thereto, and copies of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund, will be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Fund under the Fund's seal.

 

17. Records .

 

DST will maintain customary records in connection with its agency, and particularly will maintain those records required to be maintained pursuant Section 17A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and pursuant to subparagraph (2) (iv) of paragraph (b) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, as amended, if any. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the records to be maintained and preserved by DST on the TA2000 System under this Agreement shall be maintained and preserved in accordance with the following:

 

A. Annual Purges by August 31: DST and the Fund shall mutually agree upon a date for the annual purge of the appropriate history transactions from the Transaction History (A88) file for accounts (both regular and tax advantaged accounts) that were open as of January 1 of the current year, such purge to be complete no later than August 31. Purges completed after this date will subject Fund to the Aged History Retention fees set forth in the Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

B. Purge Criteria: In order to avoid the Aged History Retention fees, history data for regular or ordinary accounts (that is, non-tax advantaged accounts) must be purged if the confirmation date of the history transaction is prior to January 1 of the current year and history data for tax advantaged accounts (retirement and educational savings accounts) must be purged if the confirmation date of the history transaction is prior to January 1 of the prior year. All purged history information shall be retained on magnetic tape for seven (7) years.

 

 

 

C. Purged History Retention Options (entail an additional fee): For the additional fees set forth on the Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A, Fund may choose (i) to place purged history information on the Purged Transaction History (A19) table or (ii) to retain history information on the Transaction History (A88) file beyond the timeframes defined above. Retaining information on the A19 table allows for viewing of this data through online facilities and E-Commerce applications. This database does not support those histories being printed on statements and reports and is not available for on request job executions.

 

18. Disposition of Books, Records and Canceled Certificates .

 

DST may send periodically to the Fund, or to where designated by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Fund, all books, documents, and all records no longer deemed needed for current purposes and stock certificates which have been canceled in transfer or in exchange, upon the understanding that such books, documents, records, and stock certificates will be maintained by the Fund under and in accordance with the requirements of Section 17Ad-7 adopted under the 1934 Act, including by way of example and not limitation Section 17Ad-7(g) thereof. Such materials will not be destroyed by the Fund without the consent of DST (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), but will be safely stored for possible future reference.

 

19. Provisions Relating to DST as Transfer Agent .

 

A. DST will make original issues of shares or, if shares are certificated, stock certificates upon written request of an officer of the Fund and upon being furnished with a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing such original issue, an opinion of counsel as outlined in subparagraphs 1.D. and G. of this Agreement, any documents required by Sections 5. or 10. of this Agreement, and necessary funds for the payment of any original issue tax.

 

B. Before making any original issue of certificates the Fund will furnish DST with sufficient funds to pay all required taxes on the original issue of the stock, if any. The Fund will furnish DST such evidence as may be required by DST to show the actual value of the stock. If no taxes are payable DST will be furnished with an opinion of outside counsel to that effect.

 

 

 

C. Shares of stock will be transferred and, if shares are certificated, new certificates issued in transfer, or shares of stock accepted for redemption and funds remitted therefor, or book entry transfer be effected, upon surrender of the old certificates in form or receipt by DST of instructions deemed by DST properly endorsed for transfer or redemption accompanied by such documents as DST may deem necessary to evidence the authority of the person making the transfer or redemption. DST reserves the right to refuse to transfer, exchange, sell or redeem shares until it is satisfied that the endorsement or signature on the certificate or any other document is valid and genuine, and for that purpose it may require a guaranty of signature in accordance with the Signature Guarantee Procedures. DST also reserves the right to refuse to transfer, exchange, sell or redeem shares until it is satisfied that the requested transfer or redemption is legally authorized, and it will incur no liability for the refusal in good faith to make transfers or redemptions which, in its judgment, are improper or unauthorized. DST may, in effecting such transfers, exchanges, ssles or redemptions, rely upon the Procedures, Simplification Acts, Uniform Commercial Code or other statutes that protect DST and the Fund or both in not requiring complete fiduciary documentation. In cases in which DST is not directed or otherwise required to maintain the consolidated records of securityholder's accounts, DST will not be liable for any loss which may arise by reason of not having such records.

 

D. When mail is used for delivery of stock certificates, DST will forward stock certificates in "nonnegotiable" form by first class or registered mail and stock certificates in "negotiable" form by registered mail, all such mail deliveries to be covered while in transit to the addressee by insurance arranged for by DST.

 

E. DST will issue and mail subscription warrants, certificates representing stock dividends, exchanges or split ups, or act as Conversion Agent upon receiving written instructions from any officer of the Fund and such other documents as DST deems necessary.

 

 

 

F. DST will issue, transfer, and split up certificates and will issue certificates of stock representing full shares upon surrender of scrip certificates aggregating one full share or more when presented to DST for that purpose upon receiving written instructions from an officer of the Fund and such other documents as DST may deem necessary.

 

G. If the Fund issues shares in certificated form, DST may issue new certificates in place of certificates represented to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or otherwise wrongfully taken upon receiving instructions from the Fund and indemnity satisfactory to DST and the Fund, and may issue new certificates in exchange for, and upon surrender of, mutilated certificates. Such instructions from the Fund will be in such form as will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund and will be in accordance with the provisions of law and the bylaws of the Fund governing such matter.

 

H. DST will supply a securityholders list to the Fund for its annual meeting upon receiving a request from an officer of the Fund. It will also, at the expense of the Fund, supply lists at such other times as may be requested by an officer of the Fund.

 

I. Upon receipt of written instructions of an officer of the Fund, DST will, at the expense of the Fund, address and mail notices to securityholders.

 

J. In case of any request or demand for the inspection of the stock books of the Fund or any other books in the possession of DST, DST will promptly notify the Fund and to secure instructions as to permitting or refusing such inspection. DST reserves the right; however, to exhibit the stock books or other books to any person in case it is advised by its counsel that it is legally required to do so.

 

K. DST agrees to furnish the Fund with (1) annual reports of its financial condition, consisting of a balance sheet, earnings statement and any other financial information as is made public by DST in connection with the foregoing and (2) semi-annually with a copy of a Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16 (SSAE 16), report on controls at a Service Organization or successor report issued by DST’s certified public accountants pursuant to Rule 17Ad-13 under the 1934 Act as filed with SEC. The annual financial statements will be certified by DST's certified public accountants and the posting of a current copy thereof on DST’s website shall be deemed to be delivery to the Fund.

 

 

 

L. (1) DST shall assist the Fund to fulfill the Fund’s responsibilities under certain provisions of USA PATRIOT Act, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Title V of Gramm Leach Bliley Act, Securities Act of 1933, Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and 1940 Act, including, inter alia , Rule 38a-1, by complying with Compliance + TM , a compliance program that focuses on certain business processes that represent key activities of the transfer agent/service provider function (the “Compliance + Program”), a copy of which has hitherto been made available to Fund. These business processes are anti-money laundering, certificate processing, correspondence processing, fingerprinting, lost securityholder processing, reconciliation and control, transaction processing, customer identification, transfer agent administration and safeguarding fund assets and securities. DST reserves the right to make changes thereto as experience suggests alternative and better ways to perform the affected function. DST shall provide the Fund with written notice of any such changes.

 

(2) DST shall perform the procedures set forth in the Compliance + Program, as amended by DST from time to time, which pertain to DST’s performance of those transfer agency services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, (ii) implement and maintain internal controls and procedures reasonably necessary to insure that our employees act in accordance with the Compliance + Program, and (iii) provide the Fund with written notice of any material changes made to the Program as attached hereto.

 

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, DST’s obligations shall be solely as are set forth in this Section and in the Compliance + Program, as amended, and any of obligations under the enumerated Acts and Regulations that DST has not agreed to perform on the Fund’s behalf under the Compliance + Program or under this Agreement shall remain the Fund’s sole obligation.

 

M. In connection with the enactment of the Red Flags Regulations (the “Regulations”) promulgated jointly by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury (OCC); Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board); Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Office of Thrift Supervision, Treasury (OTS); National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); and Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission) implementing section 114 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act) and final rules implementing section 315 of the FACT Act:

 

 

 

(1) DST shall assist the Fund to fulfill the Funds’ responsibilities under certain provisions of the Regulations that focus on certain business processes that represent key activities of the transfer agent/service provider function, as set forth in the DST identity theft program (the “Identity Theft Program”), a current copy of which has hitherto been made available to Fund. These business processes are set forth in the Identity Theft Program. DST reserves the right to make changes thereto as experience suggests alternative and better ways to perform the affected function. DST shall provide Fund with written notice of any such changes thereto.

 

(2) DST shall: (i) perform the procedures set forth in the Identity Theft Program, as amended by DST from time to time, which pertain to DST’s performance of those transfer agency services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, (ii) implement and maintain internal controls and procedures reasonably necessary to insure that DST’s employees act in accordance with the Identity Theft Program, and (iii) provide Fund with written notice of any material changes made to the Identity Theft Program.

 

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, DST’s obligations shall be solely as are set forth in this Section 20.M. and in the Identity Theft Program and any obligations under the Regulations that DST has not agreed to perform under such Identity Theft Program or under this Agreement shall remain the sole obligation of the Fund(s) or the Fund, as applicable.

 

(4) With respect to the Identity Theft Program, DST will permit duly authorized governmental and self-regulatory examiners to make periodic inspections of its operations as such would involve Fund and the Funds to obtain, inter alia , information and records relating to DST’s performance of its obligations under the Identity Theft Program and to inspect DST’s operations for purposes of determining DST’s compliance with the Identity Theft Program. Any costs imposed by such examiners in connection with such examination (other than fines or other penalties arising solely out of DST’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the Identity Theft Program) shall be paid by Fund.

 

 

 

N. DST shall establish on behalf of the Fund banking relationships for the conduct of the business of the Fund in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 20.D. of this Agreement.

 

20. Provisions Relating to Dividend Disbursing and Paying Agency (as well as the receipt, deposit and payment of funds by the Transfer Agent in connection with the purchase and redemption of Funds shares) .

 

A. DST will perform the following dividend disbursing services:

 

(1) upon receipt of a written notice from an officer of the Fund declaring the payment of a dividend or distribution, DST shall prepare and disburse such dividend and distribution payments; provided that in advance of such payment the Fund furnishes DST with sufficient funds. The payment of such funds to DST for the purpose of being available for the payment of dividends or distributions from time to time is not intended by the Fund to confer any rights in such funds on the Fund’s shareholders whether in trust or in contract or otherwise;

 

(2) the Fund hereby authorizes DST to stop payment of checks issued in payment of dividends, but not presented for payment, when the payees thereof allege either that they have not received the checks or that such checks have been mislaid, lost, stolen, destroyed or, through no fault of theirs, are otherwise beyond their control and cannot be produced by them for presentation and collection, and DST shall issue and deliver duplicate checks in replacement thereof, and the Fund shall indemnify DST against any loss or damage resulting from reissuance of the checks; and

 

(3) DST is hereby authorized to deduct from all dividends or distributions declared by the Fund and disbursed by DST, as dividend disbursing agent, the tax required to be withheld pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or by any Federal or State statutes subsequently enacted, and to make the necessary return and payment of such tax in connection therewith.

 

 

 

B. DST will perform the following dividend reinvestment plan agent services:

 

(1) act as agent for shareholders pursuant to dividend reinvestment plans, and other investment programs as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms of the agreements relating thereto to which DST is or will be a party; and

 

(2) receive all payments made to the Fund or DST under any dividend reinvestment plan and make all payments required to be made under such plan, including all payments required to be made to the Fund.

 

C. DST will, at the expense of the Fund, provide a special form of check containing the imprint of any device or other matter desired by the Fund. Said checks must, however, be of a form and size convenient for use by DST.

 

D. If the Fund desires to include additional printed matter, financial statements, etc., with the dividend checks, the same will be furnished DST within a reasonable time prior to the date of mailing of the dividend checks, at the expense of the Fund.

 

E. If the Fund desires its distributions mailed in any special form of envelopes, sufficient supply of the same will be furnished to DST but the size and form of said envelopes will be subject to the approval of DST. If stamped envelopes are used, they must be furnished by the Fund; or if postage stamps are to be affixed to the envelopes, the stamps or the cash necessary for such stamps must be furnished by the Fund.

 

F. DST, acting as agent for the Fund, is hereby authorized (1) to establish in the name of, and to maintain on behalf of, the Fund, on the usual terms and conditions prevalent in the industry, including limits or caps based on fees paid over some period of time on the maximum liability of such Banks, as hereinafter defined, one or more deposit accounts at a nationally or regionally known banking institution (the “Bank”) into which DST shall deposit the funds DST receives for payment of dividends, distributions, purchases of Fund’s shares, transfers of Fund shares, redemptions of Fund shares, commissions, corporate re-organizations (including recapitalizations or liquidations) or any other disbursements made by DST on behalf of the Fund provided for in this Agreement, (2) to draw checks upon such accounts, to issue orders or instructions to the Bank for the payment out of such accounts as necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes for which such funds were provided to DST, and (3) to establish, to implement and to transact Fund business through Automated Clearinghouse (“ACH”), Draft Processing, Wire Transfer and any other banking relationships, arrangements and agreements with such Bank as are necessary or appropriate to fulfill DST’s obligations under this Agreement. DST, acting as agent for the Fund, is also hereby authorized to execute on behalf and in the name of the Fund, on the usual terms and conditions prevalent in the industry, including limits or caps based on fees paid over some period of time on the maximum liability of such Banks, agreements with banks for ACH, wire transfer, draft processing services, as well as any other services which are necessary or appropriate for DST to utilize to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement. In each of the foregoing situations the Fund shall be liable on such agreements with the Bank as if it itself had executed the agreement. DST shall not be liable for any Adverse Consequences arising out of or resulting from errors or omissions of the Bank provided, however, that DST shall have acted in good faith, with due diligence and without negligence. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the Fund shall determine that the charges and expenses imposed by such Bank are excessive or not customary, and the Fund can arrange to have an alternative Bank that is reasonably acceptable to DST to provide the same services, the Fund shall assume the cost of implementing similar and the same degree of automation between the Fund’s selected bank and DST as that currently existing between the DST selected bank and DST, and, after the implementation of such automated processes between DST and the Fund selected bank, DST shall utilize the Bank designated by the Fund.

 

 

 

GE. DST is authorized and directed to stop payment of checks theretofore issued hereunder, but not presented for payment, when the payees thereof allege either that they have not received the checks or that such checks have been mislaid, lost, stolen, destroyed or through no fault of theirs, are otherwise beyond their control, and cannot be produced by them for presentation and collection, and, to issue and deliver duplicate checks in replacement thereof.

 

 

 

21. Assumption of Duties By the Fund or Agents Designated By the Fund .

 

A. The Fund or its designated agents other than DST may assume certain duties and responsibilities of DST or those services of Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent as those terms are referred to in Section 4.D. of this Agreement including but not limited to answering and responding to telephone inquiries from securityholders and brokers, accepting securityholder and broker instructions (either or both oral and written) and transmitting orders based on such instructions to DST, preparing and mailing confirmations, obtaining certified TIN numbers, classifying the status of securityholders and securityholder accounts under applicable tax law, establishing securityholder accounts on the TA2000 System and assigning social codes and Taxpayer Identification Number codes thereof, and disbursing monies of the Fund, said assumption to be embodied in writing to be signed by both parties.

 

B. To the extent the Fund or its agent or affiliate assumes such duties and responsibilities, DST shall be relieved from all responsibility and liability therefor and is hereby indemnified and held harmless against any liability therefrom and in the same manner and degree as provided for in Section 8 hereof.

 

C. Initially the Fund or its designees shall be responsible for the following: (i) answer and respond to phone calls from securityholders and broker-dealers, and (ii) scan items into DST's AWD TM System as such calls or items are received by the Fund, and (iii) enter and confirm wire order trades.

 

22. Termination of Agreement .

 

A. This Agreement shall be in effect upon execution by both the Fund and DST and shall continue in full force and effect for an initial period of three (3) years from the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”) and thereafter may be terminated by either party as of the last day of the then current term by the giving to the other party of at least six (6) months’ prior written notice, provided, however, that the effective date of any termination shall not occur during the period from December 15 through March 30 of any year to avoid adversely impacting year end. If such notice is not given by either party to the other at least six (6) months prior to the end of the then current term, this Agreement shall automatically extend for a new one year term, each such successive term or period, as applicable, being a new “term” of this Agreement, upon the expiration of any term hereof unless terminated as hereinafter provided in Section 22. B.

 

 

 

B. Each party, in addition to any other rights and remedies, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement forthwith upon the occurrence at any time of any of the following events with respect to the other party:

 

(1) The bankruptcy of the other party or its assigns or the appointment of a receiver for the other party or its assigns; or

 

(2) a material breach of this Agreement by the other party, which breach continues for thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the first party; or

 

(3) Failure by the Fund to pay Compensation and Expenses as they become due, which failure continues for thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from DST.

 

C. In the event of termination, the Fund will promptly pay DST all amounts due to DST hereunder and DST will use its reasonable efforts to transfer the records of the Fund to the designated successor transfer agent, to provide reasonable assistance to the Fund and its designated successor transfer agent, to be responsive on a timely basis to reasonable requests and other communications from the Fund or its designated successor transfer agent and to provide other information relating to its services provided hereunder (subject to the recompense of DST for such assistance at its standard rates and fees for personnel then in effect at that time); provided, however, as used herein "reasonable assistance" and "other information" shall not include assisting any new service or system provider to modify, alter, enhance, or improve its system or to improve, enhance, or alter its current system, or to provide any new, functionality or to require DST to disclose any DST Confidential Information, as hereinafter defined, or any information which is otherwise confidential to DST.

 

 

 

23. Confidentiality and Fund Data Security .

 

A. DST agrees that, except as provided in the last sentence of Section 19.J. hereof, as otherwise required by law, as necessary or appropriate (in the opinion of counsel) to fulfill DST’s obligations under this Agreement or at the request or with the consent of the Fund, DST will keep confidential all Fund Confidential Information, as hereinafter defined, and will not disclose the same to any person not an affiliate of DST except as necessary to fulfill DST’s obligations under this Agreement. As used herein, the term “Fund Confidential Information” shall mean (i) securityholder transaction information collected by, provided to or obtained by DST from the Fund in connection with the Services provided by DST pursuant to this Agreement including, without limitation, keyed input and electronic capture of such information by such Services and all reports and all other output of such Services containing such information in a form or content that contains Personal Information that identifies a securityholder or securityholders; and (ii) Personal Information. As used herein the term “Personal Information” shall mean (i) all records, files, reports and other data relating to the Fund’s customers (including but not limited to all securityholders), provided to DST by or on behalf of the Fund or (ii) all records, files, reports and other data relating to the Fund’s employees, representatives or agents provided to DST, each of (i) and (ii) having been provided or obtained in connection with the Services provided by DST pursuant to this Agreement and including but not limited to, accounts, names, phone numbers, addresses and social security numbers, as well as any information derived therefrom which would reasonably identify an individual. Without limiting the foregoing, Personal Information includes “personally identifiable information”, as that term is defined under any applicable law, and includes any information that may be used to track, locate or identify the Fund’s securityholders (including, without limitation, names, addresses, and account numbers that is collected for, provided to or obtained for DST by or on behalf of the Fund in connection with the Services provided by DST pursuant to this Agreement), DST acknowledges that disclosure or misappropriation of Fund Confidential Information in contravention of DST’s obligations under this Agreement may give rise to an irreparable injury to the Fund inadequately compensable in damages. Accordingly, the Fund may seek (without the posting of any bond or other security) injunctive relief against the breach of the foregoing undertaking of confidentiality and nondisclosure, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available, and DST consents to the obtaining of such injunctive relief upon a proper showing of the occurrence of a breach of confidentiality by DST or of -a course of behavior on DST’s part which, if not altered, would result in such a breach.

 

 

 

i. DST may disclose the Fund Confidential Information, on a need-to-know basis, to the DST affiliates, representatives and to third party vendors performing Services for the Fund, provided that DST shall inform, in DST’s reasonable discretion, each such DST representative to whom any Fund Confidential Information is so communicated of the duty of confidentiality regarding that information under this Agreement and impose on that DST representative the obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the Fund Confidential Information in accordance with this Section 23.

 

ii. Unless otherwise required in order to fulfill DST’s obligations under this Agreement or permitted in writing by the Fund, the parties agree that the Fund Confidential Information shall not be: (i) used by DST or any DST representative other than in connection with providing the Services described in this Agreement, (ii) aggregated or commingled by DST or any DST representative with DST or third party data (provided the Fund acknowledges and agrees Fund Confidential Information is not physically segregated from the data of other DST clients), (iii) disclosed, sold, assigned, leased or otherwise provided to third parties by DST or any DST representative, or (iv) commercially exploited by or on behalf of DST or any DST representative, without Fund’s prior written consent in each instance (such consent to be provided in Fund’s sole discretion).

 

iii. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 23(A)(i), each Party may disclose any Confidential Information of the other Party that is required to be disclosed by law, judicial or arbitration process, or by governmental authorities (including, without limitation, any required disclosures to the SEC or equivalent bodies in other countries); provided that the disclosing Party gives the other Party an opportunity to (i) comment in a reasonable period of time in advance on the form of disclosure to be made by the disclosing Party and (ii) to seek a court order prohibiting such disclosure (at the expense of the Party whose Confidential Information is being considered for disclosure). Nothing in the foregoing is intended to, nor does it, prohibit or deny to the disclosing Party the right to disclose information requested by the disclosing Party’s public accountants or counsel (subject to an appropriate confidentiality obligation) retained by the disclosing Party to assist the disclosing Party in the disclosing Party’s performance of Services or fulfillment of its obligations, as appropriate, hereunder.

 

 

 

B. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of Section 23(A)(iii), the Fund agrees that it will keep confidential all DST financial statements and other financial or operational records received from DST, the terms and provisions of this Agreement, all accountant’s reports relating to DST, and all manuals, systems and other technical information and data, relating to DST’s operations and programs furnished to it by DST pursuant to this Agreement and will not disclose the same to any person except at the request or with the consent of DST.

 

C. Governmental Disclosures. If a party is required to file this Agreement or any portion thereof with, or to provide any information pertaining to this Agreement to, any state or federal agency or regulatory body, it shall notify the other party sufficiently in advance for the parties to work together to redact such provisions and to keep confidential such information as the other party deems sensitive. The Fund acknowledges that at a minimum DST considers all monetary provisions, service levels and damage limitation and formulas in this Agreement as confidential. Each party shall use its best commercially reasonable efforts to advance the position of the other party with the governmental agency or regulatory body that such provisions or information should not be provided or should not be made publicly available, and each party shall keep the other party apprised of any decision by the agency or regulatory body in this regard. Each party shall provide the other party with copies of all written communications with the agency or regulatory body pertaining to the services to be provided hereunder or to this Agreement.

 

 

 

D. (i) The Fund acknowledges that DST has proprietary rights in and to the TA2000 System used to perform services hereunder including, but not limited to the maintenance of securityholder accounts and records, processing of related information and generation of output, including, without limitation any changes or modifications of the TA2000 System and any other DST programs, data bases, supporting documentation, or procedures (collectively "DST Confidential Information") which the Fund's access to the TA2000 System or computer hardware or software may permit the Fund or its employees or agents to become aware of or to access and that the DST Confidential Information constitutes confidential material and trade secrets of DST. The Fund agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the DST Confidential Information.

 

(ii) The Fund acknowledges that any unauthorized use, misuse, disclosure or taking of DST Confidential Information which is confidential as provided by law, or which is a trade secret, residing or existing internal or external to a computer, computer system, or computer network, or the knowing and unauthorized accessing or causing to be accessed of any computer, computer system, or computer network, may be subject to civil liabilities and criminal penalties under applicable state law. The Fund will advise all of its employees and agents who have access to any DST Confidential Information or to any computer equipment capable of accessing DST or DST hardware or software of the foregoing.

 

(iii) The Fund acknowledges that disclosure of the DST Confidential Information may give rise to an irreparable injury to DST inadequately compensable in damages. Accordingly, DST may seek (without the posting of any bond or other security) injunctive relief against the breach of the foregoing undertaking of confidentiality and nondisclosure, in addition to any other legal remedies which may be available, and the Fund consents to the obtaining of such injunctive relief upon a proper showing of the occurrence of a breach of confidentiality by the Fund or of a course of behavior on the Fund’s part which, if not altered, would result in such a breach.. All of the undertakings and obligations relating to confidentiality and nondisclosure, whether contained in this Section or elsewhere in this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement for a period of ten (10) years; provided that, to the extent Confidential Information includes information that is also a Trade Secret as defined by the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, the obligation to protect such Trade Secrets shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain for so long as such Confidential Information constitutes a Trade Secret, as defined by the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

 

 

 

E. The provisions of this Section 23 shall not apply to any information if and to the extent such information was (i) independently developed by the receiving party as evidenced by documentation in such party’s possession, (ii) lawfully received by it free of restrictions from another source having the right to furnish the same, (iii) generally known or available to the public without breach of this Agreement by the receiving party or (iv) known to the receiving party free of restriction at the time of such disclosure. The parties agree that immediately upon termination of this Agreement, without regard to the reason for such termination, the parties shall forthwith return to one another or destroy all written materials and computer software which are the property of the other party and provide certification to the other party thereof.

 

F. Each party shall use at least the same degree of care in maintaining the confidentiality of the other party’s Confidential Information as such party uses with respect to its own highly important proprietary or confidential information of a similar nature, and in no event less than reasonable care.

 

G. In the event the Fund obtains information from DST or the TA2000 System which is not intended for the Fund, the Fund agrees to (i) immediately, and in no case more than twenty-four (24) hours later, notify DST that unauthorized information has been made available to the Fund; (ii) after identifying that such information is not intended for the Fund, not review, disclose, release, or in any way, use such unauthorized information; (iii) provide DST reasonable assistance in retrieving such unauthorized information and/or destroy such unauthorized information; and (iv) deliver to DST a certificate executed by an authorized officer of the Fund certifying that all such unauthorized information in the Fund’s possession or control has been delivered to DST or destroyed as required by this provision. In the event that DST has knowledge that Fund information has been provided to or received by another person for whom it was not intended, DST or the TA2000 System, as the case may be, shall promptly provide notice to the Fund of such unauthorized information and reasonably seek to obtain from such unauthorized recipient similar confirmations as provided above.

 

 

 

24. Changes and Modifications .

 

A. During the term of this Agreement DST will use on behalf of the Fund without additional cost all modifications, enhancements, or changes which DST may make to the TA2000 System in the normal course of its business and which are applicable to functions and features offered by the Fund, unless substantially all DST clients are charged separately for such modifications, enhancements or changes, including, without limitation, substantial system revisions or modifications necessitated by changes in existing laws, rules or regulations. The Fund agrees to pay DST promptly for modifications and improvements that are charged for separately at the rate provided for in DST's standard pricing schedule which shall be identical for substantially all clients, if a standard pricing schedule shall exist. If there is no standard pricing schedule, the parties shall mutually agree upon the rates to be charged.

 

B. DST shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to alter and modify any systems, programs, procedures or facilities used or employed in performing its duties and obligations hereunder; provided that the Fund will be notified as promptly as possible prior to implementation of such alterations and modifications and that no such alteration or modification or deletion shall materially adversely change or affect the operations and procedures of the Fund in using or employing the TA2000 System or DST Facilities hereunder or the reports to be generated by such system and facilities hereunder, unless the Fund is given thirty (30) days prior notice to allow the Fund to change its procedures and DST provides the Fund with revised operating procedures and controls.

 

 

 

C. All enhancements, improvements, changes, modifications or new features added to the TA2000 System however developed or paid for shall be, and shall remain, the confidential and exclusive property of, and proprietary to, DST.

 

25. Third Party Vendors.

 

Nothing herein shall impose any duty upon DST in connection with or make DST liable for the actions or omissions to act of the following types of unaffiliated third parties: (a) courier and mail services including but not limited to Airborne Services, Federal Express, UPS and the U.S. Mails, (b) telecommunications companies including but not limited to AT&T, Sprint, MCI and other delivery, telecommunications and other such companies not under the party’s reasonable control, and (c) third parties not under the party’s reasonable control or subcontract relationship providing services to the financial industry generally, such as, by way of example and not limitation, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (processing and settlement services), Fund custodian banks (custody and fund accounting services) and administrators (blue sky and Fund administration services), and national database providers such as Choice Point, Acxiom, TransUnion or Lexis/Nexis and any replacements thereof or similar entities, provided, if DST selected such company, DST shall have exercised due care in selecting the same. Such third party vendors are not, nor shall they be deemed, subcontractors for purposes of this Agreement.

 

26. Limitations on Liability.

 

A. If the Fund is comprised of more than one Portfolio, each Portfolio shall be regarded for all purposes hereunder as a separate party apart from each other Portfolio. Unless the context otherwise requires, with respect to every transaction covered by this Agreement, every reference herein to the Fund shall be deemed to relate solely to the particular Portfolio to which such transaction relates. Under no circumstances shall the rights, obligations or remedies with respect to a particular Portfolio constitute a right, obligation or remedy applicable to any other Portfolio. The use of this single document to memorialize the separate agreement of each Portfolio is understood to be for clerical convenience only and shall not constitute any basis for joining the Portfolios for any reason.

 

 

 

B. Notice is hereby given that a copy of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto is on file with the Secretary of State of the state of its organization; that this Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Fund by the undersigned duly authorized representative of the Fund in his/her capacity as such and not individually; and that the obligations of this Agreement shall only be binding upon the assets and property of the Fund and shall not be binding upon any trustee, officer or securityholder of the Fund individually.

 

27. Miscellaneous .

 

A. This Agreement shall be construed according to, and the rights and liabilities of the parties hereto shall be governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding that body of law applicable to choice of law.

 

B. All terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

C. The representations and warranties, and the indemnification extended hereunder, if any, are intended to and shall continue after and survive the expiration, termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

 

D. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended or modified in any manner except by a written agreement properly authorized and executed by each party hereto.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

H. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement may not be assigned by the Fund or DST without the prior written consent of the other. DST may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, or subcontract certain of its obligations hereunder, to any domestic or foreign affiliate of DST; provided, however, that DST shall remain responsible for the performance of such obligations by any such affiliate.

 

I. Neither the execution nor performance of this Agreement shall be deemed to create a partnership or joint venture by and between the Fund and DST. It is understood and agreed that all services performed hereunder by DST shall be as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the Fund. This Agreement is between DST and the Fund and neither this Agreement nor the performance of services under it shall create any rights in any third parties. There are no third party beneficiaries hereto.

 

J. Except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement does not in any way affect any other agreements entered into among the parties hereto and any actions taken or omitted by any party hereunder shall not affect any rights or obligations of any other party hereunder.

 

K. The failure of either party to insist upon the performance of any terms or conditions of this Agreement or to enforce any rights resulting from any breach of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, including the payment of damages, shall not be construed as a continuing or permanent waiver of any such terms, conditions, rights or privileges, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

 

L. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement, draft or agreement or proposal with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether oral or written, and this Agreement may not be modified except by written instrument executed by both parties.

 

M. All notices to be given hereunder shall be deemed properly given if delivered in person or if sent by U.S. mail, first class, postage prepaid, or if sent by facsimile and thereafter confirmed by mail as follows:

 

If to DST:

 

DST Systems, Inc.

1055 Broadway, 7 th Floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Attn: Group Vice President-Full Service

Facsimile No.: 816-435-3455

 

 

 

With a copy of non-operational notices to:

 

DST Systems, Inc.

333 West 11 th Street, 5 th Floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Attn: Legal Department

Facsimile No.: 816-435-8630

 

If to the Fund:

 

RiverNorth __ ____________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Attn: ___________________________

Facsimile No.: ____________________

 

or to such other address as shall have been specified in writing by the party to whom such notice is to be given.

 

N. DST and the Fund (including all agents of the Fund) agree that, during any term of this Agreement and for twelve (12) months after its termination, neither party will solicit for employment or offer employment to any employees of the other.

 

O. The representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the execution of this Agreement. The representations and warranties contained in this Section, Section 27.O. and the provisions of Section 8 hereof shall survive the termination of the Agreement and the performance of services hereunder until any statute of limitations applicable to the matter at issues shall have expired.

 

 

 

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

 

  DST SYSTEMS, INC.  
       
  By:    
       
  Title:    
       
 

RIVERNORTH ____________

 

       
  By:    
       
  Title:    

 

 

ADMINISTRATION, BOOKKEEPING AND

PRICING SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of October __, 2018, between RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., organized as a Maryland corporation (the “Fund”), and ALPS Fund Services, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”).

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as a closed-end management investment company;

 

WHEREAS, RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC is or will be investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the Fund’s business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative and management services;

 

WHEREAS, ALPS provides certain administrative, bookkeeping and pricing services to investment companies; and

 

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint ALPS to perform certain administrative, bookkeeping and pricing services for each Fund, and ALPS has indicated its willingness to so act, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows.

 

1. ALPS Appointment and Duties.

 

(a) The Fund hereby appoints ALPS to provide the administrative, bookkeeping and pricing services set forth in Appendix B hereto, as amended from time to time, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. ALPS hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such specified services. ALPS shall for all purposes be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise expressly authorized in this Agreement, have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund. The Fund acknowledges that ALPS does not render legal, tax or investment advice and that ALPS is not a registered broker-dealer.

 

(b) ALPS may employ or associate itself with such person(s) or organization(s) as ALPS believes to be desirable in the performance of its duties hereunder; provided that, in such event, the compensation of such person(s) or organization(s) shall be paid by and be the sole responsibility of ALPS, and the Fund shall bear no cost or obligation with respect thereto; and provided further that ALPS shall not be relieved of any of its obligations under this Agreement in such event and shall be responsible for all acts of any such person(s) or organization(s) taken in furtherance of this Agreement to the same extent it would be for its own acts.

 

 

2. ALPS Compensation; Expenses .

 

(a) In consideration for the services to be performed hereunder by ALPS, the Fund shall pay ALPS the fees listed in Appendix C hereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, fees billed for the services to be performed by ALPS under this Agreement are based on information provided by the Fund’s investment adviser and such fees are subject to renegotiation between the parties to the extent such information is determined by ALPS to be materially different from what the Fund’s investment adviser originally provided to ALPS. Beginning on the first anniversary date of the Agreement and on each year thereafter, the minimum fees reflected in Appendix C will incur an annual cost of living increase based on any increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, for the Denver-Boulder-Greeley area, as published biannually by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or, in the event that publication of such index is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to all parties. ALPS will provide notice to the Fund of the amount of such cost of living increase prior to its implementation.

 

(b) ALPS will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein and in Appendix C . ALPS will not bear any of the costs of Fund personnel. Other Fund expenses incurred shall be borne by the Fund’s investment adviser, including, but not limited to, initial organization and offering expenses; litigation expenses; requests from or as otherwise required by any regulatory body concerning the Fund’s investment adviser; taxes; costs of preferred shares; listing expenses; expenses related to assistance with any tender offers or repurchase offers (if applicable); transfer agency and custodial expenses; interest; Fund trustee or directors’ fees; brokerage fees and commissions; state and federal registration fees; advisory fees; insurance premiums; fidelity bond premiums; Fund and investment advisory related legal expenses; costs of maintenance of Fund existence; printing and delivery of materials in connection with meetings of the Fund’s directors; printing and mailing of shareholder reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information, other offering documents, supplements, proxy materials and other communications to shareholders; securities pricing data and expenses in connection with electronic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); fees and expenses upon termination as provided in Section 15(e) hereof.

 

3. Right to Receive Advice .

 

(a) Advice of the Fund and Service Providers . If ALPS is in doubt as to any action it should or should not take, ALPS may request directions, advice or instructions from the Fund or, as applicable, the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian or other service providers.

 

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(b) Advice of Counsel . If ALPS is in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any action it should or should not take, ALPS may request advice from counsel of its own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund’s independent board members, the Fund’s investment adviser or ALPS, at the option of ALPS).

 

(c) Conflicting Advice . In the event of a conflict between directions, advice or instructions ALPS receives from the Fund or any service provider and the advice ALPS receives from counsel, ALPS may in its sole discretion rely upon and follow the advice of counsel. ALPS will provide the Fund with prior written notice of its intent to follow advice of counsel that is materially inconsistent with directions, advice or instructions from the Fund. Upon request, ALPS will provide the Fund with a copy of such advice of counsel.

 

4. Standard of Care; Limitation of Liability; Indemnification .

 

(a) ALPS shall be obligated to act in good faith and to exercise commercially reasonable care and diligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.

 

(b) In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard by ALPS in the performance of its duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement, ALPS and its affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, agents and employees, shall not be liable for, and the Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless such persons from, all taxes, charges, expenses, disbursements, assessments, claims, losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, judgments and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements and liabilities arising under applicable federal and state laws) arising directly or indirectly from the following:

 

(i) the inaccuracy of factual information furnished to ALPS by the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian or other service providers;

 

(ii) any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates;

 

(iii) any actions taken on advice of counsel;

 

(iv) losses, delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation, acts of God, action or inaction of civil or military authority, war, terrorism, riot, fire, flood, sabotage, labor disputes, elements of nature or non-performance by a third party;

 

(v) ALPS’ reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine;

 

3

 

(vi) loss of data or service interruptions caused by equipment failure; or

 

(vii) any other action or omission to act which ALPS takes in connection with the provision of services to the Fund.

 

(c) ALPS shall be entitled to rely on information and data provided by third-party service provider(s) (including pricing vendors as directed by the Fund or the Adviser pursuant to Section 13(b)) to the Fund, the Fund’s Adviser, or other authorized representative of such parties without further investigation or verification. ALPS shall have no liability and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any losses or claims with respect to such reliance.

 

(d) ALPS shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser and their respective officers, directors, trustees, agents, and employees from and against any and all taxes, charges, expenses, disbursements, assessments, claims, losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, judgments and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements and liabilities arising under applicable federal and state laws) arising directly or indirectly from ALPS’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of its duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be liable under this Agreement to the other party hereto for any punitive, consequential, special or indirect losses or damages. Any indemnification payable by a party to this Agreement shall be net of insurance maintained by the indemnified party as of the time the claim giving rise to indemnity hereunder is alleged to have arisen to the extent it covers such claim.

 

(f) In any case in which either party (the “Indemnifying Party”) may be asked to indemnify or hold the other party (the “Indemnified Party”) harmless, the Indemnified Party will notify the Indemnifying Party promptly after identifying any situation which it believes presents or appears likely to present a claim for indemnification against the Indemnifying Party (although the failure to do so shall not prevent recovery by the Indemnified Party) and shall keep the Indemnifying Party advised with respect to all developments concerning such situation. The Indemnifying Party shall have the option to defend the Indemnified Party against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification, and, in the event that the Indemnifying Party so elects, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, and thereupon the Indemnifying Party shall take over complete defense of the claim and the Indemnified Party shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in respect of such claim. The Indemnified Party will not confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Indemnifying Party will be asked to provide indemnification, except with the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent.

 

4

 

5. Activities of ALPS . The services of ALPS under this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive and ALPS shall be free to render similar services to others. The Fund recognizes that, from time to time, directors, officers and employees of ALPS may serve as directors, officers and employees of other corporations or businesses (including other investment companies) and that such other corporations and businesses may include ALPS as part of their name and that ALPS or its affiliates may enter into administrative, bookkeeping, pricing agreements or other agreements with such other corporations and businesses.

 

6. Accounts and Records . The accounts and records maintained by ALPS shall be the property of the Fund. ALPS shall prepare, maintain and preserve such accounts and records as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. ALPS shall surrender such accounts and records to the Fund, in the form in which such accounts and records have been maintained or preserved, promptly upon receipt of instructions from the Fund. The Fund shall have access to such accounts and records at all times during ALPS’ normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be provided by ALPS to the Fund at the Fund’s expense. ALPS shall assist the Fund, the Fund’s independent auditors, or, upon approval of the Fund, any regulatory body, in any requested review of the Fund’s accounts and records and reports by ALPS or its independent accountants concerning its accounting system and internal auditing controls will be open to such entities for audit or inspection upon reasonable request. The Fund agrees to cooperate with ALPS and take delivery of Fund records within 120 days of termination of this Agreement and to pay all reasonable costs associated with the return of Fund records to the Fund.

 

7. Confidential and Proprietary Information . ALPS agrees that it will, on behalf of itself and its officers and employees, treat all transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all records and information relative to the Fund and its current and former shareholders and other information germane thereto, as confidential and as proprietary information of the Fund. ALPS further agrees that it will not use, sell, transfer or divulge such information or records to any person for any purpose other than performance of its duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing from the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Approval may not be withheld where ALPS may be exposed to civil, regulatory, or criminal proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when requested by the Fund. When requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, ALPS shall use reasonable commercial efforts to request confidential treatment of such information. ALPS shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of, and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of records and information relating to the Fund and its current and former shareholders.

 

5

 

8. Compliance with Rules and Regulations . ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS takes or is required to take action hereunder shall cause the Fund to comply) with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders and codes of ethics, as well as all investment restrictions, policies and procedures adopted by the Fund of which ALPS has knowledge (it being understood that ALPS is deemed to have knowledge of all investment restrictions, policies or procedures set out in the Fund’s public filings or otherwise provided to ALPS). Except as set out in this Agreement, ALPS assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the Fund. ALPS shall maintain at all times a program reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act) with respect to the services provided hereunder, and shall provide to the Fund a certification to such effect no less frequently than annually or as otherwise reasonably requested by the Fund. ALPS shall make available its compliance personnel and shall provide at its own expense summaries and other relevant materials relating to such program as reasonably requested by the Fund.

 

Portfolio compliance with: (i) the investment objective and certain policies and restrictions as disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus(es) and statement(s) of additional information, as applicable; and (ii) certain SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “Portfolio Compliance”) is required daily and is the responsibility of the Fund’s advisor or sub-advisor, as applicable. ALPS will perform Portfolio Compliance testing (post-trade, daily on a T+2 basis) to test the Fund’s Portfolio Compliance (the “Portfolio Compliance Testing”).

 

The frequency and nature of the Portfolio Compliance Testing and the methodology and process in accordance with which the Portfolio Compliance Testing are conducted, are mutually agreed to between ALPS and the Fund. ALPS will report violations, if any, to the Fund and the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer as promptly as practicable following discovery.

 

ALPS independently tests Portfolio Compliance based upon information contained in the source reports received by ALPS’ fund accounting department and supplemental data from certain third-party sources. As such, Portfolio Compliance Testing performed by ALPS is limited by the information contained in the fund accounting source reports and supplemental data from third-party sources. The Fund agrees and acknowledges that ALPS’ performance of the Portfolio Compliance Testing shall not relieve the Fund’s investment adviser of its primary day-to-day responsibility for assuring such Portfolio Compliance, including on a pre-trade basis, and ALPS shall not be held liable for any act or omission of the Fund’s investment advisor or sub-advisor, as applicable, with respect to Portfolio Compliance.

 

9. Representations and Warranties of ALPS . ALPS represents and warrants to the Fund that:

 

(a) It is duly organized and existing as a corporation and in good standing under the laws of the State of Colorado.

 

(b) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

6

 

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

 

(d) It has and will continue to have access to the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement in accordance with industry standards.

 

10. Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund represents and warrants to ALPS that:

 

(a) It is a corporation duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the Maryland and is registered with the SEC as a closed-end management investment company.

 

(b) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws (together, the “Organizational Documents”) to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

(c) The Board of Directors of the Fund has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this Agreement.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees not to make any modifications to its registration statement or adopt any policies which would affect materially the obligations or responsibilities of ALPS hereunder without the prior written approval of ALPS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

(e) The (i) execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Fund does not breach, violate or cause a default under any agreement, contract or instrument to which the Fund is a party or any judgment, order or decree to which the Fund is subject; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Fund has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary action; and (iii) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by ALPS and the Fund, this Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of the Fund.

 

(f) The officer position(s) filled by ALPS, to the extent applicable, shall be covered by the Fund’s Directors & Officers/Errors & Omissions Policy (the “Policy”), and the Fund shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that such coverage be (i) reinstated should the Policy be cancelled; (ii) continued after such officer(s) cease to serve as officer(s) of the Fund on substantially the same terms as such coverage is provided for the other persons serving as officers of the Fund after such persons are no longer officers of the Fund; or (iii) continued in the event the Fund merges or terminates, on substantially the same terms as such coverage is continued for the other Fund officers (but, in any event, for a period of no less than six years). The Fund shall provide ALPS with proof of current coverage, including a copy of the Policy, and shall notify ALPS immediately should the Policy be cancelled or terminated.

 

7

 

(g) The Fund’s officer position(s) filled by ALPS are named officer(s) in the Fund’s corporate resolutions and are subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Organizational Documents regarding indemnification of its officers.

 

11. Documents . The Fund has furnished or will furnish, upon request, ALPS with copies of the Fund’s Organizational Documents, advisory agreement, sub-advisory agreement (if applicable), custodian agreement, transfer agency agreement, administration agreement, other service agreements, current prospectus, statement of additional information, periodic Fund reports and all forms relating to any plan, program or service offered by the Fund. The Fund shall furnish, within a reasonable time period, to ALPS a copy of any amendment or supplement to any of the above-mentioned documents. Upon request, the Fund shall furnish promptly to ALPS any additional documents necessary or advisable to perform its functions hereunder. As used in this Agreement the terms “registration statement,” “prospectus” and “statement of additional information” shall mean any registration statement, prospectus and statement of additional information filed by the Fund with the SEC and any amendments and supplements thereto that are filed with the SEC.

 

12. Consultation Between the Parties . ALPS and the Fund shall regularly consult with each other regarding ALPS’ performance of its obligations under this Agreement. In connection therewith, the Fund shall submit to ALPS at a reasonable time in advance of filing with the SEC reasonably final copies of any amended or supplemented registration statement (including exhibits) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Fund’s right to file at any time such amendments to any registration statement and/or supplements to any prospectus or statement of additional information, of whatever character, as the Fund may deem advisable, such right being in all respects absolute and unconditional.

 

13. Liaison with Accountants, Custodians and Pricing Services; Assistance with Regulatory Examinations .

 

(a)  Accountants . ALPS shall act as a liaison with the Fund’s independent public accountants and shall provide account analyses, fiscal year summaries, and such other audit-related schedules as may be requested by the Fund’s independent public accountants or the Fund with respect to the services provided by ALPS hereunder. ALPS shall take all reasonable action in the performance of its duties under this Agreement to assure that the necessary information is made available to such accountants as reasonably requested or required by the Fund.

 

(b) Pricing Services. ALPS shall utilize one or more pricing services, as directed by the Fund. The Fund shall identify in writing to ALPS the pricing service(s) to be utilized on behalf of the Fund. For those securities where prices are not provided by the pricing service(s), the Fund shall approve, in good faith, the method for determining the fair value of such securities and shall determine or obtain the valuation of the securities in accordance with such method and shall deliver to ALPS the resulting price(s). In the event the Fund desires to provide a price that varies from the price provided by the pricing service(s), the Fund shall promptly notify and supply ALPS with the valuation of any such security on each valuation date. All pricing changes made by the Fund will be provided to ALPS in writing or e-mail and must specifically identify the securities to be changed by security identifier, name of security, new price or rate to be applied, and, if applicable, the time period for which the new price(s) is/are effective.

 

8

 

(c)  Custodians . The Fund acknowledges that ALPS may rely on and shall have no responsibility to validate the existence of assets reported by the Fund, the Adviser, or the Fund’s custodian, other than ALPS’ completion of a reconciliation of the assets reported by the parties. The Fund acknowledges that it is the responsibility of the Fund to validate the existence of assets reported to ALPS. ALPS may rely, and has no duty to investigate the representations of the Adviser, Fund, or the Fund’s custodian.

 

(d) Examinations . ALPS shall provide reasonable assistance in connection with any examination of or inquiry related to the Fund by a regulatory authority that includes a review of Fund records maintained by ALPS.

 

14. Business Continuation Plan . ALPS shall maintain in effect a business continuation plan, and enter into any agreements necessary with appropriate parties making reasonable provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment customary in the industry. In the event of equipment failures, ALPS shall, at no additional expense to the Fund, take commercially reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions.

 

15. Duration and Termination of this Agreement .

 

(a) Initial Term . This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above (the “Start Date”) and shall continue thereafter throughout the period that ends three (3) years after the Start Date (the “Initial Term”).

 

(b) Renewal Term . If not sooner terminated, this Agreement shall renew at the end of the Initial Term and shall thereafter continue for successive annual periods (each a “Renewal Term” and collectively, with the Initial Term, a “Term”) until terminated by either party upon not less than sixty (60) days’ written notice prior to the expiration of the then current renewal term or for cause pursuant to Section 15(c) hereof. This Agreement may only be terminated upon the end of the then applicable Term or for cause pursuant to Section 15(c) hereof.

 

(c) Cause . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Fund may terminate this Agreement for cause immediately at any time, without penalty, without default and without the payment of any liquidated damages, upon written notice to ALPS which shall describe the specific details of the circumstances upon which the termination under this Section 15(c) is based. For purposes of this Section 15, “cause” shall mean:

 

9

 

(i) willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of ALPS in the performance of its duties, obligations and responsibilities set forth in this Agreement;

 

(ii) in the event ALPS is no longer permitted to perform its duties, obligations, or responsibilities hereunder pursuant to applicable law, or regulatory, administrative or judicial proceedings against ALPS which result in a determination that ALPS has violated, or has caused the Fund to violate, in any material respect any applicable law, rule, regulation, order or code of ethics, or any material investment restriction, policy or procedure adopted by the Fund of which ALPS had knowledge (it being understood that ALPS is deemed to have knowledge of all investment restrictions, policies or procedures set out in the Fund’s public filings or otherwise provided to ALPS); or

 

(iii) financial difficulties on the part of ALPS which are evidenced by the authorization or commencement of, or involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or acquiescence in, a voluntary or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code, as from time to time in effect, or any applicable law other than said Title 11, of any jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of debtors or to the modification or alteration of the rights of creditors.

 

(d) Deliveries Upon Termination . Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in the orderly transfer of administrative duties and shall deliver to the Fund or as otherwise directed by the Fund (at the expense of the Fund) all records and other documents made or accumulated in the performance of its duties for the Fund hereunder. In the event ALPS gives notice of termination under this Agreement, it will continue to provide the services contemplated hereunder after such termination at the contractual rate for up to 120 days, provided that the Fund uses all reasonable commercial efforts to appoint such replacement on a timely basis.

 

(e) Fees and Expenses Upon Termination . Should either party exercise its right to terminate, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or costs associated with the movement of records and material will be borne by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund agrees to pay to ALPS a reasonable fee determined by ALPS for ALPS’ services provided in connection with the Fund liquidating or converting to another service provider.

 

16. Assignment . This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the prior written consent of ALPS, or by ALPS without the prior written consent of the Fund.

 

10

 

17. Governing Law . The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To the extent that the laws of the State of Colorado conflict with the 1940 Act or such rules, the latter shall control.

 

18. Names . The obligations of the Fund entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any director, shareholder, representative, or agent thereof are made not individually, but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any of the directors, shareholders, representatives or agents of the Fund personally, but bind only the property of the Fund, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of such Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund.

 

19. Amendments to this Agreement . This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in writing.

 

20. Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be deemed to have been given when received or when sent by electronic mail or facsimile, and shall be given to the following addresses (or such other addresses as to which notice is given):

 

  To ALPS:
   
  ALPS Fund Services, Inc.
  1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
  Denver, Colorado 80203
  Attn: General Counsel
  Fax: (303) 623-7850
   
  To the Fund:
   
 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund Inc.c/o

RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC

  Attn: General Counsel
  325 N. LaSalle St.
 

Suite 645 Chicago, IL 60654

 

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

 

22. Entire Agreement . This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding among the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that ALPS may embody in one or more separate documents its agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties and oral instructions.

 

11

 

23. Severability . Any covenant, provision, agreement or term contained in this Agreement that is prohibited or that is held to be void or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability, without in any way invalidating, effecting or impairing the other provisions hereof.

 

24. Survival . The provisions of Sections 4, 6, 10(f), 10(g), 15(e), 17, 23 and this Section 24 hereof shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

12

 

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

 

  RIVERNORTH OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.
       
  By:    
  Name: [ ]  
  Title: [ ]  
       
  ALPS FUND SERVICES, INC.  
       
  By:    
  Name: Jeremy O. May  
  Title: President  

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

SERVICES

 

The below s ervices to be performed by ALPS are included in the compensation noted on Appendix B.

 

Fund Administration

 

Prepare annual and semi-annual financial statements
o Utilizing templates for standard layout and printing
Prepare Forms N-CEN 1 , N-CSR, N-Q 2 , and N-PORT 1
File Forms N-CEN 1 and N-PORT 1 with the SEC
Host annual audits
Calculate monthly SEC standardized total return performance figures
Prepare required reports for quarterly Board meetings
Monitor expense ratios
Maintain budget vs actual expenses
Manage fund invoice approval and bill payment process
Assist with placement of Fidelity Bond and E&O insurance
Coordinate reporting to outside agencies including Morningstar, etc.

 

Fund Accounting

 

Calculate daily NAVs as required by the Fund and in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), SEC Regulation S-X (or any successor regulation) and the Internal Revenue Code
Transmit net asset values to the advisor, NASDAQ, Transfer Agent & other third parties
Reconcile cash & investment balances with the custodian
Provide data and reports to support preparation of financial statements and filings
Prepare required Fund Accounting records in accordance with the 1940 Act
Apply security valuations as directed and determined by the Fund consistent with the Fund’s pricing and valuation policies

 

Legal Administration

 

Coordinate filing of Forms N-CSR, N-Q 2 , and N-PX
Coordinate annual shareholder proxy filing and mailing process
Coordinate EDGARization and filing of SEC documents
Assist in the preparation and distribution of quarterly board materials
Attend and prepare initial draft of minutes of quarterly board meetings

 

Compliance Administration

 

Perform daily prospectus & SAI, SEC investment restriction monitoring
Provide warning/Alert notification with supporting documentation
Create monthly comprehensive compliance summary reporting

 

 

Calculate section 18 derivative exposure and asset coverage reporting
Provide quarterly compliance testing certification to Board of Directors

 

Tax Administration

 

Calculate dividend and capital gain distribution rates
Prepare ROCSOP and required tax designations for Annual Report
Prepare and coordinate filing of income and excise tax returns
o Audit firm to sign all returns as paid preparer
Calculate/monitor book-to-tax differences
Provide quarterly Subchapter M compliance monitoring and reporting
Provide tax re-allocation data for shareholder 1099 reporting
Prepare and distribute 19a-1 filings as required

 

1 – See Appendix C for additional terms applicable to these services.
2 – The services will cover the preparation and filing of Form N-Q until this form is replaced by the requirement that the Fund begin to file Form N-PORT. No amendment of this Agreement is required when upon the effectiveness of this change.

 

Revisions to, or the addition of new services to the services listed above (including but not limited to new or revised services related to regulatory changes or special projects) shall be subject to additional fees as determined by ALPS.

 

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

COMPENSATION

 

Fund Administration, Fund Accounting, Legal, & Tax Administration Services:

 

All fees will be calculated daily and billed monthly by ALPS. The fees to be paid to ALPS by the Fund shall be the GREATER OF (i) an annual minimum fee of $160,000*, OR (ii) the results of an application of the following basis point fee schedule:

 

Annual Net Assets

Annual Basis

Point Fee

First $500M in assets 7.5
Assets greater than $500M, up to $1B 5.0
Greater than $1B 4.0

 

* Indicates that the minimum fee is subject to an annual cost of living adjustment as described in Section 2(a) of the Agreement.

 

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

All out-of-pocket expenses are passed through to the Fund at cost, including but not limited to: third party security pricing and data fees, Bloomberg fees, Gainskeeper fees, Wall Street Office, PFIC Analyzer, travel expenses to Board meetings and on-site reviews, printing, filing and mailing fees, FINRA advertising/filing fees (including additional ALPS fees for expedited reviews), registered representative state licensing fees, customized programming/enhancements, Blue Sky permit processing fees and state registration fees, SOC1 control review reports, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by ALPS in connection with the performance of its duties under the Agreement.

 

Notwithstanding the above paragraph, for all Data (as defined within Appendix C ) provided in-connection to the provision of Report Mod. Services (as defined within Appendix C) from third party Data suppliers as part of an existing ALPS relationship or agreement, the Fund will be billed the amount attributable to the services it received, calculated before application of any discount that ALPS may receive as part of its overall relationship with the supplier (if applicable). All expenses in which a third party supplier does not have an established relationship with ALPS will be billed to the Fund as incurred.

 

Late Charges:

All invoices are due and payable upon receipt. Any invoices not paid within thirty (30) days of the invoice date are subject to a one percent (1%) per month financing charge on any unpaid balance to the extent permitted by law.

 

 

APPENDIX C

 

ADDITIONAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO REPORT MODERIZATION SERVICES

 

In addition to the terms and conditions otherwise contained in the Agreement, the following terms and conditions apply to the: “Preparation of and Filing of Forms N-PORT and N-CEN” (referred to as “Report Mod. Services”).

 

1. Provision of Services.

 

i. ALPS may engage persons or organizations (referred to as a “supplier”) to assist in the provision of its duties of providing the Report Mod. Services; provided that, in such event, ALPS shall not be relieved of any of its obligations otherwise applicable under the Agreement. Except as to provide the Data (hereafter defined) utilized in the provision of the Report Mod. Services, or as otherwise agreed to by the parties, the cost of third parties engaged by ALPS will be the responsibility of ALPS. All uses of the term “supplier” in Section 2 of this Appendix C shall include any third party Data supplier otherwise selected by the Fund, if applicable.

 

2. Use of Data; No Warranty; Termination of Rights .

 

i. As part of the provision of the Report Mod. Services, ALPS may provide or utilize security including issuer level reference data, risk metrics calculations, taxonomy data and other similar holdings classifications (collectively, the “Data”) that may be supplied by ALPS or one of its suppliers, or a supplier selected by the Fund. Any Data being provided to the Fund by ALPS or the suppliers are being supplied to the Fund for the sole purpose of completion of the Report Mod. Services. The Fund may use the Data only for purposes necessary for the Report Mod. Services. The Fund does not have any license or right to use the Data for purposes beyond the Report Mod. Services including, but not limited to, resale to other users or use to create any type of historical database. Data cannot be passed to or shared with any other non-affiliated entity.

 

The Fund acknowledges the proprietary rights that ALPS and the suppliers have in the Data.

 

ii. ALPS and the suppliers shall have no liability to the Fund, or a third party, for errors, omissions or malfunctions in the Data or related services, other than the obligation of ALPS to endeavor, upon receipt of notice from the Fund, to correct a malfunction, error, or omission in any Data or related services.

 

iii. The Fund acknowledges that the Data and related services are intended for use as an aid to institutional investors, registered brokers or professionals of similar sophistication in making informed judgments concerning securities, in connection to the Report Mod. Services. The Fund accepts responsibility for, and acknowledges it exercises its own independent judgment in, its selection of the Data and related services, its selection of the use or intended use of such, and any results obtained. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver of any rights existing under applicable law for the protection of investors.

 

iv. The Fund shall indemnify ALPS and the suppliers against and hold ALPS harmless from any and all losses, damages, liability, costs, including attorney's fees, resulting directly or indirectly from any claim or demand against ALPS or its suppliers by a third party arising out of or related to the accuracy or completeness of any Data or related services received by the Fund, or any data, information, service, report, analysis or publication derived therefrom. Neither ALPS nor its suppliers shall be liable for any claim or demand against the Fund by a third party related to the Data or provision of the Report Mod. Services.

 

 

v. ALPS and the suppliers, nor the Fund shall be liable for (i) any special, indirect or consequential damages (even if advised of the possibility of such), (ii) any delay by reason of circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, mechanical breakdown, flood or catastrophe, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of transportation or power supply, or (iii) any claim that arose more than one year prior to the institution of suit therefor.

 

vi. THE FUND HEREBY ACCEPTS THE DATA AS IS, WHERE IS, ALPS AND ITS SUPPLIERS MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS OR ANY OTHER MATTER.

 

STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT

 

[   ], 2018

 

UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This agreement (the “Agreement”) is between RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (including any successor or assign by merger or otherwise, the “Company”) and UBS Securities LLC (“UBS”) with respect to the RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement dated [ ], 2018, by and among the Fund, the Company and the Underwriters named therein (the “Underwriting Agreement”).

 

1. Fee . In consideration of certain financial advisory services that UBS has provided to the Company in assisting the Company in structuring, designing and organizing the Fund as well as services related to the sale and distribution of the shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”), of the Fund, it being understood that the ultimate decision with respect to the structure, design and organization of the Fund shall rest with the Company, the Company shall pay a fee to UBS in the aggregate amount of $[ ] (the “Fee”). The Fee shall be paid on or before [ ], 2018 or as otherwise agreed to by the parties. In the event the Offering does not proceed, UBS will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, accountable expenses actually incurred may be payable to UBS pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

2. Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sections 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement and the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

3. Indemnification.  The Company agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

4. Confidential Advice . Except (a) to the extent legally required (after consultation with, and approval as to form and substance by, UBS and its counsel), none of (i) the name of UBS, (ii) any advice rendered by UBS to the Company, or (iii) the terms of this Agreement or any communication from UBS, each in connection with the services performed by UBS pursuant to this Agreement, will be quoted or referred to orally or in writing, or in the case of (ii) and (iii), reproduced or disseminated, by the Company or any of its affiliates or any of its agents, without UBS’ prior written consent.

 

5. Information . The Company recognizes and confirms that UBS (a) has used and relied primarily on the information provided by the Company and on information available from generally recognized public sources in performing the services contemplated by this Agreement without having assumed responsibility for independently verifying the same, (b) has not assumed responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reasonableness of such information and (c) has not made an appraisal of any assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Fund. The information provided by the Company, including, but not limited to, information contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Sales Materials was true and correct in all material respects and did not contain any material misstatement of fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading. The Company will promptly notify UBS if it learns of any material inaccuracy or misstatement in, or material omission from, any information provided by the Company to UBS pursuant to this Section 5.

 

- 1 -

 

6. Not an Investment Adviser. The Company acknowledges that UBS has not provided any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. The Company acknowledges and agrees that UBS has been retained to act solely as an adviser to the Company, and the Company’s engagement of UBS is not intended to confer rights upon any person (including the Fund or any shareholders, employees or creditors of the Company or the Fund) not a party hereto as against UBS or its affiliates, or their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, successors, or assigns. UBS has acted as an independent contractor under this Agreement, and not in any other capacity including as a fiduciary, and any duties arising out of its engagement shall be owed solely to the Company.

 

7. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting UBS or its affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial adviser or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers).

 

8. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

9. Governing Law . This Agreement and any claim, counterclaim or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement (“Claim”), directly or indirectly, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. No Claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters, and the Company and UBS consent to the jurisdiction of such courts and personal service with respect thereto. EACH OF UBS AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

 

10. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and UBS and their respective successors and assigns and any successor or assign of any substantial portion of the Company’s or UBS’ respective businesses and/or assets.

 

11. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

- 2 -

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

- 3 -

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
       
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC

 

By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

- 4 -

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

[   ], 2018

 

UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of UBS Securities LLC (“UBS”) to advise and assist the undersigned (including any successor or assign by merger or otherwise, the “Company”) with the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement, dated [ ], 2018, between the Company and UBS (the “Agreement”), in the event that UBS becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “Proceeding”) in connection with any matter in any way relating to or referred to in the Agreement or arising out of the matters contemplated by the Agreement, including, without limitation, related services and activities provided prior to the date of the Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold UBS harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in connection with any matter in any way relating to or referred to in the Agreement or arising out of the matters contemplated by the Agreement, including, without limitation, related services and activities provided prior to the date of the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of UBS. In addition, in the event that UBS becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding in connection with any matter in any way relating to or referred to in the Agreement or arising out of the matters contemplated by the Agreement, the Company will reimburse UBS for its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by UBS in connection therewith. If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Company agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Company and its stockholders and affiliates and other constituencies, on the one hand, and UBS, on the other hand, in connection with the matters contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company and its stockholders and affiliates and other constituencies, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Company and its stockholders and affiliates and other constituencies, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, in connection with the matters contemplated by the Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid by the Company or its stockholders or affiliates and other constituencies, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the matters (whether or not consummated) for which UBS has been retained to perform financial services bears to the fees paid to UBS under the Agreement; provided that, in no event shall the Company contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that UBS is not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by UBS pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Company or other conduct by the Company (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by UBS, on the other hand. The Company will not settle any Proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not UBS is an actual or potential party to such Proceeding, without UBS’ prior written consent. For purposes of this Indemnification Agreement, UBS shall include UBS Securities LLC, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling UBS or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees and agents, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons. The foregoing indemnity and contribution agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any indemnified party may have at common law or otherwise.

 

- 1 -

 

The Company agrees that neither UBS nor any of its affiliates, directors, agents, employees or controlling persons shall have any liability to the Company or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Company in connection with or as a result of either UBS’ engagement under the Agreement or any matter referred to in the Agreement, including, without limitation, related services and activities provided prior to the date of the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Company resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of UBS in performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT (“CLAIM”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE COMPANY AND UBS CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST UBS OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH OF UBS AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE COMPANY AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE COMPANY IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of UBS’ engagement. This Indemnification Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and UBS and their respective successors and assigns and any successor or assign of any substantial portion of the Company’s or UBS’ respective businesses and/or assets. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

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[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

- 3 -

 

  Very truly yours,  
       
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
       
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC

 

By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

- 4 -

 

STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This agreement is between RiverNorth Capital Mangement, LLC (the “ Adviser ”) and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“ Morgan Stanley ”) with respect to RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”).

 

1.  Fee . (a) In consideration of advice to the Adviser relating to, but not limited to, the design and structuring of, and marketing assistance with respect to, the Fund and the distribution of shares of the Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.0001 per share (the “ Shares ”), including without limitation, views from an investor market and distribution perspective on (i) diversification, proportion and concentration approaches for the Fund’s investments in light of current market conditions, (ii) marketing issues with respect to the Fund’s investment policies and proposed investments, (iii) the proportion of the Fund’s assets to invest in the Fund’s strategies and (iv) the overall marketing and positioning thesis for the Fund’s initial public offering of its Shares (the “ Offering ”), the Adviser shall pay a fee to Morgan Stanley calculated at [•] of the aggregate price to the public of the Shares sold by Morgan Stanley in the Offering (including any Shares over-allotted by Morgan Stanley in the Offering regardless of whether the over-allotment option in the Offering is exercised), equal to $[•] (the “ Fee ”). Subject to paragraph (b), the Fee paid to Morgan Stanley shall not exceed [•]% of the total price to the public of the Shares sold by the Fund in the Offering. In the event the Offering does not proceed, Morgan Stanley will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, accountable expenses actually incurred may be payable to Morgan Stanley pursuant to the terms of the principal underwriting agreement relating to the Offering (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”).

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), in the event that the Adviser (or the Fund or any person or entity affiliated with the Adviser, the Fund or any sub-adviser to the Fund or acting on behalf of or at the direction of any of the foregoing) compensates or agrees to compensate any other broker or dealer participating in the Offering (each, an “ Other Broker ”) for any services or otherwise in connection with the Offering or with respect to the Fund or its Shares (excluding for this purpose any compensation paid directly to the entire underwriting syndicate, as a group, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement), whether such compensation be denominated a fee, an expense reimbursement, a set-off, a credit or otherwise (such compensation with respect to any Other Broker, such Other Broker’s “ Other Compensation ”), then the amount of the Fee shall be increased as and to the extent necessary so that the Fee payable to Morgan Stanley hereunder, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate price to the public of the Shares sold by Morgan Stanley in the Offering (including any Shares over-allotted by Morgan Stanley in the Offering regardless of whether the over-allotment option in the Offering is exercised), is no less than the Other Compensation, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate price to the public of the Shares sold by such Other Broker in the Offering (including any Shares over-allotted by such Other Broker in the Offering regardless of whether the over-allotment option in the Offering is exercised).

 

 

(c) The Adviser shall pay the Fee to Morgan Stanley on the closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement on [•], 2018, by wire transfer to the order of Morgan Stanley using the following wire instructions:

 

[•]

 

(d) The Adviser acknowledges that the Fee is in addition to any compensation Morgan Stanley earns in connection with its role as an underwriter to the Fund in the Offering, which services are distinct from and in addition to the services described above.

 

2.  Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof, or upon the termination of the Underwriting Agreement without the Shares having been delivered and paid for, except as provided in Sections 3 and 4.

 

3. Indemnification . The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

4. Confidential Advice.  None of any advice rendered by Morgan Stanley to the Adviser or any communication from Morgan Stanley in connection with the services performed by Morgan Stanley pursuant to this Agreement will be quoted or referred to orally or in writing, or reproduced or disseminated, by the Adviser or any of its affiliates or any of their agents, without Morgan Stanley’s prior written consent, except (i) the Adviser may disclose the foregoing to any regulatory authority in response to a regulatory proceeding, process, inquiry or request, so long as the Adviser gives Morgan Stanley prompt notice thereof unless in the reasonable opinion of the Adviser’s counsel it is not legally able to do so, (ii) to the extent otherwise required by law, judicial process or applicable regulation (after consultation with, and approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) as to form and substance by, Morgan Stanley and its counsel, unless in the reasonable opinion of the Adviser’s counsel it is not legally able to so consult) and (iii) on a confidential need-to-know basis, to the Fund and its officers and trustees and their legal counsel, auditors and other advisors. This confidentiality provision will terminate eighteen months from the date first written above.

 

 

5. Not an Investment Adviser. The Adviser acknowledges that Morgan Stanley is not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of Morgan Stanley, and Morgan Stanley is not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser’s engagement of Morgan Stanley is not intended to confer rights upon any person (including the Fund or any shareholders, employees or creditors of the Adviser or the Fund) not a party hereto as against Morgan Stanley or its affiliates, or their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, successors, or assigns.

 

6. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Morgan Stanley or its affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial advisor or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers). Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services contemplated hereunder shall be considered to constitute a partnership, association or joint venture between Morgan Stanley and the Adviser. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute Morgan Stanley as the agent or employee of the Adviser or the Adviser as the agent or employee of Morgan Stanley, and neither party shall make any representation to the contrary. It is understood that Morgan Stanley is engaged hereunder solely to provide the services described above to the Adviser and that Morgan Stanley is not acting as an agent or fiduciary of, and Morgan Stanley shall not have any duties or liability to, the current or future partners or equity owners of the Adviser or any other third party in connection with its engagement hereunder, all of which are hereby expressly waived to the extent the Adviser has the authority to waive such duties and liabilities.

 

7. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party.

 

8. Amendment; Waiver.  No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

9. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . This Agreement and any claim, counterclaim, dispute or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement (“ Claim ”), directly or indirectly, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York. No Claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom), which courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters except as provided below. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such Claim and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Claim in any such court or that any such Claim brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such Claim may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service of process on such party at the address provided in Section 11 shall be deemed effective service of process on such party. EACH OF MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH MORGAN STANLEY OR THE ADVISER ARE OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.

 

 

10. Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the attached Indemnification Agreement) embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such determination will not affect such provision in any other respect or any other provision of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect.

 

11. Notices. All notices required or permitted to be sent under this Agreement shall be sent, if to the Adviser:

 

[•]

 

Attention: [•]

 

or if to Morgan Stanley:

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

Attention: General Counsel

 

 

or such other name or address as may be given in writing to the other parties. Any notice shall be deemed to be given or received on the third day after deposit by certified U.S. mail, postage prepaid, or when actually received, whether by hand, express delivery service or facsimile or other electronic transmission, whichever is earlier.

 

12. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission that accurately depicts a manual signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  Very truly yours,  
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

Accepted and agreed to as of

the date first above written:

 

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC  
     
By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (“ Morgan Stanley ”) to advise and assist the undersigned (together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, referred to as the “ Adviser ”) with the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated [•], 2018 between the Adviser and Morgan Stanley (the “ Fee Agreement ”), in the event that Morgan Stanley becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to the services performed in connection with, or arising out of, or based upon the Fee Agreement, including, without limitation, related services and activities prior to the date of the Fee Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley’s affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents and each other person, if any, controlling Morgan Stanley or any of Morgan Stanley’s affiliates (Morgan Stanley and each such other person being an “ Indemnified Person ”) from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities related to, arising out of or in connection with the activities (the “ Activities ”) performed by any Indemnified Person in connection with, or arising out of, or based upon, the Fee Agreement and/or any action taken by any Indemnified Person in connection therewith (including, without limitation, any presentation given by the Adviser and an Indemnified Person relating to the shares of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.0001 per share] (the “ Shares ”) of RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”)), and will reimburse each Indemnified Person for all expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel) as they are incurred in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Proceeding related to, arising out of or in connection with the Activities, whether or not pending or threatened and whether or not any Indemnified Person is a party. The Adviser will not, however, be responsible for any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of any Indemnified Person. The Adviser also agrees that no Indemnified Person shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to the Adviser related to, arising out of or in connection with the Activities, except for any such liability for losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred by the Adviser that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of such Indemnified Person.

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Adviser be responsible for any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to any Indemnified Person arising from any such Proceeding in excess of the gross proceeds received by the Fund from the initial public offering of the Shares of the Fund (the “ Offering ”); provided, however, that the Adviser shall, as set forth above, indemnify and be responsible for, regardless of the gross proceeds received by the Fund from the Offering, all expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel) incurred in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Proceeding related to, arising out of or in connection with the Activities, whether or not pending or threatened and whether or not any Indemnified Person is a party, as set forth above.

 

The Adviser will not, without Morgan Stanley’s prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any Proceeding in respect of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Person is a party thereto) unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination includes a release of each Indemnified Person from any liabilities arising out of such Proceeding. No Indemnified Person seeking indemnification, reimbursement or contribution under this agreement (the “ Indemnification Agreement ”) will, without the Adviser’s prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any Proceeding.

 

If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Adviser agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Adviser (including the net proceeds from the Shares sold by Morgan Stanley in the Offering before deducting expenses) and its equity holders and affiliates, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by the Fee Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Adviser and its equity holders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Adviser agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Adviser and its equity holders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received by or paid to or contemplated to be received by or paid to the Adviser or its equity holders or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which Morgan Stanley has been retained to perform financial services bears to the fees paid to Morgan Stanley under the Fee Agreement; provided that in no event shall the Adviser contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that Morgan Stanley is not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by Morgan Stanley pursuant to the Fee Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Adviser or other conduct by the Adviser (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by Morgan Stanley, on the other hand.

 

 

This Indemnification Agreement, together with the Fee Agreement, any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this agreement) that relate to the Offering, represents the entire agreement between the Adviser and the Indemnified Persons with respect to the fee paid to Morgan Stanley under the Fee Agreement.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that in connection with the Offering and the services performed pursuant to the Fee Agreement: (i) Morgan Stanley has acted at arm’s length, is not an agent of, and owes no fiduciary duties to, the Adviser, the Fund or any person affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser, (ii) Morgan Stanley owes the Adviser only those duties and obligations set forth in this Indemnification Agreement and the Fee Agreement and (iii) Morgan Stanley may have interests that differ from those of the Adviser. The Adviser waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims any of the Adviser, the Fund or any person affiliated with the Fund or the Adviser may have against Morgan Stanley arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the Offering or the services performed pursuant to the Fee Agreement.

 

The provisions of this Indemnification Agreement shall apply to the Activities and any modification thereof and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any termination or the completion of Morgan Stanley’s services under the Fee Agreement.

 

This Indemnification Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party. No provision of this Indemnification Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto. This Indemnification Agreement and any claim, counterclaim, dispute or proceeding of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Indemnification Agreement (“ Claim ”), directly or indirectly, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York. No Claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom), which courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters except as provided below. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such Claim and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Claim in any such court or that any such Claim brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such Claim may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each party agrees that service of process on such party at the address provided in Section 11 of the Fee Agreement shall be deemed effective service of process on such party. EACH OF MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT. EACH OF MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON MORGAN STANLEY AND THE ADVISER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH MORGAN STANLEY OR THE ADVISER ARE OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Indemnification Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission that accurately depicts a manual signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

 

  Very truly yours,  
     
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
     
  By:    
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

Accepted and agreed to as of

the date first above written:

 

MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC
 
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
550 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated [•], 2018 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”), by and among RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”), RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), MacKay Shields LLC (the “ Sub-Adviser ”) and each of the Underwriters named therein (the “ Underwriters ”), severally, with respect to the issue and sale of the Fund’s shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Common Shares ”), as described therein (the “ Offering ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

1.  Fee.

 

In consideration of your services assisting the Adviser with respect to the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, the Adviser shall pay a fee to you in the aggregate amount of $[•] (the “ Fee ”). The Fee shall be paid on the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement). The Fee shall be paid by wire transfer to the order of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. The Fee paid to you shall not exceed [•]% of the total price to the public of the Firm Shares sold by the Fund in the Offering. In the event the Offering does not proceed, you will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, you may be reimbursed for accountable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by you pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D).

 

2.  Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof or upon the termination of the Underwriting Agreement without the Shares having been delivered and paid for.

 

3. Indemnification .

 

The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

4.  Not an Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty . The Adviser acknowledges that you are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of you, and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser hereby acknowledges that your engagement under this Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity, including as a fiduciary. Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgment in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether you have advised or are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).

 

 

5.  Not Exclusive . Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting you or your affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial adviser or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment advisers).

 

6. Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party.

 

7.  Amendment; Waiver . No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

8.  Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

9.  Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

[•], 2018

 

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
550 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (the “ Bank ”) to assist the undersigned, RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC, together with its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “ Company ”) with respect to the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated [•], 2018 between the Company and the Bank (the “ Agreement ”), in the event that the Bank, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the Bank or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees and agents, or the successors or assigns of any of the foregoing persons (the Bank and each such other person or entity being referred to as an “ Indemnified Party ”) becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, litigation, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each Indemnified Party harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Parties, with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. In addition, in the event that an Indemnified Party becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Company will reimburse such Indemnified Party for its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection therewith. Promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made under this paragraph, notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Company (i) will not relieve the Company from liability under this paragraph to the extent each is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and (ii) in any event shall not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this Indemnification Agreement. Counsel to the Indemnified Parties shall be selected by the Bank. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided , however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the Indemnified Parties) also be counsel to the Indemnified Party. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any Proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such Proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

 

If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Company agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Company and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Company and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid by the Company or its owners or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Bank has been retained to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Bank under the Agreement; provided , that in no event shall the Company contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Indemnified Parties are not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Company or other conduct by the Company (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the Bank, on the other hand. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, an Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to contribution from the Company if it is determined that such Indemnified Party was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Company were not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Company will not settle any Proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not an Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such Proceeding, without the Bank’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The foregoing indemnity and contribution agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Party may have at common law or otherwise.

 

The Company agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to the Company or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Company with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Company resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank in performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT (“ CLAIM ”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE COMPANY AND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH INDEMNIFIED PARTY AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE COMPANY AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE COMPANY IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.

 

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of the Bank’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of the Bank’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

 

By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

200 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281-8098

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated [•], 2018 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”), by and among RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”), RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), MacKay Shields LLC (the “ Sub-Adviser ”) and each of the Underwriters named therein (the “ Underwriters ”), severally, with respect to the issue and sale of the Fund’s shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Common Shares ”), as described therein (the “ Offering ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

1. Fee.

 

In consideration of your services in offering advice relating to the distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, the Adviser shall pay a fee to you in the aggregate amount of $[•] (the “ Fee ”). The Fee shall be paid on the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement). The payment shall be made by wire transfer to the order of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. The Adviser acknowledges that the Fee is in addition to any compensation you earn in connection with your role as an underwriter to the Fund in the Offering, which services are distinct from and in addition to the marketing services rendered in connection with the advice described above. The Fee paid to you shall not exceed [•]% of the total price to the public of the Firm Shares sold by the Fund in the Offering. In the event the Offering does not proceed, you will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, accountable expenses actually incurred may be payable to you pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D).

 

2. Term.

 

This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof, or upon the termination of the Underwriting Agreement without the Common Shares having been delivered and paid for, except as provided in Section 3.

 

3. Indemnification.

 

The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

 

4. Not an Investment Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that you are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of you, and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. Neither this Agreement nor the performance of the services contemplated hereunder shall be considered to constitute a partnership, association or joint venture between you and the Adviser. In addition, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute you as the agent or employee of the Adviser or the Adviser as your agent or employee, and neither party shall make any representation to the contrary. It is understood that you are engaged hereunder as an independent contractor solely to provide the services described above to the Adviser and that you are not acting as an agent or fiduciary of, and you shall not have any duties or liability to, the current or future partners, members or equity owners of the Adviser or any other third party in connection with its engagement hereunder, all of which are hereby expressly waived to the extent the Adviser has the authority to waive such duties and liabilities. Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether you have advised or are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).

 

5. Not Exclusive.

 

Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting you or your affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial adviser or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers).

 

6. Assignment.

 

This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party.

 

7. Amendment; Waiver.

 

No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

8. Governing Law.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

9. Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission that accurately depicts a manual signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

 

[END OF TEXT]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

[•], 2018

 

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

200 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281-8098

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of RBC Capital Markets, LLC ( “ RBCCM ”) to advise and assist the undersigned, RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC, together with its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “ Adviser ”), with respect to the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated [•], 2018 between the Adviser and RBCCM (the “ Agreement ”), in the event that RBCCM, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling RBCCM or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current or former directors, employees and agents, or the successors or assigns of any of the foregoing persons (RBCCM and each such other person or entity being referred to as an “ Indemnified Party ”) becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, litigation, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to the services performed under the Agreement, the Adviser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each Indemnified Party harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Parties, with respect to the services performed under the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. In addition, in the event that an Indemnified Party becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding with respect to the Agreement, the Adviser will reimburse such Indemnified Party for legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection therewith, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted solely and directly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. Counsel shall be selected by RBCCM. In no event shall the Adviser be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel reasonably required) separate from their own counsel for the Indemnified Parties. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the Indemnified Parties) also be counsel to the indemnified party. Promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made under this paragraph, notify the Adviser in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Adviser (i) will not relieve the Adviser from liability under this paragraph to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and (ii) in any event shall not relieve the Adviser from any liability which it may have otherwise on account of this Indemnification Agreement. The Adviser may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the Adviser shall not (except with the consent of the Indemnified Parties) also be counsel to the Indemnified Parties. Neither the Adviser nor any member of the Adviser’s Board of Directors shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party. No Indemnified Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Adviser (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought hereunder when the Adviser is an actual named party thereto, unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of the Adviser from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of the Adviser.

 

 

If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Adviser agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Adviser and its members and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Adviser and its members and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Adviser agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Adviser and its members and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received by or paid to or contemplated to be received by or paid to the Adviser or its members or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which RBCCM has been retained to perform services bears to the fees paid to RBCCM under the Agreement; provided, that in no event shall the Adviser contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Indemnified Parties are not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by RBCCM pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Adviser or other conduct by the Adviser (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by RBCCM (or its employees or other agents), on the other hand. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, an Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to contribution from the Adviser if it is determined that such Indemnified Party was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933,as amended) and the Adviser was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Adviser will not settle any Proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not an Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such Proceeding, without the RBCCM’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Party may have at common law or otherwise.

 

 

The Adviser agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to the Adviser or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Adviser with respect to the matters contemplated by the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses reasonably incurred by the Adviser resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of RBCCM in performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED BY THE AGREEMENT (“ CLAIM ”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE ADVISER AND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE ADVISER HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST RBCCM OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH INDEMNIFIED PARTY AND THE ADVISER WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES AND THE ADVISER AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES AND THE ADVISER AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES AND THE ADVISER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, ARE OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT OR OTHER AVAILABLE JUDICIAL PROCESS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

 

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of RBCCM’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of RBCCM’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

One South Street, 15 th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated [•], 2018 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”), by and among RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”), RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), MacKay Shields LLC (the “ Sub-Adviser ”), Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“ Stifel ”) and the several other Underwriters named therein, severally, with respect to the issue and sale of the Fund’s shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Common Shares ”), as described therein (the “ Offering ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

1. Services; Fee.  Stifel has provided services to the Adviser to assist the Adviser in the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares (the “ Services ”). In consideration of the Services to the Adviser, subject to and conditioned upon the completion of the Offering, the Adviser shall pay a fee to Stifel in the aggregate amount of $[•] (the “ Fee ”) on the Closing Date, by wire transfer to the order of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. The Fee paid to Stifel shall not exceed [•]% of the total price to the public of the Firm Shares sold by the Fund in the Offering. In the event the Offering does not proceed, Stifel will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, you may be reimbursed for accountable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by Stifel pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D). This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof or upon the termination of the Underwriting Agreement without the Shares having been delivered and paid for.

 

2. Indemnification.  The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

3. Confidential Advice.  Except to the extent legally required (after consultation with, and, in the case of Stifel’s advice, approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) as to form and substance by Stifel and its counsel), none of (i) the name of Stifel, (ii) any advice rendered by Stifel to the Adviser, or (iii) the terms of this Agreement or any communication from Stifel in connection with the services performed by Stifel pursuant to this Agreement will be quoted or referred to orally or in writing, or in the case of (ii) and (iii), reproduced or disseminated, by the Adviser or any of its affiliates or any of their agents, without Stifel’s prior written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld in the case of clause (i) and (iii) (but not (ii)).

 

 

4. Information. The Adviser recognizes and confirms that Stifel (a) has used and relied primarily on the information provided by the Adviser and on information available from generally recognized public sources in performing the services contemplated by this Agreement without having assumed responsibility for independently verifying the same, (b) has not assumed responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reasonableness of such information and (c) has not made an appraisal of any assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Fund.

 

5. Not an Investment Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty. The Adviser acknowledges that Stifel is not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of Stifel, and Stifel is not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser hereby acknowledges that Stifel’s engagement under this Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity, including as a fiduciary. Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether Stifel has advised or are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).

 

6. Not Exclusive.  Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Stifel or its affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial adviser or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment advisers).

 

7. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party.

 

8. Amendment; Waiver.  No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

9. Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. This Agreement together with the Indemnification Agreement constitutes the final and entire agreement and understanding between the parties to this Agreement relative to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between such parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

10. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

[•], 2018

 

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

One South Street, 15 th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (the “ Bank ”) to assist the undersigned, RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC, together with its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “ Adviser ”), with respect to the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated [•], 2018 between the Adviser and the Bank (the “ Agreement ”), in the event that the Bank, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the Bank or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees and agents, or the successors or assigns of any of the foregoing persons (the Bank and each such other person or entity being referred to as an “Indemnified Party”) becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Adviser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each Indemnified Party harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Parties, with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. In addition, in the event that an Indemnified Party becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Adviser will reimburse such Indemnified Party for its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection therewith. Promptly as reasonably practicable after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made under this paragraph, notify the Adviser in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Adviser (i) will not relieve the Adviser from liability under this paragraph to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and (ii) in any event shall not relieve the Adviser from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this Indemnification Agreement. The indemnifying party, upon request of the Indemnified Party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the Indemnified Party and shall pay the reasonably incurred fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the Indemnified Party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties (which may not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or deferred), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

 

If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Adviser agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Adviser and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Adviser and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Adviser agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Adviser and its owners and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid by the Adviser or its owners and affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Bank has been retained to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Bank under the Agreement; provided, that in no event shall the Adviser contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Indemnified Parties are not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Adviser or other conduct by the Adviser (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the Bank, on the other hand. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, an Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to contribution from the Adviser if it is determined that such Indemnified Party was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Adviser or the Fund was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Adviser will not settle any Proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not an Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such Proceeding, without the Bank’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The foregoing indemnity and contribution agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Party may have at common law or otherwise.

 

The Adviser agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to the Adviser or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Adviser with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Adviser or the Fund resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank in performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.

 

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT (“ CLAIM ”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE ADVISER AND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE ADVISER HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH INDEMNIFIED PARTY AND THE ADVISER WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE ADVISER AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE ADVISER AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE ADVISER IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.

 

This Agreement together with the Structuring Fee Agreement constitutes the final and entire agreement and understanding between the parties to this Agreement relative to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between such parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of the Bank’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement - Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Indemnification Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  Very truly yours,    
         
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
         
  By:    
    Name:    
    Title:    

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement - Structuring Fee Agreement]

 

 

SALES INCENTIVE FEE AGREEMENT

 

[•], 2018

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated [•], 2018 (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”), by and among RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”), RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), MacKay Shields LLC (the “ Sub-Adviser ”), and each of the Underwriters named therein (the “ Underwriters ”), severally, with respect to the issue and sale of the Fund’s shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “ Common Shares ”), as described therein (the “ Offering ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.

 

1. Fee .

 

In consideration of the services of the undersigned related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, the Adviser shall pay a fee to each of the undersigned in accordance with Schedule I hereto (the “ Fee ”). The Fee shall be paid on the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement). The Fee shall be paid by wire transfer to the order of each of the undersigned. In the event the Offering does not proceed, you will not receive any fees under this Agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, accountable expenses actually incurred may be payable to you pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D).

 

2. Term . This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof or upon the termination of the Underwriting Agreement without the Shares having been delivered and paid for.

 

3. Indemnification.

 

The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Agreement.

 

4. Not an Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty. The Adviser acknowledges that you are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of you, and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser hereby acknowledges that your engagement under this Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity, including as a fiduciary. Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgment in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether you have advised or are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).

 

 

 

5. Not Exclusive . Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the undersigned or its respective affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial adviser or in any other capacity for any other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment advisers), so long as your services to the Adviser are not impaired thereby.

 

6. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without prior written consent of the other party.

 

7. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

 

8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or electronic transmission that accurately depicts a manual signature shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

 

 

This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.

 

  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Sales Incentive Fee Agreement]

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

[•]

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Sales Incentive Fee Agreement]

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

[•]

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Sales Incentive Fee Agreement]

 

 

 

SCHEDULE I

 

Name Fee
[•] $[•]
[•] $[•]

 

 

 

Indemnification Agreement

 

[•], 2018

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with the engagement of the undersigned (the “ Banks ”) to assist the undersigned, RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “ Adviser ”), with respect to the matters set forth in the Sales Incentive Fee Agreement dated [•], 2018 between the Adviser and the Banks (the “ Agreement ”), in the event that the Banks, any of their respective affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the Banks or any of their respective affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees and agents, or the successors or assigns of any of the foregoing persons (the Banks and each such other person or entity being referred to as an “ Indemnified Party ”) becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, litigation, investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”) with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Adviser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each Indemnified Party harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses, including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Parties, with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct (including bad faith) of such Indemnified Party. In addition, in the event that an Indemnified Party becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Adviser will reimburse such Indemnified Party for its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection therewith. As promptly as is reasonably practicable after receipt by an Indemnified Party of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, such Indemnified Party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made under this paragraph, notify the Adviser in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Adviser (i) will not relieve the Adviser from liability under this paragraph to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and (ii) in any event shall not relieve the Adviser from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this Indemnification Agreement. Counsel to the Indemnified Parties shall be selected by such Indemnified Party. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided , however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the Indemnified Parties) also be counsel to the Indemnified Party. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any Proceeding, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such Proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

 

 

If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Adviser agrees to contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Adviser and its stockholders, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in the matters contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Adviser and its stockholders, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The Adviser agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to be received, by the Adviser and its stockholders, on the one hand, and the party entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid by the Adviser or its stockholders, as the case may be, as a result of or in connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Banks have been retained to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Banks under the Agreement; provided , that in no event shall the Adviser contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Indemnified Parties are not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees actually received by the Banks pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Adviser or other conduct by the Adviser (or its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the respective Bank, on the other hand. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, an Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to contribution from the Adviser if it is determined that such Indemnified Party was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Adviser was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Adviser will not settle any Proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not an Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party to such Proceeding, without the Indemnified Party’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). The foregoing indemnity and contribution agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Party may have at common law or otherwise.

 

The Adviser agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to the Adviser or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Adviser with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Adviser resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct (including bad faith) of the Banks in performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.

 

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT (“ CLAIM ”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE ADVISER AND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE ADVISER HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD PARTY AGAINST ANY BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH INDEMNIFIED PARTY AND THE ADVISER WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE BANKS AND THE ADVISER AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON SUCH BANK AND THE ADVISER AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH SUCH BANK AND THE ADVISER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, ARE OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.

 

 

 

The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any termination of the Bank’s engagement under the Agreement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  Very truly yours,  
       
  RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

[•]

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

 

Agreed and Accepted:

 

[•]

 

By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

 

 

[C&C Letterhead]

 

October __, 2018

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

325 North LaSalle Street, Suite 645

Chicago, Illinois 60654

 

Re: RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel for RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund” ) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act” ), of certain of its common stock (the “Shares” ) covered by Registration Statement No. 333-226273 on Form N-2, as it is proposed to be amended by Pre-Effective Amendment No.__ (as proposed to be amended, the “Registration Statement” ).

 

In this connection we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate and other records, certificates and other papers as we deemed it necessary to examine for the purpose of this opinion, including the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the Fund, actions of the board of directors of the Fund authorizing the issuance of shares of the Fund and the Registration Statement.

 

We assume that, upon sale of the Shares, the Fund will receive the authorized consideration therefor, which will at least equal the net asset value of the Shares.

 

Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that when the Shares are issued and sold after the Registration Statement has been declared effective and the authorized consideration therefor is received by the Fund, they will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund.

 

In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have relied upon the opinion of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, P.A. expressed in their letter to us dated October ___, 2018.

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under section 7 of the Act.

 

  Very truly yours,  

 

October ___, 2018

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

325 North LaSalle Street

Suite 645

Chicago, Illinois 60654

 

Re: Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-226273)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as special “Maryland law” counsel to RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Fund”), and a closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration of _________ shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Fund (the “Common Stock”), covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement, and all amendments thereto (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Fund with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”). This opinion is being furnished to you at your request.

 

I. Documents Reviewed and Matters Considered

 

In our capacity as counsel to the Fund and for purposes of this opinion, we have examined the following documents (all of which are collectively called the “Documents”):

 

(i) the Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act;

 

(ii) the charter of the Fund (the “Charter”), certified by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (the “SDAT”);

 

(iii) the Bylaws of the Fund (the “Bylaws”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Fund;

 

(iv) a Certificate of Status of the SDAT to the effect that the Fund is in good standing, dated October 19, 2018;

 

(v) resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund relating to the establishment and organization of the Fund and the issuance of stock by the Fund (the “Resolutions”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Fund;

 

 

 

 RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

October ___, 2018

Page 2


 

(vi) a certificate executed by an officer of the Fund, dated as of the date hereof, as to such matters as we deem necessary and appropriate to enable us to render this opinion letter; and

 

(vii) such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary and appropriate to render the opinions set forth in this letter, subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations noted herein.

 

II. Assumptions

 

In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed the following:

 

(a) Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

 

(b) Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Fund) is duly authorized to do so.

 

(c) All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. All Documents submitted to us as certified, photostatic, or other copies conform to the original documents. All Documents upon which we have relied are accurate and complete. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete and remain so as of the date of this letter.

 

(d) The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered.

 

(e) All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Registration Statement are accurate and complete.

 

(f) All signatures on the Documents submitted to us for examination are genuine.

 

(g) There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any of the provisions of the Documents, by actions or omission of the parties or otherwise.

 

(h) Each individual executing a certificate is authorized to do so and has knowledge about all matters stated therein. The contents of each such certificate are accurate and complete and remain so as of the date of this letter.

 

 

 

 RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

October ___, 2018

Page 3


III. Opinions

 

Based on our review of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth herein, it is our opinion, as of the date of this letter, that:

 

1. The Fund is a corporation duly incorporated and, based solely on the Certificate of Good Standing issued by the SDAT dated October 19, 2018, the Fund is validly existing and in good standing under the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”).

 

2. The issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Charter, the Bylaws, the Resolutions, and the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

 

IV. Qualifications and Limitations

 

In addition to the other matters set forth in this letter, the opinions set forth herein are also subject to the following qualifications:

 

(A) We express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of Maryland and as used herein “law” means such laws. We express no opinion as to the principles of conflict of laws of any jurisdiction, including the laws of the State of Maryland.

 

(B) We assume no obligation to supplement our opinions if any applicable law changes after the date of this letter or if we become aware of any facts that might change the opinions expressed in this letter after the date of this letter.

 

(C) The opinions expressed in this letter are limited to the matters set forth in this letter, and no other opinions shall be implied or inferred beyond the matters expressly stated.

 

(D) This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

 

  Very truly yours,  

 

 

RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.

 

Subscription Agreement

 

This Subscription Agreement made as of September 12, 2018, by and between RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Fund”), and RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “Subscriber”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Fund has been formed for the purposes of carrying on business as a closed-end management investment company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Subscriber is the investment manager to the Fund; and

 

WHEREAS, the Subscriber wishes to subscribe for and purchase, and the Fund wishes to sell to the Subscriber, 5010.02 common shares of beneficial interest, or such other amounts as the officers of the Fund may approve (the “Shares”), for a purchase price of $19.96 per Share, or at such other prices as the officers of the Fund may approve;

 

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

 

1. The Subscriber subscribes for and agrees to purchase from the Fund the Shares for a purchase price of $19.96 per Share and an aggregate purchase price of $100,000.

 

2. The Fund agrees to issue and sell said Shares to the Subscriber promptly upon its receipt of the aggregate purchase price.

 

3. To induce the Fund to accept its subscription and issue the Shares subscribed for, the Subscriber represents that it is informed as follows:

 

(a) That the Shares being subscribed for have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state;

 

(b) That the Shares will be sold by the Fund in reliance on one or a series of exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act;

 

(c) That the Fund’s reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is predicated in part on the representations and agreements contained in this Subscription Agreement;

 

(d) That, when issued, the Shares will be “restricted securities,” as defined in paragraph (a)(3) of Rule 144 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act (“Rule 144”) and cannot be sold or transferred by Subscriber unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or unless an exemption from such registration is available; and

 

 

 

(e) That there do not appear to be any immediately available exemptions from the registration provisions of the Securities Act available to the Subscriber for resale of the Shares. In the future, certain exemptions may possibly become available, including an exemption for limited sales in accordance with the conditions of Rule 144, which would not be available to an affiliate of the Fund for one year and may be limited by the overall outstanding shares of the Fund, among various limiting factors.

 

The Subscriber understands that a primary purpose of the information acknowledged in subparagraphs (a) through (e) above is to put the Subscriber on notice as to certain restrictions on the transferability of the Shares. The Subscriber acknowledges that other restrictions may apply and that none of the Fund or its affiliates has provided any legal, tax or investment advice related to this transaction.

 

4. To further induce the Fund to accept its subscription and issue the Shares subscribed for, the Subscriber:

 

(a) Represents and warrants that the Subscriber is an accredited investor;

 

(b) Represents and warrants that the Shares subscribed for are being and will be acquired for investment for its own account and not on behalf of any other person or persons and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any public distribution thereof;

 

(c) Agrees that any certificates representing the Shares subscribed for may bear a legend substantially in the following form:

 

The shares represented by this certificate have been acquired for investment and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other federal or state securities law. These shares may not be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred unless registered under said securities laws or unless some exemption from registration is available;

 

and that in the absence of a certificate, this Subscription Agreement provides the notice and legend required under Rule 144; and

 

(d) Agrees that it will not sell, assign, or transfer the Shares or any interest therein, except upon repurchase or redemption by the Fund, unless and until the Shares have been registered under the Securities Act or it has received an opinion of its counsel that such sale, assignment, or transfer will not violate the provisions of the Securities Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) Consents, as the sole holder of the Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest and pursuant to Section 23(b)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, to the issuance by the Fund of common shares of beneficial interest at a price per share as set forth in the underwriting agreement relating to the public offering of the common shares of beneficial interest of the Fund.

 

5. This Subscription Agreement and all of its provisions shall be binding upon the legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns of the parties hereto. This Subscription Agreement may be signed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original for all purposes.

 

 

 

6. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Maryland, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.

 

7. The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation, including any amendments thereto, is on file with the Secretary of State of Maryland. This Subscription Agreement is executed on behalf of the Fund by an officer of the Fund as an officer and not individually, and the obligations imposed upon the Fund by this Subscription Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund’s Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Subscription Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto as of the day and date first above written.

 

RiverNorth OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

RIVERNORTH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

Section 6 - Code of Ethics

 

This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) is a joint Code for RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), RiverNorth Funds (the “RiverNorth Funds”) and any subsequent funds advised by the Adviser. It reflects the requirements of Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Rule 204A-1 under that Act, and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Adviser and the RiverNorth Funds are often referred to collectively as “RiverNorth”. Access Persons (as defined by the Investment Company Act) of other funds advised or subadvised by the Adviser may be subject to other codes of ethics as well.

 

I. S tandards   of C onduct   and F iduciary D uty

 

The Adviser has a fiduciary duty to its investment advisory clients. That duty requires each Employee to act solely for the benefit of Adviser’s clients. The conduct of the Adviser and its Employees must recognize that the clients’ interests always have priority over those of the Adviser and its Employees (including with respect to any Employee’s personal trading activity) and is based upon fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust.

 

Each Employee is expected to adhere, not only to the Federal Securities Laws (as defined herein), but also to the highest standard of professional and ethical conduct and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to an actual conflict AND the appearance of a conflict with the Adviser’s clients’ interests. Such conflicts could also have the potential to cause damage to the Adviser’s reputation. Each Employee is also required to comply with all applicable Federal Securities Laws. Each Employee must exercise reasonable care and professional judgment to avoid actions that could put the image or reputation of the Adviser at risk.

 

This Code sets forth the policy regarding Employee conduct in those situations in which conflicts with our clients’ interests are most likely to be present or develop. The Code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance with the Code will not shield the Employee from sanctions for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to clients. It is expected that Employees will embrace and comply with both the letter and the spirit of the Code.

 

Adherence to the Code is a basic condition of employment. If an Employee has any doubt as to the appropriateness of any activity, believes that he or she has violated the Code, or becomes aware of a violation of the Code by another Employee, the Employee is obligated to bring these matters to the attention of the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or any member of the Compliance Group, as defined herein.

 

II. D efinitions

 

“Access Person” means any person who is either an Adviser Access Person or a Fund Access Person.

 

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“Adviser Access Person” means any Employee or any other person identified by the CCO as an Adviser Access Person. The CCO shall designate as an Adviser Access Person any supervised person who (i) has access to non-public information regarding any purchase or sale of securities for an Adviser client, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund, or (ii) is involved in making securities recommendations to Adviser clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are non-public. Since providing investment advice is the Adviser’s primary business, all of the Adviser’s members (other than passive investors), officers and employees are presumed to be Adviser Access Persons.

 

“Active Consideration” means the period of time during which an Adviser portfolio manager has a pending order or is considering the purchase or sale of a security for any client account.

 

“Adviser” means RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC.

 

“Advisers Act” means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and rules promulgated thereunder.

 

“Automatic Investment Plan” means a program, including a dividend reinvestment program, in which regular periodic purchases or withdrawals are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including automatic rebalances.

 

“Beneficial Ownership” means that a person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a security. A “pecuniary interest” in a security means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in such security. An Employee is presumed to have beneficial ownership in the following: (i) securities owned by an Employee in his or her name; (ii) securities owned by an individual Employee indirectly through an account or investment vehicle for his or her benefit, such as an IRA, family trust, or family partnership; (iii) securities owned in which the Employee has a joint ownership interest, such as a joint brokerage account; (iv) securities in which a member of the Employee’s immediate family (currently defined as one’s spouse, domestic partner, minor children, adult children living at home, other dependent relatives and other adult relatives sharing living arrangements) has a direct, indirect or joint ownership interest if the immediate family member resides in the same household as the Employee; (v) securities owned by a trust, private foundation or other charitable accounts in which the Employee (or a member of the Employee’s immediate family) has both a pecuniary interest and investment discretion and (vi) securities owned by an Investment Club in which the Employee or Employee's immediate family members are participants.. This definition shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the text of which is attached as Exhibit A to the Code.

 

“Blackout Period” means a period during which an Access Person is prohibited from engaging in a Personal Securities Transaction in a particular security because (i) a transaction in the same security is pending or anticipated for client accounts; or (ii) a transaction for client accounts is under Active Consideration by a portfolio manager of the Adviser

 

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“CCO” means the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. The CCO may also mean any person designated as the Chief Compliance Officer of any Fund.

 

“Compliance Group” means the Adviser’s compliance committee charged with overseeing the Adviser’s compliance policies and procedures. The committee is comprised of the Chief Compliance Officer and such other persons as may be designated by the Chief Compliance Officer from time to time. A list of the current Compliance Group members is attached as Exhibit B to the Code.

 

“Control” means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.

 

“Employee” means an employee of the Adviser, a member of the Adviser (other than passive investors who are not employed by the Adviser in another capacity), and any temporary employee or independent contractor of the Adviser who is contracted to work onsite in the offices of the Adviser for more than seven (7) consecutive days (unless steps are taken to prevent such person from gaining access to proprietary or trading information related to the Adviser of its clients). All Employees are deemed to be Access Persons.

 

“ETF” means an exchange traded fund, whether organized as an open-end fund or a unit investment trust.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

“Exempt Transactions” means transactions in securities that are exempt from the pre-clearance and/or the reporting requirements of this Code. Refer to Exhibit C for a list of security types that fall into this category.

 

“Federal Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to Funds and investment advisers, any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury or the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to the extent and as it pertains to investments advisers and investment companies.

 

“Frequent Trading” means the frequent trading in shares of an open-end fund in violation of the fund’s prospectus and/or trading policies, including any trading designed to exploit perceived inefficiencies in the prices of Fund shares.

 

“Front Running” means engaging in a Personal Securities Transaction in advance of a transaction in the same security for a client’s account.

 

“Fund” means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

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“Fund Access Person” means any trustee or officer of a Fund managed by the Adviser who is not also an Adviser Access Person.

 

“Independent Trustee/Director” means a trustee or director of a Fund who is not an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

“Initial Public Offering” or “IPO” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

“Insider Trading” is not defined in the Federal Securities Laws, but generally refers to the buying or selling a security, in breach of a fiduciary duty or other relationship of trust and confidence, while in possession of Material, Non-Public Information about the security.

 

“Investment Company Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and the rules promulgated thereunder.

 

“Late Trading” means the illegal practice of pricing a purchase or redemption order for shares of an open-end Fund with the current day share price even though the order is received after the pricing time established in the Fund’s prospectus. Late trading often involves a coordinated effort by the investor and a broker or service provider for the Fund.

 

“Limited Offering” means an offering ( e.g. , limited partnership) that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

“Material, Non-Public Information” or “MNPI” means information for which there is substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider important in making an investment decision, or is reasonably certain to have an effect on the price of the issuer’s security, but which has not been made available to the public, has not been disseminated broadly to the marketplace, or has not had sufficient time post-dissemination for the marketplace to react to the information.

 

“Organizations” means entities, and the individuals that work for them, that provide services, or seek to provide services, to individual clients through the Adviser’s relationship with the client. Examples include brokers, consultants, companies that the Adviser researches for possible investment, and companies in which the Adviser invests for client accounts.

 

“Personal Securities Transaction” means a Reportable Transaction in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership in the security.

 

“Reportable Account” means investment accounts in which Reportable Securities are held.

 

“Reportable Fund” means any Fund: (i) for which the Adviser serves as the investment adviser or sub-adviser; or (ii) whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Adviser, is controlled by the Adviser, or is under common control with the Adviser. For purposes of this Code, the Reportable Funds are the RiverNorth Funds, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. and RiverNorth Marketplace Lending Corporation.

 

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“Reportable Security” means a Security, except that it does not include any of the following: (i) direct obligations of the government of the United States; (ii) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by money market Funds; (iv) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end Funds, none of which are Reportable Funds. The definition of “Reportable Security” also excludes securities held through certain qualified tuition programs established pursuant to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“529 Plans”), provided the Adviser or a control affiliate does not manage, distribute, market or underwrite the 529 Plan or the investments and strategies underlying the 529 Plan. However, ETFs and mutual funds are included in the definition of “Reportable Security” whether held directly with the issuer or its transfer agent or in a brokerage account.

 

“Reportable Transaction” means a transaction by an Access Person in a Reportable Security.

 

“RiverNorth Funds” means RiverNorth Funds, an Ohio business trust and each of its series, as they may be added from time to time. Each series of the RiverNorth Funds may also be referred to individually as a “fund”. See Exhibit D for a list of the current series of the RiverNorth Funds.

 

“RiverNorth Marketplace Lending Corporation” means a Maryland corporation organized as an interval closed-end fund and advised by the Adviser.

 

“RiverNorth Opportunities Fund” means a Delaware corporation organized as a closed-end fund and subadvised by the Adviser.

 

“Rumor” means a statement not based on verified information. An expression of opinion is not a Rumor.

 

“Security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit sharing agreement, collateral trust certificate, reorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any, security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

 

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.

 

“Trading Day” means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular, unrestricted trading.

 

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Terms not defined above or in this Code have the meaning set forth in the Advisers Act. If terms are ambiguous to any person potentially covered by the Code, it is suggested that the Employee contact the Chief Compliance Officer for clarification before engaging in any conduct or activity that may be covered under the Code.

 

III. P olicy on P ersonal S ecurities T ransactions

 

Each Access Person must comply with the following policies for all of his or her Personal Securities Transactions.

 

A.  Initial Public Offerings
An Adviser Access Person may not participate in an initial public offering without prior approval and unless the IPO falls into one of the following categories:

 

  1. An IPO of securities of a mutual insurance company as a result of the Adviser Access Person’s ownership of an insurance policy; or

 

  2. An IPO of securities of a spinoff company as a result of the Adviser Access Person’s ownership of shares of the company that spins off the issuer of the IPO.

 

  3. An IPO of securities of a closed-end fund to which the Adviser serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser.

 

An Access Person must obtain prior clearance from the CCO when acquiring Beneficial Ownership in securities of an IPO that are subject to either of the three exceptions set forth above. If an Access Person believes participation in an IPO may be appropriate, for example, in situations similar to the three situations identified above, but not covered by those two situations, the Access Person may submit a written request for approval, and the CCO may grant approval if the investment is deemed acceptable.

 

B.  Limited Offerings
An Adviser Access Person may purchase or sell securities in a Limited Offering only with the prior written approval from a member of the Compliance Group. Limited Offerings include investments in private funds managed by the Adviser. The Compliance Group member shall consider the following factors in determining whether to approve a transaction in a Limited Offering:

 

  1. Whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for clients;

 

  2. Whether the Access Person is being offered the investment opportunity due to his or her employment with the Adviser; and

 

  3. Any other relevant factors ( e.g. , whether the Adviser has any business dealings with the issuer, general partner, or any of the individuals named in the offering documents, or if the Access Person has knowledge of an impending IPO by the issuer).

 

The Compliance Group member may approve a single transaction in a Limited Offering or additional investments in previously-approved Limited Offerings (such as subsequent investments in the same limited partnership). The approval may be subject to limitations, including timing of investments, number of investments, or amount of investments. Additionally, Access Persons should seek approval for transactions in Limited Offerings as far in advance as possible.

 

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C.  Frequent Trading (Open-End Funds)
Frequent Trading can harm shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to the fund and disrupting portfolio management strategies. Access Persons are required to comply with the policies of any open-end funds in which they invest regarding purchases, redemptions and exchanges, and are prohibited from engaging in Frequent Trading in open-end funds which indicate in their prospectus or statement of additional information that the funds prohibit or restrict Frequent Trading.

 

D.  Late Trading (Open-End Funds)
Late Trading is prohibited by law and, with respect to Reportable Funds, may represent a violation of fiduciary duty. This Code prohibits Access Persons from engaging in or facilitating Late Trading in shares of any open-end Fund.

 

E.  Short-Term Trading (All Securities)
The Adviser considers short-term trading problematic because it (1) may interfere with the Adviser Access Person’s duties, obligations or loyalties to the Adviser or the Adviser’s clients; (2) may be indicative of using Material, Non-Public Information, or (3) may be in violation of applicable laws, rules and regulations or the Adviser’s or issuer’s policies and procedures.

 

Accordingly, all Access Persons are required to hold securities for a minimum of 90 days, to avoid short-term trading practices. The Compliance Group may approve exceptions to the 90-day holding period in certain limited circumstances, for instance to reduce the level of investment losses to the Access Person if the security has significantly decreased in value. The 90-day hold period does not apply to transactions resulting from certain corporate actions or assets attributable to an Automatic Investment Plan.

 

The Compliance Group may impose restrictions on Personal Securities Transactions, or deny a request for prior approval of Personal Securities Transactions, if it believes that the transactions may interfere with the Access Person’s duties, obligations or loyalties to the Adviser or the Adviser’s clients, impose undue burden on the Adviser, or may otherwise be contrary to the interests of the Adviser or the Adviser’s clients.

 

F.  Options Trading
Access Persons are permitted to invest in options. All personal securities transactions involving options must be pre-approved through Schwab Compliance Technologies and are subject to the mandatory 90-day holding period detailed in Section III.E. (unless the strike date of the option is less than 90 days). Access Persons may not take an options position opposite of any options holding in the Adviser’s or a client’s accounts (same underlying security, same strike price, and same expiration).

 

G.  Closed-End Funds, Business Development Companies (BDCs) and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)
Because of the Adviser’s expertise and access to analytic information regarding the closed-end fund markets, business development companies and special purpose acquisition companies, direct investments in these vehicles (excluding those managed by the Adviser) is prohibited. Trading in closed-end funds managed by the Adviser is permitted but limited to a percentage of the average daily trading volume as determined by the Compliance Group and then subject to pre-clearance by the Compliance Group and the fund's adviser.

 

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H.  Marketplace Loans and Related Securities
Because of the Adviser’s expertise and access to analytic and platform-proprietary information regarding marketplace loans, direct investments in marketplace loans, including investments in the platforms themselves is prohibited.

 

I.   Blackout Period
To avoid Front Running or other conflict of interest with client accounts, or the appearance of Front Running or a conflict of interest with client accounts, no Access Person may engage in a Personal Securities Transaction in a security that is in a Blackout Period.

 

Requests for a waiver of the Blackout Period will be considered by a member of the Compliance Group on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to, the size of the proposed Personal Securities Transaction in relation to average daily trading volumes, whether transactions for client accounts have been completed, and whether the proposed Personal Securities Transaction is directionally aligned or opposed to transactions for client accounts.

 

J.    De Minimis Exception
Purchases or sales in an amount of less than $50,000 within a thirty (30) business day period in a Reportable Security of an issuer that is a component security in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index are exempt from the prohibitions with respect to whether the Adviser is trading the same or equivalent security for the accounts of its clients under this Code, and are exempt from the prohibitive sections of the Code.

 

Purchases or sales of broad based index open-ended exchange traded funds (ETFs) with either a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion OR an average daily trading volume exceeding 1 million shares (measured over a 90 day period) are exempt from the prohibitive sections of the Code.

 

However, it should be noted that trades falling within these de minimis exceptions must be submitted for approval and reported in Schwab Compliance Technologies pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Code and are subject to the mandatory 90-day holding period detailed in Section III.E.

 

K.  Prior Approval Required
Access Persons must obtain prior approval for all Personal Securities Transactions (other than Personal Securities Transactions in securities set forth below in Section V.C., ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS).

 

L.  Disgorgement of Profits
If, within any 10 calendar day period, an Access Person transacts in a security in a more advantageous manner than a Client account, the Chief Compliance Officer may require disgorgement of the profits realized vis-à-vis the Client account.

 

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Each Access Person is responsible for ensuring that his or her Personal Securities Transactions for which he or she requests prior approval will not violate the Adviser’s policies or applicable Federal Securities Laws.

 

IV. R eporting and C ertification R equirements

 

Each Access Person must comply with the following reporting and certification requirements:

 

A.  Initial Holdings Report
Each new Access Person is required to complete and submit an Initial Holdings Report to the CCO or his designee within ten (10) calendar days of becoming an Access Person. The new Access Person must disclose all the security holdings in which he or she may have a Beneficial Interest, including in all Reportable Accounts holding Reportable Securities, including Limited Offerings and Reportable Funds. The new Access Person must also disclose all brokerage accounts and all other accounts in which he or she has a Beneficial Interest that hold Reportable Securities at that time (including IRA accounts and custodial accounts), even if the only securities held in such accounts are Reportable Funds. Personal Securities Transactions are prohibited until the Initial Holdings Report is filed.

 

The Initial Holdings Report must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date the person becomes an Access Person. The Initial Holdings Report must contain the following information:

 

  1. The title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person became an Access Person;

 

  2. The name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person’s direct or indirect benefit as of the date the person became an Access Person;

 

  3. The number and title of each account in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership; and

 

  4. The date the Access Person submits the Initial Holdings Report.

 

In addition, an Access Person must notify the Compliance Group within 10 days of the opening of a new investment or brokerage account in which the Access Person has a Beneficial Interest.

 

B.  Duplicate Confirmations
Access Persons may maintain accounts with any broker or brokers of their choosing, but are strongly encouraged to utilize a broker from list of preferred brokers maintained by the Compliance Group. In certain instances, the Compliance Group may require Access Persons to move accounts from existing brokers to a preferred broker. Access Persons must instruct their brokers to send duplicate confirmations for their Reportable Transactions to the CCO. Duplicate confirmations are used to reconcile the Quarterly Transaction Reports submitted by each Access Person. The CCO can provide sample letters requesting duplicate confirmations. Alternatively, a feed of certain data direct from your broker may be acceptable to the Compliance Group.

 

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C.  Initial Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire
Each new Access Person is required to complete and submit an Initial Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire to the CCO or designee within ten (10) calendar days of becoming an Access Person. The CCO may request additional details based upon the information furnished by the Access Person.

 

D.  Quarterly Transaction Report
Each Access Person must complete and submit a Quarterly Transaction Report to the CCO or designee within thirty (30) calendar days following the close of the quarter, even if there were no transactions in Reportable Securities during the period. Such reports may be completed using Schwab Compliance Technologies, a compliance software product.

 

The Quarterly Transaction Report must contain the following information:

 

  1. With respect to any Personal Securities Transaction:

 

  a. The date of the transaction, the title of the security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved;

 

  b. The nature of the transaction ( i.e. , purchase, sale, gift or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

  c. The price of the security at which the transaction was effected;

 

  d. The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected.

 

  2. Any additions (including the date the account was established), deletions or changes to the securities account information previously provided by the Access Person that are necessary to bring it up to date.

 

  3. The date the Access Person submits the Quarterly Transaction Report.

 

Transactions effected through an Automatic Investment Plan do not need to be reported on a Quarterly Transaction Report, unless the transaction(s) overrides the pre-set schedule or allocations of the Automatic Investment Plan, in which case the transaction(s) must be reported.

 

E.  Annual Holdings Report
Each Access Person is required to complete and submit an Annual Holdings Report to the CCO or designee within thirty (30) calendar days following the close of the calendar year. Such reports may be completed using Schwab Compliance Technologies, a compliance software product.

 

The Annual Holdings Report must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date the report is submitted and contain the following information:

 

  1. The title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;

 

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  2. The name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person’s direct or indirect benefit;

 

  3. The number and title of each account in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership; and

 

  4. The date the Access Person submits the Annual Holdings Report.

 

F. Annual Certifications

Each Access Person is required to certify annually that he or she has received, read, and understands the Code, including any amendments thereto, recognizes that he or she is subject to the Code and will continue to comply with all requirements set forth in the Code.  In addition, each Access Person is required to certify annually that he or she has disclosed or reported all Reportable Transactions.  Certifications may be requested of Access Persons, and may be submitted by Access Persons, manually or electronically.

 

The Adviser will provide each Access Person with a copy of the Code, and any amendments thereto.

 

G. Annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire

Each Access Person is required to complete and submit an Annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire.  The CCO reviews the information furnished on the Questionnaire and may request additional details based upon the information furnished by the Adviser Access Person.

 

H. Independent Trustees/Directors

An Independent Trustee/Director does not need to provide the following reports or certifications:  Initial or Annual Holdings Reports, Duplicate Confirmations, or Initial or Annual Conflict of Interest Questionnaire.  An Independent Trustee/Director need not file Quarterly Transaction Reports, unless the Independent Trustee/Director knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as an Independent Trustee/Director, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the Independent Trustee’s/Director's transaction in a Reportable Security,  a Fund purchased or sold the Reportable Security, or the Adviser considered purchasing or selling the Reportable Security.

 

V. A dministrationof theCode of E thics

 

A. Prior Approval Requirements and Procedures

Access Persons must obtain prior approval for Personal Securities Transactions in certain Reportable Securities in accordance with these procedures.  It is encouraged that all Access Persons seek prior approval for all Personal Securities Transactions through Schwab Compliance Technologies, although alternative approval, including written or verbal approval, may be granted.  In the case of verbal approval, the Compliance Group will document the reasons written approval was not possible.

 

Unless the CCO permits or requests a different form, the request must contain the following information:

 

  1. The name of the security;

 

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  2. The exchange ticker or CUSIP number;

 

  3. Whether the transaction is a purchase or sale;

 

  4. The quantity of shares or principal amount; and

 

  5. The account or broker or dealer where the transaction will take place.

 

The Access Person will receive a response from a member of the Compliance Group or Schwab Compliance Technologies. If prior approval is granted, the Access Person must execute his or her Personal Securities Transaction no later than the close of business on the same Trading Day.  Approval expires at the end of the day.  If the Access Person receives prior approval for a Personal Securities Transaction and places a limit order with his or her broker, that limit order must either execute or expire no later than the close of business on the Trading Day.

 

If the Personal Securities Transaction is not executed within the specified timeframe, the Access Person must re-submit his or her prior approval request if he or she still desires to execute the Personal Securities Transaction.

 

An Access Person is prohibited from engaging in a Personal Securities Transaction in advance of receiving written approval, even if he or she expects that approval will be forthcoming.

 

Investments in IPOs and Limited Offerings are governed by Section III of the Code, not the requirements of this section of the Code.

 

Note – transactions in retirement accounts of an Access Person’s immediate family member that can only invest in unaffiliated mutual funds do not require pre-approval or entry in Schwab Compliance Technologies, although periodic reporting may be required and an Access Person may need to periodically certify that the account can only hold unaffiliated mutual funds.

 

B. Some Reasons for Denial of Prior Approval

Access Persons are reminded that engaging in Personal Securities Transactions in Reportable Securities is a privilege and not a right.

 

Although this list is not meant to be exhaustive, an Access Person will be denied prior approval of a Personal Securities Transaction if the security is subject to a Blackout Period.  Approval can also be denied if: the CCO or any member of the Compliance Group believes that the Access Person’s pattern of trading is inconsistent with the spirit of the Code regardless of whether it meets the letter of the Code; if a Reportable Security was the subject of a newly-issued or changed outlook of the Adviser within five (5) business days prior to the request; or to avoid a conflict, or the appearance of a conflict, with the interests of the Adviser’s clients.  Approvals are denied without prejudice, so an Access Person can resubmit his or her request for prior approval for reconsideration at any time.

 

C. Managed Account Exemption

Transactions in accounts holding Reportable Securities in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership but over which the Access Person and his or her family members have no direct or indirect influence or control may be exempted from the definition of Reportable Transactions.

 

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An example of an eligible managed account would be an account managed by an independent investment professional that neither consults with nor accepts guidance from the account owner on specific securities transactions prior to execution.

 

Exemption of a managed account from the prior approval and reporting requirements of this Code must be requested in writing by the Access Person to the CCO.

 

D. Written Report to Funds Board

No less frequently than annually, the Adviser must furnish to the Board of the Funds and the Board must consider, a written report that:

 

  1. Describes any issues arising under this Code or procedures since the last report to the Board, including but not limited to information about violations of the Code or procedures or sanctions imposed in response to the violations;

 

  2. Discusses whether any significant conflicts of interest arose during the reporting period, even if the conflicts have not resulted in a violation of the Code;

 

  3. Discusses any waivers that might be considered important by the Board that were granted during the reporting period; and

 

  4. Certifies that the Funds and the Adviser have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.

 

VI. D uty of C onfidentiality

 

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the Adviser’s fiduciary obligation to its clients.  Access Persons owe a duty of confidentiality to both the Adviser and its clients.  Information acquired in the course of employment by the Adviser, including but not limited to information regarding actual or contemplated investment decisions, securities under Active Consideration, portfolio composition, client interests, non-public client information, research, research recommendations, Adviser activities and new business initiatives is confidential.

 

Access Persons must not discuss client business ( e.g., strategy, holdings, assets under management, etc.), including the existence of a client relationship, with outsiders except as necessary to perform his or her job responsibilities.

 

In addition, Access Persons should be familiar with the Funds’ Policies and Procedures Regarding Selective Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings, which addresses the requirements for disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings to ensure equality of dissemination.

 

VII. O utside A ffiliations

 

The Adviser recognizes that an Access Person has outside affiliations to which he or she dedicates personal time.

 

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A. Directorships

An Access Person who wishes to serve on the Board of Directors of any organization must first obtain approval from the CCO, or another member of the Compliance Group, prior to accepting the position.  The Compliance Group will determine if a new Access Person can continue to serve as a director of an organization if he or she is already in that position prior to joining the Adviser.  In either case, approval will be granted only if the Compliance Group determines that the activity does not present a significant conflict of interest with the Adviser or the Adviser’s clients.

 

The above restrictions and procedures for approval do not apply to unpaid service with a charitable or non-profit organization.

 

B. Outside Employment

Each Access Person is required to disclose whether or not he or she is engaged in any paid employment, business venture or service outside the business of the Adviser.  No paid employment or participation in a venture or service relating to the provision of investment advisory services is permitted without prior approval.

 

These disclosures are required on the Initial Conflicts of Interest and annually thereafter on the Annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire available through Schwab Compliance Technologies.

 

VIII. O versight of the Code of E thics

 

A. Compliance Group

The Compliance Group, led by the CCO, is responsible for monitoring and oversight of this Code.

 

B. Responsibilities of Each Employee

It is expected that Employees will embrace and comply with both the letter and spirit of the Code and to uphold its fiduciary obligations.

 

Adherence to the Code is a basic condition of employment.  If an Employee has any doubt as to the appropriateness of any activity, believes that he or she has violated the Code, or becomes aware of a violation of the Code by another Employee, the Employee is obligated to bring these matters to the attention of the Compliance Group.

 

C. Enforcement of the Code

Potential violations of the Code will be investigated and considered by the Compliance Group and/or Management of the Adviser.

 

Violations of the Code’s provisions are taken seriously and may result in sanctions or other consequences, including but not limited to the following:

 

  1. A warning;

 

  2. A reversal of a Personal Securities Transaction;

 

  3. Disgorgement of profits from the Personal Securities Transaction;

 

  4. A limitation or restriction on engaging in Personal Securities Transactions;

 

  5. A monetary fine;

 

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  6. Termination of employment; and

 

  7. Referral to civil or criminal authorities.

 

As described above in Section V, ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS, violations are reported to the Boards of the Funds no less frequently than annually.

 

Any questions about the Code of Ethics or the existence of a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, should be brought to the attention of the CCO or other member of the Compliance Group.

 

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Exhibit A - Text of Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Rule 16a-1(a)(2) Other than for purposes of determining whether a person is a beneficial owner of more than ten percent of any class of equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Act, the term beneficial owner shall mean any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the equity securities, subject to the following:

 

(i) The term pecuniary interest in any class of equity securities shall mean the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the subject securities.

 

(ii) The term indirect pecuniary interest in any class of equity securities shall include, but not be limited to:

 

(A) Securities held by members of a person's immediate family sharing the same household; provided, however, that the presumption of such beneficial ownership may be rebutted; see also § 240.16a-1(a)(4) ;

 

(B) A general partner's proportionate interest in the portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership. The general partner's proportionate interest, as evidenced by the partnership agreement in effect at the time of the transaction and the partnership's most recent financial statements, shall be the greater of:

 

(1) The general partner's share of the partnership's profits, including profits attributed to any limited partnership interests held by the general partner and any other interests in profits that arise from the purchase and sale of the partnership's portfolio securities; or

 

(2) The general partner's share of the partnership capital account, including the share attributable to any limited partnership interest held by the general partner.

 

(C) A performance-related fee, other than an asset-based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment adviser, investment manager, trustee or person or entity performing a similar function; provided, however, that no pecuniary interest shall be present where:

 

(1) The performance-related fee, regardless of when payable, is calculated based upon net capital gains and/or net capital appreciation generated from the portfolio or from the fiduciary's overall performance over a period of one year or more; and

 

(2) Equity securities of the issuer do not account for more than ten percent of the market value of the portfolio. A right to a nonperformance-related fee alone shall not represent a pecuniary interest in the securities;

 

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(D) A person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities. Otherwise, a right to dividends alone shall not represent a pecuniary interest in the securities;

 

(E) A person's interest in securities held by a trust, as specified in § 240.16a-8(b); and

 

(F) A person's right to acquire equity securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable.

 

(iii) A shareholder shall not be deemed to have a pecuniary interest in the portfolio securities held by a corporation or similar entity in which the person owns securities if the shareholder is not a controlling shareholder of the entity and does not have or share investment control over the entity's portfolio.

 

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Exhibit B - Members of Compliance Group

 

Marc Collins, Chief Compliance Officer
Jon Mohrhardt
Melissa Hale
Justin White

 

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Exhibit C - Exempt Transactions

 

The following transactions shall be exempt from the pre-clearance requirements and other provisions of this Code of Ethics, but the reporting and disclosure requirements of the Code shall apply:

 

A. Non-discretionary Transactions

 

Purchases or sales effected in any account over which an Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control, or in any account of the Access Person which is managed on a discretionary basis by a person: (a) unrelated to the Access Person; (b) whom the Access Person does not, in fact, influence or control; and (c) with whom the Access Person does not confer or otherwise participate in connection with the purchase and sale of securities in the account.

 

Note: Any registered investment adviser retained by an Access Person shall be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer before the Access Person may rely upon this exemption. For this purpose, transactions effected under a power of attorney or a brokerage account agreement are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain an express delegation of investment discretion.

 

B. Non-volitional Transactions

 

Purchases or sales that are non-volitional on the part of the Access Person, including mergers, recapitalizations or similar transactions. Non-volitional transactions also include gifts of a Reportable Security to an Access Person over which the Access Person has no control of the timing.

 

C. Automatic Investment Plans

 

A program in which regular periodic purchases or sales are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including an issuer’s automatic dividend reinvestment plan, including rebalance transaction in such plans.

 

D. Rights Issuances

 

Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by the issuer 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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Exhibit D - List of Funds

 

RiverNorth Core Opportunity Fund
RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Income Fund
RiverNorth Equity Opportunity Fund

RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income Fund

 

RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

RiverNorth Marketplace Lending Corporation

 

Revised 11/1/2013
  12/5/2013
  2/28/2014
  11/7/2014
  1/5/2016

 

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New York Life Investment

Management Holdings LLC

  Code of Ethics
  September 2018

 

 

S ECTION 1 G ENERAL F IDUCIARY P RINCIPLES AND S TANDARDS OF B USINESS CONDUCT

 

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) has been adopted by New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC’ (“NYLIM Holdings”) and certain of its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, “New York Life Investments” or the “Company”) 1 and is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The Company has delegated administration and enforcement of this Code to New York Life Investments Compliance (the “Compliance Department”).

 

Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, both the Company and its employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance with this principal involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means that the Company has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of its clients. The Company is committed to promoting the highest ethical standards and practices, while pursuing its business interests.

 

The Code is designed to ensure that Employees comply with all applicable federal securities laws and the conditions in any applicable exemptive relief. It is based upon the principle that the Company and its employees owe a fiduciary duty to our clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid: (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the Company, (iii) making any untrue statement, omitting a material fact, or otherwise being misleading, including the use or misuse of false rumors or (iv) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.

 

Each employee has an obligation to make prompt and full disclosure of any situation which may involve a conflict of interest. Potential conflicts that require disclosure include, but are not limited to, outside employment and material business relationships, outside directorships, gifts and entertainment, political activity, or any other arrangement or circumstance, including family or other personal relationships which might dissuade an Employee from acting in the best interest of the Company and its Clients. Employees shall promptly notify the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or Local Compliance Officer (“LCO”) of any violation or potential violation of the Code.

 

This Code does not attempt to identify all possible conflicts of interest, and literal compliance with each of its specific provisions will not shield Employees from liability for personal trading or other conduct that violates a fiduciary duty to our Clients.

 

Some provisions of the Code, particularly with respect to personal trading, only apply to Access Persons, as defined herein and do not apply to all Employees of the Company. Status as an Access Person will depend on a person’s specific title, functions, duties, activities, and access to information. See Section II for the definition of Access Persons.

 


1 For purposes of this Code, “New York Life Investments” or the “Company” includes the following NYLIM Holdings entities: GoldPoint Partners LLC, IndexIQ Advisors LLC, IndexIQ LLC, MacKay Shields LLC, New York Life Investment Management LLC, New York Life Investment Management (UK) Limited, NYLIFE Distributors LLC, NYLIM Service Company LLC, and the following New York Life Insurance Company subsidiaries: Credit Value Partners, LLC , Madison Capital Funding LLC, New York Life Trust Company, and NYL Investors LLC. Ausbil Investment Management Limited, Candriam Belgium SA, Candriam S.A. (France), Candriam Luxembourg S.A, NYLIM Asia Limited – Japan Branch, and Private Advisors, LLC, all direct or indirect subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company, administer their own Codes of Ethics. Each entity referred to above may be referred to individually as an “Investment Adviser.”

 

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Employees are also required to adhere to the policies relating to the Code, including, but not limited to: Insider Trading and Information Barrier Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy, Gift and Entertainment Policy, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act/Anti-Corruption Policy, Mutual Fund Selective Disclosure Policy, Personal Political Contributions Policy, and Integrity – Standards of Business Conduct Policy 2 (“Related Policies”). These Related Policies have been distributed separately from this Code. Employees of IndexIQ are also subject to the IndexIQ Self-Indexing Policies and Procedures.

 

S ECTION 2 D EFINITIONS

 

Access Person - shall have the same meaning as set forth in Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act and shall include:

 

- All officers (defined as Managing Director and above) or directors of New York Life Investments;

 

- any “Supervised Person” of New York Life Investments or any other person who has access to non-public information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or non- public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Affiliated Fund, or who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are non-public;

 

- Includes Index Personnel and Investment Personnel.

 

Affiliated Fund - The MainStay Group of Funds.

 

Automatic Investment Plan –regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) that are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An automatic investment plan includes dividend reinvestment plans (“DRIPs”) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (“ESPPs”).

 

Beneficial Ownership - shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a- 1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. A beneficial owner is any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities. A pecuniary interest in securities means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in those securities. A person is presumed to have an indirect pecuniary interest in securities held by members of a person’s Immediate Family who either reside with, or are financially dependent upon, or whose investments are controlled by, that person. A person also has a beneficial interest in securities held: (i) in a trust which he or she is a trustee, has a beneficial interest or is the settlor with a power to revoke; (ii) by another person and he or she has a contract or an understanding with such person that the securities held in that person’s name are for his or her benefit; (iii) in the form of a right to acquisition of such security through the exercise of warrants, options, rights, or conversion rights; (iv) by a partnership of which he or she is a member; (v) by a corporation that he or she uses as a personal trading medium; or (vi) by a holding company that he or she controls.

  


2 In certain instances, NYLIC’s Code of Conduct may differ. However, in these cases, employees subject to this Code must meet the requirements of this Code and their firm’s related policies.

  

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Buy or Sell Order - an order placed with a broker to buy or sell a security.

 

Cashless Exercise - transactions executed when exercising employee stock options. Essentially, the money is borrowed to exercise the option to purchase shares, the option is exercised and simultaneously the shares are sold to pay for the purchase, taxes, and broker commissions.

 

Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) – NYLIM CCO

 

Client - any client of the Company, including a registered investment company (mutual fund) or other person or entity.

 

Covered Security - means any security as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it does not include:

- direct obligations of the U.S. Government;
- bankers’ acceptances;
- bank certificates of deposit;
- commercial paper;
- high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
- shares issued by open-end mutual funds, including the MainStay Funds (shares of exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) or other exchange traded vehicles are not considered open-end mutual funds);
- interests in qualified state college tuition programs (“529 Plans”); and
- cryptocurrencies or digital currencies, such as Bitcoin or Ether, which are a virtual or digital representations of value. However, a virtual currency token offered in an initial or digital coin offering will be deemed a Covered Security for purposes of the Code and subject to preclearance requirements (See Section 3.3 Initial Public Offerings, Private Placements and Initial Coin Offerings) .

 

Discretionary Managed Account – an account managed on a discretionary basis by a person (or Robo-Adviser) other than an Employee over which the Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control over the selection or disposition of securities and no advance knowledge of transactions therein.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIPs) – a stock purchase plan offered by a corporation whereby shareholders purchase stock directly from the company (usually through a transfer agent) and allow investors to reinvest their cash dividends by purchasing additional shares or fractional shares.

 

Employee - any person employed by the Company. Temporary employees and consultants may be subject to the Code, as determined by the Compliance Department based on, among other things, contract length, job duties, work location, and other factors, at whatever designation the Compliance Department believes is appropriate.

 

Employee Stock Option Plan – contracts between a company and its employees that give employees the right to buy a specific number of the company’s shares at a fixed price within a certain period of time.

 

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Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) - an organized plan for employees to buy shares of their company’s stock.

 

Exchange Traded Fund – an exchange-traded fund or ETF is an investment company or unit investment trust that trades like stock. The price of an ETF is derived from and based upon the securities held by the portfolio. An ETF may be passively managed and follow a specified index or actively managed. ETFs are considered covered securities under this Code.

 

Federal Securities Laws - the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Commission or the Department of the Treasury.

 

Front Running - the buying or selling of a security by a person, with the intent of taking advantage of the market impact of a client’s transaction in the underlying security by or on behalf of the Client.

 

Immediate Family - any of the following individuals: child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships who reside in the same household. The term also includes any related or unrelated individual who resides with, or whose investments are controlled by, or whose financial support is materially contributed to by, the employee, such as a “significant other.”

 

IndexIQ ETFs – each exchange traded fund series of the IndexIQ ETF Trust and IndexIQ Active ETF Trust.

 

IndexIQ Employees – employees of IndexIQ Advisors LLC and IndexIQ LLC.

 

Index Personnel – certain employees of IndexIQ LLC and its affiliates who have responsibility for underlying affiliated indexes and rules based processes, as well as employees of IndexIQ LLC and its affiliates appointed to assist such employees in the performance of his/her duties. Index Personnel also include other employees of the Company that may have access to non-public information with respect to indexes that IndexIQ ETFs seek to track.

 

Index Rebalance - a time period when an IndexIQ ETF or other accounts for which IndexIQ Advisors LLC acts as advisor and/or sub-advisor receives its rebalance or reconstitution information with respect to an underlying index for which (i) IndexIQ LLC or (ii) an unaffiliated entity serves as the index provider.

 

Initial Public Offering - an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which immediately before registration was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

Insider Trading - the purchase or sale of securities of a public company while in possession of material, non-public information or communicating such information to others.

 

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Investment Club - a group of two or more people, each of whom contributes monies to an investment pool and participates in the investment making decision process and shares in the investment returns.

 

Investment Personnel - employees who, in connection with their regular functions or duties, make or participate in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities for Client Accounts (i.e., portfolio managers, traders and analysts).

 

Local Compliance Officer (“LCO”) – CCO or designee of an applicable NYLIM Holdings’ entity.

 

MainStay Funds – each open-end fund series of The MainStay Group of Funds. The term MainStay Funds also include open-end fund series of the IndexIQ Trust.

 

New York Life Investments - includes the following NYLIM Holdings entities: Credit Value Partners LLC, GoldPoint Partners LLC, IndexIQ Advisors LLC, IndexIQ, LLC, MacKay Shields LLC, Madison Capital Funding, New York Life Investment Management LLC, New York Life Investment Management (UK) Limited, NYLIM Service Company LLC, and NYLIFE Distributors LLC, as well as the following New York Life Insurance Company subsidiaries: NYL Investors LLC and New York Life Trust Company.

 

Non-Access Person – employees that do not fall into the definition of Access Person.

 

Private Placement - an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 under Sections 4(2) or 4(6), or Rules 504, 505 or 506 thereunder.

 

Reportable Fund: an investment company, whether or not affiliated, advised or subadvised by the Company and any investment company whose investment adviser or principal underwriter is controlled by or under common control with the Company (e.g., IndexIQ funds).

 

Restricted List – a listing of securities maintained by the CCO or LCO in which trading by Access Persons is generally prohibited.

 

Registered Representative - an Employee who is registered as such with a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

Scalping - buying and selling a security on the same day as a Client and includes, among other transactions, the buying of a security when a client is selling that security, or selling a security when a Client is buying that security, with the intention of taking advantage of the market impact.

 

Supervised Person – an Investment Adviser’s supervised persons are its partners, officers, directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions) and employees, as well as any other persons who provide advice on behalf of the adviser and are subject to the adviser’s supervision and control.

 

S ECTION 3 P ERSONAL I NVESTING A CTIVITIES - R ESTRICTIONS A ND M ONITORING P ROCEDURES

 

3.1 General Policy –All Employees

The Company has adopted the following principles governing personal investment activity which apply to all Employees :

 

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- All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility;
- Employees may not engage in Insider Trading;
- Employees must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions;
- The interests of Client accounts will at all times be placed first (no Front Running or Scalping);
- Active personal trading (e.g., day trading) is discouraged. While there is currently no limitation on the number of trades that an Employee may execute per quarter or trade requests that an Employee may submit per quarter, the Code grants the CCO and LCO the power to impose such a limitation on any Employee if: (i) it is believed to be in the best interest of the Company or its Clients, or (ii) such trading interferes with an Employee’s professional duties;
- No personal trades may be effected through the Company’s traders;
- Employees may not purchase and sell (or exchange), or sell and purchase (or exchange), shares of the same MainStay Fund within 30 days. The 30-day holding period is measured from the time of the most recent purchase of shares of the relevant MainStay Fund by the Employee. This applies to all MainStay Funds, including shares owned through a 401(K) plan or similar account, or through a variable insurance product. It does not apply to purchases that are effected as part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, an automatic investment plan, a payroll deduction plan or program, or transactions in money market funds;
- Employees may not do anything indirectly that, if done directly, would violate the Code. For example, never use a derivative, or any other instrument or technique, to get around a rule. Such actions would be the equivalent of direct Code violations.

 

3.2 Additional Requirements for Access Persons and Investment Personnel

 

If you are designated an Access Person because of your position in the Company or your access to information regarding Client information, you are subject to the following additional requirements.

 

3.2.1 Preclearance of Covered Securities

 

Access Persons must preclear all transactions in Covered Securities. Preclearance of personal securities transactions allows the Company to prevent certain trades that may conflict with Client trading. Each Access Person must submit their requests through the employee preclearance system via the Company’s Intranet. Automated feedback will be provided to the Employee as to whether the request is approved or denied.

 

In the event that the system is unavailable, Access Persons must send a request via an email to the Compliance Department, including the information contained in the hardcopy Preclearance Form (Exhibit C) and receive approval prior to completing any transaction in Covered Securities. The Compliance Department will provide approval or denial via email.

 

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The authorization given through the system or by the Compliance Department is effective for the calendar day that the request was submitted and ultimately approved. If your transaction is not executed on that same day, a new request must be submitted. 3

 

All stop orders and good to cancel orders are prohibited. Any preclearance request with these instructions will be denied.

 

You must preclear all transactions in IndexIQ ETFs and any non-affiliated ETF which hold less than 30 securities in its portfolio.

 

3.2.2 Holding Period/Short Swing Rule

 

Access Persons may not profit from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of the same (or equivalent) Covered Security within sixty calendar days. The holding period is measured from the time of the most recent purchase of shares of the relevant Covered Security by the Employee (LIFO method). Violations may result in, among other things, disgorgement of the profit to the Client or to a charity of the Company’s choice. Exceptions may be made by the CCO or LCO to accommodate special circumstances. Notwithstanding the above, an Access person who receives a grant of options through an Employee Stock Option Plan, who chooses to exercise those options in a Cashless Exercise, will be allowed an exception from the sixty-day holding period, but only after obtaining approval from the Compliance Department.

 

3.2.3 Trading /Black-Out Period

 

Access Persons may not purchase or sell a Covered Security on a day when there is a Buy or Sell Order for a Client of their respective Investment Adviser. Access Persons deemed Investment Personnel, IndexIQ Employees and Index Personnel are further restricted in black-out periods. Investment Personnel may not purchase or sell a Covered Security if any purchase or sale of such securities has been made for an Investment Adviser Client account in the prior seven calendar days or can reasonably be anticipated for a Company Client account in the next seven calendar days.

 

3.2.4 Exceptions to Blackout Period

 

Exceptions may be granted to the black-out period set forth in paragraph 3.2.3 above on days when there is no Buy or Sell order for a Client of the Company and the transaction involves one of the following:

 

(i) Securities in the Russell 1000 Index – 2,000 shares or less;

 

(ii) Securities NOT in the Russell 1000 Index –

 

a. Securities with market cap greater than $5 billion – 500 shares or less, or

 


3 For employees of New York Life Investments International Ltd., New York Life Investment Management (UK) Limited only, authorization given through the employee preclearance system or by the Compliance Department is effective until the close of local markets on the next business day.

 

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b. Securities with market cap less than $5 billion - the smaller of 500 shares or less in the aggregate or less than .001% of the issuer’s market capitalization.

 

The above exceptions will not apply to Index Personnel or IndexIQ Employees during a black-out period resulting from an Index Rebalance.

 

3.2.5 Other Exceptions

 

Requirements pertaining to Sections 3.2.1 through 3.2.4 do not apply to transactions:

- by employees of New York Life Insurance Company who are directors of New York Life Investments or certain other designated departments or persons, who do not have access to information about the Company’s purchases and sales of securities;
- in Discretionary Managed Accounts provided the employee provides the Compliance Department with a copy of the fully executed investment management agreement which provides for the investment advisor’s complete discretion and control over the account, and provided the Employee (and his/her investment advisor) certifies that he/she will not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the account (see Exhibit G). Employees that have Discretionary Managed Accounts managed by an immediate family member are still subject to Sections 3.2.1 through 3.2.4;
- that are non-volitional in nature: e.g., stock splits, stock dividends, exchanges and conversions, mandatory tenders, pro rata distributions to all holders of a class of securities, gifts, inheritances, margin/maintenance calls (where the securities to be sold are not directed by the covered person), and sales pursuant to regulated tender offers;
- in Automatic Investment Plans such as DRIPs, ESPPs or similar accounts;
- in any non-affiliated ETF, which holds 30 or more securities in its portfolio;
- in securities that are not “Covered Securities”;
- in government-sponsored enterprises fixed income securities (e.g., FNMA, FHLMC);
- in variable rate demand notes (“VRDN’s”) and variable rate demand obligations (“VRDO’s”);
- in municipal (“muni”) bonds. This exception will not apply to MacKay Shields Employees; or
- in municipal auction rate securities (“ARS”) with short-term coupon resets (e.g., 7 days) and closed-end municipal auction rate “Preferred” shares. MacKay Shields Employees must preclear these instruments.

 

3.3 Initial Public Offerings Private Placements and Initial Coin Offerings

 

No Access Person (or Employees who are Registered Representatives) may directly or indirectly acquire Beneficial Ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering of securities, a Private Placement or a virtual currency token offered in an initial or digital coin offering (also called ICOs or token sales) except with the express written prior approval of the CCO or LCO where applicable, in consultation with Corporate Compliance. Employees may submit a preclearance request using the employee preclearance system or email using Exhibit D.

 

3.4 Restricted List

 

No Access Person may acquire or dispose of any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership in securities of an issuer listed on the Access Person’s respective Investment Adviser’s Restrictive List. Although transactions in securities of an issuer listed on the Restricted List are generally prohibited, case-by-case exceptions may be granted by the CCO.

 

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3.5 Options

 

Investment Personnel are prohibited from trading in options with respect to individual securities covered under this Code. Transactions in index options effected on a broad-based index are permitted. Access Persons trading options on individual securities must ensure that expiration dates meet or exceed the 60-day holding period and short swing rule. Access Persons are also prohibited from trading in uncovered options on individual securities (i.e., trading in a position where the seller of an option contract does not own any, or enough, of the underlying security).

 

3.6 Investment Clubs

 

Access Persons and members of their Immediate Family may not participate in Investment Clubs. In certain limited instances, exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

 

3.7 Section 16 Requirements

 

Certain Employees are considered “Fund Insiders” pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to closed-end funds advised or subadvised by an applicable Investment Adviser. Pre- clearance by Fund Insiders is required prior to transacting in closed-end fund shares, including closed-end fund shares purchased or sold in Discretionary Managed Accounts. In addition, transactions in closed-end fund shares by Fund Insiders require additional reporting to the Commission, and are subject to holding periods. Please refer to the MainStay Funds’ Policies and Procedures for Compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Act of 1934 or contact the applicable CCO for more information.

 

S ECTION 4 R ECORDKEEPING AND R EPORTING R EQUIREMENTS

 

4.1 Initial Securities Holdings and Account Reports

 

Access Persons must, no later than 10 days after becoming an employee, submit an initial holdings and account report and certification (Exhibit E –Access Persons). The holdings information presented in this report must be current as of 45 days prior to employment. Access Persons must also disclose all broker, dealer or bank accounts in which any Securities (including Covered Securities) are held. Non-Access Persons are only required to disclose where Affiliated or Reportable Fund shares are held. Additionally, each new Employee shall file an “Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Code of Ethics and Related Policies” (via the employee preclearance system or Exhibit A). New employees may only maintain accounts at brokers from which Compliance receives an electronic feed. Contact Compliance for a complete list.

 

4.2 Quarterly Reporting

 

Access Persons must, no later than 30 calendar days following quarter end, certify to all transactions in any Covered Security and Affiliated Funds or, alternatively, must confirm that there were no such transactions in the applicable quarter. This does not apply to transactions in Discretionary Managed Accounts as described in Section 3.2.5. Employees must complete this requirement electronically through the system. In the event that the system is unavailable, Access Persons shall file a “Quarterly Transactions Report” (Exhibit F).

 

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4.3 Annual Reporting

 

No later than January 30 th each year: (i) all Employees must file an annual certification indicating that the Employee has complied with the Code and Related Policies and (ii) Access Persons must also file an annual holdings report and certify to their brokerage accounts as of year-end. Employees must complete these requirements through the system.

 

4.4 Opening of Brokerage Accounts

 

Access Persons shall promptly notify the Compliance Department of any new account opened with a broker, dealer or bank including Discretionary Managed Accounts. Access Persons must provide the Compliance Department with sufficient information so that Compliance can arrange for duplicate confirmations and accounts statements to be provided to the Compliance Department, either directly or through an entity engaged to facilitate implementation of the Code of Ethics, at the following address:

 

New York Life Investments PO Box 468

Jersey City, New Jersey, 07303-0468

Attn: Compliance Department

 

Non-Access Persons are only required to notify the Compliance Department of any new accounts opened with a broker, dealer or bank in which Affiliated Fund shares or Reportable Fund shares are held.

 

New employees deemed Access Persons may only open brokerage accounts with a firm that provides Compliance with an electronic feed of trade confirmations and statements. Contact Compliance for the complete list of firms.

 

4.5 New York Life Investments Recordkeeping

 

The Company is required under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Company Act to keep records of certain transactions in which its Employees have direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership.

 

The Compliance Department maintains all records relating to compliance with the Code, such as preclearance requests, exception reports, other internal memoranda relating to non-compliant transactions, and preclearance records, records of violations and any actions taken as a result thereof, written acknowledgements, and the names of Access Persons for a minimum period of eight years. Acknowledgements of the Code will be maintained for eight years after the individual ceases to be an Employee.

 

4.6 Personal Recordkeeping

 

Access Persons should maintain copies of their pre-clearance authorizations, brokerage confirms and brokerage statements, if any. If there is any question as to whether a proposed transaction might involve a possible violation of the Code, the transaction should be discussed in advance with the CCO or LCO.

 

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S ECTION 5 A DMINISTRATION

 

5.1 Mutual Fund Code of Ethics

 

Certain Employees may owe a specific duty of care to each mutual fund Client based on the Employee’s status as an Access Person of that mutual fund. It has been determined that each Employee’s compliance with the Company’s Code will also satisfy the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act as well as any mutual fund that the Company presently advises or subadvises.

 

5.2 Sanctions and Review

 

Upon discovering a violation of the Code, the Company shall take whatever remedial steps it deems necessary and available to correct an actual or apparent conflict (e.g., trade reversal etc.). Following those corrective efforts, the CCO may impose sanctions if, based upon all of the facts and circumstances considered, such action is deemed appropriate. The magnitude of these penalties varies with the severity of the violation, although repeat offenders will likely be subjected to harsher punishment. These sanctions may include, among others, the reversal of trades, disgorgement of profits, suspension of trading privileges or, in more serious cases, inclusion in annual performance evaluations, suspension or termination of employment. It is important to note that violations of the Code may occur without employee fault (e.g., despite preclearance). In those cases, punitive action may not be warranted, although remedial steps may still be necessary.

 

5.3 Review by CCO

 

On a quarterly basis, the CCO will provide the Board of Trustees of the MainStay Funds and IndexIQ ETFs with a report describing issues arising under the Code since its last report, including but not limited to information about material violations of the Code by Access Persons and sanctions imposed in response to such violations. The CCO or LCO may also provide this information to the Compliance Committees of the respective Investment Adviser and other senior management teams.

 

5.4 Monitoring

 

The Company has delegated administration and enforcement of this Code to New York Life Investments Compliance. Compliance, utilizing the system and other methods, conducts reviews of all personal securities transactions and holdings reports with a view towards determining whether Employees have complied with all provisions of the Code. Compliance is responsible for developing and maintaining more detailed standard operating procedures around daily monitoring to detect and prevent violations of this Code.

 

5.5 Acknowledgment and Training

 

Each Employee must certify initially and annually thereafter that he or she has read and understood, is subject to and has complied with the Code and its related polices. Each Employee must attend a Code of Ethics training session conducted by Compliance within a reasonable time of becoming an Employee.

 

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5.6 Exceptions

 

The CCO or LCO as applicable, in consultation with Corporate Compliance, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code in circumstances which present special hardship. Exceptions shall be structured to be as narrow as is reasonably practicable with appropriate safeguards designed to prevent abuse of the exception. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, no exception to a provision of the Code shall be granted where such exception would result in a violation of Rule 17j-1 or Rule 204A-1.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF THE CODE OF ETHICS AND RELATED POLICIES

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT H OLDINGS LLC C ODE OF E THICS

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT LLC I NSIDE I NFORMATION AND I NFORMATION B ARRIER P OLICY AND P ROCEDURES

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT C ONFLICTS OF I NTEREST P OLICY

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT H OLDINGS LLC G IFT & E NTERTAINMENT P OLICY

 

P OLICY AND P ROCEDURES C ONCERNING S ELECTIVE D ISCLOSURE OF M UTUAL F UND P ORTFOLIO H OLDINGS

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT P ERSONAL P OLITICAL C ONTRIBUTIONS P OLICY

 

I NTEGRITY – S TANDARDS OF B USINESS C ONDUCT

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT F OREIGN C ORRUPT P RACTICES A CT /A NTI - C ORRUPTION P OLICY

 

I NDEX IQ S ELF -I NDEXING P OLICIES AND P ROCEDURES *

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT I NDEX P ERSONNEL C OMPLIANCE P OLICY AND PROCEDURES**

 

I hereby certify that I have received a copy of the New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC Code of Ethics and other policies listed above, have read and am subject to the Code and these other policies, and understand the relevant requirements.

 

Received by:

 

Signature     Signature    
           
Name     Name    
Title     Title    
Department     Department    
Date     Date    

 

* Applies only to employees of IndexIQ
** Applies to certain employees of the NYLIM Strategic Asset Allocation and Solutions Group

 

This form may also be submitted via the employee preclearance system

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT H OLDINGS LLC C ODE OF E THICS

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT LLC I NSIDE I NFORMATION AND I NFORMATION B ARRIER P OLICY AND P ROCEDURES
N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT C ONFLICTS OF I NTEREST P OLICY

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT H OLDINGS LLC G IFT & E NTERTAINMENT P OLICY

 

P OLICY AND P ROCEDURES C ONCERNING S ELECTIVE D ISCLOSURE OF M UTUAL F UND P ORTFOLIO H OLDINGS
N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT P ERSONAL P OLITICAL C ONTRIBUTIONS P OLICY

 

I NTEGRITY – S TANDARDS OF B USINESS C ONDUCT

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT F OREIGN C ORRUPT P RACTICES A CT /A NTI - C ORRUPTION P OLICY
I NDEX IQ S ELF -I NDEXING P OLICIES AND P ROCEDURES *

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENT M ANAGEMENT I NDEX P ERSONNEL C OMPLIANCE P OLICY AND P ROCEDURES **

 

I hereby certify that I have received read and understood the Code and policies listed above. I further certify that I have complied with and will continue to comply with each of the provisions of the Code and policies to which I am subject.

 

Received by:

 

Signature     Signature    
           
Name     Name    
Title     Title    
Department     Department    
Date     Date    

 

* Applies only to employees of IndexIQ
** Applies to certain employees of the NYLIM Strategic Asset Allocation and Solutions Group

 

This form may also be submitted via the employee preclearance system

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

NEW YORK LIFE INVESTMENTS

PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING PRECLEARANCE REQUEST FORM

 

Employee Name  
Broker  
Brokerage Account #  
Received by/Date Received  

 

TRADES MUST BE MADE ON THE SAME DAY THAT APPROVAL IS RECEIVED.

 

 

 

DATE

 

 

NAME OF

SECURITY

 

# OF SHRS,

PRINCIPAL

AMOUNT, ETC.

 

 

APPROX

PRICE

 

 

SYMBOL

OR CUSIP #

 

SEC. MKT. CAP.

 

 

PURCHASE/SALE

DIRECT

OWNERSHIP (D)

FAMILY (F)

CONTROL (C)

 

APPROVED

DENIED

                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

The person indicated above has stated and represents that:

 

(a) he/she has no inside information (including information relating to planned securities transactions by the Company) relating to the above referenced issuer(s);

 

(b) there are no conflict of interest in these transactions with respect to Client portfolios (IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY); and

 

(c) these securities are not initial public offerings or private placements.

 

This form may also be submitted via the employee preclearance system

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

N EW Y ORK L IFE I NVESTMENTS H OLDINGS LLC

IPO/L IMITED O FFERING/ Initial Coin Offering 

P RECLEARANCE R EQUEST F ORM

 

Employee Name    
     
Employee Title    
     
Registered Representative?*    
If yes, transaction must be approved by Distributors CCO also. (YES or NO)
     
Are you a NYLIC Officer? (YES or NO)    
If yes, please note that in order to invest in certain private funds, there are certain conditions that may need to be satisfied under New York Insurance Law Section 1411(e) in order to make the investment due to insurance law restrictions. Compliance, with the assistance of OGC, will review these restrictions prior to approving your investment.

 


 

______ Proposed investment in an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) 1

 

Name of Security:  
Estimated Quantity:  
Estimated Trade Date:  
Estimated Price:  
Broker/Dealer (if any):  
Brokerage Account Number:  

I represent that my trading in this investment is not based on material non-public information.

 

______ Proposed investment in a limited offering (e.g., private placement, hedge fund, etc.)

 

Estimated Date of Transaction:    

Name of Private Investment Entity:

*Please provide copy of Offering Memorandum

   
Transaction:

Initial Purchase

Additional Purchase

_________

_________

Amount of Transaction (USD$, number of shares, units, interest, etc.):    

 


1 Please note that your Broker/Dealer may have further restrictions on purchasing IPOs if you meet the Restricted Person definition under FINRA Rule 5130

 

 

EXHIBIT D (cont.)
Conflicts Review:  
Is this Private Fund a fund that is managed or sponsored by NYLIC or an affiliate of NYLIC? Yes ________ No _________
If yes, and you are a NYLIC Officer, then you are prohibited from owning more than 5% of the fund. Compliance will confirm this prior to approving your investment, and will monitor it on an on-going basis.
How did you become aware of the opportunity to invest in this limited offering?  
What is the nature of your relationship with the individual or entity offering the opportunity?  
Are you investing with any special terms? (e.g., less than required minimum amount)  
Are you aware of whether the Firm has any other business dealings with the sponsor or manager of this vehicle?  

 

I understand that approval for limited offerings will only be in effect for 90 days from the date of the Chief Compliance Officer’s signature.

 

     
Employee Signature     Date
       
       

Approved/Denied

   

       
     
CCO Signature     Date
       
     
NYLIFE Distributors CCO*

 

* Required if employee is a registered representative of NY Life Distributors LLC

 

This form may also be submitted electronically in the employee preclearance system.

 

 

EXHIBIT E- Access Persons

 

ACCESS PERSON INITIAL/ANNUAL SECURITIES HOLDINGS/

ACCOUNT REPORT AND CERTIFICATION

 

Name  
Initial Report  
Annual Report  

 

As of the date below, the following are each and every Covered Security 2 , Affiliated Fund, Reportable Fund, and securities account in which I have a direct or indirect “Beneficial Ownership” interest. For purposes of this report, the term Beneficial Ownership is very broad and includes, but is not limited to, ownership of securities or securities accounts (including Discretionary Managed Accounts) by or for the benefit of a person, or such person’s “immediate family” sharing the same household, including any account in which the Employee or family member of that person holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest, retains discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney. The term “immediate family” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law and also includes adoptive relationships. For a more complete definition of these terms, please consult the New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC Code of Ethics

 

This report need not disclose Covered Securities held in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.

 

Name of Security/Affiliated

Fund /Reportable Fund

Exchange Ticker

Symbol or CUSIP

Broker, Dealer or Bank

where Security Held

No. of Shares and

Principal Amount

Nature of Interest

(Direct Ownership,

Family Member, Control, Etc.)

         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

 


2 Covered Securities do not include bank certificates of deposit, open-end mutual fund shares and U.S. Government obligations.

 

 

EXHIBIT E- Access Persons (cont.)

 

Name of any broker, dealer or bank with which I maintain an account in which any securities (including securities that are not Covered Securities and Discretionary Managed Accounts) are held for my direct or indirect benefit (“Securities Account”) as of the date appearing above:

 

Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank with which Account Is Held

Date Account Established

Account Number

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

I understand that brokerage accounts may only be maintained at brokers where Compliance receives an electronic feed of trade confirmations and statements. I may be required to transfer these accounts to a different broker. I acknowledge that I am responsible for all associated transfer costs.

 

I certify that the securities listed above are the only Covered Securities, Affiliated Funds, and Reportable Funds in which I have a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest. I further certify that the accounts listed above are the only securities accounts in which I have a direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership interest. I also consent to the release of certain personal information (name, home address, social security number and spouse’s first initial) by the Company in order to obtain statements and confirmations for my securities accounts. During this time, the Company will agree that all personal information shall be held in strict confidence and shall not be revealed to any person, corporation or entity (including third parties)(together referred to as "Engaged Parties"), other than any Engaged Parties hired to facilitate implementation of the Code of Ethics, as required by law, a court order or a demand by a regulatory agency having jurisdiction, without prior written consent of the Company and the employee. Any Engaged Parties hired to facilitate implementation of the Code of Ethics will be held to the same standards with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of personal information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand however that the Company is authorized to disclose to its other customers, should they inquire, that I am currently (or have been) employed in some capacity in the securities related/financial services industry without identifying New York Life Investments (or its affiliates) as the employer. Such disclosure would generally take place if I opened a securities account with a client of the Company. These steps are being taken by the Company in its commitment to ensure compliance with federal securities laws.

 

 

EXHIBIT E- Access Persons (cont.)

 

Employee Signature  
Date of Submission  
Received By  
Date Received  

  

Return form to:

New York Life Investments

30 Hudson Street 23 rd Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey, 07302

Attn: Compliance Department

 

 

EXHIBIT E –Non-Access Persons

 

NON-ACCESS PERSON INITIAL/ANNUAL ACCOUNT

REPORT AND CERTIFICATION

 

Name  
Initial Report  
Annual Report  

 

As of the date below, the following are each and every securities account in which I have a direct or indirect “Beneficial Ownership” interest that holds Affiliated Funds and/or Reportable Funds. For purposes of this report, the term Beneficial Ownership is very broad and includes, but is not limited to, ownership of securities or securities accounts (including Discretionary Managed Accounts) by or for the benefit of a person, or such person’s “immediate family” sharing the same household, including any account in which the Employee or family member of that person holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest, retains discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney. The term “immediate family” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in- law, or sister-in-law and also includes adoptive relationships. For a more complete definition of these terms, please consult the New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC Code of Ethics:

 

Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank with which Account Is Held

Date Account Established

Account Number

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

I certify that the securities accounts listed above are the only securities accounts in which I have a direct or indirect “Beneficial Ownership” interest that holds Affiliated Funds and/or Reportable Funds. I also consent to the release of certain personal information (name, home address, social security number and spouse’s first initial) by the Company in order to obtain statements and confirmations for my securities accounts. During this time, the Company will agree that all personal information shall be held in strict confidence and shall not be revealed to any person, corporation or entity (including third parties) (together referred to as "Engaged Parties"), other than any Engaged Parties hired to facilitate implementation of the Code of Ethics, without prior written consent of the Company and the employee. Any Engaged Parties hired to facilitate implementation of the Code of Ethics, as required by law, a court order or a demand by a regulatory agency having jurisdiction, will be held to the same standards with respect to maintaining the confidentiality of personal information.

 

 

EXHIBIT E –Non-Access Persons (cont.)

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I understand however that the Company is authorized to disclose to its other customers, should they inquire, that I am currently (or have been) employed in some capacity in the securities related/financial services industry without identifying New York Life Investments (or its affiliates) as the employer. Such disclosure would generally take place if I opened a securities account with a client of the Company. These steps are being taken by the Company in its commitment to ensure compliance with federal securities laws.

 

Employee Signature  
Date of Submission  
Received By  
Date Received  

 

Return form to:

New York Life Investments

30 Hudson Street 23 rd Floor

Jersey City, New Jersey, 07302

Attn: Compliance Department

 

This form may also be submitted via the employee preclearance system.

 

 

EXHIBIT F

 

QUARTERLY TRANSACTIONS REPORT

 

Name  
Quarter Ending  

 

As of the date appearing below, the following are each and every transaction in a Covered Security, Affiliated Fund and Reportable Fund in which I have a direct or indirect “Beneficial Ownership” interest For a more complete definition of these terms, please consult the New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC Code of Ethics . This report need not disclose transactions in Covered Securities and Affiliated Fund Shares in any account over which the Employee has no direct influence or control.

 

Name of Security/

Affiliated Fund/

Reportable Fund

Amount

(# Shares or

Principal Amount)

Exchange

Ticker Symbol

or CUSIP

Interest Rate/

Maturity Date

(if applicable)

Trade

Date

Nature of

Transaction

(Purchase, Sale, Etc.

Firm Through  

Which Transaction

Was Effected

Nature of Interest

(Direct Ownership,

Spouse, Control, Etc.

               
               
               
               
               

 

If no transactions in Covered Securities, Affiliated Fund Shares or Reportable Fund Shares occurred, please insert “NONE” here:

 

In connection with any purchases or sales of securities for Clients during the quarter, I disclosed to the Company any material interests in my Covered Securities, Affiliated Fund Shares, and Reportable Fund Shares which might reasonably have been expected to involve a conflict with the interests of Clients. Also, I have disclosed all my Covered Securities, Affiliated Fund Shares and Reportable Fund shares holdings to the Company.

 

Employee Signature  
Date of Submission  
Received By  
Date Received  

 

This form may also be submitted via the employee preclearance system

 

 

 

EXHIBIT G

 

New York Life Investments Holdings LLC

Employee Certification – Third-Party Discretionary Managed Account(s)

 

I currently hold the position of _______________ at _______________ (the “Firm”), and I am requesting an exemption from the pre-clearance and reporting requirements of the NYLIM Holdings LLC Code of Ethics with respect to the below listed account(s) for which I have retained a third-party manager with complete investment discretion.

 

Third Party Management Firm:  

Financial Advisor Name and Contact Information:

 

Do you have any personal or family relationship with the Financial Advisor?

 
Account Number(s):  

 

I understand in making this request that I must agree/certify to the following:

 

I have provided the Compliance Department with a copy of the fully executed investment management agreement which is currently in effect.
Such agreement provides for the manager’s complete discretion and control over the account.

I will not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the account, including but not limited to:
o I will not suggest that the manager make any particular purchases or sales of securities;
o I will not direct the manager to make any particular purchases or sales of securities;
o I will not consult with the manager as to the particular allocation of specific investments
o I will not ask the manager about intended purchases or sales ahead of time;
o I will not participate in any manner in the manager’s specific investment decision- making.
I will not engage in an initial public offering or private placement via the discretionary agreement.
I will not discuss with my Financial Advisor any Firm related investment activity in advance.
I further understand that the Compliance Department will, upon receipt of all required information, seek approval from the Chief Compliance Officer and notify me of the decision.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT G (cont.)

 

If for any reason it becomes necessary for me to become involved in the trading activity conducted by my Financial Advisor, I will notify the Compliance Department ahead of time.
I will arrange for my Financial Advisor to provide promptly account statements upon request.
If my Financial Advisor is an immediate family member, trading activity will be subject to preclearance. Duplicate trade confirmations and statements must be provided to Compliance.
To the best of my knowledge, I have provided the Compliance Department with all information relevant to this request; and I have not failed to disclose any relevant information concerning this request or concerning the discretionary managed account relationship.
I agree to notify the Compliance Department immediately if there is any material change to the information set forth in this certification.

 

     
  Employee Signature  
     
Name    
Date    

 

 

 

EXHIBIT G (cont.)

 

Third-Party Investment Manager/Financial Advisor Certification

 

As a third-party investment manager (“Manager”), we certify that we will have full discretion over the account(s) listed below, and that Mr./Ms (the “Employee”) will not have any direct or indirect influence or control over the account(s), including but not limited to:

 

o The Employee will not suggest that the Manager make any particular purchases or sales of securities
o The Employee will not direct the Manager to make any particular purchases or sales of securities
o The Employee will not consult with the Manager as to the particular allocation of specific investments
o The Employee will not ask the Manager about intended purchases or sales ahead of time
o The Employee will not participate in any manner in the manager’s specific investment decision-making.

We will provide copies of account statements to the Compliance Department promptly upon request in the future.
We understand that the Employee is requesting an exemption from applicable Code of Ethics requirements pursuant to which the Employee will not be required to seek prior approval for or otherwise report securities transactions in the account(s). If the Manager is an immediate family member of the employee, preclearance of transactions and the provision of account statements and trade confirmations will be required.
We agree to notify the Compliance Department immediately if there is any material change to the information set forth in this certification.

 

 

Signature   Date

 

Name  
Title  
Name of Firm  
Account Number(s)  
Account Name(s)  

 

Internal Use Only          
           
Chief Compliance Officer     Date