As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2019
1933 Act Registration No. 333-229217
1940 Act Registration No. 811-23417
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | [X] |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
Post-Effective Amendment No.
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 | [X] |
Amendment No. 1
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Popular Center
209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
+1 787-282-1621
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code
Joshua B. Deringer
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this post-effective amendment will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] This Post-Effective Amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed Post-Effective Amendment.
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant declares that an indefinite number of its shares of common stock are being registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by this registration statement.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 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 that the Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
Preliminary Prospectus dated September 18, 2019
Subject to Completion
The information in the prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Class A – SQBFX
Class C – SQCBX
Institutional Class – SQBIX
Prospectus Dated:
[ ]
This Prospectus provides important information about the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”) that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.xsquarecapital.com), and each time a report is posted you will be notified by mail and provided with a website address to access the report.
If you have already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or the Fund at 1-833-X-SQUARE.
If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Fund’s shares or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC • Popular Center, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
+1 787-282-1621
www.xsquarecapital.com
info@xsquarecapital.com
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary Section | 4 |
Investments | 8 |
Risk Factors | 8 |
Management of the Fund | 11 |
How the Fund Values Its Shares | 13 |
Investing in the Fund | 15 |
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes | 25 |
Additional Information | 29 |
Financial Highlights | 30 |
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks conservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital and income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “Sales Charges” section on page 32 of the Prospectus.
Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Class A | Class C | Institutional Class | |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.50% | none | none |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of the amount redeemed) | none | 1.00% | none |
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested dividends | none | none | none |
Redemption fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, on shares held for 90 days or less) | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Annual fund operating expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Class A | Class C | Institutional Class | |
Management fees | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | 0.00% |
Other expenses(1) | 3.17% | 3.17% | 3.17% |
Total annual fund operating expenses | 4.42% | 5.17% | 4.17% |
Fee waiver/reimbursement(2) | (3.67)% | (1.67)% | (1.67)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Reimbursement | 2.75% | 3.50% | 2.50% |
(1) | Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. |
(2) | X-Square Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s ‘Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses’ (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, reorganization expenses, brokerage commissions, interest, other expenditures that are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) to 2.75% (for Class A), 3.50% (for Class C) and 2.50% (for the Institutional Class) of the Fund’s average daily net assets for at least one year from the effective date of this Prospectus, subject to termination at any time at the option of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Reimbursement” may be higher than the contractual limitation as a result of the excepted expenses. To the extent that the Adviser defers fees or absorbs operating expenses, it may seek payment from the Fund of such deferred fees or reimbursement of such absorbed expenses within three (3) years after the date on which fees were deferred or expenses absorbed. The Fund will make no such payment or reimbursement, however, if the Fund's total annual operating expenses exceed the expense limit in effect at the time of the proposed payment or reimbursement. |
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation until its expiration). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, under these assumptions, your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | |
Class A | $91 | $167 |
Class C | $45 | $140 |
Institutional Class | $35 | $111 |
You would pay the following expenses on Class A and Class C Shares if you did not redeem your shares at the end of the period:
1 Year | 3 Years | |
Class A | $81 | $167 |
Class C | $35 | $140 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
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Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund uses a balanced approach to invest in a broad range of securities, including common stocks and investment-grade bonds (rated Baa3 or better or BBB- or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization designated by the Adviser or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality).
Normally, the Fund will target a 60% allocation towards U.S. equity securities and a 40% allocation towards fixed income securities, including, but not limited to, investment-grade corporate debt, U.S. agency securities, and U.S. mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities and related derivatives. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers. Although the Fund focuses on investments in larger capitalization companies, the Fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size. Certain less liquid or illiquid holdings of the Fund may include small- and micro-capitalization stocks.
The Fund may also hold cash or money market instruments, including commercial paper and short-term securities issued by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities. The percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including market conditions and purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. The Adviser may determine that it is appropriate to invest a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets in such instruments in response to certain circumstances, such as periods of market turmoil. The Fund may invest without limitation in such instruments for temporary defensive purposes.
The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds.
The Fund relies on the professional judgment of the Adviser to make decisions about the Fund’s portfolio investments. The Adviser seeks to invest in attractively valued securities that, in its opinion, represent long-term investment opportunities. The Adviser believes that an important way to accomplish this is through fundamental analysis, which may include meeting with company executives and employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Securities may be sold when the Adviser believes that they no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
Principal Risks
You may lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is subject to the following principal risks, more fully described in “Risk Factors” in this Prospectus.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Asset-backed securities represent interests in pools of assets such as mortgages, automobile loans, credit card receivables and other financial assets. Asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment, extension, valuation and liquidity risk. These securities, in most cases, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and are subject to the risk of default on the underlying asset or loan, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain asset-backed securities.
Credit Risk. The issuer of bonds or other debt securities may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived as unable or unwilling, to make timely interest or principal payments or otherwise honor its obligations.
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Derivatives Risk. Derivatives can be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and sudden fluctuations in market prices than conventional securities. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and mispricing risks. Investments in derivative instruments, which may be leveraged, may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk.
Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, a debtor may pay back a bond or other fixed income security slower than expected or required, and the value of such security may fall.
Growth-Oriented Stock Risk. Growth-oriented common stocks and other equity-type securities (such as preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds) may involve larger price swings and greater potential for loss than other types of investments.
High-Yield Risk. The Fund’s high-yield fixed income securities, sometimes known as “junk bonds” will be subject to greater credit risk, price volatility and risk of loss than investment grade securities, which can adversely affect the Fund’s return and net asset value. High-yield securities are considered highly speculative and are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to make principal and interest payments.
Income-Oriented Stock Risk. Income provided by the Fund may be reduced by changes in the dividend policies of, and the capital resources available for dividend payments at, the companies in which the Fund invests.
Issuer Risk. The prices of, and the income generated by, securities held by the fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives.
Interest Rate Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the Fund’s yield (and the market value of its securities) will tend to be lower than prevailing market rates; in periods of falling interest rates, the Fund’s yield (and the market value of its securities) will tend to be higher. Securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, causing them to be more volatile than securities with shorter maturities. Securities with shorter maturities tend to provide lower returns and be less volatile than securities with longer maturities. If interest rates rise, the Fund’s yield may not increase proportionately, and the maturities of fixed income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. The risks associated with increasing interest rates are heightened given that interest rates are near historic lows, but are expected to increase in the future with unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Fund. A low or declining interest rate environment poses additional risks to the Fund’s performance, including the risk that proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.
Large Cap Stock Risk. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform investments that focus solely on small- or medium-capitalization stocks.
LIBOR Risk: Many financial instruments may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies, or investment value. LIBOR is the offered rate for short term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On July 27, 2017, the head of the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, but global consensus is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. There also remains uncertainty and risk regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. As such, the transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, and reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance or NAV. In addition, the alternative reference rate may be an ineffective substitute resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for the Fund.
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Liquidity Risk. Certain Fund holdings, such as micro-capitalization stocks and other thinly traded securities, may be deemed to be less liquid or illiquid because they cannot be readily sold without significantly impacting the value of the holdings. Liquidity risk may result from the lack of an active market for a holding, legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or the reduced number and capacity of market participants to make a market in such holding. Market prices for less liquid or illiquid holdings may be volatile, and reduced liquidity may have an adverse impact on the market price of such holdings. Additionally, the sale of less liquid or illiquid holdings may involve substantial delays (including delays in settlement) and additional costs and the Fund may be unable to sell such holdings when necessary to meet its liquidity needs.
Management Risk. The Adviser actively manages the Fund’s investments. Consequently, the Fund is subject to the risk that the methods and analyses employed by the Adviser in this process may not produce the desired results. This could cause the Fund to lose value or its investment results to lag relevant benchmarks or other funds with similar objectives.
Market Risk. The prices of, and the income generated by, the common stocks, bonds and other securities held by the Fund may decline – sometimes rapidly or unpredictably – due to various factors, including events or conditions affecting the general economy or particular industries; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; governmental or governmental agency responses to economic conditions; and currency exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations.
Mid Cap Stock Risk. Stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Mid-sized companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, and may be dependent upon a particular niche of the market.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage-related securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities, include debt obligations that represent interests in pools of mortgages or other income-bearing assets, such as consumer loans or receivables. Such securities often involve risks that are different from or more acute than the risks associated with investing in other types of debt securities. Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are subject to changes in the payment patterns of borrowers of the underlying debt. When interest rates fall, borrowers are more likely to refinance or prepay their debt before its stated maturity. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities, effectively reducing the Fund’s income. Conversely, if interest rates rise and borrowers repay their debt more slowly than expected, the time in which the mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities are paid off could be extended, reducing the Fund’s cash available for reinvestment in higher yielding securities.
New Fund Risk. Because the Fund is new and has a limited operating history it may not grow or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board of Managers (the “Board”) of the Fund may determine to liquidate the Fund.
Non-Diversification Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests a relatively high percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or group of issuers, the Fund’s performance will be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of that single issuer or group of issuers and more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence.
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Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, or with significant operations or revenues outside the United States, may lose value because of adverse political, social, economic or market developments (including social instability, regional conflicts, terrorism and war) in the countries or regions in which the issuers operate or generate revenue. These securities may also lose value due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar and/or currencies of other countries. Issuers of these securities may be more susceptible to actions of foreign governments, such as the imposition of price controls or punitive taxes that could adversely impact the value of these securities. Securities markets in certain countries may be more volatile and/or less liquid than those in the United States. Investments outside the United States may also be subject to different accounting practices and different regulatory, legal and reporting standards and practices, and may be more difficult to value, than those in the United States. In addition, the value of investments outside the United States may be reduced by foreign taxes, including foreign withholding taxes on interest and dividends. Further, there may be increased risks of delayed settlement of securities purchased or sold by the Fund. The risks of investing outside the United States may be heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.
Prepayment (or Call) Risk. Prepayment of the underlying mortgages or other collateral of some fixed income securities may result in a decreased rate of return and a decline in value of those securities.
Reinvestment Risk. The Fund may have difficulty reinvesting payments from debtors and may receive lower rates than from its original investments.
Small Cap Stock Risk. Stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent upon a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than the securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Securities issued by government-sponsored entities and federal agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. government.
Your investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, entity or person. You should consider how this Fund fits into your overall investment program.
Performance
The Fund is new and does not yet have a full calendar year of performance. After the Fund has been in operation for a full calendar year, total return information will be presented. Updated performance information for the Fund is available and may be obtained on the Fund’s website at www,xsquarecapital.com or by calling 1-833-X-SQUARE, which will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.
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Investment Adviser
X-Square Capital, LLC (“X-Square” or the “Adviser”).
Portfolio Managers
Ignacio Canto and Gabriel Medina are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio and have been portfolio managers since [month of inception], 2019.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Purchases of shares are made only through institutional channels such as financial intermediaries and retirement plans. Class C shares may be purchased only through institutional channels, such as financial intermediaries and retirement platforms, which have established an agreement with the Fund’s Distributor. You also may purchase shares through a brokerage firm or other intermediary that has contracted with the Fund to sell shares of the Fund. Investors generally may meet the minimum investment amounts by aggregating multiple accounts within the Fund.
Minimum Initial Investment
for Class A Shares
$5,000 |
Minimum Subsequent
Investment for Class A Shares
$1,000 |
Minimum Initial Investment for Class C
Shares
$5,000 |
Minimum Subsequent Investment for Class
C Shares
$1,000 |
Minimum Initial Investment for Institutional
Class Shares
$100,000 |
Minimum Subsequent Investment for Institutional
Class Shares
$10,000 |
You may purchase or redeem (sell) shares through a broker, dealer or other financial intermediary that has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor.
You may normally redeem (sell) your shares on any Business Day that the New York Stock Exchange is open and the Fund receives such redemption request in good order by mail or telephone.
Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions are taxable, and will generally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
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Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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INVESTMENTS
Principal Investments — Additional Information
This Prospectus describes Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares of the Fund.
The Fund’s investment objectives, conservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital and income, are not fundamental and may be changed without a shareholder vote.
The Fund uses a balanced approach to invest in a broad range of securities, including common stocks and investment-grade bonds (rated Baa3 or better or BBB- or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization designated by the Adviser or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality). Normally, the Fund will target a 60% allocation towards U.S. equity securities and a 40% allocation towards fixed income securities, including, but not limited to, investment-grade corporate debt, U.S. agency securities, and U.S. mortgage-backed securities and related derivatives. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers. Although the Fund focuses on investments in larger capitalization companies, the Fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size.
The Fund may also hold cash or money market instruments, including commercial paper and short-term securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities. The percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in such holdings varies and depends on various factors, including market conditions and purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. The Adviser may determine that it is appropriate to invest a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets in such instruments in response to certain circumstances, such as periods of market turmoil. The Fund may invest without limitation in such instruments for temporary defensive purposes. For tactical purposes, the Fund may from time-to-time engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities in order to take advantage of market inefficiencies, which may also result in higher short-term capital gains that are taxable to shareholders.
For a more complete description of which securities the Fund can invest in and securities ratings, see the SAI.
RISK FACTORS
As with all mutual funds, investing in the Fund involves certain risks. There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective, and there is never any assurance that the Fund will perform as it has in the past. You can lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund may use various investment techniques, some of which involve greater amounts of risk than others. To reduce risk, the Fund is subject to certain limitations and restrictions on its investments, which are described in more detail in the SAI.
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The Fund is subject to the following principal risks:
▪ | Credit Risk. Credit risk, also called default risk, is the risk that an issuer of fixed income securities held by the Fund may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security, the greater the risk that the issuer of the security will default on its obligation. High quality securities are generally believed to have relatively low degrees of credit risk. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that are creditworthy at the time of the transactions. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. Concerns over an issuer’s ability to make principal or interest payments may cause the value of a fixed income security to decline. To the extent that the Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with one or more counterparties. |
▪ | Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of the Internet and because information technology (“IT”) systems and digital data underlie most of the Fund’s operations, the Fund and its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, distributor and other service providers and the financial intermediaries of each (collectively “Service Providers”) are exposed to the risk that their operations and data may be compromised as a result of internal and external cyber-failures, breaches or attacks (“Cyber Risk”). This could occur as a result of malicious or criminal cyberattacks. Cyber-attacks include actions taken to: (i) steal or corrupt data maintained online or digitally, (ii) gain unauthorized access to or release confidential information, (iii) shut down a Fund or Service Provider website through denial-of-service attacks, or (iv) otherwise disrupt normal business operations. However, events arising from human error, faulty or inadequately implemented policies and procedures or other systems failures unrelated to any external cyber-threat may have effects similar to those caused by deliberate cyber-attacks. |
Successful cyber-attacks or other cyber-failures or events affecting the Fund or its Service Providers may adversely impact the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, such attacks, failures or other events may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”), cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, or cause reputational damage. Such attacks, failures or other events could also subject the Fund or its Service Providers to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Insurance protection and contractual indemnification provisions may be insufficient to cover these losses. The Fund or its Service Providers may also incur significant costs to manage and control Cyber Risk. While the Fund and its Service Providers have established IT and data security programs and have in place business continuity plans and other systems designed to prevent losses and mitigate Cyber Risk, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified or that cyber-attacks may be highly sophisticated.
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Cyber Risk is also present for issuers of securities or other instruments in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value.
▪ | Derivatives Risk. An investment in derivatives can be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and sudden fluctuations in market prices than conventional securities. Investments in derivative instruments, which may be leveraged, may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. The Fund’s losses may be greater if it invests in derivatives than if it invests only in conventional securities. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective. The use of hedging may result in certain adverse tax consequences. Engaging in derivative transactions involves special risks, including (a) market risk that the Fund’s derivatives position will lose value; (b) credit risk that the counterparty to the transaction will default; (c) leveraging risk that the value of the derivative instrument will decline more than the value of the assets on which it is based; (d) illiquidity risk that the Fund will be unable to sell its position because of lack of market depth or disruption; (e) pricing risk that the value of a derivative instrument will be difficult to determine; and (f) operations risk that loss will occur as a result of inadequate systems or human error. Many types of derivatives have been developed recently and have not been tested over complete market cycles. For these reasons, the Fund may suffer a loss whether or not the analysis of the Adviser is accurate. |
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In order to secure its obligations in connection with derivative contracts or special transactions, the Fund will either own the underlying assets, enter into offsetting transactions or set aside cash or readily marketable securities. This requirement may cause the Fund to miss favorable trading opportunities due to a lack of sufficient cash or readily marketable securities. This requirement may also cause the Fund to realize losses on offsetting or terminated derivative contracts or special transactions.
▪ | Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, investment companies including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), interests in real estate investment trusts, convertible securities, equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and similar enterprises, warrants, stock purchase rights and synthetic and derivative instruments that have economic characteristics similar to equity securities. |
Investing in equity securities involves market risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual issuers and/or general economic conditions. Securities markets may experience great short-term volatility and may fall sharply at times. Different markets may behave differently from each other and a foreign market may move in the opposite direction from the U.S. market. Stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. In general, the values of equity investments fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and in response to general market and economic conditions. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry trends and developments, and the stock prices of such companies may decline in response. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. Accordingly, the values of the equity investments that the Fund holds may decline over short or extended periods. This volatility means that the value of your investment in the Fund may increase or decrease. You could lose money over short periods due to fluctuation in the Fund’s NAV in response to market movements, and over longer periods during market downturns.
Over the past several years, stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility. Growth stocks are generally more sensitive to market movements than other types of stocks and their stock prices may therefore be more volatile and present a higher degree of risk of loss. Value stocks, on the other hand, may fall out of favor with investors and underperform growth stocks during any given period.
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▪ | Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investment risk is the risk involved with the Fund’s investments in foreign companies. Foreign investments pose additional risks including those relating to political, economic and regulatory events and circumstances unique to a country or region that affect those markets and their issuers. For example, compared to U.S. companies, there generally is less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies. Foreign issuers may not be subject to the uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and practices prevalent in the U.S. In addition, foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less governmental supervision than their counterparts in the U.S. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by factors not present in the U.S., including expropriation, confiscation of property, and difficulties in enforcing contracts. Foreign settlement procedures may also involve additional risks. These factors can make foreign investments, especially those in developing countries, more volatile than U.S. investments. |
▪ | High-yield Securities Risk. High-yield fixed income and convertible securities (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”) generally are rated BB or below by S&P Global Ratings, DBRS Ratings Limited or Fitch Ratings, or Ba or below by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (or have received a comparable rating from another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization), or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. |
High-yield fixed income and convertible securities are considered predominantly speculative by traditional investment standards. The market value of these low-rated securities tends to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in interest rates and economic conditions than higher-rated securities. In addition, they generally present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of low-rated securities are often highly leveraged, so their ability to repay their debt during an economic downturn or periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers also is greater because low-rated securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities.
Investment by the Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by the Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation will be uncertain. The Fund also may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery on defaulted securities.
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The secondary market for lower quality securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher quality securities. In addition, market trading volume for these securities generally is lower and the secondary market for such securities could contract under adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less developed secondary market also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of such securities in its portfolio.
Investments in lower quality securities, whether rated or unrated, will be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case with investments in higher quality securities.
▪ | Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when interest rates rise, prices of fixed income securities fall. However, market factors, such as the demand for particular fixed income securities, may cause the price of certain fixed income securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged. Interest rate changes have a greater effect on the price of fixed income securities with longer durations. Duration measures the price sensitivity of a fixed income security to changes in interest rates. The longer a security's duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. For example, if a bond has a duration of 5 years, a 1% rise in rates would result in a 5% decline in the bond's price. If a bond has a duration of 10 years, a 1% rise in interest rates would result in a 10% decline in the bond's price. Certain factors, such as the presence of call features, may cause a particular fixed income security, or the Fund as a whole, to exhibit less sensitivity to changes in interest rates. |
▪ | Large Cap Stock Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Many larger companies also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. For purposes of the Fund’s investment policies, the market capitalization of a company is based on its capitalization at the time the Fund purchases the company’s securities. Market capitalizations of companies change over time. The Fund is not obligated to sell a company’s security simply because, subsequent to its purchase, the company’s market capitalization has changed to be outside the capitalization range, if any, in effect for the Fund. |
▪ | LIBOR Risk: Many financial instruments may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies, or investment value. LIBOR is the offered rate for short term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On July 27, 2017, the head of the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, but global consensus is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. There also remains uncertainty and risk regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to include enhanced provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. As such, the transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, and reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting the Fund’s performance or NAV. In addition, the alternative reference rate may be an ineffective substitute resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions for the Fund. |
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▪ | Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in this Prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, legal restrictions impairing its ability to sell particular securities or close derivative positions at an advantageous market price or other reasons. Certain portfolio securities, such as micro-capitalization stocks and other thinly traded securities, may be less liquid than others, which may make them difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like or difficult to value. The Fund may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity. Any of these events could have a negative effect on portfolio management or performance. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market for certain securities. As a general matter, dealers recently have been less willing to make markets for certain fixed income securities. The potential for liquidity risk may be magnified by a rising interest rate environment or other circumstances where investor redemptions from money market and other fixed income mutual funds may be higher than normal, potentially causing increased supply in the market due to selling activity. Funds with principal investment strategies that involve investments in securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, foreign securities derivatives or securities with potential market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. All of these risks may increase during periods of market volatility. |
▪ | Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and depends heavily on the Adviser’s judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund could experience losses if these judgments prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that the Adviser’s investment techniques or investment decisions will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investments or investment strategies available to the Adviser in connection with managing the Fund, which may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. |
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▪ | Mortgage-Related and other Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities are sponsored by entities such as government agencies, banks, financial companies and commercial or industrial companies. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as mortgages, automobile loans, credit card receivables and other financial assets. In effect, these securities “pass through” the monthly payments that individual borrowers make on their mortgages or other assets net of any fees paid to the issuers. Examples of these include guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”). Examples of asset-backed securities also include collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. |
A CBO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool that is backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below-investment grade fixed income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans that may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and other subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below-investment grade or equivalent unrated loans.
In addition to credit and market risk, asset-backed securities may involve prepayment risk because the underlying assets (loans) may be prepaid at any time. Prepayment (or call) risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as a mortgage or other asset-backed security) earlier than expected. This may happen during a period of declining interest rates. Under these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment and will suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities. The loss of higher yielding securities and the reinvestment at lower interest rates can reduce the Fund’s income, total return and share price.
The value of these securities also may change because of actual or perceived changes in the creditworthiness of the originator, the service agent, the financial institution providing the credit support or the counterparty. Unlike mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government or government-sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee (but may have other credit enhancement), and may, and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other underwriting characteristics. Credit supports generally apply only to a fraction of a security’s value. Like other fixed income securities, when interest rates rise, the value of an asset-backed security generally will decline. However, when interest rates decline, the value of an asset-backed security with prepayment features may not increase as much as that of other fixed income securities. In addition, non-mortgage asset-backed securities involve certain risks not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the underlying collateral. Credit card receivables generally are unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws. Automobile receivables are subject to the risk that the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have an effective security interest in all of the obligations backing the receivables. If the issuer of the security has no security interest in the related collateral, there is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer defaults. CBOs and CLOs are generally offered in tranches that vary in risk and yield. Both CBOs and CLOs can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults of the underlying collateral, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of junior tranches that protect the more senior tranches, market anticipation of defaults and aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class.
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In addition to prepayment risk, investments in mortgage-backed securities comprised of subprime mortgages and investments in other asset-backed securities of underperforming assets may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk.
▪ | Prepayment (or Call) Risk. Prepayment (or call) risk is the risk that prepayment of the underlying mortgages or other collateral of some fixed income securities may result in a decreased rate of return and a decline in value of those securities. As interest rates fall and certain obligations are paid off by obligors more quickly than originally anticipated, the Fund may invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. |
▪ | Small and Mid-Cap Investments. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies involve greater risk and more abrupt or erratic price movements than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth or earnings prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management or upon a small or inexperienced management group; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Small and mid-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. |
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Transaction costs for small and mid-capitalization investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small and mid-capitalization companies may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s investments. Securities of small companies may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
▪ | U.S. Government Securities Risk. Securities backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Accordingly, the current market values for these securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Securities issued by government-sponsored entities and federal agencies and instrumentalities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. |
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These instruments include U.S. Treasury obligations, such as bills, notes and bonds, which generally differ only in terms of their interest rates, maturities and time of issuance. They also include obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or by its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises are deemed to include (a) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or by an agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise thereof, and (b) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed. U.S. treasury obligations also include floating rate public obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
Not all U.S. government obligations carry the same credit support. Although many U.S. government securities are issued by entities chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks, such securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some, such as those of the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, although this guarantee applies only to principal and interest payments and does not apply to losses resulting from declines in the market value of these securities. Other obligations, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; and others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations. Still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality or sponsored enterprise. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. In addition, the secondary market for certain participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies may be limited.
An agency of the U.S. government has placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship, a statutory process with the objective of returning the entities to normal business operations. It is unclear what effect this conservatorship will have on the securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. As a result, these securities are subject to more credit risk than U.S. government securities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States (e.g. U.S. Treasury bonds).
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To the extent the Fund invests in debt instruments or securities of non-U.S. government entities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Debt Guarantee Program (the “Debt Guarantee Program”) or other similar programs, there is a possibility that the guarantee provided under the Debt Guarantee Program or other similar programs may be discontinued or modified at a later date.
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Board has the overall responsibility for the management of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
The Adviser, a Puerto Rico limited liability company registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), is the investment adviser of the Fund. The Adviser is located at Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918. As of December 31, 2018, the Adviser had approximately $386 million in assets under management.
The Adviser supervises and assists in the overall management of the affairs of the Fund, subject to oversight by the Board.
As compensation for advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, reorganization expenses, brokerage commissions, interest, other expenditures that are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) for Class A shares to 2.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares; for Class C shares to 3.50% of the Fund’s average net assets attributable to Class C shares; and for Institutional Class shares to 2.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Institutional Class shares for at least one-year from the effective date of this Prospectus. If it becomes no longer necessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may retain the difference between “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and the respective percentage to recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
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A discussion of the approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement will be included in the Fund’s first annual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2019.
Portfolio Managers
Ignacio Canto and Gabriel Medina are primarily and jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Ignacio Canto, CFA – Mr. Canto, President of the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since [month of inception], 2019 and joined the Adviser in 2013. Mr. Canto was Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) from August 2010 until December 31, 2012. In such capacity, he was responsible for GDB’s asset and liability management, and for pricing and structuring over $18 billion of bonds issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities. While at GDB, Mr. Canto implemented a global macro trading strategy with success, focusing on fundamental trends and technical studies. Between July 2005 and August 2010, Mr. Canto worked as a portfolio manager and portfolio analyst at Santander Asset Management Corporation, where he traded interest rate derivatives, U.S. Government agency debentures, structured products, municipal bonds, equities and equity derivatives, and in the Investment Banking division of Santander Securities Corporation. Mr. Canto has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Boston University’s School of Management. Mr. Canto holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation.
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Gabriel Medina, CFA – Mr. Medina, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since [month of inception], 2019 and joined the Adviser in 2015. Mr. Medina began his career as a Process Engineer in Boston as part of a leadership program focused on developing performance, cross-cutting, and leadership skills at Saint-Gobain, a worldwide manufacturer. While working toward his graduate degree in 2013, he consulted for Lionchase Holdings, a private equity firm focused on the development of microcap firms. As part of his work, Mr. Medina assisted the general partner in the development of LBO models for distressed, privately-owned firms. In 2014, Mr. Medina joined Liberty Mutual Insurance as a Business Analyst responsible for the development and monitoring of monthly performance reports for the auto claims department division. Mr. Medina later joined Accenture as a Business Analyst in Los Angeles, where he worked on the delivery and implementation of solutions to IT challenges faced by multinational companies. Mr. Medina has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and a Master in Finance from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Medina holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ method of compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of the Fund’s shares.
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
The Fund calculates its share price for each class of shares, or its NAV, each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”), which is normally at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A business day is a day on which the NYSE is open for trading.
The NAV for each class of shares of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s net assets attributable to that class of shares by the number of the Fund’s outstanding shares of that class.
You can request the Fund’s current NAV by calling the Fund at 1-833-X-SQUARE or a broker-dealer with whom the Fund’s distributor has entered into a sales agreement (an “Authorized Dealer”). The NAV, multiplied by the number of Fund shares you own, gives you the value of your investment.
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Securities owned by the Fund that are listed primarily on foreign exchanges may trade on weekends or on other days on which the Fund does not price its shares. In this case, the value of the Fund’s shares may change on days when you are not able to buy or sell shares.
The Fund values its investments based on market value or, where market quotations are not readily available, based on fair value as determined in good faith by the Board. The Board has delegated the fair valuation of the Fund’s portfolio securities to a Pricing Committee (the “Committee”). The Committee is comprised of the Adviser’s personnel and may also include one or more Managers. The Committee determines a portfolio security’s fair value in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. The Committee periodically presents reports of its activities to the Board.
A security’s market quotation may not be considered “readily available” in situations in which: (i) a quoting dealer no longer provides prices, or data is otherwise missing with respect to a particular security priced by that dealer; (ii) there is no market quotation available because the security is restricted or not actively traded; (iii) the security’s price includes a component for dividends or interest income accrued; or (iv) spreads between bid and asked prices are so large as to render them questionable.
A portfolio security may be fair valued if significant events have occurred that may affect the value of the security, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, armed conflicts, and significant government actions. In this regard, consideration must be given to significant events (especially with respect to foreign securities) that have occurred after the exchange or market has closed but before the time as of which the Fund’s NAV is calculated. Significant events may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector. In addition, significant fluctuations in domestic or foreign markets may constitute a significant event.
Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of a security. A security’s valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations. The fair valuation of one or more securities may not, in retrospect, reflect the prices at which those assets could have been sold during the period in which the particular fair values were used in determining the Fund’s NAV. As a result, the Fund’s sale, exchange or redemption of its shares at NAV, at a time when a holding or holdings are valued at fair value, may have the effect of diluting or increasing the economic interest of existing shareholders.
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INVESTING IN THE FUND
This section provides information to assist you in buying, exchanging and redeeming shares of each class of the Fund. You may buy, exchange or redeem shares on any business day at a price based on the NAV that is calculated after you place your order, plus any applicable sales load in the case of Class A shares. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply at the time you sell certain Class A shares or Class C Shares. Please read the entire Prospectus carefully before buying shares of the Fund.
How to Buy Shares
Opening an Account
Purchases are made only through institutional channels such as financial intermediaries and retirement plans, which have established an agreement with the Fund's distributor. You may be charged a separate fee by the brokerage firm or other intermediary through whom you purchase shares. Shares of the Fund are available exclusively to residents of the United States, its territories and possessions. Contact your financial intermediary or a Fund representative at 1-833-X-SQUARE, or refer to your plan documents for further information on how to invest in the Fund, including additional information on minimum initial and subsequent investments minimums.
Your investment in the Fund should be intended as a long-term investment vehicle. The Fund is not designed to provide you with a means of speculating on the short-term fluctuations in the stock market. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request that it regards as disruptive to the efficient management of the Fund, which includes investors with a history of excessive trading. The Fund also reserves the right to stop offering shares at any time.
To help the U.S. Government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. This means that when you open an account, we will ask for your name, residential address, date of birth, government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We also may ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents, and may take additional steps to verify your identity. If we do not receive these required pieces of information, there may be a delay in processing your investment request, which could subject your investment to market risk. If we are unable to immediately verify your identify, the Fund may restrict further investment until your identify is verified. However, if we are unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to close your account without notice and return your investment to you at the NAV determined on the day in which your account is closed. If we close your account because we are unable to verify your identity, your investment will be subject to market fluctuation, which could result in a loss of a portion of your principal investment. The Fund has appointed an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer to oversee these policies.
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If you have any questions regarding the Fund, please call the transfer agent at 1-833-X-SQUARE.
Purchasing Shares
You may buy shares on any “business day.” Business days are Monday through Friday, other than days the NYSE is closed, including the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Class A shares, Class C shares and Institutional Class shares of the Fund are sold at NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge in the case of Class A shares. The NAV generally is calculated as of the close of trading on the NYSE every day the NYSE is open. The NYSE normally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (“ET”). The NAV of each class of shares of the Fund is calculated by taking the total value of the Fund’s assets attributed to that class, subtracting its liabilities, and then dividing by the total number of shares of that class outstanding, rounded to the nearest cent.
Purchase orders received by a designated intermediary before the close of trading on the NYSE will be effective at the NAV next calculated after your order is received. On occasion, the NYSE closes before 4:00 p.m. ET. When that happens, purchase orders received after the NYSE closes will be effective the following business day.
The Fund may limit the amount of purchases and refuse to sell to any person.
The trustee of an IRA, organized through the establishment of a trust created under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, that makes an investment in the Fund can consider such investment toward its compliance with the investment requirements imposed under Section 1081.02(a)(3) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended.
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Minimum Investments
The minimum initial investment for Class A and Class C shares is $5,000. The minimum initial investment for Institutional Class shares is $100,000. The minimum subsequent investment for Class A and Class C shares is $1,000, and the minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Class shares is $10,000. You are required to maintain a minimum account balance equal to the minimum initial investment in the Fund, and may be required to redeem your shares if the value of your shares in the Fund falls below the minimum initial investment due to redemptions. For more information, please read “Additional Redemption Information.” Fund shareholders may transfer shares between the Class A, Class C and the Institutional Class, typically on a tax-free basis. Share class transfers must generally meet the minimum investment requirements for the applicable share class, though the Fund reserves the right to waive or change the investment minimums. Such exchanges may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, a redemption fee or other fees, at the discretion of the Fund. Contact your intermediary for more details.
The Fund reserves the right to change the amount of these minimums from time to time or to waive them in whole or in part for certain accounts. Investment minimums may be higher or lower depending on the financial intermediary, brokerage firm or other financial institution through which you purchase shares. To the extent investments of individual investors are aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, brokerage firm, retirement plan sponsor or other intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to the account of the individual investor.
It is the responsibility of the brokerage firm or intermediary to enforce compliance with investment minimums.
Other Purchase Information
The Fund may authorize certain brokerage firms and other intermediaries (including its designated correspondents) to accept purchase and redemption orders on its behalf. The Fund is deemed to have received an order when the authorized person or designee receives the order, and the order is processed at the NAV next calculated thereafter. It is the responsibility of the brokerage firm or other intermediary to transmit orders promptly to the Fund’s transfer agent.
The Fund discourages market timing. Market timing is an investment strategy using frequent purchases, redemptions and/or exchanges in an attempt to profit from short-term market movements. Market timing may result in dilution of the value of the Fund’s shares held by long-term shareholders, disrupt portfolio management and increase Fund expenses for all shareholders. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in small capitalization companies. Because these securities are often infrequently traded, investors may seek to trade Fund shares in an effort to benefit from their understanding of the value of these securities (referred to as price arbitrage). Any such frequent trading strategies may interfere with efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio to a greater degree than funds that invest in highly liquid securities, in part because the Fund may have difficulty selling these portfolio securities at advantageous times or prices to satisfy large and/or frequent redemption requests. Any successful price arbitrage also may cause dilution in the value of Fund shares held by other shareholders. The Board has adopted a policy directing the Fund to reject any purchase order with respect to one investor, a related group of investors or their agent(s), where it detects a pattern of purchases and sales of the Fund that indicates market timing or trading that it determines is abusive. This policy applies to all Fund shareholders. While the Fund attempts to deter market timing, there is no assurance that it will be able to identify or eliminate all market timers. For example, certain accounts called “omnibus accounts” include multiple shareholders and typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or redemption request on any given day. That is, purchasers of Fund shares and redeemers of Fund shares are netted against one another and the identities of individual purchasers and redeemers whose orders are aggregated are not known by the Fund. The netting effect often makes it more difficult for the Fund to detect market timing, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to do so.
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The Fund also will impose a redemption fee on shares redeemed within 90 days of purchase. For more information, please see “Redemption Fee” in this Prospectus.
Choosing a Share Class
Class A, Class C and Institutional Class shares are offered by this prospectus. For more information about these classes of shares and whether or not you are eligible to purchase these shares, please call 1-833-X-SQUARE. Information regarding sales charges and certain waivers of and exemptions from sales charges is available on the Fund’s website at www.xsquarecapital.com.
Each class of the Fund represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments, but has different charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your needs. When choosing a share class, you should consider:
• | how much you plan to invest; |
• | how long you expect to own the shares; |
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• | the expenses paid by each class; and |
• | for Class A Shares, whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of any sales charges. |
You should consult your financial intermediary about which class is most suitable for you.
Sales Charges
An initial sales charge may apply to your purchase of Class A shares of the Fund based on the amount invested, as set forth in the table below. The sales charge is allocated between the Fund’s distributor and your financial intermediary. The sales charge depends on the amount you are investing (generally, the larger the investment, the smaller the percentage sales charge), and is based on the total amount of your purchase and the value of your account (and any other accounts eligible for aggregation of which you or your selling agent notifies the Fund). Sales charges, as expressed as a percentage of offering price and as a percentage of your net investment, are shown in the table below. The dollar amount of your initial sales charge is calculated as the difference between the public offering price and the net asset value of those shares. (Hence the “offering price” includes the front-end sales load.) Since the offering price is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding criteria, the number of shares purchased and the dollar amount of your sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and of your net investment may be higher or lower than the amounts set forth in the table depending on whether there was a downward or upward rounding.
Amount of Purchase at Offering Price | Class A Shares Sales Charge as a Percentage of Offering Price(1) | Class A Sales Charge as a Percentage of Net Amount Invested | Class A Dealer Concession as a Percentage of Offering Price |
Under $50,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% | 4.75% |
$50,000 but under $100,000 | 4.50% | 4.71% | 4.00% |
$100,000 but under $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 3.00% |
$250,000 but under $500,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% |
$500,000 but under $1,000,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
$1,000,000 and above(2) | None | None | 0% |
(1) | Offering price includes the initial sales charge. |
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Except as provided below, investments in Class C shares will be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge if the shares are sold within 12 months of purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is based on the original purchase cost or the market value of the shares being sold, whichever is less. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. In addition, the contingent deferred sales charge may be waived in certain circumstances. See “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers” below. For purposes of determining the contingent deferred sales charge, if you sell only some of your shares, shares that are not subject to any contingent deferred sales charge will be sold first, followed by shares that you have owned the longest.
Qualifying for a Reduction or Waiver of Class A Shares Sales Charge
You may be able to lower your Class A shares initial sales charge under certain circumstances. You can combine Class A shares you already own with your current purchase of Class A shares of the Fund to take advantage of the breakpoints in the sales charge schedule as set forth above. Certain circumstances under which you may combine such ownership of shares and purchases are described below. Contact your financial intermediary for more information. In order to obtain a sales charge discount, you should inform your financial intermediary of other accounts in which there are Fund holdings eligible to be aggregated to meet a sales charge breakpoint. These other accounts may include the accounts described below in “Aggregating Accounts.” You may need to provide documents such as account statements or confirmation statements to prove that the accounts are eligible for aggregation. The Fund may waive Class A sales charges on investor purchases including shares purchased by:
▪ | Officers, directors, trustees and employees of the Adviser and its affiliates; |
▪ | Registered representatives and employees of financial intermediaries with a current selling agreement with the Fund’s distributor or the Adviser; |
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▪ | Immediate family members of all such persons as described above; |
▪ | Financial intermediary supermarkets and fee-based platforms; and |
▪ | Financial intermediaries who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor to offer shares to self-directed investment brokerage accounts that may or may not charge a transaction fee to its customers. Whether a sales charge waiver is available for your retirement plan or charitable account depends upon the policies and procedures of your intermediary. Please consult your financial adviser for further information. |
Right of Accumulation
You may purchase Class A shares at a reduced initial sales charge by aggregating (1) the dollar amount of the new purchase (measured by the offering price) and (2) the value of your accumulated holdings of all Class A shares of the Fund then held by you, or held in the accounts identified under “Aggregating Accounts,” and applying the sales charge applicable to such aggregate amount. Subject to the transfer agent’s and your intermediary’s capabilities, the value of your accumulated holdings will be calculated as the higher of (i) the current value of your existing holdings as of the day prior to your investment or (ii) the amount you invested (including reinvested dividends and capital gains, but excluding capital appreciation) less any withdrawals, in each case, including holdings held in applicable accounts identified under “Aggregating Accounts.” In order to obtain such discount, you must provide sufficient information to your financial intermediary at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the reduced sales charge. The right of accumulation is subject to modification or discontinuance at any time with respect to all shares purchased thereafter.
Aggregating Accounts
To take advantage of lower Class A shares initial sales charges on large purchases or through the exercise of right of accumulation, the following persons may qualify to aggregate accounts:
▪ | an individual; |
▪ | an individual and his or her spouse within the same household or custodial accounts for your minor children under the age of 21; and |
▪ | any individuals sharing the same social security or tax identification number. |
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To receive a reduced sales charge under rights of accumulation, you must notify your financial intermediary of any eligible accounts that you, your spouse and your children under age 21 have at the time of your purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers
The contingent deferred sales charge on Class C shares will be waived in the following cases:
▪ | permitted exchanges of shares, except if shares acquired by exchange are then redeemed within the period during which a contingent deferred sales charge would apply to the initial shares purchased; |
▪ | tax-free returns of excess contributions to IRAs; |
▪ | redemptions due to death or post purchase disability of the shareholder (this generally excludes accounts registered in the names of trusts and other entities); |
▪ | in the case of joint tenant accounts, if one joint tenant dies, a surviving joint tenant, at the time he or she notifies the Fund of the other joint tenant’s death and removes the decedent’s name from the account, may redeem shares from the account without incurring a contingent deferred sales charge; however, redemptions made after the Fund is notified of the death of a joint tenant will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge; |
▪ | redemptions due to the complete termination of a trust upon the death of the trustor/grantor or beneficiary, but only if such termination is specifically provided for in the trust document; and |
▪ | the following types of transactions, if they do not exceed 12% of the value of an account annually: |
▪ | required minimum distributions taken from retirement accounts upon the shareholder’s attainment of age 70 1/2 (required minimum distributions that continue to be taken by the beneficiary(ies) after the account owner is deceased also qualify for a waiver); and |
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▪ | redemptions through an automatic withdrawal plan (“AWP”). For each AWP payment, assets that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, such as shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions, will be redeemed first and will count toward the 12% limit. If there is an insufficient amount of assets not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge to cover a particular AWP payment, shares subject to the lowest contingent deferred sales charge will be redeemed next until the 12% limit is reached. Any dividends and/or capital gains distributions taken in cash by a shareholder who receives payments through an AWP will also count toward the 12% limit. In the case of an AWP, the 12% limit is calculated at the time an automatic redemption is first made, and is recalculated at the time each additional redemption is made. Shareholders who establish an AWP should be aware that the amount of a payment not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge may vary over time depending on fluctuations in the value of their accounts. This privilege may be revised or terminated at any time. |
For purposes of this paragraph, “account” means your investment in the applicable class of shares from which you are making the redemption.
If requested, the contingent deferred sales charge on Class C shares will be waived for bulk conversions to another share class in cases where the Fund’s transfer agent determines the benefit to the Fund of collecting the contingent deferred sales charge would be outweighed by the cost of applying it.
Contingent deferred sales charge waivers are allowed only in the cases listed here and in the SAI. To have your Class C contingent deferred sales charge waived, you must inform your advisor or the Fund at the time you redeem shares that you qualify for such a waiver.
How to Redeem Shares
Redeeming Shares
Redemptions, like purchases, may generally be effected only through retirement plans, broker-dealers and financial intermediaries. Please contact your financial intermediary or refer to the appropriate plan documents for details. Your financial intermediary may charge a processing or service fee in connection with redemptions of shares. The Fund will redeem all full or fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of instruction in the proper form, less any applicable redemption fees. Subject to the limitation regarding in-kind redemptions described below, redemption proceeds typically will be sent by the requested method of payment (i.e. check, ACH, or wire) within one to two business days but may take up to seven days. The Fund typically pays redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, from the sale of portfolio securities, and/or the use of a line of credit. These redemption payment methods are expected to be used in regular and stressed market conditions. Your redemption proceeds will be sent to you in accordance with your agreement with your financial intermediary. All redemptions of shares purchased within 90 days will be subject to a redemption fee. For more information, please see “Redemption Fee” in this Prospectus. If you are redeeming from a retirement account, you must complete the appropriate distribution form and may be required to provide employer authorization. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE on a regular business day, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder cost.
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All redemptions must be received in proper form by a brokerage firm or other intermediary selling Fund shares. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial intermediary for additional details. The Fund may require that a Medallion signature guarantee be provided if you request the redemption check be mailed to an address other than the address of record, or if the mailing address has been changed within 30 days of the redemption request. Please call 1-833-977-8273 (833-X-SQUARE) - Local 720-931-3399 for information on obtaining a Medallion signature guarantee. The Fund also may require that signatures be guaranteed for redemptions of $50,000 or more.
Redemptions-In-Kind
Generally, all redemptions will be for cash. However, if you redeem shares worth more than $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund’s assets, the Fund reserves the right to pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in readily marketable securities instead of cash under unusual circumstances in order to protect the interests of remaining shareholders, or to accommodate a request by a particular shareholder. If payment is made in securities, the Fund will value the securities selected in the same manner in which it computes its NAV. This process minimizes the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. In the event that an in-kind distribution is made, you may incur additional expenses, such as the payment of brokerage commissions, on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Fund.
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Redemption Fee
Shareholders that redeem shares within 90 days of purchase will be assessed a redemption fee of 1.00% of the amount redeemed. The Fund uses a “first in, first out” method for calculating the redemption fee. This means that shares held the longest will be redeemed first, and shares held the shortest time will be redeemed last. Systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, involuntary redemptions of small accounts by the Fund, and transactions initiated by a retirement plan sponsor or participant are not subject to the redemption fee. The redemption fee is paid directly to and retained by the Fund, and is designed to deter excessive short-term trading and to offset brokerage commissions, market impact, and other costs that may be associated with short-term money movement in and out of the Fund. Due to operational considerations, the Fund may permit certain brokerage firms and intermediaries to not impose a redemption fee or to alter the amount or terms of the redemption fee. You should contact your brokerage firm or intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.
The Fund reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time. If there is a material change to the Fund’s redemption fee, the Fund will notify you at least 60 days prior to the effective date of the change.
Additional Redemption Information
If you are not certain of the redemption requirements, please call the transfer agent at 1-833-X-SQUARE. Redemptions specifying a certain date or share price cannot be accepted and will be returned. Also, when the NYSE is closed (or when trading is restricted) for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closing or under any emergency circumstances, as determined by the SEC, the Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment dates.Because the Fund incurs certain fixed costs in maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may require that you redeem all of your shares in the Fund upon 30 days written notice if the value of your Class A or Class C Shares of the Fund is less than $5,000, or your Institutional Class Shares of the Fund is less than $100,000 due to redemption, or such other minimum amount as the Fund may determine from time to time. You may increase the value of your shares in the Fund to the minimum amount within the 30-day period. All shares of the Fund also are subject to involuntary redemption if the Board determines to liquidate the Fund. An involuntary redemption will create a capital gain or a capital loss, which may have tax consequences to you and about which you should consult your tax adviser.
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Distribution and Services Plan
The Board has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year with respect to Class A shares, 0.00% with respect to Institutional Class shares and 1.00% with respect to Class C shares. The Class C distribution fee includes a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25%. The Fund may enter into agreements with various shareholder servicing agents, including financial institutions and securities brokers. The Fund may pay a servicing fee to broker-dealers and others who sponsor “no transaction fee” or similar programs for the purchase of shares. Shareholder servicing agents may waive all or a portion of their fee periodically.
By purchasing shares subject to distribution fees and service fees, you may pay more over time than you would by purchasing shares with other types of sales charge arrangements. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the rules of FINRA. The net income attributable to shares will be reduced by the amount of distribution fees and service fees and other expenses of the Fund.
Payments to Financial Intermediaries and Other Arrangements
The Adviser and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements to make payments for additional activities to select financial intermediaries intended to result in the sale of Fund shares and/or other shareholder servicing activities out of the Adviser’s own resources (which may include profits from providing advisory services to the Fund). These payments are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments” and the revenue sharing payment amount generally vary by financial intermediary. The aggregate amount of the revenue sharing payments is determined by the Adviser and may be substantial. Revenue sharing payments create no additional cost to the Fund or its applicable shareholders.
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Revenue sharing payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of a Fund to you, rather than shares of another mutual fund. Please contact your financial intermediary’s investment professional for details about revenue sharing payments it may be receiving.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund passes along its investment earnings to you in the form of dividends and capital gains distributions. Dividends are the net income from investments after expenses. The Fund declares and pays dividends from its net investment income at least annually. If there are any short-term capital gains on the sale of investments, they are distributed as necessary. Normally, the Fund will pay any long-term capital gains once a year.
You can receive dividends and distributions in one of the following ways:
• | Reinvestment. You can automatically reinvest your dividends and distributions in additional shares of the Fund. This option is followed by the Fund unless you indicate another choice on your account application. |
• | Cash. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial intermediary for additional details |
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents (not including bona fide residents of Puerto Rico) or taxable entities created or organized under the laws of a State of the United States (collectively, the “U.S. Investors”). The Fund will be treated as a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States for purposes of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “U.S. Code”) and does not intend to derive income treated as effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States. As a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States, the Fund will only be subject to United States federal income taxes if it realizes certain items of U.S. source income of a fixed or determinable annual or periodic nature, in which case the Fund will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% gross rate on such U.S. source income (not including interest received by the Fund on certain registered obligations). Moreover, dividends paid by the Fund should be considered to be derived from Puerto Rico sources and thus, foreign source for U.S. Investors. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation, including the consequences of investing in a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”).
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Based on the proposed activities of the Fund, its ownership structure and its classification as a foreign corporation, under the U.S. Code, the Fund will be treated as a PFIC. In the case of individuals who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico or entities organized under the laws of Puerto Rico for which investment in the Fund is not part of their trade or business (the “Puerto Rico Investors”), distributions paid by the Fund to the Puerto Rico Investors or gains from the disposition of Fund shares should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Also, under proposed regulation under the U.S. Code, individuals who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico are not subject to the PFIC provisions if they were bona fide residents of Puerto Rico during the entire time they held the shares of the Fund. Generally, the U.S. federal income tax treatment for U.S. Investors is as set forth below.
Distributions. The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). In general, the Fund’s distributions will be taxable to you for federal, state and local income tax purposes. Distributions are taxable whether they are received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares. For federal income tax purposes, Fund distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income.
Notwithstanding the above, under the PFIC rules, a U.S. Investor, i.e., a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation, or an estate or trust that is taxed as a resident of the United States (such a shareholder is referred to in this section as a “U.S. shareholder”) who receives a distribution from a PFIC in excess of 125% of the average amount of distributions such shareholder has received from the PFIC during the three preceding taxable years (or shorter period if the U.S. shareholder has not held the stock for three years), the U.S. shareholder is treated as receiving an excess distribution equal to such excess. In general, an excess distribution is taxed as ordinary income, and to the extent it is attributed to one or more earlier years in which the PFIC shares were held, it will constitute a deferred tax amount subject to the highest tax rate in effect for such earlier year plus an interest charge. However, as explained before, based on the Fund’s intention of distributing all income currently, no portion of any dividend should be treated as a deferred tax amount.
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You should note that if you purchase shares of the Fund just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This adverse result is known as “buying into a dividend.”
Sales, Exchanges and Redemptions. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. U.S. shareholders that dispose of its PFIC stock at a gain are treated as receiving an excess distribution equal to such gain. As discussed above, an excess distribution is taxed as ordinary income, and to the extent it is attributed to one or more earlier years in which the PFIC shares were held, it will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for such earlier year plus an interest charge. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.
IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the tax principles described above is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares of the Fund held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable, unless you borrowed to acquire the shares.
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State and Local Taxes. Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains, and gains from the sale, exchange or redemption of your Fund shares, are generally subject to state and local taxes. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.
PUERTO RICO TAXES
The following discussion summarizes the material Puerto Rico tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective investors in the Fund. The discussion of Puerto Rico tax matters is based on the current provisions of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (the “Puerto Rico Code”) and the regulations promulgated or applicable thereunder, the administrative pronouncements issued by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (the “PRTD”), the Puerto Rico Municipal Property Tax Act of 1991, as amended (the “MPTA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Puerto Rico Municipal License Tax Act of 1974, as amended (the “MLTA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act of 2013, as amended (“PRICA”). No attempt has been made, however, to discuss all Puerto Rico income or other tax matters that may affect the Fund or the investors.
This summary does not attempt to discuss all tax consequences to investors that may be subject to special rules of taxation, such as partnerships or entities that are treated as partnerships for Puerto Rico income tax purposes, “Special Partnerships,” “Subchapter E Corporations” (Corporations of Individuals), life insurance companies, registered investment companies, tax exempt organizations, individuals considered bona fide residents of Puerto Rico under Section 937 of the U.S. Code who own 10% or more of the voting shares of the Fund, estates and trusts.
For purposes of the following discussion, the term "Puerto Rico Corporation" is used to refer to a corporation organized under the laws of Puerto Rico and the term "foreign corporation" is used to refer to a corporation organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Puerto Rico.
The statements that follow are based on the existing provisions of such statutes and regulations, and judicial decisions and administrative pronouncements, all of which are subject to change (even with retroactive effect). A prospective investor should be aware that an opinion of counsel represents only such counsel’s best legal judgment and that it is not binding on the PRTD, any municipality or agency of Puerto Rico or the courts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the opinions set forth herein, if challenged, would be sustained.
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Puerto Rico Taxation of the Fund
Income Taxes. Pursuant to Administrative Determination No. 19-04 issued by the PRTD on September 4, 2019 (the “Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination”), the Fund is deemed to be, for taxation purposes, a registered investment company under PRICA. As such, the Fund will be exempt from Puerto Rico income tax for a taxable year if it distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of its net income for the taxable year within the time period provided by the Puerto Rico Code (the “90% Distribution Requirement”). In determining its net income for purposes of the 90% Distribution Requirement, the Fund shall not take into account capital gains and losses and certain items of income (including interest) that are exempt from taxation under the Puerto Rico Code. The Fund intends to meet the 90% Distribution Requirement to be exempt from Puerto Rico income tax.
Property Taxes. Under the provisions of the MPTA, the Fund will be subject to property taxes. However, property of the Fund that consists of repurchase agreements, obligations of the Government of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Government, and stocks and bonds of domestic or foreign corporations are exempt from property taxes imposed by the MPTA.
Municipal License Taxes. Pursuant to the Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination, and as set forth in PRICA, the Fund will not be subject to municipal license taxes authorized to be imposed by the MLTA.
Puerto Rico Taxation of Fund Shareholders
Pursuant to the Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination, the Fund is deemed to be, for taxation purposes, a registered investment company under PRICA. The discussion below assumes that dividends distributed by the Fund will be treated as dividends distributed by a registered investment company under PRICA.
Regular Income Taxes. Dividend distributions by the Fund would be classified as “Capital Gain Dividends” or “Ordinary Dividends” as discussed below.
Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends are included in income and subject to Puerto Rico income tax (as ordinary gross income or capital gain, respectively) regardless of whether they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (if and when such plan is established). Distributions that exceed the earnings and profits of the Fund will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to a shareholder to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in the shares of the Fund, and any excess will be treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of such shares.
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Individual Residents of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Corporations. Ordinary Dividends received by individual residents of Puerto Rico and by Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to the special income tax rate provided under Section 1023.06 of the Puerto Rico Code, currently 15%, to be withheld at source by the Fund (or its paying agent), rather than to the regular tax on ordinary income.
Individual residents of Puerto Rico are subject to alternative minimum tax if their regular tax liability is less than the alternative minimum tax liability. The alternative minimum tax rates range from 10% to 24% depending on the alternative minimum tax net income. The alternative minimum tax net income is determined by adjusting the individual’s net income subject to regular income tax rates by, among other items, adding: (i) certain income exempt from the regular income tax and (ii) income subject to special tax rates as provided in the Puerto Rico Code such as: Ordinary Dividends, Capital Gain Dividends and long-term capital gains recognized by individuals on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the shares of the Fund. It should be noted that Exempt Dividends distributed by the Fund are not subject to alternative minimum tax. An Ordinary Dividend received by Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to alternative minimum tax.
Capital Gain Dividends will qualify for the special income tax rate on capital gains of 15% in the case of individual residents of Puerto Rico and for the alternative tax rate of 20% in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations.
Individuals not Residents of Puerto Rico. Individuals who are not residents of Puerto Rico will be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends at the rate of 15% to be withheld at source by the Fund or its paying agent.
Foreign Corporations. A foreign corporation will be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends at the income tax rates of 15% and 20%, respectively.
Special withholding tax considerations. By purchasing shares of the Fund, investors who are individual residents of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Corporations and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will be irrevocably agreeing that all Ordinary Dividends distributed to them will be subject to a 15% Puerto Rico income tax withholding, which will be automatically withheld at the source by the Fund (or its paying agent).
Gain on Disposition of Shares of the Fund
General. Gain recognized by an investor from the sale, exchange or other disposition (including a redemption that is not essentially equivalent to a dividend) of shares of the Fund will be treated as a capital gain for shareholders who hold the shares of the Fund as a capital asset and as a long-term capital gain if the shares of the Fund has been held by the shareholder for more than one year prior to such sale or exchange.
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Individual Residents of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Corporations. Any gain on the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of the Fund by an individual resident of Puerto Rico or a Puerto Rico Corporation will generally be required to be recognized as gross income and will be subject to income tax at the regular income tax rates provided by the Puerto Rico Code on ordinary income, which may be up to 33% in the case of individual residents and 37.5% (for taxable years commencing after December 31, 2018) in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations. However, to the extent such gain constitutes a long-term capital gain, it will be eligible to be taxed in Puerto Rico at a maximum 15% tax rate in the case of Puerto Rico resident individuals or at a 20% tax rate in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations. Any such capital gain recognized by Puerto Rico resident individuals and Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to alternative minimum tax.
Individuals not Residents of Puerto Rico. Individuals who are not residents of Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund if the gain resulting therefrom constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico. Generally, gain on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund by individuals not residing in Puerto Rico constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico and, therefore, such gain is not subject to Puerto Rico income taxes in the case of such individuals.
Foreign Corporations. A foreign corporation that is engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will generally be subject to Puerto Rico corporate income tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund if such gain is: (1) from sources within Puerto Rico, or (2) from sources outside Puerto Rico and effectively connected with a trade or business in Puerto Rico. Any such gain will qualify for an alternative tax of 20% if it qualifies as a long-term capital gain. In general, a foreign corporation that is engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will also be subject to a 10% branch profits tax.
A foreign corporation that is not engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on any capital gain realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund since the gain from the sale or exchange of the shares of the Fund by such foreign corporation constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico IRA Account Owners or Beneficiaries. Amounts distributed to an IRA organized through a trust established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico would not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax. Generally, any amount that is distributed by an IRA account that is a shareholder of the Fund to an IRA account owner or beneficiary would be considered to be ordinary income subject to Puerto Rico income taxes at ordinary income tax rates to the extent such distribution exceeds the basis of the owner or the beneficiary in the IRA account. Subject to limitations imposed by the Puerto Rico Code, a distribution from an IRA attributable to interests on deposits in certain financial institutions would be eligible for a $100 income tax exclusion and to the extent such interest in any taxable year exceeds this amount, this excess may be subject to a 10% special tax at the election of the taxpayer. An elective 10% tax to be withheld at source will also apply on the portion of an IRA distribution to an IRA account owner or beneficiary attributable to Puerto Rico source income derived by the IRA.
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Puerto Rico Code Qualified Plans. Distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares of the Fund held by a Puerto Rico qualified plan would not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax. Puerto Rico qualified plan lump-sum distributions representing the entire benefit paid or made available to a participant or his beneficiary within a single taxable year, in excess of such taxpayer’s tax basis, which are made: (i) as a result of separation of employment for any reason or (ii) the plan termination, would be considered as a long-term capital gain subject to a special income tax rate of 20%. However, if the Puerto Rico qualified plan lump-sum distribution additionally complies with the following requirements: (i) the qualified plan trust making the distribution is organized under the laws of the Government of Puerto Rico or has a Puerto Rico resident trustee and uses such trustee as a payment agent and (ii) at least ten percent (10%) of all trust assets attributable to Puerto Rico resident participants, determined based on the average balance of the trust investments during the plan year during which the distribution is made and each of the two plan years preceding the date of the distribution, has been invested in registered investment companies organized under the laws of Puerto Rico and subject to taxation under Code section 1112.01, such as the Fund, or other assets based in Puerto Rico as provided in the Puerto Rico Code, the regulations promulgated under the Puerto Rico Code or any Circular Letter issued by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department Secretary, or in the case of defined contribution plans where separate accounts are maintained for each participant or beneficiary, the “property located in Puerto Rico” investment requirement may be met with respect to assets credited to the account of the participant or beneficiary, the applicable Puerto Rico income tax rate on these lump-sum distributions would be 10%.
Estate and Gift Taxes. Puerto Rico estate and gift taxes imposed by the Puerto Rico Code have been repealed with respect to transfers by inheritance or gift occurring after December 31, 2017, respectively.
Municipal License Taxes. Under the MLTA, all dividends distributed by the Fund to Puerto Rico Corporations and foreign corporations that are engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will form part of their “volume of business” and, therefore, may be subject to a municipal license tax of up to 1.5%, in the case of such shareholders that are engaged in a financial business, or of up to 0.5%, in the case of such shareholders engaged in non-financial businesses. Individuals will not be subject to a municipal license tax on the Fund’s distributions.
Property Taxes. Under the provisions of the MPTA, the shares of the Fund are exempt from Puerto Rico personal property taxes in the hands of the Fund’s shareholders.
The discussion contained in this section is a general and abbreviated summary of certain Puerto Rico tax considerations affecting the Fund and the investors, and it is not intended as tax advice or to address a shareholder’s particular circumstances. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
Additional information about taxes is provided in the SAI.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Performance
Financial publications may compare the Fund’s performance to the performance of various indexes and investments for which reliable performance data is available. These publications may also compare the Fund’s performance to averages, performance rankings, or other information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services. In addition, from time to time, the Fund may advertise total return information. Total return information will be calculated according to rules established by the SEC and will not include any fees charged by Authorized Dealers.
Shareholder Communications
The Fund may eliminate duplicate mailings of Fund materials to shareholders who reside at the same address, unless instructed to the contrary. Investors may request that the Fund send these documents to each shareholder individually by calling the Fund at 1-833-X-SQUARE.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
There are no financial highlights for the Fund because it had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.
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X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
Popular Center Building
209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
833-X-SQUARE
INVESTMENT ADVISER X-Square Capital, LLC Popular Center Building 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111 San Juan, PR 00918
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND ADMINISTRATOR ALPS Fund Services, Inc. 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203
COUNSEL Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP One Logan Square, Suite 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
CUSTODIAN MUFG Union Bank, N.A. 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor New York, NY 10020
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM BDO Puerto Rico, P.S.C. PO Box 363436 San Juan, PR 00936-3436
DISTRIBUTOR ALPS Distributors, Inc. 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203 |
Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year or period.
The SAI, which provides a more complete discussion of several of the matters contained in this Prospectus, is incorporated by reference. To obtain a free copy of the SAI or any shareholder report, or to make any other inquiries about the Fund, you may call the Fund at 833-X-SQUARE or write to the Fund at X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918, or call your Authorized Dealer.
You may also review information about the Fund on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
You may also obtain a copy of the Fund’s Prospectus, SAI, annual and semi-annual reports free of charge from the Fund’s worldwide web site at www.xsquarecapital.com.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-23417
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Preliminary Statement of Additional Information dated September 18, 2019
Subject to Completion
The information in the statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Part B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND
Class A – SQBFX
Class
C –SQCBX
Institutional Class – SQBIX
[ ], 2019
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the X-Square Balanced Fund (the “Fund”) dated [ ], 2019 (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained by writing to X-Square, P.O. Box 1920, Denver, CO 80203 or by calling the Fund toll free at 1-833-X-SQUARE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS | 1 |
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES | 34 |
PERFORMANCE | 35 |
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION | 36 |
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES | 37 |
MANAGERS AND OFFICERS | 42 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS | 49 |
ADVISORY AND OTHER CONTRACTS | 49 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 55 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 55 |
APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS | A-1 |
APPENDIX B - PROXY VOTING POLICIES | B-1 |
APPENDIX C - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | C-1 |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”) was organized as a limited liability company under Chapter XIX of the Puerto Rico General Corporations Act, as amended on December 24, 2018. The Fund is an open-end management investment company and is classified as non-diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
Much of the information contained in this statement of additional information (“SAI”) expands on subjects discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus. Capitalized terms not defined herein are used as defined in the Prospectus. No investment in shares of the Fund should be made without first reading the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND LIMITATIONS
Investment Objective and Strategies
The Fund seeks conservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital and income. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental. That means that it may be changed without a shareholder vote. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund uses a balanced approach to invest in a broad range of securities, including common stocks and investment-grade bonds (rated Baa3 or better or BBB- or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization designated by X-Square Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the Fund, or unrated but determined to be of equivalent quality).
Normally, the Fund will target a 60% allocation towards U.S. equity securities and a 40% allocation towards fixed income securities, including, but not limited to, investment-grade corporate debt, U.S. agency securities, and U.S. mortgage-backed securities and related derivatives. Although the Fund focuses on investments in larger capitalization companies, the Fund’s investments are not limited to a particular capitalization size.
Additional Information Regarding Fund Investments
The following policies and limitations supplement the Fund’s investment policies set forth in the Prospectus. The Fund’s investments in the securities and other financial instruments are subject to the other investment policies and limitations described in the Prospectus and this SAI.
The following sections list the Fund’s investment policies, limitations, and restrictions. The securities in which the Fund can invest and the risks associated with these securities are discussed in the section entitled “Instruments in Which the Fund Can Invest.”
Fundamental Investment Limitations
The Fund is subject to the fundamental investment limitations enumerated below, which may be changed with respect to the Fund only by a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares. Such majority is defined as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are represented in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
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The Fund may not:
(1) Make loans, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemptions therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
(2) Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnerships, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemptions therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time. This restriction shall not prevent the Fund from investing directly or indirectly in portfolio instruments secured by real estate or interests therein or acquiring securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or other issuers that deal in real estate.
(3) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemptions therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
(4) Act as underwriter of securities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemptions therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
(5) Concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
(6) Borrow money or issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemptions therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
Notwithstanding any of the Fund’s other fundamental investment restrictions (including, without limitation, those restrictions relating to industry concentration), the Fund may: (a) purchase securities of other investment companies to the full extent permitted under Section 12 or any other provision of the 1940 Act (or any successor provision thereto) or under any regulation or order of the SEC; and (b) invest all or substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof with substantially the same investment objective, strategies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.
The following investment limitations are non-fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board of Managers of the Fund (the “Board”) with respect to the Fund without a vote of shareholders.
The Fund may not:
(1) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets, except to secure permitted borrowings or in relation to the deposit of assets in escrow or in segregated accounts in compliance with the asset segregation requirements imposed by Section 18 of the 1940 Act, or any rule or SEC staff interpretation thereunder. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices described in this SAI and the Fund’s Prospectus are not deemed to be mortgaged, pledged or hypothecated for purposes of the foregoing restrictions.
(2) Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that the Fund may: (i) obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions; (ii) provide initial and variation margin payments in connection with transactions involving futures contracts and options on such contracts; and (iii) make short sales “against the box” or in compliance with the SEC’s position regarding the asset segregation requirements of Section 18 of the 1940 Act.
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(3) Purchase or hold illiquid securities, i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of for their approximate carrying value in seven days or less (which term includes repurchase agreements and time deposits maturing in more than seven days) if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
(4) Purchase any securities that would cause more than 25% of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that this limitation does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
(5) Borrow money, except (a) the Fund may borrow from banks (as defined in the 1940 Act) or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 25% of the value of its total assets (including amounts borrowed), (b) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities; (c) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (d) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings.
(6) Make loans if, as a result, more than 25% of its total assets (including amounts borrowed) would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; (iii) lend its securities; and (iv) loan to affiliates to the extent permitted by law.
The following descriptions from the 1940 Act may assist shareholders in understanding the above policies and restrictions.
Concentration. The SEC has presently defined concentration as investing 25% or more of an investment company’s net assets in an industry or group of industries, with certain exceptions. In determining industry classification, the Fund may use any one of the following: the Bloomberg Industry Group Classification, S&P, J.J. Kenny Municipal Purpose Codes, FT Interactive Industrial Codes, Securities Industry Classification Codes or the Global Industry Classification Standard. For the purpose of determining the percentage of the Fund’s total assets invested in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in a particular industry, an asset-backed security will be classified separately based on the nature of its underlying assets.
Borrowing. The 1940 Act presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, including the amount borrowed (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).
Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by the Fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.
Lending. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies. The Fund’s non-fundamental investment policies on lending are set forth above. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund does not engage in securities lending.
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Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves the Fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.
Real Estate. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every fund have the Fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted the Fundamental policy that would permit direct investment in real estate. However, the Fund has a non-fundamental investment limitation that prohibits it from investing directly in real estate. This non-fundamental policy may be changed only by vote of the Board.
Any investment limitation that involves a maximum percentage (other than the restriction set forth above with respect to borrowing money) will not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, the Fund. The 1940 Act requires that if the asset coverage for borrowings at any time falls below 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) plus an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, the Fund will, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays), reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the net asset coverage of such borrowings shall conform to such limits.
Instruments in Which the Fund Can Invest
The following paragraphs provide a brief description of some of the types of securities in which the Fund may invest in accordance with its investment objectives, policies, and limitations. The Fund’s investments in the following securities and other financial instruments are subject to the investment policies and limitations described in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI. The following also contains a brief description of the risk factors related to these securities. The Fund may, following notice to its shareholders, take advantage of other investment practices which presently are not contemplated for use by the Fund or which currently is not available but which may be developed, to the extent such investment practices are both consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and are legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if they arise, may involve risks which exceed those involved in the activities described in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (“ADRs”). The Fund may invest in ADRs. ADRs are receipts that are traded in the United States evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities and are denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition to investment risks associated with the underlying issuer, ADRs expose the Fund to additional risk associated with non-uniform terms that apply to ADR programs, credit exposure to the depository bank and to the sponsors and other parties with whom the depository bank establishes the programs, currency risk and liquidity risk. Some institutions issuing ADRs may not be sponsored by the issuer. Unsponsored programs generally expose investors to greater risks than sponsored programs and do not provide holders with many of the shareholder benefits that come from investing in a sponsored ADR. Available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs and the prices of unsponsored ADRs may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. ADRs are generally subject to the same risks as the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted.
A non-sponsored depository may not provide the same shareholder information that a sponsored depository is required to provide under its contractual arrangement with the issuer.
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BORROWINGS. The Fund may engage in borrowing transactions as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests, for other temporary or emergency purposes or, to the extent permitted by its investment policies, to raise additional cash to be invested in other securities or instruments in an effort to increase the Fund’s investment returns. Reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a type of borrowing.
When the Fund invests borrowing proceeds in other securities, the Fund will be at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of the securities in which the proceeds are invested. Like other leveraging risks, this makes the value of an investment in the Fund more volatile and increases the Fund’s overall investment exposure. In addition, if the Fund’s return on its investment of the borrowing proceeds does not equal or exceed the interest that the Fund is obligated to pay under the terms of a borrowing, engaging in these transactions will lower the Fund’s return.
The Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to its borrowing obligations. This could adversely affect the Fund’s strategy and result in lower returns. Interest on any borrowings will be the Fund expense and will reduce the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund may borrow on a secured or on an unsecured basis. If the Fund enters into a secured borrowing arrangement, a portion of the Fund’s assets will be used as collateral. During the term of the borrowing, the Fund will remain at risk for any fluctuations in the market value of these assets in addition to any securities purchased with the proceeds of the loan. In addition, the Fund may be unable to sell the collateral at a time when it would be advantageous to do so, which could adversely affect the Fund’s strategy and result in lower returns. The Fund would also be subject to the risk that the lender may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent, or otherwise default on its obligations to return the collateral to the Fund. In the event of a default by the lender, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in the Fund’s exercising its rights with respect to the collateral or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law.
CALCULATION OF PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio investments for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio investments owned during the reporting period. The calculation excludes all securities, including options, whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by changes in the holdings of specific issuers, changes in country and currency weightings, cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements that enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment.
The Fund is not restricted by policy with regard to portfolio turnover and will make changes in its investment portfolio from time to time as business and economic conditions as well as market prices may dictate.
COMMERCIAL PAPER, BANKERS’ ACCEPTANCES, CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT, TIME DEPOSITS AND BANK NOTES. The Fund may invest in commercial paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate.
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Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties that vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party. Bank notes generally rank junior to deposit liabilities of banks and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank. Bank notes are classified as “other borrowings” on a bank’s balance sheet, while deposit notes and certificates of deposit are classified as deposits. Bank notes are not insured by the FDIC or any other insurer. Deposit notes are insured by the FDIC only to the extent of $250,000 per depositor per bank.
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in the obligations of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such obligations include Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit (“ECDs”), which are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by offices of foreign and domestic banks located outside the United States; Eurodollar Time Deposits (“ETDs”), which are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or a foreign bank; Canadian Time Deposits (“CTDs”), which are essentially the same as ETDs except they are issued by Canadian offices of major Canadian banks; Schedule Bs, which are obligations issued by Canadian branches of foreign or domestic banks; Yankee Certificates of Deposit (“Yankee CDs”), which are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the United States; and Yankee Bankers’ Acceptances (“Yankee BAs”), which are U.S. dollar-denominated bankers’ acceptances issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the United States.
Commercial paper is generally unsecured and usually discounted from its value at maturity. The value of commercial paper may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entities and will tend to fall when interest rates rise and rise when interest rates fall. Investments in commercial paper are subject to the risk that the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its obligations with respect to its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper is also susceptible to changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit quality. In addition, under certain circumstances commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity. Commercial paper purchased by the Fund may include asset-backed commercial paper. Asset-backed commercial paper is issued by a Special Purpose Entity that is organized to issue the commercial paper and to purchase trade receivables or other financial assets. The credit quality of asset-backed commercial paper depends primarily on the quality of these assets and the level of any additional credit support. The repayment of asset-backed commercial paper depends primarily on the cash collections received from such an issuer’s underlying asset portfolio and the issuer’s ability to issue new asset-backed commercial paper.
Since the Fund may hold investments in non-U.S. bank obligations, an investment in the Fund involves certain additional risks. Such investment risks include future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of non-U.S. withholding taxes on interest income payable on such obligations held by the Fund, the possible seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. deposits and the possible establishment of exchange controls or other non-U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to the payment of the principal of and interest on certificates of deposit or fixed time deposits that might affect adversely such payment on such obligations held by the Fund. Additionally, there may be less public information available about non-U.S. entities. Non-U.S. issuers may be subject to less governmental regulation and supervision than U.S. issuers. Non-U.S. issuers also generally are not bound by uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. See also “Foreign Investments—General.”
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible securities mature or are redeemed, converted or exchanged. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to ordinary debt securities in that they normally provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier non-convertible securities but rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security.
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The value of convertible securities is a function of their investment value (determined by yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and their conversion value (their worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of convertible securities is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline, and by the credit standing of the issuer and other factors. The conversion value of convertible securities is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible securities is governed principally by their investment value. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible securities will be increasingly influenced by their conversion value. In addition, convertible securities generally sell at a premium over their conversion value determined by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding fixed-income securities.
In addition, a convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund would be required to (i) permit the issuer to redeem the security, (ii) convert it into the underlying common stock or (iii) sell it to a third party. Any of the actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
In general, investments in lower quality convertible securities are subject to a significant risk of a change in the credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entity. Investments in convertible securities of medium or lower quality also are likely to be subject to greater market fluctuation and to greater risk of loss of income and principal due to default than investments of higher quality fixed-income securities. Such lower quality securities generally tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher quality securities, which react more to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. By investing in convertible securities, the Fund generally will seek to reduce risk to the investor by diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments in trends of both the economy and financial markets. However, while diversification reduces the effect on the Fund of any single investment, it does not reduce the overall risk of investing in lower quality securities.
CURRENCY SWAPS. The Fund may enter into currency swap transactions for hedging purposes. These instruments are privately negotiated over-the-counter derivative products. A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way these instruments are structured. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the rights of the Fund and another party to make or receive payments in specific currencies.
Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. To the extent that the amount payable by the Fund under a swap is covered by segregated cash or liquid assets, the Fund and its Adviser believes that transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.
The Fund will not enter into a currency swap unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated either A or A-1 or better by Standard & Poor’s® Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or A or Prime-1 or better by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or a comparable rating from another organization that is recognized as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated by such rating organization, is determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in their forecasts of currency exchange rates the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used. For a description of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations affecting swap transactions and certain other derivatives, see “Futures Contracts and Related Options.”
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CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS FOR TREASURY SECURITIES. The Fund may acquire U.S. government obligations and their unmatured interest coupons that have been separated (“stripped”) by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. Having separated the interest coupons from the underlying principal of the U.S. government obligations, the holder will resell the stripped securities in custodial receipt programs with a number of different names, such as TIGRs (Treasury Income Growth Receipts) and CATS (Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities). The stripped coupons are sold separately from the underlying principal, which usually is sold at a deep discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest (cash) payments. The underlying U.S. Treasury bonds and notes themselves are held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities (i.e., unregistered securities, which are ostensibly owned by the bearer or holder), in trust on behalf of the owners. Counsel to the underwriters of these certificates or other evidences of ownership of U.S. Treasury securities have stated that, in their opinion, purchasers of the stripped securities most likely will be deemed the beneficial holders of the underlying U.S. government obligations for federal tax purposes. The Fund is unaware of any binding legislative, judicial or administrative authority on this issue.
CYBERSECURITY RISK. With the increased use of technologies such as mobile devices and Web-based or “cloud” applications, and the dependence on the Internet and computer systems to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events (arising from external or internal sources) that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, physical damage to a computer or network system or lose operational capacity. Cybersecurity attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by malicious software, such as malware or computer viruses or gaining unauthorized access to digital systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund’s operations (e.g., through “hacking,” “phishing” or malicious software coding) or other means for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cybersecurity attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on the Fund’s websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund’s systems.
Cybersecurity incidents affecting the Adviser, other service providers (including, but not limited to, the administrator, custodian, sub-custodians, transfer agent and financial intermediaries) or the Fund’s shareholders have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses to both the Fund and their shareholders, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its Net Asset Values (“NAV”), impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions (including fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions), violations of applicable privacy and other laws (including the release of private shareholder information) and attendant breach notification and credit monitoring costs, regulatory fines, penalties, litigation costs, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, forensic investigation and remediation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and other service providers) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to safeguard against and reduce the risk of any cybersecurity incidents in the future. In addition to administrative, technological and procedural safeguards, the Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent or reduce the impact of, such cybersecurity incidents. However, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, as well as the rapid development of new threats. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
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EQUITY-LINKED NOTES. An equity-linked note (“ELN”) is a debt instrument whose value is based on the value of a single equity security, basket of equity securities or an index of equity securities (each, an “Underlying Equity”). An ELN typically provides interest income, thereby offering a yield advantage over investing directly in an Underlying Equity. The Fund may purchase ELNs that trade on a securities exchange or those that trade on the over-the-counter markets, including Rule 144A securities. The Fund may also purchase ELNs in a privately negotiated transaction with the issuer of the ELNs (or its broker-dealer affiliate). The Fund may or may not hold an ELN until its maturity.
Equity-linked securities also include issues such as Structured Yield Product Exchangeable for Stock (“STRYPES”), Trust Automatic Common Exchange Securities (“TRACES”), Trust Issued Mandatory Exchange Securities (“TIMES”) and Trust Enhanced Dividend Securities (“TRENDS”). The issuers of these equity-linked securities generally purchase and hold a portion of stripped U.S. Treasury securities maturing on a quarterly basis through the conversion date, and a forward purchase contract with an existing shareholder of the company relating to the common stock. Quarterly distributions on such equity-linked securities generally consist of the cash received from the U.S. Treasury securities and such equity-linked securities generally are not entitled to any dividends that may be declared on the common stock.
ELNs also include participation notes issued by a bank or broker-dealer that entitles the Fund to a return measured by the change in value of an Underlying Equity. Participation notes are typically used when a direct investment in the Underlying Equity is restricted due to country-specific regulations. Investment in a participation note is the same as investment in the constituent shares of the company (or other issuer type) to which the Underlying Equity is economically tied. A participation note represents only an obligation of the company or other issuer type to provide the Fund the economic performance equivalent to holding shares of the Underlying Equity. A participation note does not provide any beneficial or equitable entitlement or interest in the relevant Underlying Equity. In other words, shares of the Underlying Equity are not in any way owned by the Fund.
EQUITY SECURITIES. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities. “Equity securities” include common stocks, preferred stocks, investment companies including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), interests in REITs, convertible securities, equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and similar enterprises, warrants, stock purchase rights and synthetic and derivative instruments that have economic characteristics similar to equity securities.
Investing in equity securities involves market risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual issuers and/or general economic conditions. Securities markets may experience great short-term volatility and may fall sharply at times. Different markets may behave differently from each other and a foreign market may move in the opposite direction from the U.S. market. Stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. In general, the values of equity investments fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and in response to general market and economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. Accordingly, the values of the equity investments that the Fund holds may decline over short or extended periods. This volatility means that the value of your investment in the Fund may increase or decrease. You could lose money over short periods due to fluctuation in the Fund’s NAV in response to market movements, and over longer periods during market downturns.
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Over the past several years, stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility. Growth stocks are generally more sensitive to market movements than other types of stocks and their stock prices may therefore be more volatile and present a higher degree of risk of loss. Value stocks, on the other hand, may fall out of favor with investors and underperform growth stocks during any given period. Stock prices may fluctuate from time to time in response to the activities of individual companies and in response to general market and economic conditions. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry trends and developments, and the stock prices of such companies may decline in response.
In addition, while interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to raise the target fed funds rate in 2017, following a similar move the previous year, and the possibility that the U.S. Federal Reserve may continue with such rate increases, among other factors, could cause markets to experience continuing high volatility. A significant increase in interest rates may cause a decline in the market for equity securities. Also, regulators have expressed concern that rate increases may contribute to price volatility. These events and the possible resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
EQUITY SWAPS. The Fund may enter into equity swap contracts to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. Equity swaps also may be used for hedging purposes, in anticipation of the purchase of securities or for liquidity management purposes. The counterparty to an equity swap contract will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. Equity swap contracts may be structured in different ways. For example, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap contract would have increased in value had it been invested in particular stocks (or an index of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in the stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any equity swap contract should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, the counterparty and the Fund may each agree to pay the other the difference between the relative investment performances that would have been achieved if the notional amount of the equity swap contract had been invested in different stocks (or indices of stocks).
The Fund will enter into equity swaps only on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of an equity swap contract or periodically during its term. Equity swaps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to equity swaps is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash or liquid assets to cover the Fund’s obligations, the Fund and the Adviser believe that such transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.
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The Fund will not enter into any swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party is rated either A, or A-1 or better by S&P, or Fitch; or A or Prime-1 or better by Moody’s, or has received a comparable rating from another organization that is recognized as an NRSRO. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
The use of equity swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used. For a description of CFTC regulations affecting swap transactions and certain other derivatives, see “Futures Contracts and Related Options.”
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. In order to protect against a possible loss on investments resulting from a decline or appreciation in the value of a particular foreign currency against the U.S. dollar or another foreign currency or for other reasons, the Fund is authorized to enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. These contracts involve an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward currency contracts do not eliminate fluctuations in the values of portfolio securities but rather allow the Fund to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time.
When entering into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security, the Fund may enter into a forward foreign currency exchange contract for the amount of the purchase or sale price to protect against variations, between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received, in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other foreign currency.
When the Adviser anticipates that a particular foreign currency may decline relative to the U.S. dollar or other leading currencies, in order to reduce risk, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund’s securities denominated in such foreign currency. Similarly, when the securities held by the Fund create a short position in a foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to buy, for a fixed amount, an amount of foreign currency approximating the short position. With respect to any forward foreign currency contract, it generally will not be possible to match precisely the amount covered by that contract and the value of the securities involved due to the changes in the values of such securities resulting from market movements between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. In addition, while forward contracts may offer protection from losses resulting from declines or appreciation in the value of a particular foreign currency, they also limit potential gains, which might result from changes in the value of such currency. The Fund also may incur costs in connection with forward foreign currency exchange contracts and conversions of foreign currencies and U.S. dollars.
In addition, to the extent consistent with its investment objective and strategies, the Fund may purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts to seek to increase total return or for cross-hedging purposes and may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the investment management team believes that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies.
Liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund’s assets that could be required to consummate forward contracts will be segregated except to the extent the contracts are otherwise “covered.” The segregated assets will be valued at market or fair value. If the market or fair value of such assets declines, additional liquid assets will be segregated daily so that the value of the segregated assets will equal the amount of such commitments by the Fund. A forward contract to sell a foreign currency is “covered” if the Fund owns the currency (or securities denominated in the currency) underlying the contract, or holds a forward contract (or call option) permitting the Fund to buy the same currency at a price that is (i) no higher than the Fund’s price to sell the currency or (ii) greater than the Fund’s price to sell the currency provided the Fund segregates liquid assets in the amount of the difference. A forward contract to buy a foreign currency is “covered” if the Fund holds a forward contract (or call option) permitting the Fund to sell the same currency at a price that is (i) as high as or higher than the Fund’s price to buy the currency or (ii) lower than the Fund’s price to buy the currency provided the Fund segregates liquid assets in the amount of the difference.
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FOREIGN INVESTMENTS—GENERAL. The Fund intends to invest a portion of its assets in foreign issuers. Investment in foreign securities involves special risks. These include market risk, interest rate risk and the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers and of companies whose securities are principally traded outside the United States on foreign exchanges or foreign over-the-counter markets and in investments denominated in foreign currencies. Market risk involves the possibility that security prices will decline over short or even extended periods. The markets tend to be cyclical, with periods of generally rising prices and periods of generally declining prices. These cycles will affect the value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in foreign securities. The holdings of the Fund, to the extent that it invests in fixed-income securities, will be sensitive to changes in interest rates and the interest rate environment. Generally, the prices of bonds and debt securities fluctuate inversely with interest rate changes. In addition, the performance of investments in securities denominated in a foreign currency will depend on the strength of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar and the interest rate environment in the country issuing the currency. Absent other events which could otherwise affect the value of a foreign security (such as a change in the political climate or an issuer’s credit quality), appreciation in the value of the foreign currency generally can be expected to increase the value of a foreign currency-denominated security in terms of U.S. dollars. A rise in foreign interest rates or decline in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar generally can be expected to depress the value of a foreign currency-denominated security.
There are other risks and costs involved in investing in foreign securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. Investment in foreign securities involves higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. Foreign investments also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in foreign securities. Additionally, foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks are subject to less stringent reserve requirements, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. Also, the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. Additionally, many countries throughout the world are dependent on a healthy U.S. economy and are adversely affected when the U.S. economy weakens or its markets decline. For example, the decline in the U.S. subprime mortgage market quickly spread throughout global credit markets, triggering a liquidity crisis that affected fixed-income and equity markets around the world.
European countries can be affected by the significant fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.
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In June of 2016, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) approved a referendum to leave the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which sparked depreciation in the value of the British pound and heightened risk of continued worldwide economic volatility. Pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, the UK gave notice in March 2017 of its withdrawal from the EU and commenced negotiations on the terms of withdrawal. With notice given, the negotiation period could last for two years or more. The UK is currently scheduled to withdraw from the EU on October 31, 2019. It is unclear what the potential consequences may be. In addition, it is possible that measures could be taken to revote the issue of the withdrawal, or that regions of the UK could seek to separate and remain a part of the EU. As a result of the scheduled withdrawal, the Fund may be exposed to volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations over a short period of time, and potentially lower economic growth in the UK, Europe and globally. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact the Fund’s investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.
Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union, and/or withdraw from the European Union. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.
To the extent consistent with its investment objective and strategies, the Fund may invest in foreign debt, including the securities of foreign governments. Several risks exist concerning such investments, including the risk that foreign governments may default on their obligations, may not respect the integrity of such debt, may attempt to renegotiate the debt at a lower rate, and may not honor investments by U.S. entities or citizens.
Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, its portfolio securities and other assets are valued in U.S. dollars. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time causing, together with other factors, the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate as well. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by the intervention or the failure to intervene by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. To the extent that the Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, are denominated in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.
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Dividends and interest payable on the Fund’s foreign portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. To the extent such taxes are not offset by credits or deductions allowed to investors under U.S. federal income tax law, they may reduce the net return to the shareholders. See “Taxes.”
The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which they invest, and treaties between the United States and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “Taxes.”
The Fund also is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on the convertibility of currency. In addition, through the use of forward currency exchange contracts with other instruments, the respective net currency positions of the Fund may expose it to risks independent of its securities positions. Although the net long and short foreign currency exposure of the Fund will not exceed its respective total asset values, to the extent that the Fund is fully invested in foreign securities while also maintaining currency positions, it may be exposed to greater risk than it would have if it did not maintain the currency positions.
Investors should understand that the expense ratios of the Fund can be expected to be higher than those funds investing primarily in domestic securities. The costs attributable to investing abroad usually are higher for several reasons, such as the higher cost of investment research, higher costs of custody of foreign securities, higher commissions paid on comparable transactions on foreign markets and additional costs arising from delays in settlements of transactions involving foreign securities.
The Fund’s foreign securities are generally held outside the United States in the primary market for the securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and trust companies, as permitted under the 1940 Act (“foreign sub-custodians”). Settlement practices for foreign securities may differ from those in the United States. Some countries have limited governmental oversight and regulation of industry practices, stock exchanges, depositories, registrars, brokers and listed companies, which increases the risk of corruption and fraud and the possibility of losses to the Fund. In particular, under certain circumstances, foreign securities may settle on a delayed delivery basis, meaning that the Fund may be required to make payment for securities before the Fund has actually received delivery of the securities or deliver securities prior to the receipt of payment. Typically, in these cases, the Fund will receive evidence of ownership in accordance with the generally accepted settlement practices in the local market entitling the Fund to deliver payment at a future date, but there is a risk that the security will not be delivered to the Fund or that payment will not be received, although the Fund and its foreign sub-custodians take reasonable precautions to mitigate this risk.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result in missed attractive investment opportunities, losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, possible liability to the purchaser. Losses can also result from lost, stolen or counterfeit securities; defaults by brokers and banks; failures or defects of the settlement system; or poor and improper record keeping by registrars and issuers.
Share blocking refers to a practice in certain foreign markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country.
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The Fund may invest a percentage of its assets in the securities of issuers located in geographic regions with securities markets that are highly developed, liquid and subject to extensive regulation, including Japan. Japan’s economy has historically lagged that of its Asian neighbors and other major developed economies, and it has experienced lengthy periods of recession and deterioration of its competitiveness. Although Japan has attempted to reform its political process and deregulate its economy to address the situation, there is no guarantee that these efforts will succeed.
Japan’s economy is heavily dependent upon international trade, and is especially sensitive to trade barriers and disputes. Domestic or foreign trade sanctions or other protectionist measures may also adversely impact Japan’s economy. In particular, Japan relies on large imports of agricultural products, raw materials and fuels. Japan also remains heavily dependent on oil imports, and a substantial rise in commodity prices, or a fall-off in Japan’s manufactured exports, may affect Japan’s economy adversely. Additionally, slowdowns in the economies of key trading partners such as the United States, China and countries in Southeast Asia could have a negative impact on the Japanese economy.
Furthermore, Japan has an aging workforce. It is a labor market undergoing fundamental structural changes, as traditional lifetime employment clashes with the need for increased labor mobility, which may adversely affect Japan’s economic competitiveness.
The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the economy. The Japanese yen may also be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia.
The Japanese securities markets are less regulated than the U.S. markets. Evidence has emerged from time to time of distortion of market prices to serve political or other purposes. Shareholders’ rights also are not always enforced.
Japan has had territorial disputes and/or defense issues with China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, among others. In the past several years, Japan’s relationship with North Korea has been especially strained because of increased nuclear and military activity by North Korea. Japan’s disputes with neighboring countries have the potential to cause uncertainty in the Japanese markets and affect the overall Japanese economy in times of crisis.
Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis and is economically sensitive to environmental events. Any such event could result in a significant adverse impact on the Japanese economy.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS—EMERGING AND FRONTIER MARKETS. The Fund may also invest in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging and frontier market countries are generally located in the Asia and Pacific regions, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central America, South America and Africa. Political and economic structures in many of these countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and these countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries.
In general, the securities markets of emerging and frontier countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility and have a smaller market capitalization than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the United States. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging and frontier country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging and frontier country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.
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Emerging and frontier country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging and frontier countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging and frontier countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging and frontier country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.
Certain emerging and frontier market countries may have antiquated legal systems, which may adversely impact the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging and frontier market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging and frontier market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which issuers in certain emerging and frontier countries are subject may be less advanced than the systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of such issuers may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries.
Because of the recent formation of the Russian securities markets, the underdeveloped state of Russia’s banking and telecommunication system and the legal and regulatory framework in Russia, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to additional risks. Prior to 2013, there was no central registration system for equity share registration in Russia and registration was carried out either by the issuers themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. These registrars may not have been subject to effective state supervision or licensed with any governmental entity. In 2013, Russia established the National Settlement Depository (“NSD”) as a recognized central securities depository, and title to Russian equities is now based on the records of the NSD and not on the records of local registrars. The implementation of the NSD is generally expected to decrease the risk of loss in connection with recording and transferring title to securities; however, loss may still occur. Additionally, issuers and registrars remain prominent in the validation and approval of documentation requirements for corporate action processing in Russia, and there remain inconsistent market standards in the Russian market with respect to the completion and submission of corporate action elections. To the extent that the Fund suffers a loss relating to title or corporate actions relating to its portfolio securities, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights or otherwise remedy the loss. In addition, Russia also may attempt to assert its influence in the region through economic or even military measures, as it did with Georgia in the summer of 2008 and the Ukraine in 2014. Such measures may have an adverse effect on the Russian economy, which may, in turn negatively impact the Fund.
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The United States, the EU and other countries have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities.
The sanctions against certain Russian issuers include prohibitions on transacting in or dealing in new debt of longer than 30 or 90 days’ maturity or new equity of such issuers, securities held by the Fund issued prior to the date of the sanctions being imposed are not currently subject to any restrictions under the sanctions. However, compliance with each of these sanctions may impair the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive or deliver the affected securities or other securities of such issuers. If it becomes impracticable or unlawful for the Fund to hold securities subject to, or otherwise affected by, sanctions (collectively, “affected securities”), or if deemed appropriate by the Fund’s investment adviser, the Fund may prohibit in-kind deposits of the affected securities in connection with creation transactions and instead require a cash deposit, which may also increase the Fund’s transaction costs.
Current or future sanctions may result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. These retaliatory measures may include the immediate freeze of Russian assets held by the Fund. In the event of such a freeze of any Fund assets, including depositary receipts, the Fund may need to liquidate non-restricted assets in order to satisfy any Fund redemption orders. The liquidation of Fund assets during this time may also result in the Fund receiving substantially lower prices for its securities.
Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging and frontier countries may be higher than in developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging and frontier countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.
Certain emerging and frontier countries may restrict or control foreign investments in their securities markets. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in those countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging and frontier countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging and frontier countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. Custodial and/or settlement systems in emerging and frontier countries may not be fully developed. To the extent the Fund invests in emerging countries, Fund assets that are traded in such markets and which have been entrusted to sub-custodians in these markets may be exposed to risks for which the sub-custodian will have no liability.
Emerging and frontier countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than more developed countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) social unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.
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The Fund may invest in former “Eastern Bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.
A portion of the Fund’s portfolio may also be invested in issuers located in Central and South American countries. Securities markets in Central and South American countries may experience greater volatility than in other emerging countries. In addition, a number of Central and South American countries are among the largest emerging country debtors. There have been moratoria on, and reschedulings of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.
Many of the currencies of Central and South American countries have experienced steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have historically occurred in certain countries. There is also a risk that certain Central and South American countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies into other currencies. Some Central and South American countries may have managed currencies that are not free floating against the U.S. Dollar. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency that, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. Certain Central and South American currencies may not be internationally traded, and it would be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies.
The emergence of the Central and South American economies and securities markets will require continued economic and fiscal discipline that has been lacking at times in the past, as well as stable political and social conditions. Governments of many Central and South American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. The political history of certain Central and South American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres and political corruption. Such developments, if they were to recur, could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization and removal of trade barriers.
International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the recovery of the Central and South American economies. Because commodities such as oil, gas, minerals and metals represent a significant percentage of the region’s exports, the economies of Central and South American countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. As a result, the economies in many of these countries can experience significant volatility.
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Certain Central and South American countries have entered into regional trade agreements that would, among other things, reduce barriers among countries, increase competition among companies and reduce government subsidies in certain industries. No assurance can be given that these changes will result in the economic stability intended. There is a possibility that these trade arrangements will not be implemented, will be implemented but not completed or will be completed but then partially or completely unwound. It is also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon a trade agreement, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including share appreciation or depreciation of participant’s national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence in the Central and South American markets, an undermining of Central and South American economic stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive toward Central and South American economic unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation rates that were introduced in anticipation of such trade agreements. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments in Central and South America generally or in specific countries participating in such trade agreements.
The economies of emerging and frontier countries may suffer from unfavorable growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation and hyperinflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging and frontier countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging and frontier countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging and frontier countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging and frontier countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports.
Risks related to currencies and corporate actions are also greater in emerging and frontier countries than in developed countries. For example, some emerging and frontier countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Certain emerging and frontier countries may experience sudden and large adjustments in their currency, which can have a disruptive and adverse effect on foreign investors. Some emerging and frontier countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience sustained periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates which can have negative effects on a country’s economy and securities markets. There may be no significant foreign exchange market for certain currencies making it difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s investments denominated in such currencies. Some emerging and frontier countries may impose restrictions on the free conversion of their currencies into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Corporate action procedures in emerging and frontier countries may be less reliable and have limited or no involvement by the depositories and central banks. Lack of standard practices and payment systems can lead to significant delays in payment.
Many emerging and frontier countries are highly dependent on foreign loans for their operations. There have been moratoria on, and refinancing of, repayments with respect to these loans. Some of the refinancings have imposed restrictions and conditions on the economies of such nations that have adversely affected their economic growth.
Frontier countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier countries.
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FORWARD COMMITMENTS, WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment (sometimes called delayed delivery) basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions normally are negotiated directly with the other party. In addition, recently finalized rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) include mandatory margin requirements that require the Fund to post collateral in connection with its to-be-announced (“TBA”) transactions. There is no similar requirement applicable to the Fund’s TBA counterparties. The required collateralization of TBA trades could increase the cost of TBA transactions to the Fund and impose added operational complexity.
The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or negotiate a commitment after entering into it. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.
When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate liquid assets having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments or will otherwise cover its position. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases, forward commitments and delayed-delivery transactions. For purposes of determining the Fund’s average dollar-weighted maturity, the maturity of when-issued, delayed-delivery or forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment date.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and may purchase and sell call and put options on futures contracts for hedging purposes, in anticipation of the purchase of securities or for liquidity management purposes.
The Fund will claim an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act, and, therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under that Act with respect to the Fund. The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirement of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “U.S. Code”) for maintaining their qualifications as regulated investment companies for federal income tax purposes. In February 2012, however, the CFTC adopted certain regulatory changes that will subject the adviser of an investment company to registration with the CFTC as a CPO if the investment company is unable to comply with certain trading and marketing limitations. The Fund is required to affirm the Fund’s CPO exclusion annually within 60 days of the start of the calendar year.
With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations. Compliance with these additional registration and regulatory requirements would increase operational expenses. Other potentially adverse regulatory initiatives could also develop. A related CFTC proposal to harmonize applicable CFTC and SEC regulations could, if adopted, mitigate certain disclosure and operational burdens if CPO registration were required.
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When used as a hedge, the Fund may sell a futures contract in order to offset a decrease in the market value of its portfolio securities that might otherwise result from a market decline or currency exchange fluctuations. The Fund may do so either to hedge the value of its portfolio securities as a whole, or to protect against declines, occurring prior to sales of securities, in the value of the securities to be sold. Conversely, the Fund may purchase a futures contract as a hedge in anticipation of purchase of securities. In addition, the Fund may utilize futures contracts in anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings.
Participation in foreign futures and foreign options transactions involves the execution and clearing of trades on or subject to the rules of a foreign board of trade. Neither the National Futures Association (the “NFA”) nor any domestic exchange regulates activities of any foreign boards of trade, including the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or any applicable foreign law. This is true even if the exchange is formally linked to a domestic market so that a position taken on the market may be liquidated by a transaction on another market. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the foreign futures or foreign options transaction occurs. For these reasons, persons who trade foreign futures or foreign options contracts may not be afforded certain of the protective measures provided by the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC regulations and the rules of the NFA and any domestic exchange, including the right to use reparations proceedings before the CFTC and arbitration proceedings provided them by the NFA or any domestic futures exchange. In particular, the Fund’s investments in foreign futures or foreign options transactions may not be provided the same protections in respect of transactions on U.S. futures exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or foreign options contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time an order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised.
Certain derivatives traded in over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets, including indexed securities, swaps and OTC options, involve substantial liquidity risk. The absence of liquidity may make it difficult or impossible for the Fund to sell such instruments promptly at an acceptable price. The absence of liquidity may also make it more difficult for the Fund to ascertain a market value for such instruments.
Because derivatives traded in OTC markets are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation and may not require payment of margin, to the extent that the Fund has unrealized gains in such instruments or has deposited collateral with its counterparty the Fund is at risk that its counterparty will become bankrupt or otherwise fail to honor its obligations. The Fund will attempt to minimize these risks by engaging in transactions in derivatives traded in OTC markets only with financial institutions that have substantial capital or that have provided the Fund with a third-party guaranty or other credit enhancement.
Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, certain derivatives are subject to margin requirements and swap dealers will potentially be required to collect margin from the Fund with respect to such derivatives. In connection with the Fund’s position in a futures contract or related option, the Fund will segregate liquid assets or will otherwise cover its position in accordance with applicable SEC requirements.
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ILLIQUID OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid. The Fund may purchase commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and securities that are not registered under the 1933 Act but can be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as the Adviser determines that, under guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board, an adequate trading market exists. This practice could increase the level of illiquidity during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing these securities.
The Fund may be limited in pursuing investment opportunities, particularly those in emerging and frontier markets by the limits on its ability to hold illiquid securities. Certain securities trade in lower volume and may be less liquid than securities of large established companies. Because the SEC places a limit of 15% of net assets that can be invested in illiquid securities, the Fund may be forced to forego investments in securities that are deemed illiquid.
INVESTMENT COMPANIES. With respect to the investments of the Fund in the securities of other affiliated and unaffiliated investment companies, such investments generally will be limited so that, as determined after a purchase is made, either: (a) not more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such investment company will be owned by the Fund and its affiliated persons (as defined in the 1940 Act); or (b) (i) not more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund will be invested in the securities of any one investment company, not more than 10% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of investment companies as a group, and (ii) not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund.
Investments by the Fund in other investment companies, including ETFs, will be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act except as permitted by SEC orders. The Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit it to invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits contained in the 1940 Act, subject to certain terms and conditions. Generally, these terms and conditions require the Board to approve policies and procedures relating to certain of the Fund’s investments in ETFs. These policies and procedures require, among other things, that (i) the Investment Adviser conducts the Fund’s investment in ETFs without regard to any consideration received by the Fund or any of its affiliated persons and (ii) the Adviser certifies to the Board quarterly that they have not received any consideration in connection with an investment by the Fund in an ETF, or if it has, the amount and purpose of the consideration will be reported to the Board and an equivalent amount of advisory fees shall be waived by the Adviser.
Certain investment companies whose securities are purchased by the Fund may not be obligated to redeem such securities in an amount exceeding 1% of the investment company’s total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Therefore, such securities that exceed this amount may be illiquid.
If required by the 1940 Act, the Fund expects to vote the shares of other investment companies that are held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.
To the extent consistent with its investment objective and strategies, the Fund may invest all or substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof with substantially the same investment objective, strategy and restrictions as the Fund. However, the Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies to the extent described above. The Fund may adhere to other limitations with respect to its investments in securities issued by other investment companies if required or permitted by the SEC or deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund.
As noted in the Prospectus, the Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies subject to the restrictions set forth above.
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LARGE TRADE NOTIFICATIONS. The transfer agent may from time to time receive notice that an authorized institution or other financial intermediary has received an order for a large trade in the Fund’s shares. The Adviser may determine to enter into portfolio transactions in anticipation of that order, even though the order will not be processed until the following business day. This practice provides for a closer correlation between the time shareholders place trade orders and the time the Fund enters into portfolio transactions based on those orders, and permits the Fund to be more fully invested in investment securities, in the case of purchase orders, and to more orderly liquidate their investment positions, in the case of redemption orders. On the other hand, the authorized institution or other financial intermediary may not ultimately process the order. In this case, the Fund may be required to borrow assets to settle the portfolio transactions entered into in anticipation of that order, and would therefore incur borrowing costs. The Fund may also suffer investment losses on those portfolio transactions. Conversely, the Fund would benefit from any earnings and investment gains resulting from such portfolio transactions.
LIQUIDITY RISK. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time periods described in a timely manner because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, legal restrictions impairing the Fund’s ability to sell particular securities or close derivative positions at an advantageous market price or other reasons. Certain portfolio securities may be less liquid than others, which may make them difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like or difficult to value. The Fund may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity. In addition, less liquid securities may be more difficult to value and markets may become less liquid when there are fewer interested buyers or sellers or when dealers are unwilling or unable to make a market for certain securities. Recently, dealers have generally been less willing to make markets for fixed income securities. All of these risks may increase during periods of market turmoil and could have a negative effect on portfolio management or performance. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed income securities. The potential for liquidity risk may be magnified by a rising interest rate environment or other circumstances where investor redemptions from money market and other fixed income mutual funds may be higher than normal, potentially causing increased supply in the market due to selling activity. Funds with principal investment strategies that involve investments in securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, foreign securities derivatives or securities with potential market and/or credit risk tend to have the greatest exposure to liquidity risk. All of these risks may increase during periods of market volatility.
MISCELLANEOUS. Securities may be purchased on margin only to obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities. The Fund may, however, make short sales against-the-box.
MONEY MARKET FUND INVESTMENTS. Certain money market funds in which the Fund may invest, including certain money market funds managed by the Adviser, operate as “institutional money market funds” under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act and must calculate their NAV per share to the fourth decimal place (e.g., $1.0000) reflecting market-based values of the money market fund’s holdings. Because the share price of these money market funds will fluctuate, when the Fund sells its shares they may be worth more or less than what the Fund originally paid for them. The Fund could also lose money if the money market fund holds defaulted securities or as a result of adverse market conditions. These money market funds may impose a “liquidity fee” upon the redemption of their shares or may temporarily suspend the ability to redeem shares if the money market fund’s liquidity falls below the required minimums because of market conditions or other factors.
These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund from redeeming shares when the Adviser would otherwise redeem shares. If a liquidity fee is imposed or redemptions are suspended, an investing Fund may have to sell other investments at less than opportune times to raise cash to meet shareholder redemptions or for other purposes. The Adviser, as a result of imposition of liquidity fees or suspension of redemptions, or the potential risk of such actions, may determine not to invest the Fund’s assets in a money market fund when it otherwise would, and may potentially be forced to invest in more expensive, lower-performing investments.
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Imposition of a liquidity fee or temporary suspension of redemptions is at the discretion of a money market fund’s board of directors or trustees; however, they must impose a liquidity fee or suspend redemptions if they determine it would be in the best interest of the money market fund. Such a determination may conflict with the interest of the Fund.
The Fund may also invest in money market funds that invest at least 99.5% of their assets in U.S. government securities and operate as “government money market funds” under Rule 2a-7. Government money market funds may seek to maintain a stable price of $1.00 per share and are generally not required to impose liquidity fees or temporarily suspend redemptions. However, government money market funds typically offer materially lower yields than other money market funds with fluctuating share prices.
The Fund could lose money invested in a money market fund. An investment in a money market fund, including a government money market fund, is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. A money market fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the money market fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor or any person will provide financial support to a money market fund at any time.
In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund directly bears, the Fund indirectly bears the fees and expenses of any money market funds in which it invests, including affiliated money market funds. To the extent that fees and expenses, along with the fees and expenses of any other funds in which the Fund may invest, are expected to equal or exceed 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, they will be reflected in the annual fund operating expenses set forth in the fee table in the Fund’s Prospectus. By investing in a money market fund, the Fund will be exposed to the investment risks of the money market fund in direct proportion to such investment. The money market fund may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund, through its investment in the money market fund, may not achieve its investment objective. To the extent the Fund invests in instruments such as derivatives, the Fund may hold investments, which may be significant, in money market fund shares to cover its obligations resulting from the Fund’s investments in derivatives. Money market funds are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds.
OPERATIONAL RISK. The Fund service providers may experience disruptions or operating errors arising from factors such as processing errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third-party service providers or trading counterparties. In particular, these errors or failures in systems and technology, including operational risks associated with reliance on third party service providers, may affect the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset values in a timely manner, including over a potentially extended period. While service providers are required to have appropriate operational risk management policies and procedures, their methods of operational risk management may differ from those of the Fund in the setting of priorities, the personnel and resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. The Adviser, through its monitoring and oversight of the service providers, seeks to ensure that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to disruptions and operating errors. However, it is not possible for the Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
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OPTIONS. The Fund may buy put options and buy call options and write covered call and secured put options. Such options may relate to particular securities, foreign and domestic stock indices, financial instruments, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two securities (“yield curve options”) and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange or issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. A call option for a particular security or currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security or currency. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security or currency gives the purchaser the right to sell the security or currency at the stated exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security or currency. In contrast to an option on a particular security, an option on an index provides the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple.
Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves. The Fund will write call options only if they are “covered.” In the case of a call option on a security or currency, the option is “covered” if the Fund owns the security or currency underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, liquid assets in such amount are segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by it. For a call option on an index, the option is covered if the Fund maintains with its custodian a portfolio of securities substantially replicating the index, or liquid assets equal to the contract value. A call option also is covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security, currency or index as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written provided the Fund segregates liquid assets in the amount of the difference.
All put options written by the Fund would be covered, which means that the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option or will use the other methods described in the next sentence. A put option also is covered if the Fund holds a put option on the same security or currency as the option written where the exercise price of the option held is (i) equal to or higher than the exercise price of the option written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the option written provided the Fund segregates liquid assets in the amount of the difference.
With respect to yield curve options, a call (or put) option is covered if the Fund holds another call (or put) option on the spread between the same two securities and segregates liquid assets sufficient to cover the Fund’s net liability under the two options. Therefore, the Fund’s liability for such a covered option generally is limited to the difference between the amount of the Fund’s liability under the option written by the Fund less the value of the option held by the Fund. Yield curve options also may be covered in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.
The Fund’s obligation to sell subject to a covered call option written by it, or to purchase a security or currency subject to a secured put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by the Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying security or currency, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or currency or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have incurred a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer, unable to effect a closing purchase transaction, will not be able to sell the underlying security or currency (in the case of a covered call option) or liquidate the segregated assets (in the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the optioned security or currency is delivered upon exercise with the result that the writer in such circumstances will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.
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When the Fund purchases an option, the premium paid by it is recorded as an asset of the Fund. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium (the premium less the commission) received by the Fund is included in the liability section of the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of this asset or deferred credit will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by the Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold) and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.
There are several risks associated with transactions in certain options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities, currency and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS. The Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Equity REITs may further be categorized by the type of real estate securities they own, such as apartment properties, retail shopping centers, office and industrial properties, hotels, healthcare facilities, manufactured housing and mixed property types. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. Like regulated investment companies such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the U.S. Code. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund.
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Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by such REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified (except to the extent the U.S. Code requires), and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the U.S. Code and failing to maintain their exemptions from the 1940 Act. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. Investing in REITs also involves risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. That is, they may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to abrupt or erratic price movements in comparison to larger capitalization companies. To the extent that assets underlying a REIT are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects such as location, these risks may be heightened.
In addition, the value of such securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers of mortgage-related securities owned by the Fund. Because investments in mortgage-related securities are interest sensitive, the ability of the issuer to reinvest or to reinvest favorably in underlying mortgages may be limited by government regulation or tax policy. For example, action by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to limit the growth of the nation’s money supply may cause interest rates to rise and thereby reduce the volume of new residential mortgages. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantees and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will be able to meet their obligation.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investments in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
The REIT investments of the Fund may not provide complete tax information to the Fund until after the calendar year-end. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Fund to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Also, under current provisions of the U.S. Code, distributions attributable to operating income of REITs in which the Fund invests are not eligible for favorable tax treatment as long-term capital gains and will be taxable to you as ordinary income.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in real estate securities. The performance of real estate securities may be significantly impacted by the performance of real estate markets. Property values may fall due to increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from economic, legal, cultural or technological developments. The price of real estate company shares also may drop because of the failure of borrowers to pay their loans and poor management. Many real estate companies utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely affect a company’s operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates as well as risks normally associated with debt financing. Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk. The yields available from investments in real estate depend on the amount of income and capital appreciation generated by the related properties. Income and real estate values may also be adversely affected by such factors as applicable domestic and foreign laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act and tax laws), interest rate levels and the availability of financing. If the properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including, where applicable, debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third-party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the real estate company to make payments of any interest and principal on its debt securities will be adversely affected. In addition, real property may be subject to the quality of credit extended and defaults by borrowers and tenants. The performance of the economy in each of the countries and regions in which the real estate owned by the Fund is located affects occupancy, market rental rates and expenses and, consequently, has an impact on the income from such properties and their underlying values. The financial results of major local employers also may have an impact on the cash flow and value of certain properties. In addition, real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, the ability of real estate companies to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions is limited. A real estate company such as a REIT may also have joint venture investments in certain of its properties and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.
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REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may agree to purchase portfolio securities from domestic and foreign financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price (“repurchase agreements”). Repurchase agreements may be considered to be loans under the 1940 Act. Although the securities subject to a repurchase agreement may bear maturities exceeding one year, settlement for the repurchase agreement generally will not be more than one year after the Fund’s acquisition of the securities and normally will be within a shorter period of time. Securities subject to repurchase agreements normally are held either by the Fund’s custodian or subcustodian (if any), or in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book-Entry System.
The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the securities subject to the agreement in an amount exceeding the repurchase price (including accrued interest). Default by the seller would, however, expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delay in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, the Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is unenforceable. If the Fund enter into a repurchase agreement involving securities the Fund could not purchase directly, and the counterparty defaults, the Fund may become the holder of securities that they could not purchase. Apart from the risks associated with bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. If the market value of the securities subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest), generally, the seller of the securities will be required to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
Regulations that will begin to take effect in 2019 will require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Fund, to terminate such agreements, take foreclosure action, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. It is possible that these new requirements, as well as potential additional government regulation and other developments in the market, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
In the event of default by a foreign counterparty in a repurchase agreement, the Fund may be unable to successfully assert a claim to the collateral under foreign laws. As a result, repurchase agreements with foreign financial institutions involve higher credit risks than repurchase agreements with domestic financial institutions. Moreover, certain foreign countries have less developed and less regulated banking systems and auditing, accounting and financial reporting systems than the United States. In addition, repurchase agreements with foreign financial institutions located in emerging markets, or relating to emerging markets, may involve foreign financial institutions or counterparties with lower credit ratings than domestic financial institutions. (See also “Foreign Investments—General” on page 11 for additional discussion of the risks of investments with foreign institutions).
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REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may borrow funds by selling portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker/dealers and agreeing to repurchase them at a mutually specified date and price (“reverse repurchase agreements”). The Fund may use the proceeds of reverse repurchase agreements to purchase other securities either maturing, or under an agreement to resell, on a date simultaneous with or prior to the expiration of the reverse repurchase agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act. The use of reverse repurchase agreements may be regarded as leveraging and, therefore, speculative. Furthermore, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that (i) the interest income earned in the investment of the proceeds will be less than the interest expense, (ii) the market value of the securities retained in lieu of sale by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold but is obligated to repurchase, (iii) the market value of the securities sold will decline below the price at which the Fund is required to repurchase them and (iv) the securities will not be returned to the Fund. The Fund will pay interest on amounts obtained pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement. While reverse repurchase agreements are outstanding, the Fund will segregate liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement.
In addition, if the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Fund’s obligations to repurchase the securities and the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such decision. Additionally, regulations that will begin to take effect in 2019 will require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many reverse repurchase agreements, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Fund, to terminate such agreements, take foreclosure action, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. It is possible that these new requirements, as well as potential additional government regulation and other developments in the market, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing reverse repurchase agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
RISKS RELATED TO SMALL AND MID-CAPITALIZATION COMPANY SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in small and mid-capitalization company securities. While the Adviser may believe that smaller and mid-capitalization companies can provide greater growth potential than larger, more mature firms, investing in the securities of such companies also involves greater risk, portfolio price volatility and cost. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price. Small and mid-capitalization companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies and may have a greater sensitivity to changing economic conditions. Smaller and mid-capitalization companies also face a greater risk of business failure. As a result, their performance can be more volatile, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolios. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
The values of small and mid-capitalization company stocks will frequently fluctuate independently of the values of larger company stocks. Small and mid-capitalization company stocks may decline in price as large company stock prices rise, or rise in price as large company stock prices decline. You should, therefore, expect that the NAV of Fund that invest in such stocks will be more volatile than, and may fluctuate independently of, broad stock market indices such as the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (the “S&P 500 Index”).
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The additional costs associated with the acquisition of small and mid-capitalization company stocks include brokerage costs, market impact costs (that is, the increase in market prices which may result when the Fund purchases thinly traded stock) and the effect of the “bid-ask” spread in small and mid-capitalization company stocks. These costs will be borne by all shareholders and may negatively impact investment performance.
STRUCTURED SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase structured securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities for hedging purposes and to gain exposure to certain countries and currencies. These fixed-income instruments are structured to recast the investment characteristics of the underlying security or reference asset. If the issuer is a unit investment trust or other special purpose vehicle, the structuring will typically involve the deposit with or purchase by such issuer of specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans or securities) and/or the execution of various derivative transactions, and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities (structured securities) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Investments in these securities may be structured as a class that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher rates of return and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured products.
The Fund’s investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. Because structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. These securities generally are exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments. Structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of debt securities because the investor bears the risk of the underlying security or reference asset. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Examples of the types of U.S. government obligations that may be acquired by the Fund include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds. The Fund also may acquire obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and the Maritime Administration.
Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or by its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises also are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or by any agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise thereof, and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed.
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To the extent consistent with its investment objective and strategies, the Fund may invest in a variety of U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued by or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Not all U.S. government obligations carry the same credit support. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it were not obligated to do so by law. There is no assurance that these commitments will be undertaken or complied with in the future. In addition, the secondary market for certain participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies may be limited. In the absence of a suitable secondary market, such participations are generally considered illiquid.
Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to shareholders of a fund from interest income earned by that fund from direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the fund. Investments in securities issued by Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities do not generally qualify for tax-free treatment.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE INSTRUMENTS. Variable and floating rate instruments have interest rates that periodically are adjusted either at set intervals or that float at a margin in relation to a generally recognized index rate. These instruments include long-term variable and floating rate bonds (sometimes referred to as “put bonds”) where the Fund obtains at the time of purchase the right to put the bond back to the issuer or a third party at par at a specified date and also includes leveraged inverse floating rate instruments (“inverse floaters”).
With respect to the variable and floating rate instruments that may be acquired by the Fund, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flows and other liquidity ratios of the issuers and guarantors of such instruments and, if the instruments are subject to demand features, will monitor their financial status and ability to meet payment on demand. Where necessary to ensure that a variable or floating rate instrument meets the Fund’s quality requirements, the issuer’s obligation to pay the principal of the instrument will be backed by an unconditional bank letter or line of credit, guarantee or commitment to lend.
Variable and floating rate instruments that may be purchased by the Fund include variable amount master demand notes, which permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. Variable and floating rate instruments also include leveraged inverse floaters. The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values. Accordingly, the duration of an inverse floater may exceed its stated final maturity. The Fund may deem the maturity of variable and floating rate instruments to be less than their stated maturities based on their variable and floating rate features and/or their put features. Unrated variable and floating rate instruments will be determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase to rated instruments that may be purchased by the Fund.
Variable and floating rate instruments including inverse floaters held by the Fund will be subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid investments, absent a reliable trading market, when the Fund may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. Because there is no active secondary market for certain variable and floating rate instruments, they may be more difficult to sell if the issuer defaults on its payment obligations or during periods when the Fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights. As a result, the Fund could suffer a loss with respect to these instruments.
WARRANTS. The Fund may purchase warrants and similar rights, which are privileges issued by corporations enabling the owners to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. The prices of warrants do not necessarily correlate with the prices of the underlying shares. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.
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YIELDS AND RATINGS. The yields on certain obligations, including the instruments in which the Fund may invest, are dependent on a variety of factors, including general market conditions, conditions in the particular market for the obligation, financial condition of the issuer, size of the offering, maturity of the obligation and ratings of the issue. The ratings of S&P, DBRS, Moody’s and Fitch represent their respective opinions as to the quality of the obligations they undertake to rate. Ratings, however, are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, obligations with the same rating, maturity and interest rate may have different market prices. For a more complete discussion of ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI.
Subject to the limitations stated in the Prospectus, if a security held by the Fund undergoes a rating revision, the Fund may continue to hold the security if the Adviser determine such retention is warranted.
ZERO COUPON AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS AND PAY-IN-KIND SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, capital appreciation bonds and pay-in-kind (“PIK”) securities. Zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value, which do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The original issue discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. The market prices of zero coupon bonds, capital appreciation bonds and PIK securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similar to zero coupon bonds, PIK securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.
Zero coupon bonds, capital appreciation bonds and PIK securities involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities do not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash generally is received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund.
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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Board has adopted policies with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Fund, the Adviser, or their affiliates. These policies provide that the Fund’s portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public. Certain limited exceptions are described below. These policies apply to disclosures to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund, third parties providing services to the Fund (accounting agent, print vendors, etc.), rating and ranking organizations (Lipper, Morningstar, etc.) and affiliated persons of the Fund.
The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the Fund’s compliance with these policies and for providing regular reports (at least annually) to the Board regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the policy and recommend changes, if necessary.
Non-Public Disclosures
The Adviser may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information under certain limited circumstances. The Fund’s policies provide that non-public disclosures of the Fund’s portfolio holdings may only be made if: (i) the Fund has a “legitimate business purpose” (as determined by the President of the Fund) for making such disclosure; and (ii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into a confidentiality agreement, which includes a duty not to trade on the non-public information and describes any compensation to be paid to the Fund or any “affiliated person” of the Adviser, including any arrangement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any “affiliated person” of the Adviser.
The Adviser will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest between the Adviser and the Fund’s shareholders and will act in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Fund’s shareholders, the Adviser may authorize the release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Fund’s shareholders, the Adviser will not authorize such release.
Ongoing Arrangements to Disclose Portfolio Holdings
As authorized by the Board and/or the Fund’s executive officers, the Fund may periodically disclose non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Fund in its day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. These entities are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from the Fund. In none of these arrangements does the Fund or any “affiliated person” of the Adviser receive any compensation, including any arrangement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any “affiliated person” of the Adviser.
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Type of Service Provider | Name of Service Provider | Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings Information |
Adviser | X-Square Capital, LLC | Daily |
Transfer Agent / Administrator / Fund Accounting | ALPS Fund Services, Inc | Daily |
Custodian | MUFG Union Bank, N.A. | Daily |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | BDO Puerto Rico, P.S.C. | Annual Reporting Period: one business day after end of reporting period. Periodically, as necessary for performance of ongoing audit services. |
Legal Counsel | Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP | Up to 30 days before filing with the SEC. Periodically, as necessary for performance of legal services. |
Distributor | ALPS Distributors, Inc. | Monthly |
These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information, except as necessary in providing services to the Fund.
There is no guarantee that the Fund’s policies on use and dissemination of holdings information will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.
Portfolio holdings will also be disclosed through required filings with the SEC. The Fund will file its portfolio holdings with the SEC for each fiscal quarter on Form N-CSR (with respect to each annual period and semiannual period) and as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT (with respect to the first and third quarters of the Fund’s fiscal year). Shareholders may obtain a Fund’s Forms N-CSR and N-PORT (or its predecessor form, Form N-Q) filings on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
VALUATION OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The net asset value (“NAV”) of each share class of the Fund is determined and the shares of the Fund is priced as of the valuation time indicated in the Prospectus on each Business Day. A “Business Day” is a day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is open. Currently, the NYSE will not open in observance of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, or, when one of these holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday. This closing schedule is subject to change.
For purposes of computing the NAV of each share class of the Fund, securities are valued at market value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Securities listed on the NYSE or other exchanges are valued on the basis of their last sale prices on the exchanges on which they are primarily traded. However, if the last sale price on the NYSE is different than the last sale price on any other exchange, the NYSE price will be used. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the closing bid price on the NYSE or other primary exchange for that day. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued based on the “bid evaluation” price provided by third-party pricing providers. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, and securities for which it is determined that market quotations do not accurately reflect their value, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the Fund’s officers in a manner specifically authorized by the Board. The Board will annually review the reliability of the method used to value portfolio securities for which market quotations are not readily available.
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PERFORMANCE
From time to time, the “average annual total return” and “total return” of an investment in each class of the Fund’s shares may be advertised. An explanation of how total returns are calculated and the components of those calculations are set forth below.
Total Returns - General. Total return information may be useful to investors in reviewing the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s advertisements of its performance must, under applicable SEC rules, include the average annual total returns of the Fund for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods (or the life of the applicable Fund, if less) as of the most recently ended calendar quarter. This enables an investor to compare the Fund’s performance to the performance of other funds for the same periods. However, a number of factors should be considered before using such information as a basis for comparison with other investments. Investments in the Fund are not insured; their total return is not guaranteed and normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. When redeemed, an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Total return for any given past period is not a prediction or representation by the Fund of future rates of return on its shares. The total returns of the shares of the Fund are affected by portfolio quality, portfolio maturity, the type of investments the Fund holds, and operating expenses.
Total Returns Before Taxes. The “average annual total return before taxes” of each share class of the Fund is an average annual compounded rate of return before taxes for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (“P” in the formula below) held for a number of years (“n”) to achieve an Ending Redeemable Value (“ERV”), according to the following formula:
(ERV/P)1/n-1 = Average Annual Total Return Before Taxes
The cumulative “total return before taxes” calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an entire period greater than one year. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average annual total return, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual basis. Total return is determined as follows:
ERV - P = Total Return Before Taxes
P
Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions. The “average annual total return after taxes on distributions” of the Fund is an average annual compounded rate of return after taxes on distributions for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (“P” in the formula below) held for a number of years (“n”) to achieve an ending value at the end of the periods shown (“ATVD”), according to the following formula:
(ATVD/P)1/n-1 = Average Annual Total Return After Taxes on Distributions
The cumulative “total return after taxes on distributions” calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an entire period greater than one year. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average annual total return after taxes on distributions, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual basis. Total return after taxes on distributions is determined as follows:
ATVD - P = Total Return After Taxes on Distributions
P
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Total Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions. The “average annual total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions” of the Fund is an average annual compounded rate of return after taxes on distributions and redemption for each year in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 (“P” in the formula below) held for a number of years (“n”) to achieve an ending value at the end of the periods shown (“ATVDR”), according to the following formula:
(ATVDR/P)1/n-1 = Average Annual Total Return After Taxes on
Distributions and Redemptions
The cumulative “total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions” calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an entire period greater than one year. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average annual total return after taxes on distributions and redemptions, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual basis. Total return after taxes on distributions is determined as follows:
ATVDR - P = Total Return After Taxes on Distributions and Redemptions
P
From time to time the Fund may also quote an “average annual total return at NAV” or a cumulative “total return at NAV.” It is based on the difference in NAV at the beginning and the end of the period for a hypothetical investment (without considering sales charges, if any) and takes into consideration the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
In connection with certain servicing plans, the Fund has made certain commitments that: (i) provide for one or more brokers to accept on the Fund’s behalf, purchase, exchange and redemption orders; (ii) authorize such brokers to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase, exchange and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf; (iii) provide that the Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase, exchange or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, accepts the order; and (iv) provide that customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee.
When the NYSE is closed, or when trading is restricted for any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closings, or under emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC to warrant such action, the Fund may not be able to accept purchase, exchange or redemption requests.
The Fund has elected, pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, to redeem shares of the Fund solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. The remaining portion of the redemption may be made in securities or other property, valued for this purpose as they are valued in computing the NAV of the Fund. Shareholders receiving securities or other property on redemption will generally realize a gain or loss for tax purposes and may incur additional costs as well as the associated inconveniences of holding and/or disposing of such securities or other property.
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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund passes along its investment earnings to you in the form of dividends and capital gains distributions. Dividends are the net income from investments after expenses. The Fund declares and pays dividends from its net investment income at least annually. If there are any short-term capital gains on the sale of investments, they are distributed as necessary. Normally, the Fund will pay any long-term capital gains once a year.
You can receive dividends and distributions in one of the following ways:
• | Reinvestment. You can automatically reinvest your dividends and distributions in additional shares of the Fund. This option is followed by the Fund unless you indicate another choice on your account application. |
• | Cash. Please contact your broker-dealer or financial intermediary for additional details. |
• | Partial reinvestment. The Fund will automatically reinvest the dividends in additional shares of the Fund and pay your capital gain distributions to you in cash, or the Fund will automatically reinvest your capital gain distributions and send you your dividends in cash. |
• | Direct deposit. In most cases, you can automatically transfer dividends and distributions to your bank checking or savings account. Under normal circumstances, the Transfer Agent will transfer the funds within seven days of the payment date. To receive dividends and distributions this way, the name on your bank account must be the same as the registration on your Fund account. |
You may choose your distribution method on your original account application. If you would like to change the option you selected, please call the Fund at 1-833-X-SQUARE or contact your Authorized Dealer.
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents (not including bona fide residents of Puerto Rico) or taxable entities created or organized under the laws of a State of the United States (collectively, the “U.S. Investors”). The Fund will be treated as a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States for purposes of the U.S. Code and does not intend to derive income treated as effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States. As a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States, the Fund will only be subject to United States federal income taxes if it realizes certain items of U.S. source income of a fixed or determinable annual or periodic nature, in which case the Fund will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% gross rate on such U.S. source income (not including interest received by the Fund on certain registered obligations). Moreover, dividends paid by the Fund should be considered to be derived from Puerto Rico sources and thus, foreign source for U.S. Investors. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation, including the consequences of investing in a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”).
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Based on the proposed activities of the Fund, its ownership structure and its classification as a foreign corporation, under the U.S. Code, the Fund will be treated as a PFIC. In the case of individuals who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico or entities organized under the laws of Puerto Rico for which investment in the Fund is not part of their trade or business (the “Puerto Rico Investors”), distributions paid by the Fund to the Puerto Rico Investors or gains from the disposition of Fund shares should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Also, under proposed regulation under the U.S. Code, individuals who are bona fide residents of Puerto Rico are not subject to the PFIC provisions if they were bona fide residents of Puerto Rico during the entire time they held the shares of the Fund. Generally, the U.S. federal income tax treatment for U.S. Investors is as set forth below.
Distributions. The Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). In general, the Fund’s distributions will be taxable to you for federal, state and local income tax purposes. Distributions are taxable whether they are received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares. For federal income tax purposes, Fund distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income.
Notwithstanding the above, under the PFIC rules, a U.S. Investor, i.e., a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation, or an estate or trust that is taxed as a resident of the United States (such a shareholder is referred to in this section as a “U.S. shareholder”) who receives a distribution from a PFIC in excess of 125% of the average amount of distributions such shareholder has received from the PFIC during the three preceding taxable years (or shorter period if the U.S. shareholder has not held the stock for three years), the U.S. shareholder is treated as receiving an excess distribution equal to such excess. In general, an excess distribution is taxed as ordinary income, and to the extent it is attributed to one or more earlier years in which the PFIC shares were held, it will constitute a deferred tax amount subject to the highest tax rate in effect for such earlier year plus an interest charge. However, as explained before, based on the Fund’s intention of distributing all income currently, no portion of any dividend should be treated as a deferred tax amount.
You should note that if you purchase shares of the Fund just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This adverse result is known as “buying into a dividend.”
Sales, Exchanges and Redemptions. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. U.S. shareholders that dispose of PFIC stock at a gain are treated as receiving an excess distribution equal to such gain. As discussed above, an excess distribution is taxed as ordinary income, and to the extent it is attributed to one or more earlier years in which the PFIC shares were held, it will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for such earlier year plus an interest charge. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.
For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.
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IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the tax principles described above is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares of the Fund held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable, unless you borrowed to acquire the shares.
State and Local Taxes. Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains, and gains from the sale, exchange or redemption of your Fund shares, are generally subject to state and local taxes. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.
PUERTO RICO TAXES
The following discussion summarizes the material Puerto Rico tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective investors in the Fund. The discussion of Puerto Rico tax matters is based on the current provisions of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (the “Puerto Rico Code”) and the regulations promulgated or applicable thereunder, the administrative pronouncements issued by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (the “PRTD”), the Puerto Rico Municipal Property Tax Act of 1991, as amended (the “MPTA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Puerto Rico Municipal License Tax Act of 1974, as amended (the “MLTA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act of 2013, as amended (“PRICA”). No attempt has been made, however, to discuss all Puerto Rico income or other tax matters that may affect the Fund or the investors.
This summary does not attempt to discuss all tax consequences to investors that may be subject to special rules of taxation, such as partnerships or entities that are treated as partnerships for Puerto Rico income tax purposes, “Special Partnerships,” “Subchapter E Corporations” (Corporations of Individuals), life insurance companies, registered investment companies, tax exempt organizations, individuals considered bona fide residents of Puerto Rico under Section 937 of the U.S. Code who own 10% or more of the voting shares of the Fund, estates and trusts.
For purposes of the following discussion, the term "Puerto Rico Corporation" is used to refer to a corporation organized under the laws of Puerto Rico and the term "foreign corporation" is used to refer to a corporation organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Puerto Rico.
The statements that follow are based on the existing provisions of such statutes and regulations, and judicial decisions and administrative pronouncements, all of which are subject to change (even with retroactive effect). A prospective investor should be aware that an opinion of counsel represents only such counsel’s best legal judgment and that it is not binding on the PRTD, any municipality or agency of Puerto Rico or the courts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the opinions set forth herein, if challenged, would be sustained.
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Puerto Rico Taxation of the Fund
Income Taxes. Pursuant to Administrative Determination No. 19-04 issued by the PRTD on September 4, 2019 (the “Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination”), the Fund is deemed to be, for taxation purposes, a registered investment company under PRICA. As such, the Fund will be exempt from Puerto Rico income tax for a taxable year if it distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of its net income for the taxable year within the time period provided by the Puerto Rico Code (the “90% Distribution Requirement”). In determining its net income for purposes of the 90% Distribution Requirement, the Fund shall not take into account capital gains and losses and certain items of income (including interest) that are exempt from taxation under the Puerto Rico Code. The Fund intends to meet the 90% Distribution Requirement to be exempt from Puerto Rico income tax.
Property Taxes. Under the provisions of the MPTA, the Fund will be subject to property taxes. However, property of the Fund that consists of repurchase agreements, obligations of the Government of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Government, and stocks and bonds of domestic or foreign corporations are exempt from property taxes imposed by the MPTA.
Municipal License Taxes. Pursuant to the Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination, and as set forth in PRICA, the Fund will not be subject to municipal license taxes authorized to be imposed by the MLTA.
Puerto Rico Taxation of Fund Shareholders
Pursuant to the Puerto Rico Treasury Administrative Determination, the Fund is deemed to be, for taxation purposes, a registered investment company under PRICA. The discussion below assumes that dividends distributed by the Fund will be treated as dividends distributed by a registered investment company under PRICA.
Regular Income Taxes. Dividend distributions by the Fund would be classified as “Capital Gain Dividends” or “Ordinary Dividends” as discussed below.
Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends are included in income and subject to Puerto Rico income tax (as ordinary gross income or capital gain, respectively) regardless of whether they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (if and when such plan is established). Distributions that exceed the earnings and profits of the Fund will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to a shareholder to the extent of the shareholder’s basis in the shares of the Fund, and any excess will be treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of such shares.
Individual Residents of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Corporations. Ordinary Dividends received by individual residents of Puerto Rico and by Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to the special income tax rate provided under Section 1023.06 of the Puerto Rico Code, currently 15%, to be withheld at source by the Fund (or its paying agent), rather than to the regular tax on ordinary income.
Individual residents of Puerto Rico are subject to alternative minimum tax if their regular tax liability is less than the alternative minimum tax liability. The alternative minimum tax rates range from 10% to 24% depending on the alternative minimum tax net income. The alternative minimum tax net income is determined by adjusting the individual’s net income subject to regular income tax rates by, among other items, adding: (i) certain income exempt from the regular income tax and (ii) income subject to special tax rates as provided in the Puerto Rico Code such as: Ordinary Dividends, Capital Gain Dividends and long-term capital gains recognized by individuals on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the shares of the Fund. It should be noted that Exempt Dividends distributed by the Fund are not subject to alternative minimum tax. An Ordinary Dividend received by Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to alternative minimum tax.
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Capital Gain Dividends will qualify for the special income tax rate on capital gains of 15% in the case of individual residents of Puerto Rico and for the alternative tax rate of 20% in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations.
Individuals not Residents of Puerto Rico. Individuals who are not residents of Puerto Rico will be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends at the rate of 15% to be withheld at source by the Fund or its paying agent.
Foreign Corporations. A foreign corporation will be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on Ordinary Dividends and Capital Gain Dividends at the income tax rates of 15% and 20%, respectively.
Special withholding tax considerations. By purchasing shares of the Fund, investors who are individual residents of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Corporations and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will be irrevocably agreeing that all Ordinary Dividends distributed to them will be subject to a 15% Puerto Rico income tax withholding, which will be automatically withheld at the source by the Fund (or its paying agent).
Gain on Disposition of Shares of the Fund
General. Gain recognized by an investor from the sale, exchange or other disposition (including a redemption that is not essentially equivalent to a dividend) of shares of the Fund will be treated as a capital gain for shareholders who hold the shares of the Fund as a capital asset and as a long-term capital gain if the shares of the Fund has been held by the shareholder for more than one year prior to such sale or exchange.
Individual Residents of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico Corporations. Any gain on the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of the Fund by an individual resident of Puerto Rico or a Puerto Rico Corporation will generally be required to be recognized as gross income and will be subject to income tax at the regular income tax rates provided by the Puerto Rico Code on ordinary income, which may be up to 33% in the case of individual residents and 37.5% (for taxable years commencing after December 31, 2018) in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations. However, to the extent such gain constitutes a long term capital gain, it will be eligible to be taxed in Puerto Rico at a maximum 15% tax rate in the case of Puerto Rico resident individuals or at a 20% tax rate in the case of Puerto Rico Corporations. Any such capital gain recognized by Puerto Rico resident individuals and Puerto Rico Corporations will be subject to alternative minimum tax.
Individuals not Residents of Puerto Rico. Individuals who are not residents of Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund if the gain resulting therefrom constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico. Generally, gain on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund by individuals not residing in Puerto Rico constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico and, therefore, such gain is not subject to Puerto Rico income taxes in the case of such individuals.
Foreign Corporations. A foreign corporation that is engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will generally be subject to Puerto Rico corporate income tax on any gain realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund if such gain is: (1) from sources within Puerto Rico, or (2) from sources outside Puerto Rico and effectively connected with a trade or business in Puerto Rico. Any such gain will qualify for an alternative tax of 20% if it qualifies as a long-term capital gain. In general, a foreign corporation that is engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will also be subject to a 10% branch profits tax.
A foreign corporation that is not engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax on any capital gain realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund since the gain from the sale or exchange of the shares of the Fund by such foreign corporation constitutes income from sources outside Puerto Rico.
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Puerto Rico IRA Account Owners or Beneficiaries. Amounts distributed to an IRA organized through a trust established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico would not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax. Generally, any amount that is distributed by an IRA account that is a shareholder of the Fund to an IRA account owner or beneficiary would be considered to be ordinary income subject to Puerto Rico income taxes at ordinary income tax rates to the extent such distribution exceeds the basis of the owner or the beneficiary in the IRA account. Subject to limitations imposed by the Puerto Rico Code, a distribution from an IRA attributable to interests on deposits in certain financial institutions would be eligible for a $100 income tax exclusion and to the extent such interest in any taxable year exceeds this amount, this excess may be subject to a 10% special tax at the election of the taxpayer. An elective 10% tax to be withheld at source will also apply on the portion of an IRA distribution to an IRA account owner or beneficiary attributable to Puerto Rico source income derived by the IRA.
Puerto Rico Code Qualified Plans. Distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares of the Fund held by a Puerto Rico qualified plan would not be subject to Puerto Rico income tax. Puerto Rico qualified plan lump-sum distributions representing the entire benefit paid or made available to a participant or his beneficiary within a single taxable year, in excess of such taxpayer’s tax basis, which are made: (i) as a result of separation of employment for any reason or (ii) the plan termination, would be considered as a long-term capital gain subject to a special income tax rate of 20%. However, if the Puerto Rico qualified plan lump-sum distribution additionally complies with the following requirements: (i) the qualified plan trust making the distribution is organized under the laws of the Government of Puerto Rico or has a Puerto Rico resident trustee and uses such trustee as a payment agent and (ii) at least ten percent (10%) of all trust assets attributable to Puerto Rico resident participants, determined based on the average balance of the trust investments during the plan year during which the distribution is made and each of the two plan years preceding the date of the distribution, has been invested in registered investment companies organized under the laws of Puerto Rico and subject to taxation under Code section 1112.01, such as the Fund, or other assets based in Puerto Rico as provided in the Puerto Rico Code, the regulations promulgated under the Puerto Rico Code or any Circular Letter issued by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department Secretary, or in the case of defined contribution plans where separate accounts are maintained for each participant or beneficiary, the “property located in Puerto Rico” investment requirement may be met with respect to assets credited to the account of the participant or beneficiary, the applicable Puerto Rico income tax rate on these lump-sum distributions would be 10%.
Estate and Gift Taxes. Puerto Rico estate and gift taxes imposed by the Puerto Rico Code have been repealed with respect to transfers by inheritance or gift occurring after December 31, 2017, respectively.
Municipal License Taxes. Under the MLTA, all dividends distributed by the Fund to Puerto Rico Corporations and foreign corporations that are engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico will form part of their “volume of business” and, therefore, may be subject to a municipal license tax of up to 1.5%, in the case of such shareholders that are engaged in a financial business, or of up to 0.5%, in the case of such shareholders engaged in non-financial businesses. Individuals will not be subject to a municipal license tax on the Fund’s distributions.
Property Taxes. Under the provisions of the MPTA, the shares of the Fund are exempt from Puerto Rico personal property taxes in the hands of the Fund’s shareholders.
The discussion contained in this section is a general and abbreviated summary of certain Puerto Rico tax considerations affecting the Fund and the investors, and it is not intended as tax advice or to address a shareholder’s particular circumstances. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
MANAGERS AND OFFICERS
Board of Managers.
Overall responsibility for management of the Fund rests with the members of the Board (the “Managers”), who are elected by the shareholders of the Fund, unless appointed to fill a vacancy in accordance with the limited liability company agreement of the Fund and the 1940 Act. The Fund is managed by the Board in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. There are currently three (3) Managers, two (2) of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund (the “Independent Managers”). The Managers, in turn, elect the officers of the Fund to supervise actively its day-to-day operations.
The following table lists each Manager, his or her year of birth, position with the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years, and other directorships. Each Manager oversees the Fund. There is no defined term of office, and each Manager serves until the earlier of his resignation, retirement, removal, death, or the election of a qualified successor. Each Manager’s address is c/o X-Square Balanced Fund, Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918.
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Name (Birth Year) | Position(s) Held with the Fund and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex* Overseen by Manager | Other Directorships |
Independent Managers | ||||
Fernando Nido
(1959) |
Manager since January 2019 | Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Puerto Rico from 1981 until 2014; currently independent consultant. | 1 |
None |
Luis Roig (1959) |
Manager since June 2019 | Managing Director and CFO, Santander Securities LLC from 2013 until 2016; Chief Financial Officer, Americas Leading Finance LLC since 2016. | 1 |
None |
Interested Managers | ||||
Ignacio Canto
(1983)** |
Manager since January 2019 | President of X-Square Capital, LLC since 2013. | 1 | Director of X2 Alternative Dividend Alpha Fund, Inc. |
* | The “Fund Complex” consists of the Fund. |
** | An “interested person,” as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Canto is deemed to be an “interested” Manager because he is the owner of all membership interests of the Adviser and also serves as its President, Treasurer and sole director. |
The Board believes that each of the Manager’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Managers lead to the conclusion that each Manager should serve in such capacity. Among the attributes common to all Managers is the ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the other Managers, the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Managers. A Manager’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained through the Manager’s business, consulting and/or public service; experience as a board member of the Fund, other investment funds, or non-profit entities or other organizations; education or professional training; and/or other life experiences. In addition to these shared characteristics, set forth below is a brief discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Manager.
Fernando Nido has been a Manager since January 2019. Fernando Nido practiced public accounting for over thirty years and now serves as a consultant for various private businesses. Mr. Nido resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Mr. Nido joined Deloitte & Touche LLP upon his graduation from college. His thirty-three year career at Deloitte, including twenty-three years as a partner, allowed him the opportunity to constantly interact with top management and the boards of clients in a wide variety of industries and sectors both in Puerto Rico and in the United States. His achievements at Deloitte were recognized with a multitude of appointments, including his designation as the managing partner for Deloitte’s practice in Puerto Rico until the time of his retirement in 2014.
As managing partner, Mr. Nido was responsible for client service delivery, professional practice quality, financial performance, and attracting, developing and retaining talent, among other matters. Prior to his Puerto Rico managing partner designation, Mr. Nido served as the professional practice director and as head of the audit practice in Puerto Rico. Mr. Nido also served as the liaison between Deloitte’s audit practices in the United States and Spain.
Fernando is a magna cum laude BBA graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, a former member of Puerto Rico’s Board of Accountancy, a former Vice Chair of Puerto Rico’s CPA Association, and has served on non-profit boards for over twenty years.
Luis Roig has been a Manager since June 2019.
Mr. Roig is the Chief Financial Officer in Americas Leading Finance LLC. From 2001 to 2016, Mr. Roig was the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Santander Securities LLC (“Santander”) responsible for the Puerto Rico, Miami and North East businesses daily financial accounting processes, financial and operating budgets, monthly financial reporting and analysis to management and Board of Directors, regulatory compliance reporting, and compliance with all federal and state tax laws and regulations. Also he acted as President (2010-2011), Chief Compliance Officer (2011-2012) and Chief Risk Officer (2016). From 1996 to 2000 he was a Vice President and Comptroller of Santander.
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Prior to working with Santander, Mr. Roig was the Comptroller of The Bank and Trust of Puerto Rico and Oriental Bank and Trust. Before joining Oriental Bank and Trust, he was an Audit Manager at Arthur Andersen & Co. specializing in financial institutions. Mr. Roig is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), member of the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants and of the American Institute of CPAs. He has a BSBA in Accounting from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Ignacio Canto has been a Manager since January 2019. Mr. Canto was Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (GDB) from August 2010 until December 31, 2012. In such capacity, he was responsible for GDB’s asset and liability management, and for pricing and structuring over $18 billion of bonds issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities. While at GDB, Mr. Canto implemented a global macro trading strategy with success, focusing on fundamental trends and technical studies. Between July 2005 and August 2010, Mr. Canto worked as a portfolio manager and portfolio analyst at Santander Asset Management Corporation, where he traded interest rate derivatives, U.S. Government agency debentures, structured products, municipal bonds, equities and equity derivatives, and in the Investment Banking division of Santander Securities Corporation. Mr. Canto has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Boston University’s School of Management.
Specific details regarding each Manager’s principal occupations during the past five years are included in the table above.
Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Board. The Fund has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operation of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Fund’s Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Board is currently composed of three members, two of whom are Independent Managers. The Board meets in-person at regularly scheduled meetings four times each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established an Audit Committee, and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.
The Board has appointed Mr. Canto, an interested Manager, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Managers generally between meetings. The Chairman serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the Managers. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees of Managers and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight.
The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including investment, compliance, operational and valuation risks, among others. Risk oversight forms part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and committee activities. Day-to-day risk management functions are subsumed within the responsibilities of the Adviser and other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), which carry out the Fund’s investment management and business affairs. The Adviser and other service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various events or circumstances that give rise to risks, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each of the Adviser and other service providers have their own independent interests in risk management, and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models. The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The Board requires senior officers of the Fund and the Adviser to report to the full Board on a variety of matters at regular and special meetings of the Board, including matters relating to risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee also receive regular reports from the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. The Board also receives reports from certain of the Fund’s other primary service providers on a periodic or regular basis. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight.
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The Board has an Audit Committee, whose function is to recommend independent auditors of the Fund and monitor accounting and financial matters. The Audit Committee is composed of the Independent Managers. Mr. Nido serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Nido may serve as the Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The Board has a standing Nominating and Governance Committee that is composed of the Independent Managers. The principal responsibility of the Nominating Committee is to consider, recommend and nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the Fund’s Board, if any. The Nominating Committee will review all shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Fund’s office.
The following tables show the dollar ranges of securities beneficially owned by the Managers in the Fund as of December 31, 2018. No Independent Manager or his or her immediate family member owns beneficially or of record an interest in the Adviser or in any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser. As of December 31, 2018, the Managers and Officers as a group held less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund.
Independent Managers |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Manager in Fund Complex 1 |
Fernando Nido | None | None |
Luis Roig | None | None |
Interested Managers | ||
Ignacio Canto | None | None |
1 | The Fund Complex consists of the Fund. |
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Board Compensation.
The Independent Managers receive a quarterly retainer of $2,000 and a fee of $1,000 per quarterly or special Board meeting attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Fernando Nido, does not receive an additional quarterly retainer. Ignacio Canto does not receive compensation in the form of manager fees from the Fund.
The Independent Managers are expected to receive the following fees for their services during the Fund's first fiscal year:
Manager |
Compensation
from the Fund* |
Total
Compensation
From Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Manager* |
||||||
Fernando Nido | $ | 6,000 | $ | 6,000 | ||||
Luis Roig | $ | 6,000 | $ | 6,000 |
* | Estimated for current fiscal year. |
Officers.
The following table lists each officer of the Fund, his or her year of birth, position with the Fund, and principal occupations during the past five years. There is no defined term of office, and each officer of the Fund serves until the earlier of his or her resignation, retirement, removal, death, or the election of a qualified successor.
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The officers of the Fund receive no compensation from the Fund for performing the duties of their offices.
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The mailing address of each officer of the Fund is Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of the date of this SAI, information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Shares by each person known by the Fund to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund’s Class A, C and I.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the applicable rules of the SEC. There are no Shares subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this SAI.
Beneficial Ownership Percentage of | |||
Name* | Class A | Class C | Institutional Class |
Ignacio Canto˄ | 100% | 100% | 100% |
* | Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o X-Square Capital, LLC, Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, PR 00918 |
˄ | Mr. Canto is the indirect beneficial owner of Class A, Class C and Class I Shares through his ownership of the Adviser. |
ADVISORY AND OTHER CONTRACTS
The following sections describe the Fund’s material agreements for investment advisory, custodial and transfer agency services.
Investment Adviser.
X-Square Capital, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Mr. Ignacio Canto is the owner of all the membership interests of the Adviser and also serves as its President, Treasurer and sole director. As of December 31, 2018, the Adviser managed approximately $396 million for numerous clients.
Investment Advisory Agreement.
On March 8, 2019, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Managers, approved the investment advisory investment advisory agreement between the Fund, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”). As compensation for advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, reorganization expenses, brokerage commissions, interest, other expenditures that are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) for Class A shares to 2.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares; for Class C shares to 3.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares; and for Institutional Class shares to 2.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Institutional Class shares for at least one-year. If it becomes no longer necessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may retain the difference between “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and the respective percentage to recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three fiscal years from the fiscal year in which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.
The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the agreement by the Adviser, or a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers, shareholders, agents, or employees shall be liable to the Fund, the Fund or any shareholder of the Fund for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services thereunder or for any loss suffered by the Fund, the Fund or any shareholder of the Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement.
The Advisory Agreement provides that unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect as to the Fund for an initial two-year period and then may be renewed for consecutive one-year periods going forward, provided that such renewal is approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and in either case, by a majority of the Independent Managers by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of any assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act.
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Portfolio Managers.
This section includes information about Ignacio Canto and Gabriel Medina, the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information concerning other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.
Other Accounts
Portfolio Manager |
Number
of Other Accounts (Total Assets)*
as of March 31, 2019 |
Number
of Other Accounts
(Total Assets)* Subject to a Performance Fee as of March 31, 2019 |
Ignacio Canto | ||
Registered Investment Companies | None | None |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 ($344,371,333) | 3 ($344,371,333) |
Other Accounts | 57 ($99,435,487) | None |
Gabriel Medina | ||
Registered Investment Companies | None | None |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 3 ($344,371,333) | 3 ($344,371,333) |
Other Accounts | 57 ($99,435,487) | None |
* | Rounded to the nearest dollar. |
In managing other investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles and other accounts, the Adviser may employ strategies similar to those employed by the Fund. As a result, these other accounts may invest in the same securities as the Fund. The SAI section entitled “Portfolio Transactions” discusses the various factors that the Adviser considers in allocating investment opportunities among the Fund and other similarly managed accounts.
Fund Ownership
As of the date of this SAI, the table below provides beneficial ownership of Shares of the portfolio managers of the Fund. Please note that the table provides a dollar range of the portfolio managers’ holdings in the Fund (None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001-$500,000, $500,001-$1,000,000, or over $1,000,000).
Shares Beneficially Owned by | Dollar ($) Range of Shares Beneficially Owned by |
Ignacio Canto* | $50,001-$100,000 |
Gabriel Medina | None |
*Mr. Canto is an indirect beneficial owner of Shares through his ownership of the Adviser.
* | Mr. Canto is an indirect beneficial owner of Shares through his ownership of the Adviser. |
Compensation
Each Portfolio manager receives base and discretionary compensation that is not directly linked to account performance.
Administration
ALPS Fund Services, Inc., acts as the administrator (“Administrator”) for the Fund. The Administrator assists in the filing of required disclosure documents with the SEC, preparation of Board materials and assisting with compliance testing. For its services as Administrator, ALPS Fund Services, Inc. receives an annual fee from the Fund.
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In addition, ALPS Fund Services, Inc. provides the Fund with fund accounting services, which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other management-related services. The associated fees for these services are reflected in the Administration Agreement.
ALPS Fund Services, Inc. began providing transfer agency, fund administration and fund accounting services to the Fund on March 25, 2019. The Administrator receives an annual base fee from the Fund of $125,000.
Custodian.
MUFG Union Bank, N.A., 350 California Street, Suite 2018, San Francisco, CA 94104 (the “Custodian”) serves as custodian for the assets of the Fund under an agreement with the Fund, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser, dated December 20, 2018 (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custody Agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s securities and keeps all necessary accounts and records. Under this Agreement, the Custodian (1) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (2) makes receipts and disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (3) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s securities; and (4) responds to correspondence from security brokers and others relating to its duties. The Custodian may, with the approval of the Fund and at the Custodian’s own expense, open and maintain a sub-custody account or accounts on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian shall remain liable for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement.
Distributor.
ALPS Distributors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203 (the “Distributor”) serves as distributor for the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares.
Fund Distribution and Services Plan.
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”). Rule 12b-1 provides in substance that a mutual fund may not engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares of such mutual fund except pursuant to a plan adopted by the fund under Rule 12b-1. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its Shares and pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year with respect to Class A Shares, 0.00% with respect to Institutional Class shares and 1.00% with respect to Class C shares. The Class C distribution fee includes a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25%.
In approving the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Managers who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan (the “Rule 12b-1 Managers”), considered various factors and determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
The Plan will continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved annually (a) by the majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares or by the Board and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Managers cast in person at a meeting called specifically for the purpose of voting on the Distribution Plan. While the Plan remains in effect, the Fund will furnish to the Board a written report of the amounts spent by the Fund under the Plan and the purposes for these expenditures. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for distribution or shareholder services without shareholder approval and all material amendments to the Plan must be approved by a majority of the Board and by the Rule 12b-1 Managers in a vote cast in person at a meeting called specifically for that purpose. While the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the Independent Managers shall be made by those Independent Managers then in office, and a majority of the Board shall be comprised of Independent Managers.
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Payments to Financial Intermediaries by the Adviser or its Affiliates
In addition to and apart from payments made by the Fund under the Distribution Plan, the Adviser and its affiliates also may make payments out of their own assets to selected broker-dealer firms or other financial intermediaries that sell Class A Shares of the Fund for distribution, marketing, promotional, or related services. Such payments may be based on gross sales, assets under management, or transactional charges, or on a combination of these factors. Payments based primarily on sales create an incentive to make new sales of shares, while payments based on assets create an incentive to retain previously sold shares. Payments based on transactional charges may include the payment or reimbursement of all or a portion of “ticket charges.” Ticket charges are fees charged to salespersons purchasing through a financial intermediary firm in connection with mutual fund purchases, redemptions, or exchanges. The payment or reimbursement of ticket charges creates an incentive for salespersons of an intermediary to sell shares of the Fund over shares of funds for which there is lesser or no payment or reimbursement of any applicable ticket charge. The Adviser and its affiliates consider a number of factors in making payments to financial intermediaries. Criteria may include, but are not limited to, the distribution capabilities of the intermediary, the overall quality of the relationship, expected gross and/or net sales generated by the relationship, redemption and retention rates of assets held through the intermediary, the willingness to cooperate with the Adviser’s marketing efforts, access to sales personnel, and the anticipated profitability of sales through the institutional relationship. These factors and their weightings may differ from one intermediary to another and may change from time to time.
As of May 15, 2019, the broker-dealer firms with which the Adviser or its affiliates have agreements or are currently negotiating agreements to make payments out of their own assets related to the acquisition or retention of shareholders for Class A Shares of the Fund and its broker-dealer subsidiaries are as follows: Popular Securities, Inc., Oriental Financial Services Corp., Herbert J. Sims & Co,. Inc., and Great Western Financial Securities Corp. These fees may be in addition to fees paid from the Fund’s assets to them or other financial intermediaries. Any additions, modifications, or deletions to the broker-dealer firms identified that have occurred since that date are not reflected.
In addition, for all share classes, the Adviser, the Distributor, or their affiliates may pay, from their own assets, brokerage firms, banks, financial advisors, retirement plan service providers, and other financial intermediaries’ fees for providing other marketing or distribution-related services, as well as recordkeeping, subaccounting, transaction processing, and other shareholder or administrative services in connection with investments in the Fund. These fees are in addition to any fees that may be paid from the Fund’s assets to these financial intermediaries. The Adviser or its affiliates may have numerous agreements to make payments to financial institutions which perform recordkeeping or other administrative services with respect to shareholder accounts. Contact your financial intermediary if you wish to determine whether it receives such payments.
The Adviser or its affiliates may also share certain marketing expenses with intermediaries, or pay for, or sponsor informational meetings, seminars, client awareness events, support for marketing materials, sales reporting, or business building programs for such financial intermediaries to raise awareness of the Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates may make payments to participate in intermediary marketing support programs which may provide the Adviser or its affiliates with one or more of the following benefits: attendance at sales conferences, participation in meetings or training sessions, access to or information about intermediary personnel, use of an intermediary’s marketing and communication infrastructure, fund analysis tools, business planning and strategy sessions with intermediary personnel, information on industry- or platform-specific developments, trends and service providers, and other marketing-related services. Such payments may be in addition to, or in lieu of, the payments described above. These payments are intended to promote the sales of the Fund and to reimburse financial intermediaries, directly or indirectly, for the costs that they or their salespersons incur in connection with educational seminars, meetings, and training efforts about the Fund to enable the intermediaries and their salespersons to make suitable recommendations, provide useful services, and maintain the necessary infrastructure to make the Fund available to their customers.
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The receipt of (or prospect of receiving) payments, reimbursements, and other forms of compensation described above may provide a financial intermediary and its salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of the Fund’s shares over sales of other mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) or to favor sales of one class of the Fund’s shares over sales of another, with respect to which the financial intermediary does not receive such payments or receives them in a lower amount. The receipt of these payments may cause certain financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Fund within such financial intermediary’s organization by, for example, placement on a list of preferred or recommended funds and/or the provision of preferential or enhanced opportunities to promote the Fund in various ways within such financial intermediary’s organization.
From time to time, certain financial intermediaries approach the Adviser to request that the Adviser make contributions to certain charitable organizations. In these cases, the Adviser’s contribution may result in the financial intermediary, or its salespersons, recommending the Fund over other mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments).
The payment arrangements described above will not change the price an investor pays for Class A Shares nor the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of the investor. You should consider whether such arrangements exist when evaluating any recommendations from an intermediary to purchase or sell Class A Shares and, if applicable, when considering which share class of the Fund is most appropriate for you.
Transfer Agent
ALPS Fund Services, Inc. also acts as the transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) for the Fund. The Transfer Agent maintains the records of each shareholder’s account, answers shareholders’ inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions. The Transfer Agent receives an annual base fee from the Fund of the greater of $20,000 or 0.0175% of net assets plus a per account fee.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
BDO Puerto Rico, P.S.C., PO Box 363436, San Juan, PR 00936-3436 serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Legal Counsel.
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as counsel to the Fund and to the Independent Managers.
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Code of Ethics.
The Fund and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics to which all investment personnel and all other access persons of the Fund and the Adviser must conform. Investment personnel must refrain from certain trading practices and are required to report certain personal investment activities. Violations of the Codes of Ethics can result in penalties, suspension, or termination of employment.
Proxy Voting Policy.
The Fund has adopted Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures to: (1) ensure that the Fund votes proxies in the best interests of shareholders of the Fund with a view toward maximizing the value of their investments; (2) address any conflicts that may arise between Fund shareholders on the one hand, and “affiliated persons” of the Fund or of the Adviser (or its affiliates) on the other; (3) provide for oversight of proxy voting by the Board; and (4) provide for the disclosure of the Fund’s proxy voting records and this Policy.
The Fund has delegated the responsibility for voting proxies on behalf of the Fund with respect to all equity securities held by the Fund to the Adviser, in accordance with this Policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Board has reviewed the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the “Adviser’s Policy”) and has determined that it is reasonably designed to ensure that the Adviser will vote all proxies in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, untainted by conflicts of interests. The Fund’s Policy and the Adviser’s Policy are attached to this SAI at Appendix B. Both Policies are subject to Board review annually.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 833-X-SQUARE; (2) at the Fund’s website (www.xsquarecapital.com); and (3) at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).
Portfolio Transactions.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board, and in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations, which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund, and which brokers are to be eligible to execute their portfolio transactions. Portfolio securities purchased or sold through a broker-dealer usually include a brokerage commission. At times, the Fund may also purchase portfolio securities directly from dealers acting as principals, underwriters or market makers. These transactions are usually conducted on a net basis, no brokerage commissions are paid by the Fund. While the Adviser generally seeks competitive spreads or commissions, the Fund may not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available on each transaction, for reasons discussed below. The allocation of transactions to brokers and dealers is determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price.
Subject to the consideration by the Adviser to obtain the best net price and the most favorable execution of the order, factors considered by the Adviser in selecting brokers or dealers include, but are not limited to: the quality and promptness of their execution (e.g., price paid or obtained for a security, speed of execution, ability to “work” a large order, etc.); their effectiveness of transaction clearing and settlement; their liquidity and the amount of capital commitment by the broker or dealer; the degree to which they have been available and responsive to the Adviser; the quality and promptness of research and brokerage services provided to the Adviser (both in general and with respect to particular accounts); and whether the investment in question was brought to the Adviser’s attention by the particular broker-dealer.
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Subject to the consideration of obtaining best execution, brokers and dealers who provide supplemental investment research to the Adviser may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser and does not reduce the investment advisory fee payable to the Adviser by the Fund. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving both the Fund and other clients and, conversely, such supplemental research information obtained by the placement of orders on behalf of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Fund.
Multiple orders for the purchase or sale of the same security on behalf of clients of the Adviser are generally aggregated for block execution. The Adviser will aggregate transactions for block execution only upon making a good-faith determination that the accounts participating in the block trade will benefit from such aggregation, if such aggregation is consistent with the Adviser’s duty to seek best execution (including duty to seek best price) for its clients, and if such aggregation is consistent with the terms of the investment advisory agreement with each client for which trades are being executed.
All accounts participating in a block execution receive the same execution price for equity or fixed income securities purchased or sold, as the case may be, for such accounts on a trading day.
In the event that a proprietary account is participating with the Fund in the block transaction, the proprietary account may receive an allocation only when the allocation is performed on a pro rata basis across all participating clients. In the event that the Adviser deems it necessary to allocate the partially executed order on a basis other than pro rata, the proprietary account shall be excluded from receiving any allocation of the executed order, resulting in the allocation being made to the Fund only.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those made for any other account managed by the Adviser. Such other accounts may also invest in the securities and may follow similar investment strategies as the Fund. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of the Fund and any other account, the transaction will be averaged as to price, and available investments allocated as to amount, in a manner which the Adviser believes to be equitable to both the Fund and account. In some instances, this investment procedure may affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtained by the Fund in an adverse manner relative to the result that would have been obtained if only the Fund had participated in or been allocated such trades. To the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other accounts in order to obtain best execution. In making investment recommendations for the Fund, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Fund is a customer of the Adviser or its affiliates.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Appendix C to this SAI provides financial information regarding the Fund. The Fund’s financial statements have been audited by BDO Puerto Rico, P.S.C.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Description of Shares.
The Limited Liability Company Agreement, as may be amended, (the “LLC Agreement”) authorizes the Board to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Fund, which are units of beneficial interest.
The Fund currently offers three separate classes of shares designated as Class A, Class I and Institutional Class shares. While the Fund presently intends to offer three classes of shares, it may offer other classes of shares as well in the future. Each class of shares will have differing characteristics, particularly in terms of the sales charges that shareholders in that class may bear, and the distribution and service fees that each class may be charged. Shares have no preemptive or other similar rights to subscribe to any additional shares or other securities issued by the Fund or the Board, whether of the same or another class and only such conversion or exchange rights as the Board may grant in its discretion.
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The Fund may be dissolved upon the affirmative vote to dissolve the Fund by either (i) a majority of the members of the Board, or (ii) shareholders holding at least three-quarters (3/4) of the total number of votes eligible to be cast by all shareholders; or as required by operation of law.
Upon the liquidation of the Fund, after establishment of appropriate reserves for contingencies in such amounts as the Board or the liquidator, as applicable, deems appropriate in its sole discretion, the Fund’s assets will be distributed: (i) first to satisfy the debts, liabilities, and obligations of the Fund (other than debts to shareholders) including actual or anticipated liquidation expenses; (ii) next to repay debts, liabilities and obligations owing to the shareholders; and (iii) finally to the shareholders (including the Adviser) proportionately in accordance with the balances in their respective capital accounts. Assets may be distributed in-kind on a pro rata basis if the Board or liquidator determines that such a distribution would be in the interests of the shareholders in facilitating an orderly liquidation.
The Board may, in its sole discretion, and if determined to be in the best interests of the shareholders, distribute the assets of the Fund into and through a liquidating trust to effect the liquidation of the Fund. The use of a liquidating trust would be subject to the regulatory requirements of the Investment Company Act and applicable Puerto Rico law, and could result in additional expenses to the shareholders.
Each shareholder will have the right to cast a number of votes, based on the value of such shareholder’s shares. Shareholders generally have the power to vote only: (a) for the election of one or more Managers in order to comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act (including Section 16(a) thereof); (b) with respect to any contract entered into by the Fund to the extent required by the 1940 Act; (c) with respect to termination of the Fund or class thereof to the extent required by applicable law; and (d) with respect to such additional matters relating to the Fund as may be required by the LLC Agreement or any registration of the Fund as an investment company under the 1940 Act or as the Board of Managers may consider necessary or desirable.
Shareholder and Manager Liability.
The Puerto Rico General Corporation Law provides that a shareholder of a Puerto Rico limited liability company, such as the Fund, shall be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to shareholders of Puerto Rico corporations, and the LLC Agreement provides that shareholders of the Fund will be liable for the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Fund only to the extent of any contributions to the capital of the Fund (plus any accretions in value thereto prior to withdrawal).
The LLC Agreement provides that the members and former members of the Board and officers and former officers of the Fund shall not be liable to the Fund or any of the shareholders for any loss or damage occasioned by any act or omission in the performance of their services as such in the absence of willful misfeasance or gross negligence of the duties involved in the conduct of their office or as otherwise required by applicable law. The LLC Agreement also contains provisions for the indemnification, to the extent permitted by law, of the members and former members of the Board and officers and former officers of the Fund (as well as certain other related parties) by the Fund (but not by the shareholders individually) against any liability and expense to which any of them may be liable that arise in connection with the performance of their activities on behalf of the Fund. None of these persons shall be personally liable to any shareholder for the repayment of any positive balance in the shareholder’s capital account or for contributions by the shareholder to the capital of the Fund or by reason of any change in the federal or state income tax laws applicable to the Fund or its investors. The rights of indemnification and exculpation provided under the LLC Agreement shall not be construed so as to limit liability or provide for indemnification of the members and former members of the Board, officers and former officers of the Fund, and the other persons entitled to such indemnification for any liability (including liability under applicable federal or state securities laws which, under certain circumstances, impose liability even on persons that act in good faith), to the extent (but only to the extent) that such indemnification or limitation on liability would be in violation of applicable law, but shall be construed so as to effectuate the applicable provisions of the LLC Agreement to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The LLC Agreement provides that the Board has broad powers to amend the LLC Agreement or approve the reorganization of the Fund, without the approval of shareholders, unless such approval is otherwise required by law. The LLC Agreement allows the Managers to take actions upon the authority of a majority of the Board by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
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Shareholder Voting Procedures.
The LLC Agreement defines the rights and obligations of the Fund’s officers and provide rules for routine matters such as calling meetings. The LLC Agreement governs the use of proxies at shareholder meetings. According to the LLC Agreement, proxies may be given by telephone, computer, other electronic means or otherwise pursuant to procedures reasonably designed, as determined by the Board, to verify that the shareholder has authorized the instructions contained therein.
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.
A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the voting securities of the Fund or acknowledges the existence of such control. A control person can have a significant impact on the outcome of a shareholder vote. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not commenced operations and did not have any shares outstanding.
Miscellaneous.
The Fund is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. Such registration does not involve supervision by the SEC of the management or policies of the Fund. The Prospectus and this SAI do not include certain information contained in the registration statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.
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APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Short-Term Credit Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:
“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.
“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. A foreign currency rating on an issuer will differ from the local currency rating on it when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, versus obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
A-1
“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.
Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:
“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.
The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.
The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:
“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
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“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.
“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.
“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.
“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.
“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.
Long-Term Credit Ratings
The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:
“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.
“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
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“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.
“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
“NR” – This indicates that a rating has not been assigned, or is no longer assigned.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:
“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
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“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.
The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:
“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.
“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.
“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.
“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.
“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.
Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “CCC” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.
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Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.
The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:
“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.
“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.
“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.
“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.
“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.
“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.
Municipal Note Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:
• | Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and |
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• | Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note. |
Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:
“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
“D” – This rating is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to five years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:
“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
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“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.
About Credit Ratings
An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities.
Fitch’s credit ratings relating to issuers are an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.
Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, security and/or obligation. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers, entities, securities and/or obligations can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable Methodologies (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.
Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.
The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although, DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.
DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.
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APPENDIX B - PROXY VOTING POLICIES
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”) has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Fund votes proxies relating to their portfolio securities. Under the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy, each Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Fund’s Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.
In cases where a matter with respect to which a Fund was entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of a Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter, on the other hand, the Fund shall always vote in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. For purposes of this Policy a vote shall be considered in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders when a vote is cast consistent with the specific voting policy as set forth in the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy (described below), provided such specific voting policy was approved by the Board.
The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Fund.
1. | General |
The Fund believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Fund is committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.
2. | Delegation to the Adviser |
The Fund believes that the Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for the Fund consistent with this Policy. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is hereby delegated the following duties:
a) | to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, in accordance with the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and |
b) | to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund are entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management. |
The Board, including a majority of the independent managers of the Board, must approve each Adviser’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the “Adviser Voting Policy”) as it relates to the Fund. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by an Adviser.
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3. | Conflicts |
In cases where a matter with respect to which a Fund was entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter, on the other hand, the Fund shall always vote in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. For purposes of this Policy a vote shall be considered in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders when a vote is cast consistent with the specific voting policy as set forth in the Adviser Voting Policy, provided such specific voting policy was approved by the Board.
Adopted: January 29, 2019
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X-Square Capital, LLC Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures
Proxy Voting
X-Square has adopted the following proxy voting procedures designed to ensure that proxies are properly identified and voted, and that any conflicts of interest are addressed appropriately:
• | The CCO determines at the inception of the advisory relationship whether the Client or X-Square will retain proxy voting authority and whether the Client has provided X-Square with any instructions on how to vote its proxies. The CCO should document any instance where a Client has retained proxy voting authority or given X-Square proxy voting instructions. |
• | The CCO coordinates with the Client’s custodian to ensure that either X-Square receives copies of the Client’s proxy statements or that the proxy statements are forwarded to the Client/Client’s designee. |
• | Each proxy received is evaluated by the Investment Committee on a case-by-case basis. The Investment Committee decides whether to vote a proxy and, if so, how to vote a proxy. The Investment Committee may decide to abstain if it believes that abstaining is in the best interest of the Client. |
• | When evaluating each proxy, the Investment Committee will consider any Client-specific instructions and whether X-Square is subject to any material conflict of interest. It is impossible to anticipate all material conflicts of interest that could arise in connection with proxy voting. The following examples are meant to help Portfolio Managers identify potential conflicts: |
o | X-Square provides investment advice to an officer or director of an Issuer. X-Square receives a proxy solicitation from that Issuer, or from a competitor of that Issuer; and |
o | An Employee, or a member of an Employee’s household, has a personal or business relationship with an Issuer. X-Square receives a proxy solicitation from that Issuer. |
• | If the Investment Committee detects a material conflict of interest, it will consult with an independent third party, a third-party proxy voting service’s proxy voting guidelines, or Outside Counsel. |
• | If no material conflict of interest is identified or if the conflict is appropriately addressed (as discussed above), the Investment Committee or will seek to vote the proxy for the relevant Client in the Client’s best interest or in accordance with the Client’s instructions. |
• | The CCO will document each decision to vote or to abstain. |
o | The documentation should be sufficient to retroactively substantiate X-Square’s rationale for voting or abstaining. |
o | If X-Square votes the same proxy in two directions, the CCO will maintain documentation describing the reasons for each vote (e.g., X-Square believes that voting with management is in Clients’ best interests, but Client X gave specific instructions to vote against management). |
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• | Proxies received after a Client terminates its advisory relationship with X-Square will not be voted. The CCO will promptly return such proxies to the sender, along with a statement indicating that X- Square’s advisory relationship with the Client has terminated, and that future proxies should not be sent to X-Square. |
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APPENDIX C – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholder and Board of Managers of X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”), as of April 23, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statement”). In our opinion, the financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of April 23, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
The financial statement is the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund's financial statement based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. BDO Puerto Rico, PSC
San Juan, Puerto Rico
We have served as the Fund’s auditor since 2019. July 1, 2019
Certified Public Accountants (of Puerto Rico)
License No. 53 expires December 1, 2021
Stamp E387571 of the P.R. Society of
Certified Public Accountants has been
affixed to the file copy of this report
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X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
April 23, 2019
Assets: | ||||
Cash | $ | 100,000 | ||
Deferred offering costs (Note 2) | 88,151 | |||
Total Assets | $ | 188,151 | ||
Liabilities: | ||||
Due to Advisor (Note 2) | $ | 88,151 | ||
Net Assets | ||||
$ | 100,000 | |||
Components of Net Assets: | ||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 100,000 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 100,000 | ||
Class A Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 30,000 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value) | 3,000 | |||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 10.00 | ||
Class C Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 30,000 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value) | 3,000 | |||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 10.00 | ||
Institutional Class Shares | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 40,000 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited shares authorized, no par value) | 4,000 | |||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 10.00 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part this financial statement.
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X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Notes to Financial Statement
April 23, 2019
Note 1 — Organization and Registration
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the "Fund") is an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund is a non-diversified investment company with an investment objective which seeks conservation of capital, current income and long-term growth of capital and income. The Fund currently offers Class A, Class C and Institutional Class Shares. Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each share class has its own expense structures. The Fund’s Investment Adviser is X-Square Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”).
On April 23, 2019, the Adviser purchased 3,000 shares of beneficial interest of Class A Shares at $10.00 per share, 3,000 shares of beneficial interest of Class C Shares at $10.00 per share and 4,000 shares of beneficial interest of Institutional Class Shares at $10.00 per share.
A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is expected to be on certain Class A and Class C redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more made without an initial sales charge. Contingent deferred sales charge is expected to be calculated based on the lesser of the offering price and market value of shares being sold.
Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Fund’s financial statement was prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes under U.S. GAAP.
Organizational and Offering Costs
Organization costs consist of costs incurred to establish the Fund and enable it legally to do business. Examples of these costs are fees paid to the Board of Managers, legal fees, and audit fees relating to the seed audit. The Adviser has agreed to bear the costs and to pay all of the Fund’s organizational expenses. As a result, organizational expenses of the Fund are not reflected in the Fund’s financial statement.
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Offering costs incurred by the Fund are treated as deferred charges until operations commence and thereafter will be amortized over a 12 month period using the straight line method. Examples of these costs are registration fees, legal fees, and fees relating to the initial registration statement. All costs incurred by the Fund in connection with its offering will be advanced by the Adviser subject to recoupment as described in Note 3.
Income Taxes
The Fund has the intention of operate pursuant to the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act of 2013, and to be taxed under the dispositions applicable to Registered Investment Companies established by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended ("the Code"), its regulations and the administrative pronouncements promulgated there under. The Code states that every registered investment company will be exempt from Puerto Rico income tax for a taxable year if it distributes to its stockholders at least 90% of its taxable net investment income for such taxable year. The Fund intends to meet the 90% distribution requirement on a yearly basis to maintain the income tax exemption. The Fund expects to receive a ruling that will allow tax treatment as a registered Puerto Rico Investment Company.
For U.S. federal income taxes, the Fund will be treated as a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States for purposes of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “U.S. Code”) and does not intend to derive income treated as effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States. As a foreign corporation not engaged in a trade or business in the United States, the Fund will only be subject to United States federal income taxes if it realizes certain items of U.S. source income of a fixed or determinable annual or periodic nature, in which case the Fund will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% gross rate on such U.S. source income (not including interest received by the Fund on certain registered obligations).
Indemnification
The Fund indemnifies its officers and managers for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnities. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.
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Note 3 — Investment Advisory Agreement
As compensation for its services, the Fund intends to pay to the Adviser a monthly management fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets.
The Adviser, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Expense Reimbursement Agreement (the “Agreement”), has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, at least until one year from the date of the Fund’s prospectus, to ensure that Net Annual Operating Expenses (including offering expenses, but excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, reorganization expenses, brokerage commissions, interest, other expenditures that are not capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) will not exceed 2.75%, 3.50% and 2.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively for Class A, Class C and Institutional Class, respectively. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, any fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed pursuant to the Agreement described above to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods fall below the lesser of (i) the expense limitation in effect at the time the fees and/or expenses to be recovered were waived and/or reimbursed and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the fees or expenses. The Adviser will not be entitled to recover any such waived or reimbursed fees and expenses more than three years after the date on which the fees were waived or expenses were reimbursed. The Adviser may not terminate this waiver arrangement without the approval of the Fund’s Board of Managers.
Note 4 — Other Agreements Distribution and Services Agreement
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its Shares and pay service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to shareholders of each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an amount up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets each year with respect to Class A Shares, 0.00% with respect to Institutional Class shares and 1.00% with respect to Class C shares. The Class C distribution fee includes a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25%.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) serves as the Fund’s distributor. The Distributor acts as an agent for the Fund and the distributor of the Fund’s shares.
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Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Agreement
The Adviser also acts as administrator to the Fund (“Administrator”). As Administrator, the Adviser assists in the filing of required documents with the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico, preparation of Board materials and assisting with compliance testing. For its services as Administrator, the Adviser is expected to receive an annual fee from the Fund of 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) serves as the sub-administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in the Fund’s operations.
Transfer Agency Agreement
ALPS also serves as the Transfer Agent to the Fund. Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, ALPS is responsible for maintaining all shareholder records of the Fund.
Note 5 — Subsequent Events
The Adviser has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the financial statements included herein. There have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure or would be required to be recognized in the financial statements.
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT
of
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
on
Form N-1A
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. | Exhibits |
(a) | Form of Limited Liability Company Agreement is incorporated by referenced to Exhibit (a) to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reg. No. 811-23417) as previously filed on January 11, 2019. |
(b) | Not applicable. |
(c) | The rights of holders of the securities being registered are set out in Articles I-VIII in the Limited Liability Company Agreement referenced in Exhibit (a) above. |
(d) (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and X-Square Capital, LLC – filed herewith. |
(d) (2) | Form of Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and X-Square Capital, LLC – filed herewith. |
(e) | Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Distributors, Inc. – filed herewith. |
(f) | None. |
(g) | Custody Agreement between the Registrant and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. – filed herewith. |
(h)(1) | Form of Administration Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. – filed herewith. |
(h)(2) | Transfer Agency and Services Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. – filed herewith. |
(i) | Opinion and Consent of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP – filed herewith. |
(j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – filed herewith. |
(k) | Not applicable. |
(l) | Not Applicable |
(m) | Form of Distribution and Services Plan – filed herewith. |
(n) | Form of Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Operation of a Multi-Class System – filed herewith. |
(p) (1) | Code of Ethics of Registrant – filed herewith. |
(p) (2) | Code of Ethics of X-Square Capital, LLC – filed herewith. |
(q) | Power of Attorney for Fernando Nido and Luis Roig– filed herewith. |
Item 29. | Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
None.
Item 30. | Indemnification |
Section 3.7 of Registrant’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, incorporated herein as Exhibit (a) hereto, provides for the indemnification of Registrant’s Managers and officers.
In no event will Registrant indemnify any of its managers or officers against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of his willful misfeasance or gross negligence of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Registrant will comply with Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and Release No. 11330 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in connection with any indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
The Registrant’s various agreements with its service providers provide for indemnification.
Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser |
X-Square Capital, LLC
X-Square Capital, LLC is an investment advisor registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The list required by this Item 31 of the officers and directors of X-Square Capital, LLC, together with any information as to any business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors during the past two years, is incorporated herein by reference from Form ADV filed by X-Square Capital, LLC pursuant to the Advisers Act (SEC No. 801-88171).
Item 32. | Principal Underwriter |
(a) ALPS Distributors, Inc. acts as the distributor for the Registrant and the following investment companies: 1WS Credit Income Fund, 1290 Funds, Aberdeen Standard Investments ETFs, ALPS Series Trust, The Arbitrage Funds, AQR Funds, Axonic Alternative Income Fund, Barings Funds Trust, BBH Trust, Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund, Brandes Investment Trust, Bridge Builder Trust, Broadstone Real Estate Access Fund, Broadview Funds Trust, Brown Advisory Funds, Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds, CC Real Estate Income Fund, Centre Funds, CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund, Columbia ETF Trust, Columbia ETF Trust I, Columbia ETF Trust II, CRM Mutual Fund Trust, CSOP ETF Trust, Cullen Funds Trust, DBX ETF Trust, Flat Rock Opportunity Fund, Financial Investors Trust, Firsthand Funds, FS Credit Income Fund, FS Energy Total Return Fund, FS Series Trust, Goehring & Rozencwajg Investment Funds, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Griffin Institutional Access Credit Fund, Griffin Institutional Access Real Estate Fund, Hartford Funds Exchange-Traded Trust, Hartford Funds NextShares Trust, Harvest Volatility Edge Trust, Heartland Group, Inc., Holland Series Fund, Inc., Index Funds, IndexIQ Active ETF Trust, Index IQ ETF Trust, Infusive US Trust, IVY NextShares Trust, James Advantage Funds, Janus Detroit Street Trust, Lattice Strategies Trust, Litman Gregory Funds Trust, Longleaf Partners Funds Trust, M3Sixty Funds Trust, Mairs & Power Funds Trust, Meridian Fund, Inc., Natixis ETF Trust, Pax World Series Trust I, Pax World Funds Trust III, Principal Exchange-Traded Funds, Reality Shares ETF Trust, Resource Credit Income Fund, Resource Real Estate Diversified Income Fund, RiverNorth Funds, Sierra Total Return Fund, Smead Funds Trust, SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust, Sprott ETF Trust, Stadion Investment Trust, Stone Harbor Investment Funds, Stone Ridge Trust, Stone Ridge Trust II, Stone Ridge Trust III, Stone Ridge Trust IV, Stone Ridge Trust V, USCF ETF Trust, Wasatch Funds, WesMark Funds, Wilmington Funds and XAI Octagon Credit Trust.
(b) To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of ALPS Distributors, Inc., are as follows:
Name* | Position with Underwriter | Positions with Fund |
Una Troy | Director | None |
Bradley J. Swenson | President, Chief Operating Officer, Director | None |
Robert J. Szydlowski | Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer | None |
Eric T. Parsons | Vice President, Controller and Assistant Treasurer | None |
Joseph J. Frank** | Secretary | None |
Patrick J. Pedonti ** | Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary | None |
Richard C. Noyes | Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Assistant Secretary | None |
Steven Price | Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Liza Orr | Vice President, Senior Counsel | None |
Jed Stahl | Vice President, Senior Counsel | None |
Josh Eihausen | Vice President, Associate Senior Counsel | None |
James Stegall | Vice President | None |
Gary Ross | Senior Vice President | None |
Kevin Ireland | Senior Vice President | None |
Mark Kiniry | Senior Vice President | None |
Stephen J. Kyllo | Vice President, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Hilary Quinn | Vice President | None |
Jennifer Craig | Assistant Vice President | None |
* | Except as otherwise noted, the principal business address for each of the above directors and executive officers is 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203. |
** | The principal business address for Messrs. Pedonti and Frank is 333 W. 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. |
Item 33. | Location of Accounts and Records |
(1)(a) | X-Square Capital, LLC, Popular Center Building, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111, San Juan, PR, 00918 (records related to its services as the Registrant’s investment adviser). |
(2) | MUFG Union Bank, N.A., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor, New York, NY, 10020 (records related to its services as Registrant’s custodian). |
(3) | ALPS Fund Services, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO, 80203 (records related to its services as Registrant’s administrator and transfer agent). |
(4) | ALPS Distributors, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO, 80203 (records related to its services as Registrant’s distributor). |
Item 34. | Management Services |
None.
Item 35. | Undertakings |
None.
NOTICE
A copy of the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Registrant is on file with the Department of State of Puerto Rico and notice is hereby given that this Registration Statement has been executed on behalf of Registrant by the Managers of Registrant as Managers, and not individually, and that the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Managers, officers or members of Registrant individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of Registrant.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Juan, Puerto Rico on the 18th day of September, 2019.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC | |||
(Registrant) | |||
By: | /s/ Ignacio Canto | ||
Ignacio Canto | |||
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 18th day of September, 2019.
Name | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Ignacio Canto | President and Manager | September 18, 2019 | ||
Ignacio Canto | ||||
/s/ Ruben Tapia | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | September 18, 2019 | ||
Ruben Tapia | ||||
/s/ Fernando Nido | ||||
Fernando Nido | Manager | September 18, 2019 | ||
/s/ Luis Roig | Manager | September 18, 2019 | ||
Luis Roig |
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
(d) (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and X-Square Capital, LLC. |
(d) (2) | Form of Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and X-Square Capital, LLC. |
(e) | Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Distributors, Inc. |
(g) | Custody Agreement between the Registrant and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. |
(h)(1) | Form of Administration Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. |
(h)(2) | Transfer Agency and Services Agreement between the Registrant and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. |
(i) | Opinion and Consent of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. |
(j) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
(m) | Form of Distribution and Services Plan. |
(n) | Form of Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for Operation of a Multi-Class System. |
(p) (1) | Code of Ethics of Registrant. |
(p) (2) | Code of Ethics of X-Square Capital, LLC. |
(q) | Powers of Attorney for Fernando Nido and Luis Roig |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
and
X-SQUARE CAPITAL, LLC
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) made this 12th day of February, 2019, by and between X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”), a Puerto Rico limited liability company and X-Square Capital, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Adviser to furnish investment advisory services to the Fund and the Adviser represents that it is willing and possesses legal authority to so furnish such services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:
1. Appointment.
(a) | General. The Fund hereby appoints the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided. |
(b) | Employees of Affiliates. The Adviser may, in its discretion, provide such services through its own employees or the employees of one or more affiliated companies that are qualified to act as an investment adviser to the Fund under applicable laws; provided that (i) all persons, when providing services hereunder, are functioning as part of an organized group of persons, and (ii) such organized group of persons is managed at all times by authorized officers of the Adviser. |
(c) | Sub-Advisers. It is understood and agreed that the Adviser may from time to time employ or associate with such other entities or persons as the Adviser believes appropriate to assist in the performance of this Agreement with respect to the Fund (each a “Sub-Adviser”), and that any such Sub-Adviser shall have all of the rights and powers of the Adviser set forth in this Agreement; provided that the Fund shall not pay any additional compensation for any Sub-Adviser and the Adviser shall be as fully responsible to the Fund for the acts and omissions of the Sub-Adviser as it is for its own acts and omissions; and provided further that the retention of any Sub-Adviser shall be approved in advance by (i) the Board of Managers of the Fund (the “Board”) and (ii) the members of the Fund if required under any applicable provisions of the 1940 Act or any exemptive relief granted thereunder. The Adviser will review, monitor and report to the Board regarding the performance and investment procedures of any Sub-Adviser. In the event that the services of any Sub-Adviser are terminated, the Adviser may provide investment advisory services pursuant to this Agreement to the Fund without a Sub-Adviser or employ another Sub-Adviser without further shareholder approval, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or any exemptive relief granted thereunder. A Sub-Adviser may be an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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2. Delivery of Documents. The Fund has delivered to the Adviser copies of each of the following documents, and will promptly deliver to it all future amendments and supplements thereto, if any:
(1) | (a) the Fund’s limited liability company agreement; |
(2) | (b) resolutions of the Board authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement; |
(3) | (c) the Fund’s Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the 1940 Act, on Form N-1A as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”); |
(4) | (d) Notification of Registration of the Fund under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A as filed with the Commission; and |
(5) | (e) the currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Fund. |
3. Investment Advisory.
(a) | Management of the Fund. The Adviser hereby undertakes to act as investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser shall regularly provide investment advice to the Fund and continuously supervise the investment and reinvestment of cash, securities and other property composing the assets of the Fund and, in furtherance thereof, shall: |
(i) | supervise all aspects of the operations of the Fund; |
(ii) | obtain and evaluate pertinent economic, statistical and financial data, as well as other significant events and developments, which affect the economy generally, the Fund’s investment programs, and the issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio and the industries in which they engage, or which may relate to securities or other investments which the Adviser may deem desirable for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio; |
(iii) | determine which issuers and securities shall be included in the portfolio of the Fund; |
(iv) | furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund; |
(v) | in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Fund, buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Fund; and |
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(vi) | take, on behalf of the Fund, all actions the Adviser may deem necessary in order to carry into effect such investment program and the Adviser’s functions as provided above, including the making of appropriate periodic reports to the Board. |
(b) | Covenants. The Adviser shall carry out its investment advisory, other and supervisory responsibilities in a manner consistent with the investment objectives, policies, and restrictions provided in: (i) the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information as revised and in effect from time to time; (ii) the Fund’s limited liability company agreement or other governing instruments, as amended from time to time; (iii) the 1940 Act; (iv) other applicable laws; and (v) such other investment policies, procedures and/or limitations as may be adopted by the Fund and provided to the Adviser in writing. The Adviser agrees to use reasonable efforts to manage the Fund so that it will qualify, and continue to qualify, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations issued thereunder (the “Code”), except as may be authorized to the contrary by the Board. The management of the Fund by the Adviser shall at all times be subject to the review of the Board. |
(c) | Books and Records. Pursuant to applicable law, the Adviser shall keep the Fund’s books and records required to be maintained by, or on behalf of, the Fund with respect to advisory services rendered hereunder. The Adviser agrees that all records which it maintains for the Fund are the property of the Fund and it will promptly surrender any of such records to the Fund upon the Fund’s request. The Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act any such records of the Fund required to be preserved by such Rule. |
(d) | Reports, Evaluations and other Services. The Adviser shall furnish reports, evaluations, information or analyses with respect to the Fund and in connection with the Adviser’s services hereunder as the Board may request from time to time or as the Adviser may otherwise deem to be desirable. The Adviser shall make recommendations to the Board with respect to Fund policies, and shall carry out such policies as are adopted by the Board. The Adviser shall, subject to review by the Board, furnish such other services as the Adviser shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
(e) | Purchase and Sale of Securities. The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser, which may include brokers or dealers affiliated with the Adviser to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the Fund’s policies and procedures. The Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute portfolio transactions at prices, which, under the circumstances, result in total costs or proceeds being the most favorable to the Fund. In assessing the best overall terms available for any transaction, the Adviser shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer, research services provided to the Adviser, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, both for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. In no event shall the Adviser be under any duty to obtain the lowest commission or the best net price for the Fund on any particular transaction, nor shall the Adviser be under any duty to execute any order in a fashion either preferential to the Fund relative to other accounts managed by the Adviser or otherwise materially adverse to such other accounts. |
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(f) | Selection of Brokers or Dealers. In selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)) to the Adviser and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that the total commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Adviser with respect to accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. The Adviser shall report to the Board regarding overall commissions paid by the Fund and their reasonableness in relation to their benefits to the Fund. Any transactions for the Fund that are effected through an affiliated broker-dealer on a national securities exchange of which such broker-dealer is a member will be effected in accordance with Section 11(a) of the 1934 Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, including Rule 11a2-2(T). The Fund hereby authorizes any such broker or dealer to retain commissions for effecting such transactions and to pay out of such retained commissions any compensation due to others in connection with effectuating those transactions. |
(g) | Aggregation of Securities Transactions. In executing portfolio transactions for the Fund, the Adviser may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, but shall not be obligated to, aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased with those of other funds or its other clients if, in the Adviser’s reasonable judgment, such aggregation (i) will result in an overall economic benefit to the Fund, taking into consideration the advantageous selling or purchase price, brokerage commission and other expenses, and trading requirements, and (ii) is not inconsistent with the policies set forth in the Fund’s registration statement and the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. In such event, the Adviser will allocate the securities so purchased or sold, and the expenses incurred in the transaction, in an equitable manner, consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and such other clients. |
4. Representations and Warranties.
(a) | The Adviser hereby represents and warrants to the Fund as follows: |
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(i) | The Adviser is a limited liability company duly organized and in good standing under the laws of Puerto Rico and is fully authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its duties and obligations hereunder. |
(ii) | The Adviser is registered as an investment adviser with the Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), and is registered or licensed as an investment adviser under the laws of all applicable jurisdictions. The Adviser shall maintain such registrations or licenses in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement. |
(iii) | The Adviser at all times shall provide its best judgment and effort to the Fund in carrying out the Adviser’s obligations hereunder. |
(b) | The Fund hereby represents and warrants to the Adviser as follows: |
(i) | The Fund has been duly organized as a limited liability company under the laws of Puerto Rico and is authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its terms. |
(ii) | The Fund is registered as an investment company with the Commission under the 1940 Act and shares of the Fund are registered for offer and sale to the public under the 1933 Act and all applicable state securities laws where currently sold. Such registrations will be kept in effect during the term of this Agreement. |
5. Compensation. As compensation for the services that the Adviser is to provide or cause to be provided pursuant to Paragraph 3, the Fund shall pay to the Adviser out of Fund assets an annual fee, computed and accrued daily and paid in arrears on the first business day of every month, at the rate set forth opposite the Fund’s name on Schedule A, which shall be a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund (computed in the manner set forth in the Fund’s most recent Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information) determined as of the close of business on each business day throughout the month. At the request of the Adviser, some or all of such fee shall be paid directly to a Sub-Adviser. The fee for any partial month under this Agreement shall be calculated on a proportionate basis.
In the event that the total expenses of a Fund exceed the limits on investment company expenses imposed by any statute or any regulatory authority of any jurisdiction in which shares of the Fund are qualified for offer and sale, the Adviser will bear the amount of such excess, except the Adviser shall not be required to bear such excess to an extent greater than the compensation due to the Adviser for the period for which such expense limitation is required to be calculated unless such statute or regulatory authority shall so require.
The Adviser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to voluntarily defer any portion of the advisory fee or absorb any portion of the expenses described in Section 7 below.
6. Interested Persons. It is understood that, to the extent consistent with applicable laws, the Managers, officers and members of the Fund are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as directors, officers or otherwise and that directors, officers and shareholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Fund.
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7. Expenses. As between the Adviser and the Fund, the Fund will pay for all its expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Adviser hereunder.
8. Non-Exclusive Services; Limitation of Adviser’s Liability. The services of the Adviser to the Fund is not to be deemed exclusive and the Adviser may render similar services to others and engage in other activities. The Adviser and its affiliates may enter into other agreements with the Fund for providing additional services to the Fund which are not covered by this Agreement, and to receive additional compensation for such services. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, or a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, officers, shareholders, agents, or employees shall be liable or responsible to the Fund or to any members of the Fund for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any loss suffered by the Fund or any member of the Fund in connection with the performance of this Agreement.
9. Effective Date; Modifications; Termination. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and shall continue in force for a period of two years from the date of this Agreement. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote of the majority of the Managers of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by a vote of the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund.
(b) | The modification of any of the non-material terms of this Agreement may be approved by a vote of a majority of those Managers of the Fund 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. |
(c) | Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 9, either party hereto may terminate this Agreement at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, without payment of any penalty. Such a termination by the Fund shall be effected by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. |
10. Limitation of Liability of Managers and Members. The Adviser acknowledges the following limitation of liability:
The terms “X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC” and “Managers” refer, respectively, to the limited liability company created and the Managers, as managers but not individually or personally, acting from time to time under the limited liability company agreement, to which reference is hereby made and a copy of which is on file at the office of the Department of State of Puerto Rico, such reference being inclusive of any and all amendments thereto so filed or hereafter filed. The obligations of “X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC” entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any of the Managers, representatives or agents are made not individually, but in such capacities and are not binding upon any of the Managers, members or representatives of the Fund personally, but bind only the assets of the Fund, and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely to the assets of the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund.
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11. Service Mark. The service mark of the Fund and the name “X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC” (and derivatives thereof) have been licensed to the Fund by the Adviser and their continued use is subject to the right of the Adviser to withdraw this permission in the event the Adviser is not the investment adviser to the Fund.
12. Certain Definitions. The terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “assignment,” “control,” and “interested persons,” when used herein, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. References in this Agreement to the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act shall be construed as references to such laws as now in effect or as hereafter amended, and shall be understood as inclusive of any applicable rules, interpretations and/or orders adopted or issued thereunder by the Commission.
13. Independent Contractor. The Adviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided herein or authorized by the Board from time to time, have no authority to act for or represent a Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of a Fund.
15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, provided that nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act.
16. Severability. 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 and, to this extent, the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be severable.
17. Notices. Notices of any kind to be given to the Fund hereunder by the Adviser shall be in writing and shall be duly given if mailed or delivered to:
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Popular Center, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
+1 787-282-1621
www.xsquarecapital.com
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with a copy to:
Drinker Biddle Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Attention: Joshua B. Deringer, Esq.
or at such other address or to such individual as shall be so specified by the Fund to the Adviser. Notices of any kind to be given to the Adviser hereunder by the Fund shall be in writing and shall be duly given if mailed or delivered to the Adviser at:
X-Square Capital, LLC
Popular Center, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
+1 787-282-1621
www.xsquarecapital.com
or at such other address or to such individual as shall be so specified by the Adviser to the Fund. Notices shall be effective upon delivery.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date written above.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC | X-SQUARE CAPITAL, LLC | ||||
By: | /s/ Ignacio Canto | By: | /s/ Ruben A. Tapia | ||
Name: | Ignacio Canto | Name: | Ruben A. Tapia | ||
Title: | Chairman of the Board | Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
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SCHEDULE A
to the
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC and X-SQUARE CAPITAL, LLC
Fee (as a percentage of average daily net assets)
1.00% Class A | |
1.00% Class C | |
1.00% Institutional Class |
Approved by the Board of Managers: March 8, 2019
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X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
Agreement (“Agreement”) dated as of the ___ day of ________, 2019 by and between the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”), a Puerto Rico limited liability company and a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and X-Square Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to a Management Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) between the Fund and the Adviser dated February 12, 2019.
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement have provided for an undertaking by the Adviser to reimburse certain, but not all, of the expenses for the Fund pursuant to an Expense Reimbursement Agreement dated February 12, 2019 (the “Prior Agreement”).
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend the Prior Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the parties intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
1. The Adviser shall, from the date of this Agreement, reimburse a portion of the operating expenses of the Fund so that after such reimbursement the total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets shall not exceed the amount set forth on Exhibit A (“Expense Limit”), excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, reorganization expenses, brokerage commissions, interest, other expenditures that are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. The Adviser shall first reimburse management fees payable by the Fund, and then reimburse other operating expenses of the Fund to the extent the amount of difference between the Fund’s operating expenses and the Expense Limit exceeds the management fees payable by the Fund. To the extent that the Adviser defers advisory fees or absorbs operating expenses, it may seek payment of such deferred fees or reimbursement of such absorbed expenses within three (3) years after the date on which fees were deferred or expenses were absorbed. The Fund will make no such payment or reimbursement, however, if the Fund’s total annual operating expenses exceed the expense limits disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus in effect at the time of the proposed payment or reimbursement.
2. The termination date of this Agreement is one year from the effective date of the Fund’s initial registration statement filing on Form N-1A (the “Initial Term”). This Agreement shall continue automatically for periods of one year (each such one year period, a “Renewal Year”). This Agreement may be terminated, as to any succeeding Renewal Year, by either party upon 60 days’ written notice prior to the end of the current Initial Term or then current Renewal Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated by the Fund’s Board of Managers at any time if it determines that such termination is in the best interest of the Fund and its members.
3. The Adviser acknowledges and agrees that it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed expenses that are the subject of this Agreement at any time in the future other than as described in Section 1 above.
4. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
X-SQUARE CAPITAL, LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
Exhibit A
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Share Class |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement (expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the respective share class) |
|
1. | Class A | 2.75% |
2. | Class C | 3.50% |
3. | Institutional Class | 2.50% |
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of March 25th, 2019, between X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company (the “Fund”), and ALPS Distributors, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“ALPS”).
WHEREAS, the Fund is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, ALPS is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to employ the services of ALPS in connection with the promotion and distribution of the shares (the “Shares”) of the Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings herein contained, the parties agree as follows.
1. | ALPS Appointment and Duties. |
(a) | The Fund hereby appoints ALPS to provide the distribution services set forth in this Agreement on Appendix A, 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. |
(b) | ALPS may employ or associate itself with a person or persons or organizations as ALPS believes to be desirable in the performance of its duties hereunder; provided that, in such event, the compensation of such person or persons or organizations 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 or persons or organizations taken in furtherance of this Agreement to the same extent it would be for its own acts. |
2. | ALPS Compensation; Expenses. |
(a) | ALPS shall not be entitled to compensation for services provided by ALPS under this Agreement. ALPS may receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses from the Fund’s investment adviser related to its services hereunder or for additional services as may be agreed upon by ALPS and the Fund’s investment adviser. |
(b) | ALPS will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein. ALPS will not bear any of the costs of Fund personnel. Other Fund expenses incurred shall be borne by the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser, including, but not limited to, initial organization and offering expenses; the blue sky registration and qualification of Shares for sale in the various states in which the officers of the Fund shall determine it advisable to qualify such Shares for sale (including registering the Fund as a broker or dealer or any officer of the Fund as agent or salesman in any state); litigation expenses of the Fund; taxes; costs of preferred shares; expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund Shares; administration, transfer agency, and custodial expenses; interest; Fund managers’ or trustees’ 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 managers or trustees; printing and mailing of shareholder reports, prospectuses, statements of additional information, other offering documents and 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”); provided, however, that the cost of any such expenses that are passed through to the Fund shall be priced at the actual cost of such expenses without any additional mark-ups by ALPS. |
3. | Documents. The Fund has furnished or will furnish, upon request, ALPS with copies of the Fund’s limited liability company agreement, advisory agreement, custodian agreement, transfer agency agreement, administration agreement, 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. |
4. | Sales of Shares. |
(a) | The Fund grants to ALPS the right to sell the Shares as agent on behalf of the Fund, during the term of this Agreement, subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the 1940 Act, and of the laws governing the sale of securities in the various states (“Blue Sky Laws”), under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. ALPS shall have the right to sell, as agent on behalf of the Fund, the Shares covered by the registration statement, prospectus and statement of additional information for the Fund then in effect under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act. |
(b) | The rights granted to ALPS shall be exclusive, except that the Fund reserves the right to sell Shares directly to investors on applications received and accepted by the Fund. |
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(c) | Except as otherwise noted in the Fund’s current prospectus and/or statement of additional information, all Shares sold to investors by ALPS or the Fund will be sold at the public offering price. The public offering price for all accepted subscriptions will be the net asset value per Share, as determined in the manner described in the Fund’s current prospectus and/or statement of additional information. |
(d) | The Fund shall receive the net asset value per Share on all sales. If a fee in connection with shareholder redemptions is in effect, such fee will be paid to the Fund. The net asset value of the Shares will be calculated by the Fund or by another entity on behalf of the Fund. ALPS has no duty to inquire into, or liability for, the accuracy of the net asset value per Share as calculated. |
(e) | The Fund reserves the right to suspend sales and ALPS’ authority to process orders for Shares on behalf of the Fund if, in the judgment of the Fund, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. Suspension will continue for such period as may be determined by the Fund. |
(f) | In consideration of these rights granted to ALPS, ALPS agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to distribute the Shares. ALPS shall review and file Fund advertising materials with the SEC and/or FINRA to the extent required by the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and by the rules of FINRA. This shall not prevent ALPS from entering into like arrangements (including arrangements involving the payment of underwriting commissions) with other issuers. ALPS will act only on its own behalf as principal should it choose to enter into selling agreements with selected dealers or others. |
(g) | ALPS is not authorized by the Fund to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the registration statement or prospectus and statement of additional information, or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Fund for ALPS’ use. Consistent with the foregoing, with the prior written consent of the Fund (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), ALPS may prepare and distribute sales literature or other material as it may deem appropriate in consultation with the Fund, provided such sales literature complies with applicable law and regulations. |
(h) | The Fund agrees that it will take all action necessary to register the Shares under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act (subject to the necessary approval of its shareholders). The Fund shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’ expense, such number of copies of its prospectus, statement of additional information, and periodic reports as ALPS may reasonably request. The Fund shall furnish to ALPS copies of all information, financial statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Shares of the Fund. |
(i) | The Fund agrees to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information and otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. The Fund must notify ALPS in writing of the states in which the Shares may be sold and must notify ALPS in writing of any changes to the information contained in the previous notification. |
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(j) | The Fund shall not use the name of ALPS, or any of its affiliates, in any prospectus or statement of additional information, sales literature, and other material relating to the Fund in any manner without the prior written consent of ALPS (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that ALPS hereby approves all lawful uses of the names of ALPS and its affiliates in the prospectus and statement of additional information of the Fund and in all other materials which merely refer in accurate terms to its appointment hereunder or which are required by the SEC, FINRA or any state securities authority. |
(k) | Neither ALPS nor any of its affiliates shall use the name of the Fund in any publicly disseminated materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior written consent of the Fund (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Fund hereby approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings of ALPS which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of ALPS hereunder, or which are required by the SEC, FINRA or any state securities authority. |
(l) | ALPS will promptly transmit any orders received by it for purchase, redemption, or exchange of the Shares to the Fund’s transfer agent. |
(m) | ALPS shall maintain membership with the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) and any other similar successor organization to sponsor a participant number for the Fund in order to enable the Shares to be traded through FundSERV. ALPS will not be responsible for any operational matters associated with the settlement of Fund transactions through FundSERV or Networking. |
(m) | The Fund agrees to issue Shares of the Fund and to request The Depository Trust Company to record on its books the ownership of such Shares in accordance with the book-entry system procedures described in the prospectus in such amounts as ALPS has requested through the transfer agent in writing or other means of data transmission, as promptly as practicable after receipt by the Fund of the requisite deposit securities and cash component (together with any fees) and acceptance of such order, upon the terms described in the registration statement. |
(n) | The Fund agrees that it will take all action necessary to register an indefinite number of Shares under the 1933 Act. The Fund shall make available to ALPS, at ALPS’ expense, such number of copies of its prospectus, statement of additional information, and periodic reports as ALPS may reasonably request. The Fund will furnish to ALPS copies of all information, financial statements and other papers, which ALPS may reasonably request. |
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(o) | The Fund agrees to execute any and all documents and to furnish any and all information and otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification of the Shares for sale in such states as ALPS may designate. The Fund will keep ALPS informed of the jurisdictions in which Shares of the Fund are authorized for sale and shall promptly notify ALPS of any change in this information. |
(p) | At the request of the Fund, ALPS enters into agreements with financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of Fund shares. ALPS will not be obligated to make payments to any such financial intermediaries unless ALPS has received an authorized payment from the Fund, if subject to a distribution plan or other such plan approved by the Fund’s board of managers, and/or the Fund’s investment adviser. In addition, to the extent that ALPS is requested or required by the Fund to enter into financial intermediary agreements on behalf of the Fund, the Fund shall indemnify and hold ALPS harmless from and against any and all losses and liabilities that ALPS may incur arising out of or relating to: (i) ALPS’ actions or failures to act pursuant to any such intermediary agreement; (ii) any representations made by ALPS in any intermediary agreement on behalf of the Fund and/or in the capacity as the Fund’s agent; or (iii) any indemnification provided by ALPS under any such intermediary agreement on behalf of the Fund and/or in the capacity as the Fund’s agent; provided, however, that the Fund shall not be liable for ALPS’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard by ALPS in the performance of its duties and obligations under any such intermediary agreement. |
5. | Insurance. ALPS will maintain at its expense an errors and omissions insurance policy adequate to cover its distribution activities hereunder relating to the Fund. |
6. | 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. |
(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 investment adviser, or ALPS, at the option of ALPS), at its own expense. |
(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. |
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7. | 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, assessments, claims, 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 or the Fund’s investment adviser, custodians, or other service providers; |
(ii) | any claim that the registration statement, prospectus, statement of additional information, shareholder report, sales literature and advertisements approved for use by the Fund and/or the Fund’s investment adviser or other information filed or made public by the Fund (as from time to time amended) including an untrue statement of a material fact or omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein (and in the case of the prospectus and statement of additional information, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, or any other statute, regulation, self-regulatory organization rule or applicable common law, except to the extent the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Fund by or on behalf of ALPS; |
(iii) | any wrongful act of the Fund or any of its employees; |
(iv) | 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; |
(v) | any liability of ALPS resulting from a representation, warranty or covenant made by the Fund to ALPS under this Agreement, which ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine; |
(vi) | any liability of ALPS resulting from a representation, covenant or warranty that ALPS makes, or any indemnification that ALPS provides, on behalf of the Fund and in reliance on a Fund representation, covenant or warranty in an intermediary agreement relating to the Fund; |
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(vii) | ALPS’ reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine; | |
(viii) | loss of data or service interruptions caused by the Fund’s (or a Fund service provider’s) equipment failure; or |
(viv) | any other action or omission to act which ALPS takes in connection with the provision of services to the Fund. |
(c) | ALPS shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from and against any and all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims, 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) | ALPS’ willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard in the performance of its duties, obligations, or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement. |
(d) | Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be liable under this Agreement to the other party hereto for any: (i) punitive, consequential, special or indirect losses or damages; or (ii) 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. 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. |
8. | 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 distribution agreements or other agreements with such other corporations and businesses. |
9. | 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. ALPS or its undersigned as defined by Rule 17a-4 of the Securities and Exchange Act (the “Exchange Act”), shall have access to all electronic communications, including password access to the system storing the electronic communications, of registered representatives of ALPS that are associated with the Fund and are required to be maintained under Rule 17a-4 of the Exchange Act and FINRA Rule 3110. Electronic storage media maintained by the Fund will comply with Rule 17a-4 of the Exchange Act. |
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10. | 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 and not to 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. ALPS shall provide the Fund with prompt notice of all such requests by any duly constituted authority. 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. |
11. | Compliance with Rules and Regulations. ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS takes or is required to take action on behalf of the Fund hereunder shall cause the Fund to comply) with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders and code 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, and shall provide to the Fund a certification to such effect no less 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. ALPS shall promptly notify the Fund upon receiving any written notice, order, subpoena or other document evidencing regulatory action or that a governmental authority, agency or body intends to investigate ALPS’ activities specific to its role as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund, to the extent permissible by applicable law, ALPS’ policies and procedures, and to the extent advisable by ALPS’ legal counsel. |
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12. | 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. |
(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. |
(e) | ALPS has conducted a review of its supervisory controls system and has made available to the Fund the most current report of such review and any updates thereto. Every time ALPS conducts a review of its supervisory control system it will make available to the Fund for inspection a report of such review and any updates thereto. ALPS shall immediately notify the Fund of any changes in how it conducts its business that would materially change the results of its most recent review of its supervisory controls system and any other changes to ALPS’ business that would affect the business of the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser. |
13. | Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund represents and warrants to ALPS that: |
(a) | It is a limited liability company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Puerto Rico and is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. |
(b) | It is empowered under applicable laws and by its limited liability company agreement to enter into and perform this Agreement. |
(c) | The Board of Managers of the Fund has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this Agreement. |
(d) | The registration statement and the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information: (i) have been prepared, and all sales literature and advertisements approved by the Fund and/or the Fund’s investment adviser or other materials prepared by or on behalf of the Fund for ALPS' use ("Sales Materials") shall be prepared, in all material respects, in conformity with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC (the “Rules and Regulations”) and (ii) all Sales Materials shall contain, all statements required to be stated therein in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations. |
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(e) | All statements of fact contained therein, or to be contained in all Sales Materials, are or will be true and correct in all material respects at the time indicated or the effective date, as the case may be, and none of the registration statement, the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information, nor any Sales Materials shall include any 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, in the case of the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information in light of the circumstances in which made, not misleading. The Fund shall, from time to time, file such amendment or amendments to the registration statement and the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information as, in the light of future developments, shall, in the opinion of the Fund’s counsel, be necessary in order to have the registration statement and the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information at all times contain all material facts required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information in light of the circumstances in which made, not misleading. The Fund shall not file any amendment to the registration statement or the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information without providing ALPS reasonable notice thereof in advance, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Fund’s right to file at any time such amendments to the registration statement or the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information as the Fund may deem advisable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund shall not be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to any information or statement provided by ALPS for inclusion in the registration statement or the Fund's prospectus or statement of additional information. |
14. | 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 1933 Act 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. |
15. | Anti-Money Laundering. ALPS agrees to maintain an anti-money laundering program in compliance with Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) and all applicable laws and regulations promulgated thereunder. ALPS confirms that, as soon as possible, following the request from the Fund, ALPS will supply the Fund with copies of ALPS’ anti-money laundering policy and procedures, and such other relevant certifications and representations regarding such policy and procedures as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time. ALPS will provide, to the Fund, any Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) request received pursuant to USA Patriot Act Section 314(a), which the Fund may then provide to its transfer agent. ALPS shall promptly notify the Fund in writing in the event of any violation of its anti-money laundering program as it relates only to the Fund. |
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16. | Business Interruption Plan. ALPS shall maintain in effect a business interruption 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. ALPS shall promptly notify the Fund in the event ALPS invokes its business interruption plan, to the extent that such interruption has a material impact on ALPS’ provision of services to the Fund hereunder. |
17. | Duration and Termination of this Agreement. |
(a) | Initial Term. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above (“Effective Date”) and shall continue thereafter throughout the period that ends two (2) years after the Effective 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, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Fund’s Board of Managers or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant portfolio of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by the majority of the Managers of the Fund 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. If a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act is in effect, continuance of the plan and this Agreement must be approved at least annually by a majority of the Managers of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) and have no financial interest in the operation of such plan or in any agreements related to such plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. |
(c) | This Agreement is terminable without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by the Fund’s Board of Managers, by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant portfolio of the Fund, or by ALPS. |
(d) | Deliveries Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in the orderly transfer of distribution 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. |
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18. | Assignment. This Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). This Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the prior written consent of ALPS, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld by ALPS. |
19. | Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To the extent that the laws of the State of Delaware conflict with the 1940 Act or such rules, the latter shall control. |
20. | 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 the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund. |
21. | Amendments to this Agreement. This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in writing. |
22. | Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be deemed to have been given when received or when sent by telex or facsimile, and shall be given to the following addresses (or such other addresses as to which notice is given): |
To ALPS:
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, Colorado 80203
Attn: General Counsel
Fax: (303) 623-7850
To the Fund:
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Suite 111, Popular Center
209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918
Attn:
Fax:
24. | 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. |
25. | 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. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Ignacio Canto | ||
Name: | Ignacio Canto | ||
Title: | Chairman of the Board | ||
ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Steven B. Price | ||
Name: | Steven B. Price | ||
Title: | SVP & Director of Distribution Service |
APPENDIX A
SERVICES
Mutual Fund Distribution Services
• | Act as legal underwriter/distributor |
• | Maintain & supervise FINRA registrations for licensed individuals |
• Client access through online registered rep portal
• Coordinate Continuing Education requirements
• Administer & maintain required filings/licenses with FINRA
• | Provide investment company advertising and sales literature review, approval and record maintenance Online submission, review/approval, & real-time status updates through AVA Advertising Review Portal |
• File required materials with FINRA
• Provide advertising regulatory and disclosure guidance
• | Prepare, update, execute & maintain financial intermediary agreements |
• Online access provided through ALPS Virtual Access (AVA)
• | Administer intermediary due diligence program |
• Provide ongoing monitoring of financial intermediary relationships
• Established risk ranking methodology & reporting
• | Perform financial intermediary payments & reporting |
• | Support financial intermediary relations |
• Consult and support client’s distribution model & strategy
• Fulfill key account intermediary initial and ongoing information and due diligence requests
• | Provide quarterly reporting |
• Provide the following to Fund personnel on a quarterly basis: (i) scorecard regarding a summary of services provided by ALPS; (ii) certification under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act; (iii) Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act Code of Ethics certification; and (iv) to the extent applicable, a summary of any material changes to the foregoing policies and procedures. ALPS will provide more frequent reporting as may be reasonably requested by the Fund and as agreed upon, in writing, by ALPS and the Fund
GLOBAL CUSTODY AGREEMENT
For Foreign and Domestic Securities
This Custodian Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of DECEMBER 19 , 20 18 by and between X-SQUARE FAMILY OF FUNDS ("Principal") and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. ("Custodian").
WHEREAS, the Custodian is a bank meeting the qualifications required by Section 17(t)(1) of the Act to act as custodian of the portfolio securities and other assets of investment companies; and
WHEREAS, Principal wishes to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of its portfolio securities and other assets, and the Custodian has indicated its willingness to so act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS Certain terms used in this Agreement are defined as follows:
1.1. "Account" means, collectively, each account maintained by Custodian on behalf of Principal pursuant to Paragraph 4 of this Agreement.
1.2. ''Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") thereunder, including §270.17f-4, §270.17f-5 and §270.17f-7, all as may be amended from time to time.
1.3. "Board" means the Board of Trustees or the Board of Directors of Principal.
1.4. "Depository" means both any "securities depository" within the meaning of §27D.17f-4 of the Act and any Eligible Securities Depository.
1.5. "Eligible Foreign Custodian" means an entity that is incorporated or organized under the laws of a country other than the United States and that is a Qualified Foreign Bank, as defined in §270.17f-S(a)(S) of the Act.
1.6. "Eligible Securities Depository", ("Depository", or collectively "Depositories') means a system for the central handling of securities as defined in §270.17f-7(b)(1) of the Act.
1.7. "Emerging Marker means each market so identified in Appendix A attached hereto.
1.8. "Foreign Account" means an Account in which Foreign Currencies or Securities are held by the Custodian for the benefit of clients whether in comingled accounts or accounts designated for each beneficial owner as is required under the regulatory jurisdiction where the Foreign Account is established.
1.9. "Foreign Assets" has the meaning provided in §270.17f-5(a)(2) of the Act.
1.10. "Foreign Currency" ("Currencies") means any currency or any composite currency unit issued by a government or entity other than the United States Department of Treasury.
1.11. "Foreign Market" means each market so identified in Appendix A attached hereto.
1.12. "Sub-Custodian" means an entity, including an Eligible Foreign Custodian and Domestic Sub-Custodian, which Custodian retains to hold Securities.
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1.13. "Global Sub-Agent Network" ("Sub-Agent Network" or "Sub-Agents") means any Sub-Custodian located in the United States (the "Domestic Sub-Custodian"), and any sub-agents located in the countries and markets where Eligible Foreign Sub-Custodians and Eligible Foreign Depositories are maintained by Custodian or any Sub-Custodian located in the United States which utilizes a Sub-Agent Network on behalf of Custodian.
1.14. "Governing Documents" means, with respect to each of the portfolios, (i) the declaration of trust or other constituting document of the Principal of which the portfolio is a series or portfolio, (ii) the currently effective prospectus under the Securities Act, (ii) the most recent statement of additional information, and (iii) a certified copy of the Board approving the engagement of the Custodian to act as custodian of the Securities.
1.15. "Investment Manager" or "Manager" means an investment advisor or manager identified by Principal in a written notice to Custodian as having the authority to direct Custodian regarding the management, acquisition, or disposition of Securities.
1.16. "Monitoring System" means the policies and procedures established by Custodian to fulfill its duties to monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining Securities with a Sub-Custodian or Depository on a continuing basis, pursuant to this Agreement.
1.17. "Securities" means securities as defined in §2(a)(36) of the Act together with cash or any currency or other property of Principal and all income and proceeds of sale of such securities or other property of Principal that are held by Custodian in the Account.
1.18. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2. APPOINTMENT
2.1. Principal hereby appoints the Custodian as the custodian of the Securities of each of its portfolios. and Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to establish and maintain one or more accounts (the "Account") tor Principal in which Custodian will hold the Securities.
2.2. Principal has provided the Custodian with a copy of its Governing Documents, and will provide the Custodian with a copy of amendments, supplements and modifications thereof from time to time.
2.3. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as custodian of the Securities of Principal and agrees to perform the duties of such custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3.1. Power to Enter Agreement. Principal represents that, with respect to the Account, Principal is authorized to enter into this Agreement and to retain Custodian on the terms and conditions and for the purposes described herein.
3.2. Foreign Custody Manager. The Custodian agrees to serve as Principal's "Foreign Custody Manager" as defined in Rule §270.17f-5(a)(3) of the Act, in respect of Principal's Foreign Assets held from time to time by the Custodian with any Sub-Custodian that is an Eligible Foreign Custodian or with any Eligible Securities Depository.
3.3. Custodian's Sub-Agent Network. Principal hereby acknowledges receiving appropriate notice of Custodian's selection of the use of those Eligible Foreign Custodians and Eligible Securities Depositories that are identified in Appendix A of this Agreement as amended from time to time.
4. ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNT
Custodian shall open and maintain a separate Account or Accounts in the name of Principal and shall hold in such Account or Accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all Securities received by it from or for the Account of the Principal. Custodian, in its sole discretion, may reasonably refuse to accept any property now or hereafter delivered to it for inclusion in the Account. Principal shall be notified promptly of such refusal and any such property shall be immediately returned to Principal. Custodian shall be under no duty to take any action hereunder on behalf of the Principal except as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by Custodian and the Principal in a written amendment hereto .
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5. CUSTODY AND REGISTRATION
Custodian may (i) maintain possession of all or any portion of the Securities, including possession in a foreign branch or other office of Custodian; or (ii) retain, in accordance with this Paragraph 5 and Paragraph 6 of this Agreement, one or more Sub-Custodians to hold all or any portion of the Securities. Custodian and any Sub-Custodian may, in accordance with this Paragraph 5 and Paragraph 6 of this Agreement, deposit definitive or book-entry Securities with one or more Depositories.
5.1. Identification of Securities. Custodian shall ensure the Securities are at all times properly identified as being held for the appropriate Account. Custodian shall segregate physically the Securities from other securities owned by Custodian. Custodian shall not be required to segregate physically Securities held for Principal from other securities or property held by Custodian for third parties as custodian or other representative capacity, but Custodian shall maintain adequate records indicating that the Principal is the beneficial owner of the Securities.
5.2. Use of Depositories and Sub-Custodians. Custodian may, in its discretion, deposit any Securities which, under applicable law, are eligible to be so deposited in a Depository or Sub-Custodian account. Securities and Foreign Currencies held by a Sub-Custodian or Depository will be held subject to the rules, terms, and conditions of such securities markets or securities depositories. If Custodian deposits Securities with a Sub-Custodian or Depository, Custodian shall maintain adequate records showing the identity and location of the Sub-Custodian or Depository, the Securities held by the Sub-Custodian or Depository and each account to which such Securities belong. With respect to Securities that are held for Custodian or any Sub-Custodian at a Depository, as defined in §270.17f-4 of the Act, Custodian shall satisfy or cause the Sub-Custodian to satisfy the requirements of §270.17f-4 of the Act.
5.3. Use of Nominees. Custodian shall have the right to hold or cause to be held all Securities in the name of the Custodian, or for any Sub-Custodian or Depository, or in the name of a nominee of any of them as Custodian shall determine to be appropriate under the circumstances.
5.4. Foreign Currency Deposits. The Custodian may in accordance with customary practices hold any currency in which any cash is denominated on deposit, and effect transactions relating thereto, through an account with an affiliate of Custodian, or Sub-Custodian or Depository in the country where such currency is the lawful currency or in other countries where such currency may be lawfully held on deposit.
5.5. Transferability and Convertibility of Currency. Custodian shall have no liability for any loss or damage arising from the applicability of any law or regulation now or hereafter in effect, or from the occurrence of any event, which may affect the transferability, convertibility, or availability of any currency in the countries where such Foreign Accounts are maintained and in no event shall Custodian be obligated to substitute another currency for a currency whose transferability, convertibility, or availability has been affected by such law, regulation or event. To the extent that any such law, regulation or event imposes a cost or charge upon Custodian in relation to the transferability, convertibility, or availability of any such currency, such cost or charge shall be for the Account.
5.6. Delivery of Securities. If Principal or Investment Manager directs Custodian to deliver assets, certificates or other physical evidence of ownership of Securities to any broker or other party, other than a Sub-Custodian or Depository employed by Custodian for purposes of maintaining the Account, Custodian's sole responsibility shall be to exercise care and diligence in effecting the delivery as instructed by Principal or Manager. Upon completion of the delivery, Custodian shall be discharged completely of any further liability or responsibility with respect to the safekeeping and custody of Securities so delivered. ·
5.7. Transferability of Securities. Except as otherwise provided under this Agreement or as the parties may otherwise agree, Custodian shall ensure that (i) the Securities will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien, or claim of any kind in favor of Custodian or any Sub-Custodian or any person claiming through any of them except for Custodian's expenses relating to the Securities' safe custody or administration or other services made available under contractual agreements to Account by Custodian, and in the case of cash deposits at an Eligible Foreign Custodian, liens or rights in favor of the creditors of the Eligible Foreign Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws, and (ii) the beneficial ownership of the Securities will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration.
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5.8. Access to Account Records. Principal or its designee, shall have access, upon reasonable prior notice to Custodian, during regular business hours to the books and records relating to the Accounts, or shall be given confirmation of the contents of the books and records, maintained by Custodian or any Sub-Custodian holding securities hereunder to verify the accuracy of such books and records. Custodian shall notify Principal promptly of any applicable law or regulation in any country where Securities are held that would restrict such access or confirmation.
6. SELECTION AND MONITORING OF GLOBAL SUB-AGENT NETWORK
Upon written notice to Principal, as provided in Subparagraph 6.3 of this Agreement, Custodian may from time to time select one or more Domestic Sub-Custodians and Eligible Foreign Custodians and, subject to the provisions of Subparagraph 6.5, one or more Eligible Securities Depositories, to hold Securities hereunder.
6.1. Governing Sub-Agent Agreement. Any relationship Custodian establishes with an Eligible Foreign Custodian with respect to Securities shall be governed by a written contract providing for the reasonable care of Securities based on the standards specified in Section §270.17(f)-5(c)(1) of the Act, and including the provisions set forth in Sections §270.17(t)- 5(c)(2)(i)(A) through (F) of the Act, or provisions which Custodian determines provide the same or greater protection of Principal's Securities.
6.2. Sub-Agent Network Selection.
6.2.1. Foreign Sub-Custodian. In selecting an Eligible Foreign Custodian on behalf of Custodian , the Domestic Sub-Custodian shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence and shall consider whether the Securities will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market, including (i) the Eligible Foreign Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls, including, but not limited to, the physical protections available for certificated securities (if applicable), the method of keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection practices; (ii) the Eligible Foreign Custodian's financial strength, general reputation and standing in the country in which it is located, its ability to provide efficiently the custodial services required, and the relative cost of such services; and, (iii) whether the Eligible Foreign Custodian has branch offices in the United States, or consents to service of process in the United States, in order to facilitate jurisdiction over and enforcement of judgments against it.
6.2.2. Securities Depository. In selecting an Eligible Securities Depository, Custodian shall exercise reasonable care, prudence, and diligence in evaluating the custody risks associated with maintaining Securities with the Eligible Securities Depository under Custodian's custody arrangements with any relevant Eligible Foreign Custodian and the Eligible Securities Depository.
6.3. Notices to Principal. Custodian shall give written notice to Principal of the deposit of Securities with an Eligible Foreign Custodian or, directly or through an Eligible Foreign Sub-Custodian, with an Eligible Securities Depository. The notice shall identify the Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository and shall include reasonably available information relied on by Custodian in making the selection.
6.4. Monitoring of Sub-Agent Network. Custodian shall monitor under its Monitoring System the appropriateness of the continued custody or maintenance of Principal's Securities with each Domestic Sub-Custodian and their Global Network of Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository.
6.4.1. Custodian shall evaluate and determine at least annually the continued eligibility of its Domestic Sub-Custodian and each Eligible Foreign Custodian and Eligible Securities Depository approved by Principal to act as such hereunder. In discharging this responsibility, Custodian shall (i) monitor on a continuing basis the services and reports provided by its Domestic Sub-Custodian for each of its Eligible Foreign Custodians or Eligible Securities Depositories; (ii) at least annually, obtain and review the periodic reports published by its Domestic Sub-Custodian confirming the Domestic Sub-Custodian's review of the continued eligibility of each Foreign Sub-Custodian and Foreign Securities Depository; and (iii) review periodic reports related to the Domestic Sub-Custodian's periodic physical inspections of the operations of each Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository as deemed appropriate.
6.4.2. Custodian shall provide to the Board annually and at such other times as the Board may reasonably request based on the circumstances of the Principal's foreign custody arrangements, written reports notifying the Board of the placement of Securities of Principal with a particular Domestic Sub-Custodian or a particular foreign Eligible Foreign Custodian within a Foreign Market or an Emerging Market and of any material change in the arrangements (including any material changes in any contracts governing such arrangements or any material changes in the established practices or procedures of Depositories) with respect to Securities of the Principal held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian.
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6.4.3. If Custodian determines that (i) any Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository no longer satisfies the applicable requirements described in Subparagraph 1.5 of this Agreement (in the case of an Eligible Foreign Custodian) or Subparagraph 1.6 of this Agreement (in the case of an Eligible Securities Depository); or, (ii) any Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository is otherwise no longer capable or qualified to perform the functions contemplated herein; or, (iii) any change in a contract with a Eligible Foreign Custodian or any change in established Eligible Securities Depository or market practices or procedures shall cause a custody arrangement to no longer meet the requirements of the Act, Custodian shall promptly give written notice thereof to Principal. The notice shall either indicate Custodian's intention to transfer Securities held by the removed Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository to another Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository previously identified to Principal, or include a notice pursuant to Subparagraph 6.3 of this Agreement of Custodian's intention to deposit Securities with a new Eligible Foreign Custodian or Eligible Securities Depository, in either instance such transfer of Securities to be effected as soon as reasonably practical.
6.5. Compulsory Depositories. Notwithstanding the foregoing sub-sections otthis Paragraph 6, Custodian shall have no responsibility for the selection or monitoring of any Eligible Securities Depository or Eligible Securities Depository's agent ("Compulsory Depository") (i) the use of which is mandated by law or regulation; (ii) because securities cannot be withdrawn from the depository; or (iii) because maintaining securities outside the securities depository is not consistent with prevailing market practices in the relevant market; provided however, that Custodian shall notify Principal if Principal has directed a trade in a market containing a Compulsory Depository, so Principal and Advisor shall have an opportunity to determine the appropriateness of investing in such market.
6.6. Assessment of Custody Risk. Principal and Custodian agree that, for purposes of this Paragraph 6, Custodian's detennination of appropriateness shall only include custody risk, and shall not include any evaluation of "country risk" or systemic risk associated with the investment or holding of assets in a particular country or market, including, but not limited to (i) the use of Compulsory Depositories; (ii) the country's or market's financial infrastructure; (iii) the country's or market's prevailing custody and settlement practices; (iv) risk of nationalization, expropriation or other governmental actions; (v) regulation of the banking or securities industries; (vi) currency controls, restrictions, devaluation or fluctuation; and (vii) country or market conditions which may affect the orderly execution of securities transactions or affect the value of the transactions. Principal and Custodian further agree that the evaluation of any such country and systemic risks shall be solely the responsibility of Principal and the Investment Manager.
7. TRANSACTIONS
7.1. Instructions and Immediately Available Funds. Principal, or where applicable, the Investment Manager, is responsible for ensuring that Custodian receives timely instructions and sufficient immediately available funds for all transactions by such time and date as conditions in the relevant market dictates. As used herein, "sufficient immediately available funds'' shall mean either (i) sufficient cash denominated in the currency of Principal's home jurisdiction to purchase the necessary foreign currency, or (ii) sufficient applicable foreign currency, to settle the transaction. If Custodian does not receive such timely instructions and/or immediately available funds, Custodian shall have no liability of any kind to any person, including Principal, for failing to effect settlement. However, Custodian shall use reasonable efforts to effect settlement as soon as possible after receipt of appropriate instructions. Unless otherwise specified by Principal or Manager, foreign exchange transactions will be processed according to the instructions in Appendix B.
7.2. Customary or Established Settlement Practices. Principal and Manager acknowledge settlement of and payment for Securities received for and delivered from the Account may be made in accordance with the customary or established securities trading and securities processing practices in the market in which the transaction occurs. Principal understands that when Custodian is instructed to deliver Foreign Securities or Foreign Currencies against payment, delivery of such Foreign Securities and Foreign Currencies and receipt of payment therefore may not be completed simultaneously. Principal assumes full responsibility for all credit risks involved in connection with Custodian's delivery of Foreign Securities or Foreign Currencies pursuant to instructions of Principal or Manager.
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7.3. Additions to and Withdrawals from Account. Custodian shall make all additions and withdrawals of Securities to and from this Account only upon receipt of and pursuant to written instructions from Principal or Manager and in accordance with Custodian's procedures.
7.4. Purchase or Sales. Principal or Manager from time to time may instruct Custodian regarding the purchase or sale of Securities in accordance with this Paragraph 7.
7.5. Purchases. Provided the Account contains sufficient funds, Custodian shall settle purchases by charging the Account with the amount necessary to make the purchase and effecting payment to the seller or broker for the Securities as provided in this section and as provided herein. Custodian shall have no liability of any kind to any person, including Principal, if Custodian is unable to settle a purchase or sale because the Account does not contain sufficient funds, or if Custodian effects payment on behalf of the Account, and the settler or broker specified by Manager fails to deliver the Securities purchased. Custodian shall exercise such ordinary care and diligence as would be employed by a reasonably prudent custodian in examining and verifying the certificates or other indicia of ownership of the Securities purchased before accepting them, except with respect to assets described in Paragraph 7.7.
7.6. Sales. Custodian shall settle sales by delivering certificates or other indicia of ownership of the Securities, and as instructed, shall receive cash for such sales. Custodian shall have no liability of any kind to any person, including Principal, if Custodian exercises due diligence and delivers such certificates or indicia of ownership and the purchaser or broker fails to effect payment.
7.7. Depository Settlement. If a purchase or sale is settled through a Sub-Custodian or Depository, Custodian shall exercise such ordinary care and diligence as would be employed by a reasonably prudent custodian in verifying proper consummation of the transaction by the Sub-Custodian or Depository.
7.8. Income and Principal. Custodian or its designated Sub-Agents are authorized, as Principal's agent, to surrender against payment maturing obligations and obligations called for redemption, and to collect and receive payments of interest and principal, dividends, warrants, and other things of value in connection with Securities. Absent written instructions from Principal or Manager, funds will remain in the currency of collection upon receipt of payment.
7.9. Foreign Currency Transactions. At the direction of Principal or Manager, as the case may be, Custodian shall convert currency in the Account to other currencies through customary channels including, without limitation, Custodian or any of its affiliates or Sub-Custodian Network, as shall be necessary to effect any transaction directed by Principal or Manager. If Principal or Manager gives Custodian standing instructions to execute foreign currency exchange transactions on Principal's behalf, such transactions will be performed in accordance with the FX Standing Instructions Defined Spread Program Description as amended from time to time.
7.10. Taxes. Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid from the Account all taxes and levies in the nature of taxes imposed on the Account or the Foreign Securities thereof by any country. Custodian will use reasonable efforts to give the Principal or Manager, as the case may be, advance notice of the imposition of such taxes. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Principal or the Custodian as custodian of the Principal by the tax law of the United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof or any foreign jurisdiction. The sole responsibilities of the Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to effect the withholding of local taxes and related charges with regard to market entitlement/payment in accordance with local law and subject to local market practice or custom and to assist Principal with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of countries for which Principal has provided such information. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement or otherwise agreed to in writing by the Custodian, the Custodian shall have no independent obligation to determine the tax obligations now or hereafter imposed on Principal by any taxing authority or to obtain or provide information relating thereto, and shall have no obligation or liability with respect to such tax obligations.
7.11. Foreign Tax Reclamation. Custodian shall use reasonable efforts to obtain refunds of taxes withheld on Foreign Securities or the income thereof that are available under applicable tax laws, treaties and regulations subject to Principal's provision of all documentation and certifications as required by U.S. and foreign tax authorities to establish the eligibility of Principal for tax reclamation under applicable law or treaty. Principal hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Custodian and its agents in respect to any liability arising from any underwithholding or underpayment of any tax which results from the inaccuracy or invalidity of any such forms or other documentation, and such obligation to indemnify shall be a continuing obligation of Principal, its successor and assignees, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. 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 the Principal's transactions and holdings.
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7.12 . Collection Obligations . Custodian shall diligently collect income and principal of Securities which the Custodian has received actual notice in accordance with normal industry practices. However, Custodian shall be under no obligation or duty to take any action to effect collection of any amount if the Securities upon which such amount is payable is in default, or if payment is refused after due demand. Custodian shall notify Principal and Manager promptly of such default or refusal to pay. Custodian shall have no duty to file or pursue any bankruptcy or class action claims with respect to Account. unless indemnified by Principal in manner and amount satisfactory to Custodian provided, however, unless Principal directs otherwise, Custodian will use its best efforts to file claims in class actions and pay any recovery to account, net of Custodian's fees as disclosed in the fee schedule.
7.13. Capital Changes. Custodian may, without further instruction from Principal or Manager, exchange temporary certificates and may surrender and exchange Securities for other securities in connection with any reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction in which the owner of the Securities is not given an option. Custodian has no responsibility to effect any such exchange unless it has received notice of the event permitting or requiring such exchange at the office of Custodian's designated agents.
7.14. Fractional Interest. Custodian shall sell or distribute all stock distributed by a corporation as a dividend, stock split, or otherwise, unless otherwise instructed .
7.15. Delivery of Instructions and Funds. Instructions and Funds shall be directed to Custodian or Domestic Sub-Custodian, as applicable with respect to the foregoing.
8. CREDITS TO ACCOUNT
8.1. Payment. Custodian may, as a matter of bookkeeping convenience or by separate agreement with the Principal, credit the account with the proceeds from the sale, redemption or other disposition of Securities or interest or dividends or other distributions payable on Securities prior to its actual receipt of final payment; therefore, all such credits shall be conditional until the Custodian's actual receipt of final payment and may be reversed by Custodian to the extent that final payment is not received. Payment with respect to a transaction will not be final until Custodian receives immediately available funds under which applicable local law, rule and/or practice are irreversible and not subject to any security interest, levy or other encumbrance, and which are specifically applicable to such transaction. Principal acknowledges and agrees that any currency risk associated with such credits will be born by Principal.
8.2. Emerging Market Settlement Dates. Notwithstanding the foregoing Paragraph 8.1, Principal understands and agrees that settlement of Securities transactions is available only on settlement date basis in certain Emerging Markets, which are identified in Appendix A, as amended from time to time.
8.2.1. Cash Deposits. For Emerging Markets with restricted settlement conditions, cash of any currency deposited or delivered to the Account shall be available for use by Principal or Investment Manager only on the business day on which actual receipt of final payment and funds of good value are available to Sub-Custodian in the Account.
8.2.2. Securities. For Emerging Markets with restricted settlement conditions, Securities deposited or delivered to the Account shall be available for use by Principal or Investment Manager only on the business day on which such Securities are held in the nominee name or are otherwise subject to the control of, and in a form for good delivery by, the Sub-Custodian.
9. OVERDRAFT AND INDEBTEDNESS
9.1. Advance Funds. Custodian may advance funds to or for the benefit of Account in connection with the settlement of securities or currency transactions or other activity in the Account including overdrafts or other indebtedness incurred in connection with the settlement of securities transactions, maturity or income payments or funds transfers, Principal agrees to reimburse Custodian on demand the amount of the advance or overdraft and any related fees and interest as established in Custodian's fee schedule or as otherwise established by Custodian. Principal will bear the risk from any currency valuation differences associated with Principal's reimbursement obligations to Custodian. Custodian shall also have the right to utilize any cash in the Account in order to obtain reimbursement hereunder and to setoff Custodian's obligations with respect to any deposits or credit balances in the Account against any obligation of Principal hereunder.
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9.2. Pledge of Accounts to Secure Repayment. To the extent permissible by applicable law, in order to secure repayment of Account's obligations to Custodian hereunder, Principal hereby pledges and grants to Custodian a continuing lien and security interest in, and right of set-off against, all of Principal's right, title and interest in and to all Accounts in Principal's name and the Securities, money and other property now or hereafter held in such Accounts (including proceeds thereof), provided however, that if Principal is comprised of more than one entity, Custodian's rights under this section shall be limited to the cash, Property or proceeds thereof held in the Account(s) as to which the advance or overdraft relates. In this regard, Custodian shall be entitled to all the rights and remedies of a pledgee and secured creditor under applicable laws, rules or regulations as then in effect. Principal authorizes the Custodian, in the Custodian's sole discretion, at any time to charge any overdraft or indebtedness, together with interest due thereon, against any balance of account standing to the credit of the Principal on the Custodian's books. In addition, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Principal's Securities to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
10. CORPORATE ACTIONS, PROXIES AND LITERATURE
10.1. Corporate Actions. Custodian shall notify Manager of the receipt of notices of redemptions, conversions, exchanges, calls, puts, subscription rights, and scrip documents ("Corporate Action(s)"). Custodian need not monitor financial publications for notices of Corporate Actions and shall not be obligated to take any action unless actual notice has been received by Custodian at the offices of its Domestic Sub-Custodian. Custodian's sole responsibility in this regard shall be to give such notices to Principal or Investment Manager, as the case may be, within a reasonable time after Custodian receives them. Custodian has no responsibility to respond or otherwise act with respect to any such notice unless and until Custodian has received timely and appropriate instructions from Principal or Manager. Principal or Manager is responsible to ensure all required documentation and funds are available to Custodian and its agents as required under the terms of the offer or by legal jurisdiction in order for Custodian and its agent to take action on behalf of Account.
10.2. Proxies. Custodian shall forward all proxies and accompanying material actually received by Custodian's Domestic Sub-Custodian that are issued by any company whose securities are held in the Account to Manager or Principal, as directed. Principal and Manager acknowledge that proxy services are limited in foreign markets and Custodian's sole responsibility with respect to such proxy materials will be to forward the proxy and accompanying material received by Custodian's Domestic Sub-Custodian to Principal or Manager. Custodian shall have no duty to translate or retain any material received unless required to do so by law.
10.3. Corporate Literature. Custodian shall have no duty to forward or to retain any other corporate material received by Custodian for the Account unless required to do so by law. Custodian shall have no duty to translate or retain any material received from its Global Sub-Agent Network unless required to do so by law.
10.4. Disclosure to Issuers of Securities. Unless Principal directs Custodian in writing to the contrary, Principal agrees that Custodian or its Domestic Sub-Custodian or its Sub-Agents may disclose the name and address of the party with the authority to vote the proxies of the Securities held in this Account as well as the number of shares held, to any issuer of said Securities or its agents upon the written request of such issuer or agent in conformity with the provisions of the applicable law. Principal acknowledges that Custodian or its Domestic Sub-Custodian or its Sub-Agents may be required under jurisdictional law to disclose to issuers beneficial owner information regardless of Principal's instructions otherwise.
11. INSTRUCTIONS
11.1. Written. All instructions, directions, and other notices from Principal or Manager to Custodian, except those described in Paragraph 7, given in connection with this Agreement ("Instructions") shall be in writing, and shall continue in force until changed by subsequent instructions. As used herein, written Instructions include Instructions which may be electronically executed pursuant to the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ACT) delivered via: (a) e-mail instructions/communications with an affixed Adobe Digital Signature mark, (b) facsimile transmission or email with an imaged or scanned attachment (in portable document or similar format or other similar electronic transmission (receipt confirmed), or (c) secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Custodian; or another method or system specified by the Custodian, as available for use in connection with its services hereunder ("Electronic Means"); provided, however, that Principal and Manager shall provide to the Custodian an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions ("Authorized Officers") and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by Principal and Manager, whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If Principal or Manager elects to give the Custodian Instructions using Electronic Means and the Custodian in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Custodian's understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. Principal understands and agrees that the Custodian cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Custodian shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Custodian have been sent by such Authorized Officer. Principal and Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Custodian and that Principal and Manager and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by Principal and Manager. Pending receipt of written authority, Custodian may in its absolute discretion at any time, accept orally transmitted instructions from Principal or Manager provided Custodian believes in good faith that the instructions are genuine and in such circumstance , Principal or Manager shall promptly confirm such instructions in writing or by Electronic Means. Principal will hold Custodian harmless for the failure of Principal or Manager to send confirmation in writing, the failure of such confirmation to conform to the telephone instructions received or Custodian's failure to produce such confirmation at any subsequent time. Only those individuals as may be designated as described above are authorized to give instructions as described in this Agreement.
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11.2. Reliance on Instructions. Except as otherwise provided herein, all instructions shall be in writing as described in 11.1 and shall continue in force until changed by subsequent instructions. Custodian may assume that any written or oral instructions received hereunder are consistent with the provisions of organizational documents of the Principal or of any vote, resolution or proceeding of the Principal's board of directors or the Principal's shareholders, unless and until Custodian receives written instructions to the contrary. The Custodian shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Custodian' s reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. Principal agrees: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Custodian, including without limitation the risk of the Custodian acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Custodian and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by Principal or Manager; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Custodian immediately upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures .
12. RIGHT TO RECEIVE ADVICE
12.1. Advice of the Principal. If Custodian is in doubt as to any action it should or should not take under this Agreement, Custodian may request directions or advice, including oral instructions or written instructions, from the Principal.
12.2. Advice of Counsel. If Custodian shall be in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any action it should or should not take, Custodian may request advice from counsel of its own choosing (who may be counsel for the Principal, the Investment Manager or Custodian, at the option of Custodian). Principal shall pay the reasonable cost of any counsel retained by Custodian with prior notice to Principal.
12.3. Conflicting Advice. In the event of a conflict between directions or advice or oral instructions or written instructions Custodian receives from the Principal, and the advice it receives from counsel, Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon and follow the advice of counsel.
12.4. Protection of Custodian. Custodian shall be indemnified by Principal and without liability for any action Custodian takes or does not take in reliance upon directions or advice or oral instructions or written instructions Custodian receives from or on behalf of the Principal, or from counsel and which Custodian believes, in good faith, to be consistent with those directions or advice or oral instructions or written instructions. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed so as to impose an obligation upon Custodian (i) to seek such directions or advice or oral instructions or written instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with such directions or advice or oral instructions or written instructions.
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13. ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
13.1. Cost and Nominal Value. Principal agrees to furnish Custodian with the income tax cost basis and dates of acquisition of all Securities held in the Account to be carried on its records. If Principal does not furnish such information, Custodian shall carry the Securities at any such nominal value it determines, such value to be for bookkeeping purposes only. All statements and reporting of any matters requiring this information will use this nominal value. Custodian shall have no duty to verify the accuracy of the cost basis and dates of acquisition furnished by Principal. Securities purchased in the Account shall be carried at cost.
13.2. Valuations. To the extent that Custodian has agreed to provide pricing or other information services, Custodian is authorized to utilize any vendor (including brokers and dealers of Securities and pricing services embedded in Custodian's securities processing or accounting systems) reasonably believed by Custodian to be reliable to provide such information. Principal understands that certain pricing information with respect to complex financial instruments including, without limitation, derivatives, may be based on calculated amounts rather than actual market transactions and may not reflect actual market values, and that the variance between such calculated amounts and actual market values may or may not be material. Where pricing vendors used by Custodian do not provide information for Securities, Principal or authorized party may advise Custodian regarding the fair market value of, or provide other information with respect to, such held Securities. If Principal or Manager does not provide such information, Custodian shall use the cost or nominal value for such Securities, solely for administrative convenience. Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense incurred as a result of errors or omissions with respect to any pricing or other information utilized by Custodian hereunder and shall have no responsibility or duty to ascertain or authenticate the value of pricing applied to any such Security.
13.3. Activity Reports. Custodian shall provide access to Principal and Manager and other persons authorized by Principal to advices of securities transactions and other information regarding the Account by means of Custodian's online system.
13.4. Statements. Custodian shall provide Principal and Manager Account statements and other reports periodically via paper delivery or electronically by means of the Custodian's online service or as otherwise as agreed to by Principal and Custodian showing all income and principal transactions and cash positions, and a list of Property. Principal may approve or disapprove any such statement within thirty (30) days of its receipt, and, if no written objections are received within the thirty (30) day period, such statement of Account shall be deemed approved.
Principal acknowledges and agrees that if Custodian's online service is selected, paper statements will be provided only upon request and that the Custodian's online statements, trade confirms and related online communications satisfy all of Custodian's existing legal and contractual obligations to provide statements, reports and confirmations with respect to the account. Printed trade confirmations for trades effected by the Custodian will be available upon request and at no additional cost. Principal and Manager may request printed trade confirmations for other securities transactions from the broker through which they direct such trades.
13.5. Shared Data. For the purpose of operational efficiencies, including trade settlement, proxy voting, trade reconciliation, performance reporting, on-line access and the like, Custodian, upon direction of the Principal's appointed Manager, on occasion may send electronic trade, holdings, and or Principal's information to third party vendors (TPV) who are agents of the aforementioned Manager. Principal's appointed Manager is responsible for any due diligence and monitoring of TPV with whom they have contracted and the Custodian shall have no obligation to do so.
14. USE OF OTHER BANK SERVICES
14.1. Mutual Fund Investments. Principal or Manager may direct Custodian to invest cash balances carried in the Account in any mutual fund available in the market as permitted by law. These investment directions may include, but are not limited to, money market mutual funds or long equity and fixed income mutual funds. Such funds may be sub-advised by an affiliate or subsidiary of Custodian and/or for which Custodian may also act as the mutual fund's custodian and/or provide other services for the mutual fund. Principal or Manager shall designate the particular mutual fund that Principal or Manager deems appropriate for the Account. Principal hereby acknowledges that Custodian or its affiliate or subsidiary will receive fees for such services which are in addition to those fees charged by Custodian as agent for the Principal's custody Account.
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14.2. Foreign Exchange. Custodian makes available to Principal or Manager foreign exchange services directly with Custodian or through Custodian's Domestic Sub-Custodian to convert currencies in conjunction with transactions in the Principal's Account under direction provided in Appendix B, as amended from time to time. Principal acknowledges that Custodian is the counterparty with respect to foreign exchange transactions provided under the Standing Instructions Defined Spread Service (Defined Spread Service) with Custodian's Domestic Sub-Custodian and are subject to Paragraph 9 of this Agreement.
14.2.1. Standing Instructions Defined Spread Service. Foreign currency exchanges offered under the Defined Spread Service are directed to Custodian's Domestic Sub-Custodian or, for markets with currency restrictions, to the local market Sub-Agent. Both services may be amended from time to time.
14.2.2. Direct with Custodian's Institutional Banking & Markets. Principal or Manager may elect to have foreign currency exchanges provided under separate agreement with Custodian's Institutional Banking & Markets and performed in accordance with Custodian's Foreign Exchange Agreement.
Principal acknowledges that (i) Principal or Manager is not obligated to effect foreign currency exchange with Custodian or Custodian 's Domestic Sub-Custodian, (ii) Custodian will make available the relevant data so that Principal or Manager, as the case may be, can independently monitor foreign exchange activities, and (iii) Custodian will receive benefits for such foreign currency transactions as defined in Paragraph 14.2.2 which are in addition to the compensation which Custodian receives for administering the Account.
14.3; Interest Bearing Deposits. Principal or Manager may direct that assets of the Account be invested in deposits with Custodian or Domestic Sub-Custodian as a sweep vehicle or other deposit held in Custodian's nominee name for the benefit of its clients. Such deposits are covered by FDIC insurance up to the designated value in effect for each beneficial owner.
14.4. other Transaction Services. Principal or Manager may direct Custodian to utilize for the Account other services or facilities provided by Custodian, its subsidiaries or affiliates. Such services may include, but are not limited to the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of units or shares of any registered investment company, including such registered investment company to which Custodian, MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, or their subsidiaries or affiliates, manage , provide investment advice, act as custodian or provide other services.
14.5. Credit Facilities. Custodian may, in accordance with its commercial lending practices, enter into a credit facility with Principal for use with the operation of the Account. Such credit facility will be agreed to under separate agreement and subject to the terms and conditions, therein. Principal acknowledges that any such credit facility is subject to the lien provisions of Paragraph 9.2 of this Agreement.
15. CUSTODIAN'S RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIABILITIES
15.1. Standard of Care. In performing the responsibilities delegated to it under this Agreement, the Custodian agrees to exercise reasonable care and shall not be liable for any damages arising out of the Custodian's performance of or failure to perform its duties under this Agreement except to the extent that damages arise directly out of the Custodian's willful misfeasance or gross negligence.
15.2. Investment Authority. The parties intend that Custodian shall not be considered a fiduciary of the Account.
15.3. Insurance and Force Majeure. Without limiting the generality of Paragraph 15.1 or of any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be liable so long as and to the extent that it exercises reasonable care, for any defect in the title, validity or genuineness of any Security or in the evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, Custodian (i) shall not be required to maintain any special insurance for the benefit of Principal, and (ii) shall not be liable or responsible for any loss, damage, expense, failure to perform or delay caused by accidents, strikes, fire, flood, war, riot, electrical or mechanical or communication line or facility failures, acts of third parties (including without limitation any messenger, telephone or delivery service), acts of God, war, government action, civil commotion, fire, earthquake, or other casualty or disaster or any other cause or causes which are beyond Custodian's reasonable control. However, Custodian shall use reasonable efforts to replace Securities lost or damaged due to such causes with securities of the same class and issue with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto. Custodian shall not be liable to Principal for any loss which shall occur as the result of the failure of a Sub-Custodian to exercise reasonable care with respect to the safekeeping of assets.
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15.4. Legal Proceedings.
15.4.1. Custodian shall not be required to appear in or defend any legal proceedings with respect to the Account or the Securities unless Custodian has been indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction against loss and expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees).
15.4.2. With respect to legal proceedings, Custodian may consult with counsel acceptable to it after written notification to Principal concerning its duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken in good faith on the advice of such counsel.
15.4.3. To the extent permissible by law or regulation and upon Principal's request, the Principal shall be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim for any loss, damage or claim suffered by Principal, in each case to the extent that the Custodian fails to pursue any such claim or Principal is not made whole in respect of such loss, damage or claim.
16. SANCTIONED PERSONS
16.1. Principal hereby represents and warrants that neither it nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Principal any affiliate or any director, officer, agent or other Person acting on behalf of Principal: (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has any business affiliation or commercial dealings with, or investments in, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person or (iii) is the subject of any action or investigation under any Sanctions Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws. In addition, Neither Principal nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Principal, any affiliate or any director, officer, agent or other Person acting on behalf of Principal has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of Anti-Corruption Laws; and Principal has instituted and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure continued compliance therewith.
16.2. For the purpose of the foregoing: "Sanctioned Person" means, at any time, any Person (a) that is listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list or the Consolidated Sanctions list maintained by OFAC, or any similar list maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State or the United Nations Security Council; (b) that is fifty-percent or more owned, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate by one or more Persons described in clause (a) above; (c) that is operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country or (d) with whom a U.S. Person is otherwise prohibited or restricted by Sanctions Laws from engaging in trade, business or other activities. "Sanctions Laws" means the laws, rules, regulations and executive orders promulgated or administered to implement economic sanctions or anti-terrorism programs by (a) any U.S. Governmental Authority (including, without limitation, OFAC), including Executive Order 13224, the Patriot Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act , the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the laws, regulations, rules and/or executive orders relating to restrictive measures against Iran; and (b) the United Nations Security Council or any other legislative body of the United Nations. "Sanctioned Country" means a country or territory that is or whose government is subject to a U.S. sanctions program that broadly prohibits dealings with that country, territory or government (including, without limitation, Iran and North Korea). "Anti-Corruption Laws" means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act of 2010, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and all other laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to Principal or any of its subsidiaries concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.
17. INDEMNITIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
17.1. In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in this Agreement, Principal agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Custodian and its affiliates providing services under this Agreement, including their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, and disbursements and liabilities ("Claims") arising directly or indirectly from any action or omission to act which Custodian takes in connection with the provision of services to Principal. Neither Custodian, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified against any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) caused by Custodian's or its affiliates' own willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of Custodian's or its affiliates' activities under this Agreement. The provisions of this Paragraph 16 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
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17.2. In all cases, Custodian's liability under this Agreement shall be limited to the resulting direct loss, if any, incurred by Principal. Under no circumstances shall Custodian be liable for any incidental, consequential, indirect, punitive, or special damage which Principal may incur or suffer in connection with this Agreement.
18. COMPENSATION AND OTHER CHARGES
18.1. Compensation. Principal shall pay Custodian compensation for its services hereunder as specified in Appendix C and as amended from time to time. Fees shall accrue and be taken in arrears as specified on the active fee schedule and charged to the Account unless Principal has requested that it be billed directly. However, any fees not paid within sixty (60) days of billing will be charged to the Account.
18.2. . Expenses. Principal shall reimburse Custodian by debiting the Account for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and processing costs incurred by Custodian and Global Sub-Custodian Network in the administration of the Account including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees incurred by Custodian pursuant to Subparagraph 12.2 of this Agreement.
18.3. Other Compensation for Services. All disbursements from the Account are drawn on an account in the Custodian's or its affiliate's name. Any "float" (earnings from the investment of funds pending negotiation of the disbursement or check) is retained by Custodian or its affiliate as partial compensation for handling such transaction.
19. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
19.1. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time by a written instrument signed by the parties or by Custodian immediately if required by applicable law or upon thirty (30) days written notice to Principal.
19.2. Termination. Custodian may terminate this Agreement immediately if Custodian, in its sole discretion, determines that (i) Principal failed to strictly comply with any provision of this Agreement; or (ii) any representation, warranty or covenant of the other party in this Agreement is false or misleading. Any such termination shall not constitute a waiver of any other rights that the Custodian may have under this Agreement.
In addition, either party may terminate this Agreement and the Account upon ninety (90) days' written notice. Upon such termination, Custodian shall deliver or cause to be delivered the Securities, less any amounts due and owing to Custodian under this Agreement, to a successor custodian designated by Principal or, if a successor custodian has not accepted an appointment by the effective date of termination of the Account, to Principal, or as otherwise instructed by Principle. Upon completion of such delivery Custodian shall be discharged of any further liability or responsibility with respect to the Securities so delivered. In the event that Securities or other properties remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of Principal to provide proper instructions, 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.
20. SUCCESSORS
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their successors in interest. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party, nor may the duties of either party hereunder be delegated, without the prior written consent of the other party.
21. GOVERNING LAW
The validity, construction, and administration of this Agreement shall be governed by the applicable laws of the United States from time to time in force and effect and, to the extent not preempted by such laws of the United States, by the laws of the State of California from time to time in force and effect. Any action or proceeding to enforce, interpret or adjudicate the rights and responsibilities of the parties hereunder shall be commenced in the State or Federal courts located in the state of California.
22. NOTICES
Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be signed and in writing and shall be deemed as having been duly given on the date of service, if served personally on the party to whom notice is to be given, or on the fifth (5) day after mailing, if mailed to the party to whom notice is to be given and properly addressed as follows:
© MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (2018-08-07MF) | Page 13 of 15 |
To Principal: | Suite 1111, | |
208 Ponce de Leon Ave. | ||
San Juan, PR 00918, | ||
Attn: Ignacio Canto | ||
Facsimile: 787-765-4600 | ||
Email: ignacio.canto@xsguarecapital.com |
To Custodian: | MUFG Union Bank, N.A. | |
350 California Street, Suite ______ | ||
San Francisco, CA 94104 | ||
Attn: Margaret Bond, Director | ||
Facsimile: (877) 823-3601 | ||
Email: ITCS_Funds_1@unionbank.com or margaret.bond@unionbank.com |
This agreement and any amendment, notice or other document required to be signed and in writing under this Agreement may be delivered by personal service or U.S. first class mail postage prepaid or via fax, email with an imaged or scanned attachment (such as a .PDF), or similar electronic transmission with electronic signature through Custodian's online secure messaging service pursuant to security protocols established and agreed by the parties, unless otherwise specified herein. Signatures delivered via fax, email, or similar electronic transmission shall be effective as original signatures in binding the parties and shall be effective upon receipt.
Periodic communications related to foreign currencies and global market updates will be available to authorized parties through Custodian's secure messaging service.
23. CONFIDENTIALITY
All non-public infonnation and advice furnished by either party to the other shall be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties unless required by law, except Custodian may disclose (a) the identity of Principal as a client or client reference of Custodian; (b) any information to any government regulator of Custodian or its affiliated entities or as otherwise required by law; and (c) any information to Custodian's affiliated entities and product and service providers to the extent necessary to provide the financial products and services under this Agreement.
24. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Agreement shall be effective as of the date appearing below, and shall supersede any prior or existing agreements between the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof.
25. COUNTERPARTS
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. This Agreement and all exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any reasonable means. The parties hereto 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.
26. MISCELLANEOUS
Each party agrees to perform such further acts and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof. 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.
[Signatures on following page]
© MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (2018-08-07MF) | Page 14 of 15 |
ACCEPTED: | |||||
BY PRINCIPAL: | BY MUFG UNION BANK, N.A. | ||||
X-SQUARE FAMILY OF FUNDS | |||||
By: | /s/ Ignacio Canto | By: | /s/ Brian Swanson | ||
Name: | Ignacio Canto | Name: | Brian Swanson | ||
Title: | President | Title: | Vice President | ||
Date: | 12-20-2018 | Date: | 12-20-2018 | ||
By: | By: | /s/ Louis Nazzano | |||
Name: | Name: | Louis Nazzano | |||
Title: | Title: | Vice President | |||
Date: | Date: | 12-20-2018 |
© MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (2018-08-07MF) | Page 15 of 15 |
FORM OF ADMINISTRATION, BOOKKEEPING AND
PRICING SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of ______, 2019, between X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, organized as a limited liability company under the laws of Puerto Rico (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 an open-end management investment company;
WHEREAS, X-Square Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) is or will be investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the Fund’s business affairs;
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 the 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 A 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. |
(c) | The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that that certain Sub-Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement dated as March 25th, 2019 (the “Prior Agreement”) is hereby replaced, superseded and terminated with the Agreement effective as of the date of the Agreement and thereafter the Prior Agreement shall have no force or effect and the parties shall have no rights, responsibilities, delivery or payment obligations under the Prior Agreement. |
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 B 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 and/or in cases where ALPS provides services to additional funds as agreed upon and identified in Appendix A. 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- Aurora-Lakewood area, as published biannually by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or, in the event that publication of such index is terminated, any successor or substitute index, appropriately adjusted, acceptable to all parties. 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 or 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 or 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 managers’ 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 managers; 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, at its own expense, (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 or 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; |
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(v) | ALPS’ reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine; |
(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. |
The Fund agrees and acknowledges that notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, the maximum amount of cumulative liability of ALPS to the Fund for losses arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement shall not exceed the fees paid by the Fund to ALPS under this Agreement for the most recent twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of the event giving rise to the claim.
(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, which ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine. ALPS shall have no liability and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any losses or claims with respect to such reliance. |
(d) | 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. |
(e) | In any case in which the Fund may be asked to indemnify or hold ALPS harmless, ALPS will notify the Fund promptly after identifying any situation which it believes presents or appears likely to present a claim for indemnification against the Fund (although the failure to do so shall not prevent recovery by ALPS) and shall keep the Fund advised with respect to all developments concerning such situation. The Fund shall have the option to defend ALPS against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification, and, in the event that the Fund so elects, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Fund and reasonably satisfactory to ALPS, and thereupon the Fund shall take over complete defense of the claim and ALPS shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in respect of such claim. ALPS will not confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Fund will be asked to provide indemnification, except with the Fund’s prior written consent. |
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. |
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6. | Accounts and Records. The accounts and records maintained by ALPS on behalf of the Fund 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. |
8. | Compliance with Rules and Regulations. ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS takes or is required to take action on behalf of the Fund hereunder shall cause the Fund to comply) with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable US 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 actual knowledge (it being understood that ALPS is deemed to have actual knowledge of all written 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. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Fund agrees and acknowledges that ALPS provides no services related to the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act of 2013, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time (“PRICA”). All compliance, obligations or duties of the Fund with respect to PRICA, including but not limited to any regulatory filings or communications, shall be solely the obligation of the Fund. All services, determinations or calculations provided hereunder by ALPS related to accounting, billing, expenses, valuation, withholding, fees or the like shall be subject to US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”). |
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Portfolio compliance with: (i) the investment objective and certain policies and restrictions as disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus and statement 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 or the Fund’s investment adviser of their primary day-to-day responsibility for assuring such Portfolio Compliance, 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. |
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(b) | It is empowered under applicable laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws to enter into and perform this Agreement. |
(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 limited liability company duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Puerto Rico and is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. |
(b) | It is empowered under applicable laws and by its limited liability company agreement (the “Organizational Documents”) to enter into and perform this Agreement. |
(c) | The Board of Managers 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. |
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(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. |
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(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. |
(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 reasonable representations of the Adviser, the 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. |
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(c) | Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, a party to this Agreement 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 the defaulting party 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: |
(i) | willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of a party to this Agreement in the performance of its duties, obligations and responsibilities set forth in this Agreement; |
(ii) | in the event a party to this Agreement is no longer permitted to perform its duties, obligations, or responsibilities hereunder pursuant to applicable law, or regulatory, administrative or judicial proceedings against such party which result in a determination that such party has violated, or has caused the other party to this Agreement 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 such party of which the defaulting party 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 a party to this Agreement 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 insolvency, receivership, 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. |
(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. |
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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. |
17. | Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To the extent that the laws of the State of New York 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 the 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 telex 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:
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Popular Center, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
+1 787-282-1621
www.xsquarecapital.com
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. |
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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. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | Ignacio Canto | ||
Title: | President | ||
ALPS FUND SERVICES, INC. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | Rahul Kanwar | ||
Title: | Authorized Representative |
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APPENDIX A
SERVICES
The below services to be performed by ALPS are included in the compensation noted on Appendix B.
Administration
• | Prepare annual and semi-annual financial statements |
• | Utilizing templates for standard layout and printing |
• | Prepare Forms N-CEN, N-PORT, N-CSR, N-Q and 24f-2 |
• | Apply for and maintain Legal Entity Identifiers (“LEI”) |
• | 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 |
• | Transmit daily NAVs to NASDAQ, Transfer Agent and other third parties |
• | Compute yields, expense ratios, portfolio turnover rates, etc. |
• | Reconcile cash and investment balances with the Custodian |
• | Support preparation of financial statements |
• | Prepare and maintain required Fund Accounting records in accordance with the 1940 Act |
• | Obtain security valuations from appropriate sources consistent with the Fund’s pricing/valuation policies |
Legal Administration
• | Coordinate annual and periodic updates to prospectus and statement of additional information |
• | Coordinate standard layout and printing of Prospectus |
• | File Forms N-CEN, N-PORT, N-SAR, N-CSR, N-Q, N-PX and 24f-2 |
• | Coordinate EDGARization and filing of SEC documents |
• | Prepare, compile and distribute board materials |
• | Attend board meetings and prepare minutes |
AVA Client Portal
• | Document Management/Sharing |
• | Initiate requests or provide feedback |
• | Retrieval of current and historical reports stored for retention periods defined by SEC/FINRA/IRS regulations |
• | Access to daily fund accounting data and static reports |
• | Portfolio compliance alerting with drill-down capability |
• | Portfolio data warehouse with reporting engine |
• | Investor data warehouse with ad hoc query builder |
• | Investor document image retrieval (i.e. correspondence, applications, checks) |
• | Sales and advertising workflow that connects client, compliance analyst and FINRA through an entire review process |
• | Selling agreement review |
• | Manager access that facilitates access to board materials and other relevant documents |
• | Printed material fulfillment requests (i.e. prospectuses, annual reports, applications) |
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 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 $125,000 per Fund*, OR (ii) the results of an application of the following basis point fee schedule applicable to the Fund in the aggregate:
Annual Net Assets | Annual Basis Point Fee |
Between $0 - $250M | 12.0 |
$250M - $500M | 10.0 |
$500M - $1B | 6.0 |
Above $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. |
• | $15,000 per each additional share class |
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.
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.
TRANSFER AGENCY AND SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of March 25th, 2019, between X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”), organized as a limited liability company under the laws of Puerto Rico, and ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”), a Colorado corporation.
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as an open-end, registered investment company;
WHEREAS, ALPS provides certain transfer agency services to investment companies, and the Fund desires to appoint ALPS as its transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and agent in connection with certain other activities, and ALPS desires to accept such appointment; and
WHEREAS, ALPS provides certain interactive client services to investment companies, and the Fund desires to utilize ALPS’s interactive client services to provide the Fund’s shareholders with access to shareholder account information and real-time transaction processing capabilities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows.
1. ALPS’s Appointment and Duties.
(a) The Fund hereby appoints ALPS to provide the transfer agent and other specified 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.
(b) The Fund hereby appoints ALPS to provide the interactive client services set forth in Appendix D (TA2000 VOICE Services), Appendix E (VISION Access) and Appendix F (ALPS Virtual Access (AVA)) attached 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.
(c) 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.
(d) ALPS may employ or associate itself with any person or organization as ALPS believes to be desirable in the performance of its duties hereunder; provided that, in such event, the compensation of such persons or organizations 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 persons or organizations taken in furtherance of this Agreement to the same extent it would be for its own acts.
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2. ALPS’s Compensation; Expenses.
(a) In consideration for the services to be performed hereunder by ALPS, the Fund shall pay ALPS the fees listed in the Fee Schedule attached 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 and such fees are subject to renegotiation between the parties to the extent such information is determined to be materially different from what the Fund originally provided to ALPS. On each anniversary date of the Agreement, the minimum fee reflected in Fee Schedule is subject to an annual cost of living increase based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area, as published bimonthly 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 shall provide prior notice to the Fund of any such adjustment.
(b) ALPS will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of its services under this Agreement, except as otherwise provided herein. ALPS will not bear any of the costs of Fund personnel. Other Fund expenses incurred shall be borne by the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser, including, but not limited to, initial organization and offering expenses; litigation expenses; taxes; costs of preferred shares; expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares (if applicable); administrative and accounting expenses; custodial expenses; interest; Fund managers’/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 managers/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”).
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.
(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, at its own expense (who may be counsel for the Fund, 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 authorized service provider on behalf of the Fund and the advice ALPS receives from counsel, ALPS may in its sole discretion rely upon the directions and follow the advice of counsel. Upon request, ALPS will provide the Fund with a copy of the advice of counsel received pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Agreement.
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(d) Acts or Omissions. Nothing in this subsection, but subject to Section 4 hereof, shall relieve ALPS of liability hereunder to the extent that an action or omission on the part of ALPS constitutes willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard by ALPS of any duties, obligations or responsibilities set forth in this Agreement.
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, including with regard to the processing of investments checks using mutually agreed upon procedures. The parties agree that any encoding or payment processing errors shall be governed by this standard of care and Section 4-209 of the Uniform Commercial Code is superseded by this Section 4 of 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 or the Fund’s investment adviser or custodian or any authorized third party on behalf of the Fund;
(ii) any reasonable 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) ALPS’s reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information provided by the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser or custodian or any authorized third party on behalf of the Fund that ALPS reasonably believes to be genuine;
(iv) failure to satisfy requests to cancel or amend payment orders, if ALPS receives such requests without reasonable time to comply with such requests;
(v) failure to detect any erroneous payment order, provided that ALPS complies with the payment order instructions as received and with the Security Procedure (as defined below);
(vi) lost interest with respect to the refundable amount of an unauthorized payment order, unless ALPS is notified of the unauthorized payment order within thirty (30) days of notification by ALPS of the acceptance of such payment order; or
(vii) any other action or omission to act which ALPS properly takes in connection with the provision of services to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement.
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(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent consistent with applicable law, requirements and guidance as promulgated by the SEC, ALPS shall not be liable to the Trust or any shareholder of the Trust for any net loss to the Trust, after amounts debited or credited to shareholders in accordance with the Trust's policies, if a pricing error resulting from an “as-of” adjustment under this Agreement is less than $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). This computation is based upon the actual difference and is not based upon the rounding of the NAV to the nearest cent per share.
(d) 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.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, the maximum amount of cumulative liability of ALPS arising out of the subject matter of, or in any way related to, this Agreement shall not exceed the fees paid by the Fund under this Agreement for the most recent 12 months immediately preceding the date of the event giving rise to the claim.
(f) In any case in which Fund may be asked to indemnify or hold ALPS harmless, ALPS will notify the Fund promptly after identifying any situation which it believes presents or appears likely to present a claim for indemnification against the Fund although the failure to do so shall not prevent recovery by ALPS and shall keep the Fund advised with respect to all developments concerning such situation. The Fund shall have the option to defend ALPS against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification, and, in the event that the Fund so elects, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Fund and reasonably satisfactory to ALPS, and thereupon the Fund shall take over complete defense of the claim and ALPS shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in respect of such claim. ALPS will not confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Fund will be asked to provide indemnification, except with the Fund’s prior written consent.
5. Force Majeure. No party shall be liable for losses, delays, failures, errors, interruptions or losses of data in its performance of its obligations under this Agreement if and to the extent it is caused, directly or indirectly, by reason of circumstances beyond their 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. In any such event, the non-performing party shall be excused from any further performance and observance of obligations so affected only for so long as such circumstances prevail and such party continues to use commercially reasonable efforts to recommence performance or observance as soon as practicable.
6. 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.
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7. 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 and policies of the Fund. 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’s 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. In the event ALPS receives a request or demand for the inspection of records relating specifically to the Fund, ALPS will promptly notify the Fund of such request in writing and obtain instructions from the Fund as to the handling of such request.
8. Confidential and Proprietary Information. In accordance with Regulation S-P and other relevant rules and regulations, 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 the Fund’s current and former shareholders and other information germane thereto, as confidential and as proprietary information of the Fund and not to 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. APLS shall provide the Fund with prompt written notice of all such requests by any duly constituted authority. 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 the Fund’s current and former shareholders.
9. Compliance with Rules and Regulations. ALPS shall comply (and to the extent ALPS takes or is required to take action on behalf of the Fund hereunder shall cause the Fund to comply) with all applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and other applicable US laws, rules, regulations, orders and code of ethics, as well as all written investment restrictions, policies and procedures adopted by the Fund of which ALPS has actual knowledge (it being understood that ALPS is deemed to have actual 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, and shall provide to the Fund a certification to such effect no less 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. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Fund agrees and acknowledges that ALPS provides no services related to the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act of 2013, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time (“PRICA”). All compliance, obligations or duties of the Fund with respect to PRICA, including but not limited to any regulatory filings or communications, shall be solely the obligation of the Fund. All services, determinations or calculations provided hereunder by ALPS related to accounting, billing, expenses, valuation, withholding, fees or the like shall be subject to US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”).
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ALPS shall promptly notify the Fund upon receiving any written notice, order, subpoena or other document evidencing regulatory action or that a governmental authority, agency or body intends to investigate ALPS’ activities specific to its role as the transfer agent of the Fund, to the extent permissible by applicable law, ALPS’ policies and procedures, and to the extent advisable by ALPS’ legal counsel.
Upon request of the Fund, ALPS will provide to the Fund in connection with any periodic annual or semi-annual shareholder report filed by the Fund a sub-certification pursuant to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 with respect to ALPS’ internal controls related to its performance of the services set forth in this Agreement. In addition, on a quarterly basis, ALPS will provide to the Fund a certification in connection with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. ALPS reserves the right to amend and update its compliance program and the measurement tools and certifications provided thereunder from time to time in order to address changing regulatory and industry developments. ALPS will provide the Fund with such amendments or updates no less frequently than annually.
10. Confidentiality.
(a) Confidential Information. Each of the parties hereby acknowledges that in the course of performing its obligations hereunder, the other may disclose to it certain information and know-how of a technical, financial, operational or other sort that is nonpublic and otherwise confidential or proprietary to the disclosing party. Each party acknowledges that any such proprietary or confidential information disclosed to it is of considerable commercial value and that the disclosing party would likely be economically or otherwise disadvantaged or harmed by the direct or indirect use or disclosure thereof, except as specifically authorized by the disclosing party. Each party therefore agrees to keep in strict confidence all such information that may from time to time be disclosed to it, and agrees not to use such information except as expressly permitted hereby or to disclose such information to any third party for any purpose without the prior consent of the other. The provisions of this Section 10(a) shall not apply to any information if and to the extent it 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 all written materials and computer software that are the property of the other party.
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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 the Fund’s current and former shareholders and other information germane thereto, as confidential and as proprietary information of the Fund and not to 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 provide the Fund with prompt notice of all such requests by any duly constituted authority. 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 the Fund’s current and former shareholders.
(b) Specific Performance. Each of the parties agrees that the non-breaching party would not have an adequate remedy at law in the event of the other party’s breach or threatened breach of its obligations under Section 10(a) of this Agreement, and that the non- breaching party would suffer irreparable injury and damage as a result of any such breach. Accordingly, in the event either party breaches or threatens to breach the obligations set forth in Section 10(a) hereto, in addition to and not in lieu of any legal or other remedies such party may pursue hereunder or under applicable law, each party hereby consents to the granting of equitable relief (including the issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or permanent injunction) against it by a court of competent jurisdiction, without the necessity of proving actual damages or posting any bond or other security therefore, prohibiting any such breach or threatened breach. In any proceeding upon a motion for such equitable relief, a party’s ability to answer in damages shall not be interposed as a defense to the granting of such equitable relief.
11. 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 Bylaws to enter into and perform this Agreement.
(c) All requisite corporate proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
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(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.
(e) It is, and will continue to be, registered as a transfer agent under the 1934 Act.
(f) It has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws (as defined under the rules related to the 1940 Act) related to the services provided by ALPS to the Fund. It will review, no less frequently than annually, the adequacy of the policies and procedures and the effectiveness of their implementation and will report to the Fund any material changes made to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report, and any material changes made to the policies and procedures recommended as a result of the annual review. It will provide the Fund with an annual report of each Material Compliance Matter (as defined under the rules related to the 1940 Act) that occurred since the date of the last report.
(g) It will impose and collect any redemption fees imposed by the Fund in accordance with the terms set forth in the Fund’s prospectus.
(h) It will establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Fund for safekeeping of 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.
(i) It will maintain insurance which covers such risks and is in such amounts, with such deductibles and exclusions, sufficient for compliance by ALPS with all requirements of law and sufficient for ALPS to perform its obligations under this Agreement; and all such policies are in full force and effect and are with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, funds or underwriters.
(j) In the event of the termination of this Agreement, ALPS shall provide reasonable cooperation to the Fund in the movement of all records (in all media) and materials of the Fund and the conversion of the shareholders accounts to a successor transfer agent.
(k) It will provide the Fund with all information within its control reasonably necessary to complete Fund filing requirements in a timely fashion.
12. Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund represents and warrants to ALPS that:
(a) It is a limited liability company organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Puerto Rico and is registered with the SEC as an open-end, registered investment company.
(b) It is empowered under applicable laws and by its limited liability company agreement to enter into and perform this Agreement.
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(c) The Board of Managers of the Fund has duly authorized it to enter into and perform this Agreement.
(d) A registration statement under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act is currently, or will be upon commencement of operations, effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings have been made and will continue to be made, with respect to all shares of the Fund being offered for sale.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees not to make any modifications to the Fund’s registration statement or adopt any policies which would affect materially the obligations or responsibilities of ALPS hereunder without the prior written approval or ALPS, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
13. Wire Transfer Operating Guidelines/Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code.
(a) Obligation of Sender. ALPS is authorized to promptly debit the appropriate Fund account(s) upon the receipt of a payment order in compliance with the security procedure agreed to between ALPS and the Fund (the “Security Procedure”) and in the amount of money that ALPS has been instructed to transfer. ALPS shall execute payment orders in compliance with the Security Procedure and with the Fund’s instructions on the execution date provided that such payment order is received by the customary deadline for processing such a request, unless the payment order specifies a later time. All payment orders and communications received after the customary deadline will be deemed to have been received the next business day.
(b) Security Procedure. The Fund must notify ALPS immediately of any change in the Fund’s authorized personnel with respect to the Security Procedure. ALPS shall verify the authenticity of all Fund instructions according to the Security Procedure. For purposes of this Section 13 only, instructions received from representatives of the Fund’s investment adviser will be considered to be instructions from the Fund.
(c) Account Numbers. ALPS shall process all payment orders on the basis of the account number contained in the payment order. In the event of a discrepancy between any name indicated on the payment order and the account number, the account number shall take precedence and govern.
(d) Rejection. ALPS reserves the right to decline to process or delay the processing of a payment order (i) which is in excess of the collected balance in the account to be charged at the time of ALPS’s receipt of such payment order; (ii) if initiating such payment order would cause ALPS, in ALPS’s sole judgment, to exceed any volume, aggregate dollar, network, time, credit or similar limits which are applicable to ALPS; or (iii) if ALPS, in good faith, is unable to satisfy itself that the transaction has been properly authorized.
(e) ACH Credit Entries/Provisional Payments. When the Fund initiates or receives Automated Clearing House credit and debit entries pursuant to these guidelines and the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the New England Clearing House Association, ALPS will act as an Originating Depository Financial Institution and/or Receiving Depository Financial Institution, as the case may be, with respect to such entries. Credits given by ALPS with respect to an ACH credit entry are provisional until ALPS receives final settlement for such entry from the Federal Reserve Bank. If ALPS does not receive such final settlement, the Fund agrees that ALPS shall receive a refund of the amount credited to the Fund in connection with such entry, and the party making payment to the Fund via such entry shall not be deemed to have paid the amount of the entry.
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(f) Confirmation. Confirmation of ALPS’s execution of payment orders shall ordinarily be provided within twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of which may be delivered through ALPS’s information systems, or by facsimile or call-back. Confirmations will be delivered to the Fund’s shareholders in accordance with applicable regulations and the Fund’s currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information. The Fund must report any objections to the execution of an order within thirty (30) days.
14. ALPS’s Interactive Client Services.
(a) Security Procedures. ALPS may, but shall not be required to, modify the security procedures with respect to interactive client services provided by ALPS to the Fund under this Agreement set forth in Appendix G and from time to time to the extent it believes, in good faith, that such modifications will enhance the security of the ALPS’s interactive client services. All data and information transmissions via the ALPS’s interactive client services are for informational purposes only and are not intended to satisfy regulatory requirements or comply with any laws, rules, requirements or standards of any federal, state or local governmental authority, agency or industry regulatory body, including the securities industry, which compliance is the sole responsibility of the Fund.
(b) Proprietary Rights.
(i) ALPS’s Property. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that it obtains no rights in or to any of the software, hardware, processes, trade secrets, proprietary information or distribution and communication networks of ALPS. Any software ALPS provides to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall be used by the Fund only during the term of this Agreement and only in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement to provide connectivity to and through ALPS and shall not be used by the Fund to provide connectivity to or through any other system or person or organization. Any interfaces and software developed by ALPS shall not be used to connect the Fund to any transfer agency system or any other person or organization without ALPS’s prior written approval. Except with ALPS’s consent or in conformity with federal copyright laws, the Fund shall not copy, decompile or reverse engineer any software provided to the Fund by ALPS. The Fund also agrees not to take any action which would mask, delete or otherwise alter any of ALPS’s on-screen disclaimers and copyright, trademark and service mark notifications provided by ALPS, in writing, from time to time, or any “point and click” features relating to user acknowledgment and acceptance of such disclaimers and notifications.
(ii) Investment Company Web Site. The web pages that make up the Investment Company Web Site (as defined below) contain intellectual property, including, but not limited to, copyrighted works, trademarks and trade dress, that is the property of the Fund. The Fund retains all rights in the intellectual property that resides on the Investment Company Web Site, not including any intellectual property provided by or otherwise obtained from ALPS. To the extent that the intellectual property of the Fund is duplicated within the site maintained by ALPS for use by Fund shareholders (“ALPS’s Web Site”) to replicate the “look and feel,” trade dress or other aspect of the appearance or functionality of the Investment Company Web Site, the Fund grants to ALPS a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to such intellectual property for the duration of this Agreement. This license is limited to the intellectual property of the Fund needed to replicate the appearance of the Investment Company Web Site and does not extend to any other intellectual property owned by the Fund. For purposes of this Agreement, “Investment Company Web Site” shall mean the collection of electronic documents or pages residing on the computer system of an Internet Service Provider (“ISP”) hired by the Fund connected to the Internet and accessible by hypertext link through the World Wide Web, where persons or organizations may view information about the Fund and access the various transaction screens provided by the Fund.
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(iii) Fund’s IP Warranty to ALPS. The Fund warrants to ALPS that the Fund owns or has sufficient license or other legal rights in all intellectual property (a) to the Investment Company Web Site or (b) used by the Fund with respect to, or in connection with, the Investment Company Web Site, and such use by the Fund does not infringe or otherwise violate the trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights of any other party. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that the Fund has and will maintain sufficient license or other legal rights to the Investment Company Web Site and for its use of the Investment Company Web Site at its sole expense and that ALPS is in no way responsible for obtaining or maintaining such license or rights or liable for any violations of trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property right of any other party with respect to the Investment Company Web Site or for the Fund’s use of the Investment Company Web Site. In the event the Fund receives notice that the use of the Investment Company Web Site is or may be infringing upon the rights of any party, the Fund agrees to promptly notify ALPS. The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ALPS and its affiliates, officers, directors, agents and employees against any and all charges, expenses, disbursements, claims, losses, damages, penalties, actions, suits, judgments and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements) arising directly or indirectly from any claim, action or proceeding that the use of the Investment Company Web Site infringes on a third-party’s intellectual property rights.
(iv) ALPS’s IP Warranty to the Fund. Except with respect to the design and graphical elements (including, but not limited to, images and fonts) and Web pages provided to ALPS by the Fund, ALPS warrants to the Fund that ALPS owns or has sufficient license or other legal rights in all software and intellectual property used by ALPS at its facilities to provide the interactive client service, and such use by ALPS does not infringe or otherwise violate the U.S. copyrights of any other party. In the event one or more ALPS’s interactive client services are not useable by the Fund as a result of a breach of the foregoing warranty, then ALPS will use reasonable commercial efforts to: (a) procure for the Fund the right to continue using the ALPS’s interactive client service or infringing portion thereof, or (b) modify the ALPS’s interactive client service so that it becomes non-infringing but has substantially the same capabilities, or (c) replace the ALPS’s interactive client service or infringing part thereof by other systems of similar capability within a reasonable period of time under the circumstances. If ALPS is not able to satisfy the foregoing requirements, then, as the sole remedy, the Fund will be entitled to terminate this Agreement immediately.
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15. Documents. The Fund has furnished or will furnish, upon request, ALPS with copies of the Fund’s limited liability company agreement, advisory agreements, custodian agreement, transfer agency agreement, administration agreement, current prospectuses, statements 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.
16. Consultation Between the Parties. ALPS and the Fund shall regularly consult with each other regarding ALPS’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement. In connection therewith, the Fund shall use its reasonable best efforts to 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 1933 Act 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.
17. ALPS shall provide reasonable assistance in connection with any examination of or inquiry related to the Fund by a regulatory authority with respect to records maintained by ALPS on behalf of the Fund.
18. Business Interruption Plan. ALPS shall maintain in effect a business interruption 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.
19. Anti-Money Laundering; Customer Identification Program; FinCEN Requests.
(a) ALPS has adopted and will maintain a compliance program that is reasonably designed to promote the detection and reporting of potential money laundering activity and identity theft by monitoring shareholder activity as well as adopting written procedures for verifying a customer’s identity (collectively, the “AML Program”). The AML Program is designed to facilitate registered investment company compliance with applicable money laundering and client identity theft laws, rules and regulations including but not limited to those promulgated by (i) the United States Treasury and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) under the Bank Secrecy Act; (ii) the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”); and (iii) the United States Securities & Exchange Commission.
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(b) Delegation. The Board of Managers of the Fund acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to review, consider and comment upon the AML Program described herein and the Fund has independently determined that the AML Program is reasonably designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities and to achieve compliance with the related applicable laws. Based on this determination, the Fund hereby delegates to, instructs and directs ALPS to implement the AML Program on its behalf, as such may be amended upon written notice or supplemented with additional services by mutual written consent from time to time.
(c) ALPS Duties and Responsibilities. In performing the services of the AML Program ALPS shall:
a. | perform the follows functions using reasonable commercial efforts - |
i. | Maintain a Customer Identification Program (as defined in 31 CFR 1024.220) including maintaining records required under applicable regulations; |
ii. | Monitor customer accounts for suspicious activity (as described in 31 CFR 1024.320); |
iii. | Maintain an identity theft program which includes the monitoring and reporting of suspicious activity (as described in Regulation S-ID); |
iv. | Maintain a training program for associates that cover these requirements; |
v. | Screen customer records against OFAC databases to determine whether the customer is subject to OFAC sanctions program; |
vi. | Screen account information against any Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) request under 31 CFR § 1010.520 delivered to ALPS by the Fund or by ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI”), if ADI serves as the Fund’s distributor, and provide the Fund or ADI with the necessary information for it to respond to such FinCEN request within the required time frame; |
b. | promptly notify the Fund of any transaction or combination of transactions that ALPS believes evidence money laundering or identity theft activities in connection with the Fund or any Fund shareholder. |
20. 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. This Agreement shall renew at the end of the Initial Term and shall thereafter continue for successive annual periods (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”) until terminated by either party (i) upon not less than sixty (60) days’ written notice prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the then current Renewal Term or (ii) for cause pursuant to Section 19(c) hereof. Upon the termination of this Agreement by the Fund for any reason other than for cause pursuant to Section 19(c), all outstanding payments due from the Fund under this Agreement shall become immediately due and payable to ALPS, including any unpaid fees earned through the date of termination of the Agreement.
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(c) Cause. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, either party may terminate this Agreement for cause upon 30 days written notice to the other party, without penalty, without default and without the payment of any termination payment or other liquidated damages. For purposes of this Section 19, “cause” shall mean:
(i) Material breach of this Agreement which is not cured within thirty (30) days following notice, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of the other party in the performance of its duties, obligations and responsibilities set forth in this Agreement;
(ii) in the event a party is no longer permitted to perform its duties, obligations or responsibilities hereunder pursuant to applicable law or regulatory, administrative or judicial proceedings against the other party which result in a determination that the other party has violated, or has caused the other party 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 a Party of which the other Party had knowledge; or
(iii) financial difficulties on the part of the other Party 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.
“Cause” for purposes of termination by the Fund also includes the change in control of the Fund’s adviser or the reorganization of the Fund with or into another trust, corporation or other entity (or series thereof), which, in either case, results in an assignment of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, such events shall not in and of themselves serve as the basis for an early termination of the Agreement by ALPS.
(d) Deliveries Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement, ALPS agrees to cooperate in the orderly transfer of transfer agency duties and shall deliver to the Fund or as otherwise directed by the Fund (in the case of termination 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.
21. 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.
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22. Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. To the extent that the laws of the State of New York conflict with the 1940 Act or such rules, the latter shall control.
23. Names. The obligations of the Fund entered into in the name or on behalf thereof by any manager/director, shareholder, representative or agent thereof are made not individually, but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any of the managers/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 the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund.
24. Amendments to this Agreement. This Agreement may only be amended by the parties in writing.
25. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be deemed to have been given when received or when sent by telex 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:
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Popular Center, 209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
+1 787-282-1621
www.xsquarecapital.com
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC | |||
By: | /s/ Ignacio Canto | ||
Name: | Ignacio Canto | ||
Title: | President | ||
ALPS FUND SERVICES, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Rahul Kanwar | ||
Name: | Rahul Kanwar | ||
Title: | Authorized Representative |
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APPENDIX A
TRANSFER AGENCY AND RELATED SERVICES
Transfer Agency
• | Establish and maintain shareholder accounts |
• | Process and record purchase and redemption orders |
• | Process dividends and capital gain distributions |
• | Perform NSCC processing |
• | Produce and mail confirmations and account statements |
• | Process year-end shareholder tax reporting |
• | Perform required AML and CIP services |
• | Provide client branded investor site |
• | Maintain and coordinate Blue Sky registration |
Investor Services
• | Handle 800-line phone calls on recorded lines |
• | Coordinate daily fulfillment process |
• | Compile monthly reports on call statistics |
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APPENDIX B
RESERVED
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APPENDIX C
TA2000 VOICE SERVICES
1. | TA2000 VOICE Services. The Fund has requested, and ALPS will provide, TA2000 VOICE Services as one of the ALPS’s interactive client services provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Through TA2000 VOICE, shareholders may retrieve account information. Additional services may be available as a custom design option. |
2. | ALPS’s Responsibilities. In connection with its performance of TA2000 VOICE, ALPS shall: |
(a) | receive shareholder account inquiries submitted via telephone to the TA2000 VOICE processing server ; |
(b) | for each shareholder account inquiry received, route account information from the ALPS’s transfer agency system to the TA2000 VOICE server to be heard by users; and |
(c) | provide a detailed proposal, including cost and a timeline, for any custom design or programming requested by the Fund. |
3. | Fund Responsibilities. In connection with its use of TA2000 VOICE, the Fund shall provide ALPS with such other written instructions as it may request from time to time relating to the performance of ALPS’s obligations hereunder. |
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APPENDIX D
VISION ACCESS
1. | VISION Access. The Fund has requested and ALPS will provide VISION Access (“VISION”), a web-based platform that provides access to shareholder account information and other data maintained on behalf of the Fund. |
2. | ALPS’s Responsibilities. In connection with its performance of VISION, ALPS shall: |
(a) | provide technical support for VISION, including: testing, quality control review, generation and storage information; and |
(b) | periodically review the list of users with access to the Fund’s information and make the list available to the Fund for review. |
3. | Fund Responsibilities. In connection with its use of VISION, the Fund, through its service providers, shall: |
(a) | provide all computers, telecommunications equipment and other equipment and software reasonably necessary to access the VISION site; |
(b) | review, approve and provide users for access to the VISION site, including any limitations to access based on function; and |
(c) | periodically review users list and make any necessary modifications, including the removal of users that should no longer have access to the Fund’s information. |
4. | Options Selection. VISION options are dependent of the services agreements in place with ALPS. Access will be granted to any service area that is both available to and selected by the Fund. |
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APPENDIX E
ALPS VIRTUAL ACCESS
1. | ALPS Virtual Access. The Fund has requested, and ALPS will provide, access to ALPS Virtual Access (“AVA”), an ALPS’s proprietary web-based platform that provides access to information and data maintained on behalf of the Fund and maintains a complete audit trail of all activity on the site. Through AVA, the Fund may have, based on the third- party services offered under separate contract: (i) access to AdLit, which permits the Fund to submit sales/marketing pieces for review by ALPS’s compliance and tracks the progress of the review; (ii) links to ALPS Virtual Policies (AVP), which provides the Fund with access to ALPS’s policies and procedures and also provides the Fund with regulatory updates; and (iii) secure access to transfer agency reports. |
2. | ALPS’s Responsibilities. In connection with its performance of AVA, ALPS shall: |
(a) | provide technical support for AVA, including: testing, quality control review, generation and storage information; |
(b) | periodically review the list of users with access to the Fund’s information and make the list available to the Fund for review; and |
(c) | provide a detailed proposal, including cost and a timeline, for any custom design or programming requested by the Fund. |
3. | Fund Responsibilities. In connection with its use of AVA, the Fund, through its service providers, shall: |
(a) | provide all computers, telecommunications equipment and other equipment and software reasonably necessary to access the AVA site; |
(b) | review, approve and provide users for access to the AVA site, including any limitations to access based on function; |
(c) | periodically review users list and make any necessary modifications, including the removal of users that should no longer have access to the Fund’s information; |
(d) | provide ALPS with a contact for receipt of enhancement and maintenance notices; |
(e) | provide ALPS with such other written instructions as it may request from time to time relating to the performance of ALPS’s obligations hereunder; and |
(f) | provide written guidance for any custom graphic design or programmatic modifications. |
4. | Options Selection. AVA options are dependent of the services agreements in place with ALPS. Access will be granted to any service area that is both available to and selected by the Fund. |
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FEE SCHEDULE
COMPENSATION
1. | Transfer Agency Services (Appendix B) |
The below fees are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. A charge is made for an account in the month that an account opens.
Annual Fee: GREATER OF $20,000* annual minimum per fund or 1.75 basis points on annual net assets, plus:*
The following account fees below are in addition to the above annual fees.
Annual Open Account Fee:
Open Accounts | Fees Per Account |
Direct Accounts | $10.00 |
NSCC Accounts | $8.00 |
• | $5,000 per each additional share class (exclusive of the first 2 classes in the fund) |
Annual Inactive Account Fee:
$.50 per inactive account (an inactive account is an account with a zero balance that has had activity in the last eighteen months)
Annual Closed Account Fee:
$.50 per closed account (a closed account is an account with a zero balance that has not had activity in the last eighteen months)
* Indicates that the minimum fee is subject to an annual cost of living adjustment as described in Section 2(a) of the Agreement.
Operating Account Fees
Depository Trust Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”) purchase settlements paid into transfer agency demand deposit accounts at Colorado State Bank and Trust (the “Depository Institution”) and recorded in the name of the Fund as beneficial owner, on behalf of each applicable series of the Fund which ALPS has authority to make deposits and withdrawals (the “Operating Accounts”) are moved to custody accounts the business day after settlement from the DTCC. Each month, from any earnings credits/interest attributable to amounts held in Fund Operating Accounts (the “Credits”), ALPS retains for certain administrative services related to the Operating Accounts, fifty percent (50%) of the gross Credit (the “Administration Fee”) and shall apply the remaining portion of the Credit against Depository Institution fees. If Credit further remains, that Credit shall apply to fees for services under the Agreement.
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2. | TA2000 VOICE Services (Appendix D) |
Fees for a basic TA2000 VOICE instance are included in the fees set forth in this Appendix under Transfer Agency Services above. A basic instance includes the following:
(a) | A single instance of TA2000 VOICE that is linked to the Fund’s identity using audio prompt; and |
(b) | Access to all existing functionality as well as new functionality that may be made available to the Fund. |
Any call flow modifications beyond what is offered or requested after the initial establishment of the TA2000 VOICE instance will be completed based on an approved proposal that includes a statement of work, a timeline and the associated fees. Fees are billed on a time and materials basis at then-current billing rates.
3. | VISION Access (Appendix E) |
Fees for Fund access to VISION are included in the fees set forth in this Appendix under Transfer Agency Services above. This access includes the following:
(a) | User IDs for an unlimited number of employees of the Fund and of the Fund’s investment advisers; |
(b) | Technical support and training for all employees of the Fund and of the Fund’s investment advisers; and |
(c) | An implementation phase during which the Fund is able to review the data available on VISION, review the current list of users with access, request new users to be added and determine what update functionality (if any) will be required. |
Other than as provided in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) above, third-party access to VISION is subject to separate fees to be negotiated by the parties to this Agreement.
4. | AVA Access (Appendix F) |
Fees for Fund access to AVA are included in the fees set forth in this Appendix under Transfer Agency Services above. This access includes the following:
(a) | User IDs for an unlimited number of Fund employees and approved third parties; |
(b) | Technical support and training for all Fund employees; and |
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(c) | An implementation phase during which the Fund is able to review the data available on AVA, review the current list of users with access, request new users to be added and determine what update functionality (if any) will be required. |
Any functionality modifications beyond what is offered or requested after the initial establishment of the Fund on AVA will be completed based on an approved proposal that includes a statement of work, a timeline and the associated fees. Fees are billed on a time and materials basis at then-current billing rates.
* * * * *
Out-of-Pocket Fees:
In addition, the Fund agrees to pay ALPS its out-of-pocket expenses including, but not limited to, statement and confirmation production (including both printed and e-Delivery); Fund-specific statement paper and envelopes; postage; forms; wire fees and other bank charges; NSCC interface fees; 22c-2 fees; sales reporting fees; private label of money market fund fees and customized programming/enhancements; SOC 1 control review reports; retirement account disclosure statement language; blue sky registration and related fees, telephone; records storage; advances incurred for postage; other miscellaneous expenses that may occur at the Fund’s discretion. Postage for mailing of dividends, Fund reports and other mailings to all shareholder accounts shall be advanced to ALPS by the Fund at least seven (7) days prior to the mailing date of such materials. ALPS will seek advance approval before incurring any out-of-pocket expenses that are out of the ordinary course of business.
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 but only to the extent permitted by law.
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APPENDIX G
SECURITY PROCEDURES
TA2000 VOICE
Authentication of a shareholder user in TA2000 VOICE is based on account number, password and, optionally, social security number.
An account number is required and is used as the identification (ID) of the shareholder. A password is required and is used as the access to the entered account. This is the shareholder’s personal identification number (PIN). A social security number is an optional entry requirement controlled by the Fund to add another level of authentication to access the entered account number.
To utilize the TA2000 VOICE, a shareholder must call the Fund’s shareholder services line and request: (a) that the service be enabled for his or her account and (b) a user ID and password. The above authentication information will need to be provided in order to successfully complete the request.
VISION
1. | ID/Password Requirements - Users |
Authentication of a User in VISION is based on the VISION Operator ID and Password.
Required – The VISION Operator ID, assigned by DST, shall have access authorization as determined by Customer or the applicable Fund. This may include the following access levels, at Customer’s or the Fund’s option, the contents of which shall be determined by Customer:
Unrestricted Access – This allows the User to view any account information for all of the Fund’s Financial Products.
Dealer Level Access – This allows the User to view any account information with the authorized dealer number.
Dealer/Branch Level Access – This allows the User to view any account information with the authorized dealer and branch combination.
Dealer/Representative Level Access – This allows the User to view any account information with the authorized dealer and representative combination.
Tax ID Level Access – This allows the User to view any account with the authorized Social Security Number and/or TIN of the Unit Holder.
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Fund/TPA Access – This allows the User to view any account with the authorized trust company or Third Party Administrator number assigned to the underlying account/contract.
Required - Password is used in conjunction with VISION Operator ID to access the VISION Web Site, which consequently provides access to any Financial Product account information that has been previously authorized by Customer or the Fund. VISION does not use a personal identification number (PIN).
2. | ID/Password Requirements – Customer point of contact |
Authentication of a either a Customer of Fund point of contact (“Point of Contact”) in the Distribution Support Services Web Site is based on an Operator ID and Password.
Required – The Operator ID, chosen by Customer or the Fund, shall have access as determined by Customer or the Fund, as applicable. Access will be specific to the management company associated with the Fund. This may include the following access levels, at Customer’s or the Fund’s option, inquiry only access (Point of Contact may only view information related to Users) or update access (Point of Contact may update profiles related to Users, including, but not limited to, changing, adding and deleting User information). DST shall store the Operator ID and associated access levels. Any personnel changes or access changes affecting Point of Contact must be communicated to DST promptly.
Required – Password is used in conjunction with Operator ID to access the Distribution Support Services Web Site, which consequently provides access to any User information (profile, firm, address, authorization information, etc.).
3. | Encryption |
The DST Web server runs Secure Sockets Layer (“SSL”). The purpose of using SSL is to encrypt data transmissions through the VISION Web Site and the Distribution Support Services Web Site and block communications through the VISION Web Site or the Distribution Support Services Web Site from Internet browsers which do not support SSL data encryption. The standard level of encryption supported by the VISION Web Site and the Distribution Support Services Web Site is 128-bit encryption.
4. | Network Access Control |
The VISION Web Site and the Distribution Support Services Web Site (the “DST Web Sites”) are protected through multiple levels of network controls. The first defense is a border router which exists at the boundary between the DST Web Sites and the Internet Service Provider. The border router provides basic protections including anti-spoofing controls. Next is a highly available pair of stateful firewalls that allow only HTTPS traffic destined to the DST Web Sites. The third network control is a highly available pair of load balancers that terminate the HTTPS connections and then forward the traffic on to one of several available web servers. In addition, a second highly available pair of stateful firewalls enforce network controls between the web servers and any back-end application servers. No Internet traffic is allowed directly to the back- end application servers.
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The DST Web Sites equipment is located and administered at DST’s Winchester data center. Changes to the systems residing on this computer are submitted through the DST change control process.
All services and functions within the DST Web Sites are deactivated with the exception of services and functions which support the transfer of files. All ports on the DST Web Sites are disabled, except those ports required to transfer files. All “listeners,” other than listeners required for inbound connections from the load balancers, are deactivated. Directory structures are “hidden” from the user. Services which provide directory information are also deactivated.
5. | Limitation of Users |
Access of DST personnel to the DST Web server is restricted within DST to a limited number of users based upon DST system administration requirements, as determined by appropriate DST systems managers from time to time.
6. | Right to Audit |
In response to Customer’s due diligence efforts, DST will provide copies of its: (i) SIG; (ii) if applicable, SOC 1, Type II report, prepared in accordance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization; (iii) information security policy and control standards summary; (iv) network penetration vendor attestation letter; and (v) source code and dynamic scan vendor attestation letter. DST will be reasonably available to answer any additional questions of Customer that are not already addressed by providing the documentation set forth within this Section 6 and would not require DST, in its sole good faith discretion, to disclose information that it deems highly sensitive. Customer is not permitted to: (i) conduct penetration testing or other code scanning on DST’s environment and software; or (ii) review the results of system testing and network penetration testing or vulnerability testing performed by DST on DST’s environment and the software provided under the Agreement..
AVA
1. | General |
Access to AVA is limited to the Fund, its designated representatives and those third-party firms that are authorized by the Fund. All new users will need to be authorized, including the allowed level of access, by a designated Fund contact. Once authorized, a user will be provided with a user ID and password.
The user ID will lockout after three failures. A lockout needs to be reset by an authorized representative in AVA support. Prior to lockout, a user may change a forgotten password by answering the custom question provided at initial authentication. If the user chooses not to create a custom question and answer, he or she will need to call and have an authorized representative in AVA support reset his or her password.
2. | Encryption |
The web servers run SSL. The purpose of using SSL is to encrypt data transmissions through the ALPS’s Web Site and block communications through the ALPS’s Web Site from Internet browsers that do not support SSL data encryption. The standard level of encryption supported by the ALPS’s Web Site is 128-bit. ALPS also uses a certificate from a major provider of server authentication services.
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3. | Network Access Control |
A computer referred to as a “firewall” is located between the Internet backbone connection and the Internet accessible application hosting equipment (“web servers”). The purpose of the firewall is to control the connectivity to the web servers at the port level. This equipment is located in a secure and environmentally controlled data center. Changes to the configuration of this computer are administered by authorized ALPS’s IT staff. This equipment will not interrogate data, and its only function is to limit the type of traffic accessing the web servers to the suite of hyper-text transfer protocols (“HTTP”) transmissions. Ports on the router are configured to be consistent with ports on the web servers. All other ports on the router other than those configured for the web servers are not accessible from the Internet.
The web servers utilize adequate and appropriate software and hardware. All services and functions within the web servers’ operating system are deactivated with the exception of services and functions which support AVA. The general purpose of this feature is to prevent external users from entering commands or running processes on the web servers. All ports on the web servers, except those required by AVA, are disabled. Directory structures are “hidden” from the user. Services that provide directory information are also deactivated.
ALPS’s administrators gain access to the web servers through a directly connected physical console or through the internal network via ALPS Secure ID.
AVA is programmed to terminate the session/transaction between the shareholder and the application if data authentication fails. All successful and unsuccessful sessions are logged.
4. | Limitation of Users |
Access by ALPS’s personnel to the web servers is restricted within ALPS to a limited number of users based upon ALPS’s system administration requirements, as determined by appropriate ALPS’s systems managers from time to time.
5. | Independence of the Fund’s Location on the Web Servers |
Independence of the Fund’s presence on the web servers is accomplished by establishing Fund- specific session variables that logically separate Fund data. Access to web forms, style-sheets and data is governed by this structure. The base transaction code required by ALPS’s interactive client services is, however, shared by all data set partitions.
Each Fund URL on the web servers will identify a separate Fund presence. Access to the Fund presence on the web servers must be through the Investment Company Web Site.
Book marking of HTML pages within the Fund’s site on the web servers is not allowed.
29
6. | Security Review |
Application security assessments and network penetration tests are performed on a periodic basis to ensure that code generated by ALPS meets industry standards and best practices.
7. | Fund Specific Requirements |
It may be necessary to modify the security procedures to enable Fund to comply with its own internal policies. In these cases, procedures would be modified to be no less restrictive than the above. These changes may result in an increase to the fees or out-of-pocket fees being billed to Fund.
30
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
(215) 988-2700 (Phone)
(215) 988-2757 (Facsimile)
www.drinkerbiddle.com
September 18, 2019
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
209 Muñoz Rivera
San Juan, PR 00918
Re: Registration Statement on Form N-1A/Issuance of Shares
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company (the “Fund”), organized under a limited liability company agreement dated January 29, 2019 (the “LLC Agreement”), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, pursuant to a Registration Statement (“Registration Statement”) on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-229217; 811-23417), of the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest. Shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are referred to hereinafter as “Shares.” The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares of the Fund.
We have examined the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the Fund’s LLC Agreement, the Registration Statement, and the resolutions adopted by its Trustees (the “Resolutions”) relating to the authorization of the sale and issuance of the Shares in a continuous public offering, and have considered such other legal and factual matters as we have deemed appropriate.
In all cases, we have assumed the legal capacity of each natural person signing the Registration Statement, the genuineness of signatures, the authenticity of documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to authentic original documents of documents submitted to us as copies and the accuracy and completeness of all corporate records and other information made available to us by the Fund. As to questions of fact material to this opinion, we have relied upon the accuracy of the certificates and other comparable documents of officers and representatives of the Fund, upon statements made to us in discussions with the Fund’s management and upon statements and certificates of public officials.
This opinion is based exclusively on the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the federal laws of the United States of America. In rendering our opinion, we have relied on the attached opinion of Pietrantoni Mendez & Alvarez LLC to the extent that any matter which is the subject of this opinion is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We express no opinion as to the laws of any state or United States territory other than the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or as to state or U.S. territory securities laws, including the securities laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
September 18, 2019
Page 2
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications, limitations and assumptions stated herein, we are of the opinion that the issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued against payment of net asset value therefor in accordance with the Resolutions and the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A. Except as provided in this paragraph, the opinion set forth above is expressed solely for the benefit of the addressee hereof in connection with the matters contemplated hereby and may not be relied upon by, or filed with, any other person or entity or for any other purpose without our prior written consent.
We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the references to our Firm under the caption “Advisory and Other Contracts - Legal Counsel” in the Statement of Additional Information included in the Registration Statement. This consent does not constitute a consent under Section 7 of the 1933 Act, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said Section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours, | ||
/s/ DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP | ||
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP |
PIETRANTONI MENDEZ & ALVAREZ LLC
POPULAR CENTER 19TH FLOOR
208 PONCE DE LEON AVENUE
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00918
TEL: (787) 274-1212
FAX: (787) 274-1470
WWW.PMALAW.COM
September 18, 2019
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Popular Center Building
209 Munoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
Re: | Registration Statement on Form N-lA/Issuance of Shares |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Puerto Rico counsel to X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company (the "Fund"), in connection with certain matters of Puerto Rico law arising out of the registration and issuance of an indefinite number of units of beneficial interest of the Fund (the "Shares") classified and designated in three series titled "Class A - SQBFX," "Class B- SQCBX" and "Institutional Class -SQBIX," covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement"), filed by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the 1940 Act.
In connection with our representation of the Fund, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Documents"):
1. | The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information with respect to the Shares, which form part of the Registration Statement, substantially in the form transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act; |
2. | The Certificate of Formation of the Fund, certified by the Department of State of Puerto Rico on December 24, 2018; |
PIETRANTONI MENDEZ & ALVAREZ LLC
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
September 18, 2019
Page 2
3. | A Certificate of Good Standing of the Fund, certified by the Department of State of Puerto Rico on September 16, 2019; |
4. | The Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Fund, dated and effective as of January 29, 2019; |
5. | Resolutions adopted by the Board of Managers of the Fund (the "Resolutions") relating to the authorization of the sale and issuance of the Shares in a continuous public offering, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Fund; |
6. | A certificate executed by an officer of the Fund, dated as of the date hereof; and |
7. | Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein. |
In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:
1. | Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so. |
2. | Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Fund) is duly authorized to do so. |
3. | Each of the parties (other than the Fund) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party's obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms. |
4. | All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. 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. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise. |
PIETRANTONI MENDEZ & ALVAREZ LLC
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
September 18, 2019
Page 3
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumption s, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that the issuance or the Shares has been duly authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment of net asset value therefor in accordance with the Resolutions and the Registration Statement, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to compliance with federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the 1940 Act.
The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.
Th is opinion merely constitutes an expression of our reasoned professional judgment regarding the matters of law addressed herein and neither is intended nor should it be construed as a prediction or guarantee that any court or other public or governmental authority will reach any particular result or conclusion as to the matters of law addressed herein.
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. 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, | |
|
582284.4/AJJ
|
BDO PUERTO RICO, PSC 1302 Ponce De Leon Ave. 1ST Floor San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907 Tel: 787-754-3999 Fax: 787-754-3105 www.bdopr.com |
BDO USVI, LLC Foothills Professional Building 9151 Estate Thomas, Suite 201 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Tel: 340-776-0640 Fax: 340-779-8653 www.bdousvi.com
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
209 Muñoz Rivera, Suite 1111
San Juan, PR 00918
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form N-1A our report dated July 1, 2019, relating to the audit of the statement of assets and liabilities of X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, as of April 23, 2019, which is contained in that Registration Statement.
/s/ BDO Puerto Rico, PSC
BDO Puerto Rico, PSC
San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 17, 2019
BDO Puerto Rico, PSC, a Puerto Rico Professional Services Corporation, and BDO USVI, LLC, a United States Virgin Island’s limited liability Company, are members of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of independent member firms.
BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.
X-SQUARE BALANCED
FUND, LLC
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES PLAN
This Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) has been adopted in conformity with Rule 12b-1 (the “Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), by X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”), an open-end management investment company registered as such under the 1940 Act and organized as a Puerto Rico limited liability company, with respect to its classes of shares of beneficial interest (each, a “Class”) listed on Appendix A, as amended from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
1. | Distribution and Service Fees |
a. The Fund may pay to ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), in its capacity as principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, with respect to and at the expense of each Class listed on Appendix A, a fee for distribution and shareholder servicing activities, as applicable, and as more fully described below (the “Distribution and Service Fee”), such fee in the aggregate to be at the annual rate specified with respect to such Class under the column “Distribution and Service Fee” on Appendix A. Distribution and Service Fee payments under the Plan will be used primarily (i) to compensate the Distributor for distribution services and sales support services provided in connection with the offering and sale of shares of the applicable Class; (ii) to compensate the Distributor for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder account services provided to shareholders in the applicable Class; and/or (iii) to reimburse the Distributor for related expenses incurred, including payments by the Distributor to compensate or reimburse brokers, dealers, selling agents, other financial institutions or other industry professionals (collectively, “Intermediaries”), for (a) distribution services and sales support services and/or (b) personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder account services provided and related expenses incurred by such Intermediaries. Payments of the Distribution and Service Fee may be made without regard to expenses actually incurred by the recipients of such payments.
b. Payments of the Distribution and Service Fee on behalf of a particular Class must be in consideration of services rendered for or on behalf of such Class. However, joint distribution or sales support financing with respect to the shares of the Class (which financing may also involve other investment portfolios or companies that are affiliated persons of such a person, or affiliated persons of the Distributor) are permitted in accordance with applicable law.
2. | Calculation and Payment of Fees |
The amount of the Distribution Fee and Service Fee payable with respect to each Class listed on Appendix A will be calculated and paid quarterly, at the applicable annual rates indicated on Appendix A. The Distribution Fee and Service Fee will be calculated and paid separately for each Class.
3. | Approval of Plan |
The Plan will become effective, as to any Class (including any Class not currently listed on Appendix A), upon its approval by (a) a majority of the Board of Managers, including a majority of the Managers who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan (the “Qualified Managers”), pursuant to a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval of the Plan; and (b) if the Plan is adopted for a Class after any public offering of shares of the Class or the sale of shares of the Class to persons who are not affiliated persons of the Fund, affiliated persons of such persons, promoters of the Fund or affiliated persons of such promoters, a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Class.
4. | Continuance of the Plan |
The Plan will continue in effect with respect to a Class for a period of more than one year after it takes effect only so long as its continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Fund’s Board of Managers in the manner described in Section 3(a) above.
5. | Implementation |
All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan with respect to any Class shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan with respect to any Class shall provide: (a) that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Qualified Managers or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Class, on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the agreement; and (b) that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
6. | Termination |
This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to the shares of any Class by vote of a majority of the Qualified Managers, or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Class.
7. | Amendments |
The Plan may not be amended with respect to any Class so as to increase materially the amount of the Distribution Fee described in Section 1 above with respect to such Class without approval in the manner described in Section 3(a) above, and all material amendments to this Plan shall be approved in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in Section 3(a) above.
8. | Written Reports |
While the Plan is in effect, the Fund’s Board of Managers will receive, and the Managers will review, at least quarterly, written reports complying with the requirements of the Rule, which set out the amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which those expenditures were made.
-2-
9. | Preservation of Materials |
The Fund will preserve copies of the Plan, any agreement relating to the Plan, and any report made pursuant to Section 8 above, for a period of not less than six years (the first two years in an easily accessible place) from the date of the Plan, agreement, or report.
Plan Adopted: [ ], 2019
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Plan, as of the date first above written, on behalf of each Class of the Fund listed on Appendix A.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
-3-
APPENDIX A TO DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
Class of Shares of Beneficial Interest | Distribution and Service Fee |
Class A Shares | 0.25% |
Class C Shares | 1.00% |
Institutional Class Shares | 0.00% |
Agreed to and accepted as of [ ], 2019.
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
-4-
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC
MULTIPLE CLASS PLAN
[ ], 2019
This Multiple Class Plan (the “Plan”) is adopted pursuant to Rule 18f-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), by X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company (the “Fund”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is an open-end management investment company and is registered under the 1940 Act;
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to adopt this Plan so that it may issue multiple classes of shares (each, a “Class” and collectively, the “Classes”); and
WHEREAS, the Board of Managers of the Fund (the “Board,” and each member thereof, a “Manager”), including a majority of the Managers who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as such term is defined by the 1940 Act (the “Independent Managers”), in considering whether the Fund should adopt and implement this Plan, has evaluated such information and considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary to undertake an informed evaluation of the Plan and make a determination as to whether this Plan should be adopted and implemented, and has determined that the adoption and implementation of this Plan, including the expense allocation contemplated herein, are in the best interests of each Class individually, as well as the best interests of the Fund;
NOW THEREFORE, the Fund adopts this Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, on the following terms and conditions:
1. The effective date of this Plan (the “Effective Date”) is the date upon which the Fund has an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to more than one Class.
2. The Fund may issue shares in one or more Classes, as provided on Schedule A hereto, as amended from time to time. Shares so issued will have the rights and preferences set forth in the Fund’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended from time to time, any applicable resolutions adopted by the Board from time to time, and the Fund’s then-current registration statement relating to the Classes.
3. Shares issued in Classes will be issued subject to and in accordance with the terms of Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, including, without limitation:
a. | each Class will have a different arrangement for shareholder services or the distribution of securities or both, and will pay all of the expenses of that arrangement; |
b. | each Class may pay a different share of other expenses, not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of a Fund’s assets, if these expenses are actually incurred in a different amount by that Class, or if the Class receives services of a different kind or to a different degree than other Classes; |
c. | each Class will have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement; |
d. | each Class will have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one Class differ from the interests of any other Class; and |
e. | except as otherwise permitted under Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, each Class will have the same rights and obligations as each other Class. |
4. Nothing in this Plan will be deemed to require the Fund to take any action contrary to its Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended from time to time, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Board of the responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Fund.
5. This Plan will continue in effect indefinitely unless terminated by a vote of the Board.
6. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board, provided that any material amendment of this Plan will be effective only upon approval by a vote of the Board and a majority of the Independent Managers.
7. This Plan will be construed in accordance with the laws of Puerto Rico and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
8. If any provision of this Plan is held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan will not be affected thereby.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Multiple Class Plan Approved by the Board of Managers on January 29, 2019, to become effective on the Effective Date.
X-SQUARE BALANCED FUND, LLC | |||
By: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
SCHEDULE A
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC – Share Classes
• | Class A |
• | Class C |
• | Institutional Class |
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
(the “Fund")
Code of Ethics
1. | Purpose of the Code of Ethics |
This code is based on the principle that, you as an access person of the Fund, will conduct your personal investment activities in accordance with
• | the duty at all times to place the interests of the Fund's shareholders first; |
• | the requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics and 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; and |
• | the fundamental standard that the Fund personnel should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. |
In view of the foregoing, the Fund has adopted this Code of Ethics (the "Code") to specify a code of conduct for certain types of personal securities transactions which may involve conflicts of interest or an appearance of impropriety and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.
2. | Legal Requirement |
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”), it is unlawful for any Access Person to
• | employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund; |
• | make any untrue statement of a material fact or fail to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading to the Fund; |
• | engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Fund; or |
• | engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any Fund's investment portfolios, in connection with the purchase or sale (directly or indirectly) by such Access Person of a security "held or to be acquired" by the Fund. |
3. | Definitions - All definitions shall have the same meaning as explained in Section 2(a) of the Act and are summarized below. |
Access Person - Any director, officer, general partner, registered person, or employee, of the Fund or investment adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his/her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales.
For purposes of this Code of Ethics, an “Access Person” is exempt from reporting requirements under section 5 and annual certification requirements under section 7 if such Access Person is subject to the securities transaction pre-clearance requirements and securities transaction reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics adopted by the Fund’s investment adviser or principal underwriter in compliance with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, Rule 204a-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and Section 15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as applicable.
Automatic Investment Plan – A program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
Beneficial ownership shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Control shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Act.
Covered Security – shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Act except that it does not include an exempt security.
Exempt Security - shall include securities issued by the United States Government, short-term debt securities which are “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Act, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit or commercial paper, shares of registered open-end investment companies (excluding open-end exchange traded funds and each Fund), and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements.
Exchange Traded Fund - means an open-end registered investment company that is not a unit investment trust, and that operates pursuant to an order from the SEC exempting it from certain provisions of the Investment Company Act permitting it to issue securities that trade on the secondary market.
Exempt Transactions shall mean
1. | purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control. |
2. | purchases or sales of securities issued by any company included in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index in an amount less than $10,000. |
3. | purchases which are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan. |
4. | purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an 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. |
Investment Personnel – (a) employees of the Company, the Advisers, the Sub-Advisers and/or the Underwriter who participate in making investment recommendations to the Company; and (b) persons in a control relationship with the Company or adviser who obtain information about investment recommendations made to the Company.
Security being considered for purchase or sale – when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made or communicated and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.
Security held or to be acquired – means: (1) any Covered Security which, within the most recent 15 days (a) is or has been held by the Fund; or (b) is being or has been considered by the Fund or its investment advisor for purchase by the Fund; and (2) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Covered Security that is held or to be acquired by the Fund.
Manager – X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC Board of Managers (the “Board” or the “Managers”).
Underwriter – means ALPS Distributor, Inc.
4. | Policies of the Fund Regarding Personal Securities Transactions |
A. | General |
No Access Person of the Fund shall engage in any act, practice or course of business that would violate the provisions of Rule 17j-1 as set forth above, or in connection with any personal investment activity, engage in conduct inconsistent with this Code.
B. | Specific Policies |
No Access Person shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any security in which he/she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and which he/she knows or should have known at the time of such purchase or sale
• | is being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund; or |
• | is being purchased or sold by the Fund. |
C. | Pre-approval of Investments in IPOs and Limited Offerings |
Investment Personnel must obtain approval from the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser before directly or indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in any securities in an initial public offering or in a private placement or other limited offering.
5. | Reporting Procedures |
The Compliance Officer of the Fund shall notify each person (annually in January of each year), considered to be an Access Person of the Fund that he/she is subject to the reporting requirements detailed in Sections A, B and C below and shall deliver a copy of this Code to such Access Person.
In order to provide the Fund with information to enable it to determine with reasonable assurance whether the provisions of this Code are being observed, every Access Person of the Fund must report to the Fund the following:
A. | Initial Holdings Reports |
Every Access Person must report on Exhibit A, attached hereto, no later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, the following information:
• | the title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person became an Access Person; |
• | the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the date the person became an Access Person; and |
• | the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
This information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an access person.
B. | Quarterly Transaction Reports |
Every Access Person must report on Exhibit B, attached hereto, no later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter, the following information with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
• | the date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable),the number of shares, and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved; |
• | the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); |
• | the price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; |
• | the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and |
• | the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
Furthermore, an Access Person need not make a quarterly transaction report under section 5.B. of this Code of Ethics with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan.
With respect to any account established by the Access Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person, each Access Person must report on Exhibit B, attached hereto, no later than 30 days after the end of a calendar quarter the following information:
• | the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; |
• | the date the account was established; and |
• | the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
C. | Annual Holdings Reports |
Every Access Person must report on Exhibit C, attached hereto, annually, the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted):
• | the title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; |
• | the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person; and |
• | the date that the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
D. | Exceptions from Reporting Requirements |
Any Manager who is not an Interested Manager of the Fund and who would be required to make a report solely by reason of being a Manager, need not make
• | an initial holdings report under section 5.A. of this Code of Ethics; |
• | an annual holdings report under section 5.C. of this Code of Ethics; or |
• | a quarterly transaction report under section 5.B. of this Code of Ethics, unless the Manager knew, or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a Manager, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the Manager’s transaction in a Covered Security, the Fund purchased or sold the Covered Security, or the Fund or its investment adviser considered purchasing or selling the Covered Security. |
6. | Review of Reports |
The Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund, or designee, shall be responsible for reviewing the reports received, maintaining a record of the names of the persons responsible for reviewing these reports, and as appropriate, comparing the reports with this Code, and reporting to the Board
• | any transaction that appears to evidence a possible violation of this Code; and |
• | apparent violations of the reporting requirements stated herein. |
The Managers shall review the reports made to them hereunder and shall determine whether the policies established in Sections 4 and 5 of this Code have been violated, and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed on the violator. Sanctions include but are not limited to a letter of censure, suspension or termination of the employment of the violator or termination of the violator's license with the Underwriter, or the unwinding of the transaction and the disgorgement of any profits.
The Board of Managers shall review the operation of this Code at least annually. All material violations of this Code and any sanctions imposed with respect thereto shall periodically be reported to the Board with respect to the securities being considered for purchase or sale by, or to be held or acquired by, the Fund.
7. | Certification |
Each Access Person will be required to certify annually that he/she has read and understood the provisions of this Code and will abide by them. Each Access Person will further certify that he/she has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be reported under the Code. A form of such certification is attached hereto as Exhibit D.
Before the Board may approve the Fund’s Code of Ethics, the Fund must certify to the Board that the Fund has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating their Code of Ethics. Such certification shall be submitted to the Board at least annually.
Adopted: January 29, 2019
EXHIBIT A
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Initial Holdings Report
To: The Chief Compliance Officer of the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”)
At the time I became an Access Person, I had a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest in the securities listed below which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics of the Fund:
Security | Number of Shares | Principal Amount |
The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom I maintain an account in which my securities are held for my direct or indirect benefit are as follows:
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above. I understand that this information must be reported no later than ten (10) days after I became an Access Person.
Date | Print Name | ||
Signature |
EXHIBIT B
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Quarterly Transaction Report
For the Calendar Quarter Ended
To: The Chief Compliance Officer of the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”)
A. | Securities Transactions. During the quarter referred to above, the following transactions were effected in securities of which I had, or by reason of such transactions acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics of the Fund. I understand that this information must be reported no later than . |
* | Transactions that are asterisked indicate transactions in a security where I knew at the time of the transaction or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling my official duties as a manager or officer, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction, such security was purchased or sold, or such security was being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund. |
B. | New Brokerage Accounts. During the quarter referred to above, I established the following accounts in which securities were held during the quarter for my direct or indirect benefit: |
Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank | Date Account Was Established: |
C. | Other Matters. This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above. |
D.
Date: | Signature: | ||||
Print Name: |
EXHIBIT C
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Annual Holdings Report
For the following period: January 1, 20[ ] – December 31, 20[ ]
To: The Chief Compliance Officer of the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC (the “Fund”)
As of the period referred to above, I have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest in the securities listed below which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics of the Fund:
Security | Number of Shares | Principal Amount |
The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom I maintain an account in which my securities are held for my direct or indirect benefit are as follows:
This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.
Date | Print Name | ||
Signature |
EXHIBIT D
X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC
Annual Certificate
Pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Ethics of the X-Square Balanced Fund, LLC , the undersigned hereby certifies as follows:
1. | I have read the Fund’s Code of Ethics. |
2. | I understand the Code of Ethics and acknowledge that I am subject to it. |
3. | Since the date of the last Annual Certificate (if any) given pursuant to the Code of Ethics, I have reported all personal securities transactions and provided any securities holding reports required to be reported under the requirements of the Code of Ethics. |
Date | Print Name | ||
Signature |
CODE OF ETHICS
Background
Investment advisers are fiduciaries that owe their undivided loyalty to their clients. Investment advisers are trusted to represent clients’ interests in many matters, and advisers must hold themselves to the highest standard of fairness in all such matters.
Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act requires each registered investment adviser to adopt and implement a written code of ethics that contains provisions regarding:
• | The adviser’s fiduciary duty to its clients; |
• | Compliance with all applicable Federal Securities Laws; |
• | Reporting and review of personal Securities transactions and holdings; |
• | Reporting of violations of the code; and |
• | The provision of the code to all supervised persons. |
Policies and Procedures
Fiduciary Standards and Compliance with the Federal Securities Laws
At all times, X-Square and its Employees must comply with the spirit and the letter of the Federal Securities Laws and the rules governing the capital markets. The CCO administers the Code of Ethics (or the “Code”). All questions regarding the Code should be directed to the CCO or in his absence the EVP.
All Employees will act with competence, dignity, integrity, and in an ethical manner, when dealing with Clients, the public, prospects, third-party service providers and fellow Employees. Employees must use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment when conducting investment analysis, making investment recommendations, trading, promoting X-Square’s services, and engaging in other professional activities.
We expect all Employees to adhere to the highest standards with respect to any potential conflicts of interest with Clients. As a fiduciary, X-Square must act in its Clients’ best interests. Notify the CCO promptly about any practice that creates, or gives the appearance of, a material conflict of interest.
Reporting Violations
Employees must promptly report any improper or suspicious activities, including any suspected violations of the Code, to the CCO. Issues can be reported to the CCO in person, or by telephone, email, or written letter. Reports of potential issues may be made anonymously. Any reports of potential problems will be thoroughly investigated by the CCO. Any problems identified during the review will be addressed in ways that reflect X-Square’s fiduciary duty to its Clients.
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An Employee’s identification of a material compliance issue will be viewed favorably by the Company. Retaliation against any Employee who reports a violation of the Code in good faith is strictly prohibited and will be cause for corrective action, up to and including dismissal.
Violations of this Code, or the other policies and procedures set forth in the Manual, may warrant sanctions including, without limitation, requiring that personal trades be reversed, requiring the disgorgement of profits or gifts, issuing a letter of caution or warning, suspending personal trading rights, imposing a fine, suspending employment (with or without compensation), making a civil referral to the SEC, making a criminal referral, terminating employment for cause, and/or a combination of the foregoing. Violations may also subject an Employee to civil, regulatory or criminal sanctions. No Employee will determine whether he or she committed a violation of the Code, or impose any sanction against himself. All sanctions and other actions taken will be in accordance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Distribution of the Code and Acknowledgement of Receipt
X-Square will distribute this Manual, which contains the Company’s Code, to each Employee (1) upon the commencement of employment, (2) annually by February 14th, (3) upon any change to the Code, and (4) upon any material change to another portion of the Manual.
All Employees must acknowledge that they have received, read, understood, and agree to comply with X- Square’s policies and procedures described in this Manual, including this Code. Each Employee should complete the attached Compliance Manual Acknowledgement Form and submit the completed form to the CCO (1) upon the commencement of employment, (2) annually by February 14th, (3) upon any change to the Code, and (4) upon any material change to another portion of the Manual. The CCO will track Employees’ acknowledgement forms.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest may exist between various individuals and entities, including X-Square, Employees, and current or prospective Clients and Investors. X-Square’s policies and procedures have been designed to identify and properly disclose, mitigate, and/or eliminate applicable conflicts of interest. However, written policies and procedures cannot address every potential conflict, so Employees must use good judgment in identifying and responding appropriately to actual or apparent conflicts. Conflicts of interest that involve X-Square and/or its Employees on one hand, and Clients and/or Investors on the other hand, will generally be fully disclosed and/or resolved in a way that favors the interests of Clients and/or Investors over the interests of X-Square and its Employees. If an Employee believes that a conflict of interest has not been identified or appropriately addressed, that Employee should promptly bring the issue to the CCO’s attention.
In some instances conflicts of interest may arise between Clients and/or Investors. Employees should notify the CCO promptly if it appears that any actual or apparent conflict of interest between Clients and/or Investors has not been appropriately addressed.
It may sometimes be beneficial for X-Square to be able to retroactively demonstrate that it carefully considered particular conflicts of interest. The CCO should document the Company’s assessment of, and response to, such conflicts.
Personal Securities Transactions
Employee trades should be executed in a manner consistent with our fiduciary obligations to our Clients: trades should avoid actual improprieties, as well as the appearance of impropriety.
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Employees are prohibited from trading securities that are blacklisted for a period of seven calendar days. Blacklisted securities are those securities that are traded on behalf of a Client. These securities are blacklisted beginning on trade date. However, Employees can trade on blacklisted securities only if trades are executed simultaneously with Clients.
Accounts Covered by the Policies and Procedures
X-Square’s Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures apply to all accounts holding any Securities over which Employees have any beneficial ownership interest, which typically includes accounts held by immediate family members sharing the same household.1
Reportable Securities and Pre-clearance Procedures
X-Square requires Employees to provide periodic reports regarding transactions and holdings in all Securities.
Employees must have written clearance for all Securities transactions, including IPOs and Private Placements before completing the transactions. X-Square may disapprove any proposed transaction, particularly if the transaction appears to pose a conflict of interest or otherwise appears improper. If clearance is granted for a specified period of time, the Employee receiving the approval is responsible for ensuring that his trading is completed before the clearance’s expiration, which is the next business day unless a longer expiration is requested.
Employees must use attached Trade Pre-clearance Form to seek pre-clearance. All pre-clearance requests must be submitted to the CCO. The CCO will track pre-clearance requests and keep copies of all of the forms.
Restricted List
X-Square’s CCO will maintain a Restricted List of Securities about which X-Square might have received Material Non-Public Information or might be associated with a conflict of interest. In addition, the CCO will maintain a Restricted List of Securities that X-Square has traded, whether purchased or sold, for any of X-Square’s Clients, including the Funds, for a seven-day period. This blackout period will begin on trade date (i.e. the day the transactions are executed for any of X-square’s Clients, including the Funds). The CCO will not pre-clear any personal transactions in Securities that are associated with any issuers on the Restricted List.
The CCO will update the Restricted List as needed and keep a copy of the Restricted List, which should contain the reason that each security is placed on the list as well as the date that it was placed on the list. The CCO will also keep a record of each security that is removed from the list, including the reason that it was removed from the list as well as the date that it was removed from the list.
Reporting
X-Square must collect information regarding the personal trading activities and holdings of all Employees. Employees must submit quarterly reports regarding Securities transactions and newly opened accounts, as well as annual reports regarding holdings and existing accounts.
1 | Immediate family members include children, step-children, grandchildren, parents, step-parents, grandparents, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents-in-law, and children-in-law, as well as adoptive relationships that meet the above criteria. |
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Quarterly Transaction Reports
Each quarter, Employees must report all Securities transactions in accounts in which they have a Beneficial Interest. Employees must also report any accounts opened during the quarter that hold any Securities. Reports regarding Securities transactions and newly opened accounts must be submitted to the CCO within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
To fulfill quarterly reporting obligations, Employees may (1) utilize the attached Quarterly Reporting Forms, (2) provide duplicate account statements, signing and dating each such statement before submitting it to the CCO, or (3) instruct the institution hosting their accounts to send the CCO duplicate account statements. The CCO must receive all such statements within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter. Any trades that did not occur through a broker-dealer, such as the purchase of a private fund, must be reported on the Quarterly Reporting Forms.
If an Employee did not have any transactions or account openings to report, this should be indicated in the attached Quarterly Reporting Forms within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
Initial and Annual Holdings Reports
Employees must periodically report the existence of any account that holds any Securities (including Securities excluded from the definition of a Reportable Security), as well as all Securities holdings. Reports regarding accounts and holdings must be submitted to the CCO within 10 days of an individual first becoming an Employee and on or before February 14th of each year. Initial reports must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date that the person became an Employee. Annual reports must be current as of December 31st. Initial and annual holdings reports should be submitted (1) using the attached Periodic Holdings Reporting Forms or (2) using copies of account statements that contain all of the same information that would be required by the form and that are current as of the dates noted above. Employees should sign and date each such statement before submitting it to the CCO. Securities not appearing on an attached account statement must be reported directly on the Reportable Securities section of the Periodic Holdings Reporting Form.
If an Employee does not have any holdings and/or accounts to report, this should be indicated on the Periodic Holdings Reporting Form within 10 days of becoming an Employee and by February 14th of each year.
Personal Trading and Holdings Reviews
X-Square’s Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures are designed to mitigate any potential material conflicts of interest associated with Employees’ personal trading activities. Accordingly, the CCO will closely monitor Employees’ investment patterns to detect potentially abusive behavior. Upon review, the CCO will initial and date each report received, and will attach a written description of any issues noted. Any personal trading that appears abusive may result in further inquiry by the CCO and/or sanctions, up to and including dismissal.
The EVP will monitor the CCO’s personal Securities transactions for compliance with the Personal Securities Transactions policies and procedures.
Disclosure of the Code of Ethics
X-Square will describe its Code in Part 2A of Form ADV and, upon request, furnish Clients and Investors with a copy of the Code. All requests for X-Square’s Code should be directed to the CCO.
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X-Square will deliver Part 2 of Form ADV to separately managed accounts initially and annually. X-Square does not ancipate providing Part 2 to Investors initially. X-Square anticipates that the Fund’s Administrator will deliver Part 2 of Form ADV to Investors annually.
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
Fernando Nido, a Manager of X-Square Balanced Fund (the “Company”), appoints Ignacio Canto and Joshua B. Deringer, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and agent, with the power to execute and to file any of the documents referred to below relating to the registration of the Company as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and the registration of the Company’s securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A and any other necessary or desirable form under the 1940 Act or the Securities Act, any and all amendments thereto, including all exhibits and any documents required to be filed with respect thereto with any regulatory authority, including applications for exemptive order rulings and proxy materials. Fernando Nido grants to the said attorneys full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as each of them could do if personally present, thereby ratifying all that each such attorney-in-fact may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Fernando Nido executes this Power of Attorney as of this 16th day of September, 2019.
/s/ Fernando Nido | ||
Fernando Nido |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Luis Roig, a Manager of X-Square Balanced Fund (the “Company”), appoints Ignacio Canto and Joshua B. Deringer, and each of them, as attorney-in-fact and agent, with the power to execute and to file any of the documents referred to below relating to the registration of the Company as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and the registration of the Company’s securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A and any other necessary or desirable form under the 1940 Act or the Securities Act, any and all amendments thereto, including all exhibits and any documents required to be filed with respect thereto with any regulatory authority, including applications for exemptive order rulings and proxy materials. Luis Roig grants to the said attorneys full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as each of them could do if personally present, thereby ratifying all that each such attorney-in-fact may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Luis Roig executes this Power of Attorney as of this 10th day of September, 2019.
/s/ Luis Roig | ||
Luis Roig |