REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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☒ |
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
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☐ |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 371
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☒ |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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☒ |
Amendment No. 374
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☒ |
Terrence Davis, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
3333 Piedmont RD., NE
Suite 2500
Atlanta, GA 30305
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Tanya Boyle, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 5200
Dallas, TX 75201
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Tracie Coop, Esq.
The Nottingham Company
116 S. Franklin Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27802
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The securities offered by this prospectus have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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FUND SUMMAR Y
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2
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE,
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND RISK S
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11 |
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Investment Objective
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11
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Principal Investment Strategies
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11
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Non-Principal Investment Strategies
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12
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Principal Investment Risks
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12
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Non-Principal Investment Risks for the Fund
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18
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Portfolio Holdings Information
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18
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Temporary Defensive Positions
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18
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
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19
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Investment Advisor
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19
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Investment Sub-Advisor
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20
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
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21
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Purchase and Redemption of Shares
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21
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HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES |
22 |
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FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS |
25 |
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SHAREHOLDER STATEMENTS AND REPORTS |
26 |
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FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS |
26 |
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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
27 |
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Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes
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27
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Taxes
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27
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Taxes on Distributions
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28
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Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales
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28
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Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units
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28
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Financial Highlights
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29
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Additional Information
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Back Cover
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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$158
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$490
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$845
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$1,845
|
o
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Not Individually Redeemable. Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation
Units.” You may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit.
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o
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Trading Issues. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted
due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that Shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of
the Exchange. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit
the market for the Fund’s shares.
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o
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Cash purchases . To the extent Creation Units are purchased by APs in cash instead of in-kind,
the Fund will incur certain costs such as brokerage expenses and taxable gains and losses. These costs could be imposed on the Fund and impact the Fund’s NAV if not fully offset by transaction fees paid by the APs.
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o
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Market Price Variance Risk. The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares and will
include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that Shares may
trade at a discount to NAV.
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◾
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In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of
Fund shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
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◾
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To the extent authorized participants exit the business or are unable to process creations or redemptions and no other AP can step in to do so, there may be a significantly reduced trading
market in the Fund’s shares, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
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◾
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The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or
receive significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s net asset value, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price.
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◾
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When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the
closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
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◾
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In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the
liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
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Average Annual Total Returns
Periods Ended December 31, 2019 |
Past 1
Year |
Past 5
Years |
Since
Inception
(9/20/2012)
|
Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
Before taxes After taxes on distributions After taxes on distributions and sale of shares |
23.72%
22.27% 13.40% |
8.83%
7.89% 6.81% |
10.23%
9.38% 8.21% |
Morningstar Moderate Aggressive Target Risk TR Index1
(reflects no deductions for fees and expenses)
|
22.95%
|
7.96% |
8.95%
|
S&P Global Broad Market TR Index
(reflects no deductions for fees and expenses) |
26.76%
|
8.87% |
10.13%
|
o
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Not Individually Redeemable. Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” You may
incur brokerage costs purchasing enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit.
|
o
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Trading Issues. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market
conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that Shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange.
If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for
the Fund’s shares.
|
o
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Cash purchases . To the extent Creation Units are purchased by APs in cash instead of in-kind, the Fund will incur certain costs such as brokerage
expenses and taxable gains and losses. These costs could be imposed on the Fund and impact the Fund’s NAV if not fully offset by transaction fees paid by the APs.
|
o
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Market Price Variance Risk. The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares and will include a “bid-ask
spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that Shares may trade at a discount to
NAV.
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◾
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In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the
Fund’s net asset value.
|
◾
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To the extent authorized participants exit the business or are unable to process creations or redemptions and no other AP can step in to do so, there may be a significantly reduced trading market in the
Fund’s shares, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
|
◾
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The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive
significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s net asset value, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price.
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◾
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When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the
quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
|
◾
|
In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s
shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
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Fund
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Rate
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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1.00%
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Operating Expense
Limit
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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1.25%
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Fund
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Net Advisory Fee Received
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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0.68%
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Fund
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Rate
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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0.30%
|
•
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Confirmation statements that verify your buy or sell transactions (except in the case of automatic purchases or redemptions from bank accounts. Please review your confirmation statements
for accuracy.
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•
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Quarter-end and year-end shareholder account statements.
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•
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Reports for the Fund, which includes portfolio manager commentary, performance,
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•
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Shareholder tax forms.
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•
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The Fund makes distributions,
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•
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You sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and
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•
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You purchase or redeem Creation Units.
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Year
ended May 31, 2020 |
Year
ended May 31, 2019 |
Year
ended May 31, 2018 |
Year
ended
May 31,
2017
|
Year
ended
May 31,
2016 |
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Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
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$15.55
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$17.45
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$14.56
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$11.81
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$13.13
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Income (Loss) from Investment Operations
Net investment income (loss) (d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
Investments
Total from Investment Operations
|
0.01 2.69 2.70 |
0.01 (0.93) (0.92) |
(0.08) 2.99 2.91 |
0.05 2.73 2.78 |
0.05 (1.22) (1.17) |
Less Distributions from:
Net investment income
Net realized gains
Total Distributions
|
-
(0.47) (0.47) |
(0.82)
(0.16) (0.98) |
(0.02)
-- (0.02) |
(0.03)
-- (0.03) |
--
(0.15) (0.15) |
Net Asset Value, End of Year
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$17.78
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$15.55
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$17.45
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$14.56
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$11.81
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Total Return (a)
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17.50%
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(4.37)%
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19.98%
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23.53%
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(8.92)%
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Net Assets, End of Year (in thousands)
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$59,869
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$53,013
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$37,778
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$22,149
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$8,113
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Ratios of:
Interest Expense to Average Net Assets
Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets(b)
Net Expenses to Average Net Assets(b)
Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (b)(c) |
0.01%
1.58%(f)
1.26%(f) 0.07% |
-
1.57%
1.27% 0.08% |
-
1.81%
1.35% (0.52)% |
-
2.56%
1.24% 0.39% |
-
1.22%
0.91%(e) 0.41%(e) |
Portfolio Turnover Rate
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319.85%
|
268.30%
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491.30%
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439.72%
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284.69%
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By telephone:
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1-800-773-3863
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By mail:
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Adaptive Funds
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services 116 South Franklin Street Post Office Box 4365 Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365 |
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By e-mail:
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shareholders@ncfunds.com
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On the Internet:
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www.ncfunds.com
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Ticker
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Principal Listing Exchange
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AGOX
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NYSE Arca
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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2
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
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3
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INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
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3
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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15
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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
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16
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MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
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17
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CREATION AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
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30
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
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37
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NET ASSET VALUE
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37
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
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38
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DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
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42
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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43
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APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
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44
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APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
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47
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• | Deposits or obligations of any bank; |
• | Guaranteed or endorsed by any bank; or |
•
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Federally insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other federal agency. |
•
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current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;
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•
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a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an
instrument stops; and
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•
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differences between the derivatives, including different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.
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•
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have to sell securities to meet its daily margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so;
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•
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have to purchase or sell the instrument underlying the contract;
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•
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not be able to hedge its investments; and
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•
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not be able to realize profits or limit its losses.
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•
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an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives, or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;
|
•
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unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;
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•
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the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;
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•
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equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or
|
•
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investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.
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•
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actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;
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•
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fiscal and monetary policies; and
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•
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national and international political events.
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(1) |
Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act;
|
(2) |
Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (including, without limitation, borrowing to meet redemptions). For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts,
including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing;
|
(3) |
Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and the
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options
on futures contracts or indices;
|
(4) |
Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;
|
(5) |
Purchase or sell real estate or direct interests in real estate; provided, however, that the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate
(including, without limitation, investments in REITs, mortgage-backed securities, and privately-held real estate funds);
|
(6) |
Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices;
|
(7) |
Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management over a portfolio company;
|
(8) |
Make loans, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, and repurchase agreements shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;
|
(9) |
With respect to 75% of its total assets: (i) purchase 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, 5% or more of the Fund’s total assets would be invested
in that issuer’s securities. This limitation does not apply to investments in (i) cash and cash items; (ii) securities of other registered investment companies; and (iii) obligations of the United States Government, its agencies, or
instrumentalities; or
|
(10) |
Concentrate its investments. The Fund’s concentration policy limits the aggregate value of holdings of a single industry or group of industries (except U.S. Government and cash items) to less than 25% of the Fund’s total assets.
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
$58,232
|
$36,466
|
$3,110
|
2020
|
2019
|
319.85%
|
268.30%
|
Name and
Date of Birth |
Position
held with Funds or Trust |
Length
of Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years |
Number of Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
|
Independent Trustees
|
||||||
James H. Speed, Jr.
(06/1953) |
Independent Trustee, Chairman
|
Trustee since 7/09, Chair since 5/12
|
Previously President and CEO of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company (insurance company) from 2003 to 2015.
|
13
|
Independent Trustee of the Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds for all its series from 2011 to present, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for all its series from 2009 to present,
Centaur Mutual Funds Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2016 to present, Leeward Investment Trust for all its series from 2018 to present, and WST Investment Trust for all its
series from 2013 to present (all registered investment companies ). Member of Board of Directors of Communities in Schools of N.C. from 2001 to present. Member of Board of Directors of Investors Title Company from 2010 to
present. Member of Board of Directors of AAA Carolinas from 2011 to present. Previously, member of Board of Directors of M&F Bancorp Mechanics & Farmers Bank from 2009 to 2019. Previously, member of Board of Visitors of North
Carolina Central University School of Business from 1990 to 2016. Previously, Board of Directors of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company from 2004 to 2016. Previously, President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company from 2003
to 2015.
|
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
(04/1936) |
Independent Trustee
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Since 9/10
|
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999.
|
13
|
Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2002 to present, Leeward Investment Trust for all its
series from 2011 to present, and Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for all its series from 2000 to present (all registered investment companies). Senior Partner of Community Financial Institutions Consulting from 1997 to present.
Previously, Partner at Pikar Properties from 2001 to 2017.
|
|
Michael G. Mosley
(01/1953) |
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/10
|
Owner of Commercial Realty Services (real estate) since 2004.
|
13
|
None.
|
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
(03/1960) |
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/09
|
President of Standard Insurance and Realty since 1982.
|
13
|
None.
|
Name and
Date of Birth |
Position held with
Funds or Trust |
Length
of Time Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years |
Ashley H. Lanham
(03/1984)
|
Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer
|
Since 05/15
|
Director of Fund Administration, The Nottingham Company since 2008.
|
Tracie A. Coop
(12/1976) |
Secretary
|
Since 12/19
|
General Counsel, The Nottingham Company since 2019. Formerly, Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company from 2015 to 2019. Formerly, General Counsel for
Santander Asset Management USA, LLC from 2013 to 2015.
|
Matthew Baskir
(07/1979) |
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Since 04/20
|
Compliance Director, The Nottingham Company, Inc., since 2020. Formerly, Consultant at National Regulatory Services from 2019 to 2020. Formerly, Counsel at Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority (FINRA), Member Supervision from 2016-2019. Formerly Counsel at FINRA, Market Regulation Enforcement from 2014 – 2016.
|
Name of Trustee
|
Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
|
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued
as Part of
Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon Retirement
|
Total Compensation from
Funds and Fund
Complex Paid
to Trustees
|
Independent Trustees
|
||||
Michael G. Mosley
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$24,000
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$24,000
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$24,000
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$24,000
|
Name and Address of
Owner |
Percentage of
Ownership |
Type of
Ownership |
LPL Financial
4707 Executive Drive San Diego, CA 92121 - 3091 |
34.76% |
Record1 |
Charles Schwab & Co.
101 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104-4122 |
12.25% |
Record1 |
RBC Capital Markets
60 South Sixth Street – PO8 Minneapolis, MN 55402-440 |
11.90% |
Record1 |
Pershing, LLC
1 Pershing Plaza Jersey City, NJ 07399 |
5.95% |
Record1 |
Net Amount Paid
for the fiscal years ended May 31, (Paid to Adaptive Investments) |
||
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
$435,304
|
$379,758
|
$196,997*
|
For the Fiscal Year ended May 31, 2020
|
||
Sub-Advisor
|
Compensation from
the Fund |
Total Compensation received |
Bluestone Capital Management, LLC
|
$101,860
|
$101,860
|
For Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2018
|
||
Sub-Advisor
|
Compensation from
the Fund |
Total Compensation received |
Beaumont Capital Management, LLC
|
$42,2581
|
$42,258
|
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund |
Brian Shevland
|
E
|
Registered Investment
Companies |
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles |
Other Accounts
|
||||
Portfolio Manager |
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets |
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets |
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets |
All Accounts
|
||||||
Brian Shevland
|
0
|
$0
|
2
|
$41,200,000
|
920
|
$1,833,000,0000
|
Accounts with Performance-Based Advisory Fee
|
||||||
Brian Shevland
|
0
|
$0
|
2
|
$41,200,000
|
0
|
$0
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
$66,478
|
$51,800
|
$30,639
|
Standard Creation
Transaction Fee |
$ 250 minimum, $5.00 per domestic security
|
Standard Redemption
Transaction Fee |
$ 250 minimum, $5.00 per domestic security
|
•
|
Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price provided by a third-party pricing service at the time the valuation is made. Price information on listed
securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by the Fund.
|
•
|
Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.
|
•
|
Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.
|
•
|
Options are valued at the mean of the last quoted bid and ask prices provided by a third-party pricing service from the primary exchange or the board of trade on which such options are traded.
|
•
|
Foreign securities listed on foreign exchanges are valued with quotations from the primary market in which they are traded and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange
rates.
|
•
|
Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
|
(1)
|
The Advisors’ Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy, including a detailed description of the Advisors’ specific proxy voting guidelines.
|
(2)
|
The Sub-Advisors’ Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy.
|
|
x |
With respect to clients that are registered investment companies, the Advisor will notify the client of the conflict and will vote the client’s shares in accordance with the client’s instructions; and
|
|
x |
With respect to other clients, the Advisor will vote the proxy in accordance with the specifics of the Voting Guidelines (if addressed in the Voting Guidelines) or may abstain (if not addressed in the Voting Guidelines).
|
•
|
All employees will forward any proxy materials received on behalf of clients to Lee Calfo;
|
•
|
Lee Calfo, will determine which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;
|
•
|
Absent material conflicts, Lee Calfo, will determine how Bluestone Capital Management should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines, complete the proxy and vote the proxy in a timely
and appropriate manner.
|
•
|
Bluestone Capital Management will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Disclosure Document summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request
information regarding how Bluestone Capital Management voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.
|
•
|
Kenneth Smith, will also send a copy of this summary to all existing clients who have previously received Bluestone Capital Management's Disclosure Document; or Kenneth Smith may send each client the
amended Disclosure Document. Either mailing shall highlight the inclusion of information regarding proxy voting.
|
•
|
All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to Lee Calfo.
|
•
|
In response to any request Lee Calfo will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how
Bluestone Capital Management voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which client inquired.
|
•
|
In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client, Bluestone Capital Management will vote proxies in the best interests of each particular client. Bluestone Capital Management's policy is to vote
all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions from a client. Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on Bluestone Capital Management's voting authority in the same manner
that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities.
|
•
|
As a general policy, Bluestone Capital Management believes that the management of each of the invested companies makes proxy voting recommendations that are in the best interest for the company and its
shareholders. Bluestone Capital Management will therefore, as a matter of procedure, vote in a manner that is consistent with management recommendations except in certain specific situations where Bluestone Capital Management determines
management recommendation is not consistent with its client’s interests. Any vote cast inconsistent with management recommendations will be specifically documented.
|
•
|
Bluestone Capital Management will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the adviser and the client by reviewing the relationship of Bluestone Capital Management with the issuer of each
security to determine if Bluestone Capital Management or any of its employees has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.
|
•
|
If a material conflict of interest exists, Kenneth Smith or Lee Calfo will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients, to give the clients an opportunity to vote
the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means such as voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third party voting recommendation.
|
•
|
Bluestone Capital Management will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.
|
•
|
Each proxy statement that Bluestone Capital Management receives;
|
•
|
A record of each vote that Bluestone Capital Management casts;
|
•
|
Any document Bluestone Capital Management created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies inconsistent with management recommendations.
|
•
|
A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Bluestone Capital
|
(a)
|
Declaration of Trust dated May 12, 2009 (“Trust Instrument”), is
incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s registration statement on Form N-1A (“Registration Statement”) filed on May 26, 2009.
|
(b)
|
By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement filed on May 26, 2009.
|
(c)
|
Articles III, V, and VI of the Trust Instrument define the rights of holders of the securities being registered
and are incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement filed on May 26, 2009.
|
(d)(1)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated March 12, 2020 between the Registrant and Cavalier Investments, LLC
(d/b/a Adaptive Investments), as investment advisor for the Adaptive Income Fund, Adaptive Fundamental Growth Fund, Adaptive Growth Opportunities Fund, Adaptive Hedged High Income Fund, Adaptive Tactical Economic Fund and Adaptive Tactical
Rotation Fund (“Adaptive Funds”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 365 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2020.
|
(d)(2)
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 17, 2020 between the Registrant and Cavalier
Investments, LLC (d/b/a Adaptive Investments), as investment advisor for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF is filed herewith.
|
(d)( 3 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated September 15, 2010 between the Registrant and Roumell Asset Management, LLC, as
investment advisor for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement filed on November 15, 2010.
|
(d)( 4 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated April 28, 2011 between the Registrant and Grimaldi Portfolio Solutions, Inc.,
as investment advisor for The Sector Rotation Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registration Statement filed on June 27, 2011.
|
(d)( 5 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 29, 2012, as amended July 11, 2012, between the Registrant and Arin Risk
Advisors, LLC, as investment advisor for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registration Statement filed on July 12, 2012.
|
(d)( 6 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated June 8, 2017 between the Registrant and Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, LLC
d/b/a Matisse Capital, as investment advisor for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 268 to the Registration Statement filed on July 28, 2017.
|
(d)( 7 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 3, 2017 between the Registrant and QCI Asset Management, Inc., as
investment advisor for the QCI Balanced Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2019.
|
(d)( 8 )
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated March 8, 2018 between the Registrant and Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC
d/b/a Matisse Capital, as investment advisor for the Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 302 to the Registration Statement filed on August 3, 2018.
|
(d)( 9 )
|
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated September 5, 2018 between Cavalier Investments, LLC (d/b/a
Adaptive Investments) and Bluestone Capital Management, LLC, as sub-advisor for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to the Registration Statement filed on September
28, 2018.
|
(d)(10)
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated December 17, 2020 between Cavalier Investments, LLC (d/b/a
Adaptive Investments) and Bluestone Capital Management, LLC, as sub-advisor for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF is filed herewith.
|
(e)(1)(i)
|
Distribution Agreement dated July 16, 2009 between the Registrant and Capital Investment Group, Inc., as
distributor for each series of the Trust, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2015.
|
(e)(1)(ii)
|
Amended and Restated Appendix A dated September 12, 2019 to the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Capital Investment Group, Inc., as distributor for each series of the Trust, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(f)
|
Not Applicable.
|
(g)(1)(i)
|
Custody Agreement dated December 9, 2011, between the Registrant, UMB Bank, n.a., and The Nottingham Company
(“Custody Agreement”) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2015.
|
(g)(1)(ii)
|
Amended and Restated Appendix A dated September 11, 2019 to the Custody Agreement is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(g)(1)(iii)
|
Amended and Restated Appendix B dated September 12, 2019 to the Custody Agreement is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(g)(1)(iv)
|
Rule 17f-5 Delegation Agreement dated October 21, 2019 between the Registrant and UMB Bank, n.a., is incorporated
herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(g)(2)
|
Form of Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Clear Street, LLC is filed herewith.
|
(h)(1)(i)
|
Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement dated April 15, 2016 between the Registrant and The Nottingham Company,
as administrator for the Starboard Investment Trust (“Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement”), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 to the Registration Statement filed on June 28, 2016.
|
(h)(1)(ii)
|
Amended and Restated Appendix A dated June 11, 2020 to the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement is
incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 356 to the Registration Statement filed on June 26, 2020.
|
(h)(2)(i)
|
Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement dated December 8, 2014 between the Registrant and Nottingham
Shareholder Services, LLC, as transfer agent for the Registrant, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to the Registration Statement filed on December 11, 2014.
|
(h)(2)(ii)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule 1 dated September 12, 2019 to the Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement
is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(h)(3) (i)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement dated July 27, 2020 between the Registrant and Cavalier Investments, LLC (d/b/a
Adaptive Investments), as investment advisor for the Adaptive Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 365 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2020.
|
(h)(3)(ii)
|
Form of Expense Limitation Agreement dated December 17, 2020 between the Registrant and Cavalier Investments,
LLC (d/b/a Adaptive Investments), as investment advisor for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF is filed herewith.
|
(h)(4)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement dated June 11, 2020 between the Registrant and Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC d/b/a
Matisse Capital, as investment advisor for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy and Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 to the Registration Statement
filed on July 29, 2020.
|
(h)(5)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 6, 2018 between the Registrant and QCI Asset Management, Inc., as
investment advisor for the QCI Balanced Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 to the Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2019.
|
(h)(6)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 10, 2020 between the Registrant and Roumell Asset Management, Inc.,
as investment advisor for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 370 to the Registration Statement filed December 29, 2020 .
|
(h)(7)
|
Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 6, 2018 between the Registrant and Grimaldi Portfolio
Solutions, Inc., as investment advisor for The Sector Rotation Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 317 to the Registration Statement filed on January 28, 2019.
|
(h)(8)
|
Operating Plan between Arin Risk Advisors, LLC and The Nottingham Company, with respect to the Arin Large Cap
Theta Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration Statement filed on May 4, 2012.
|
(i)(1)
|
Opinion and Consent of Counsel is filed herewith. .
|
(j)
|
Consent of Independent Accountant is filed herewith.
|
(k)
|
Not applicable.
|
(l)(1)
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to the Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2011.
|
(l)(2)
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2012.
|
(l)(3)
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2012.
|
(l)(4)
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for the QCI Balanced Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 175 to the Registration Statement filed on July 29, 2014.
|
(l)( 5 )
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 302 to the Registration Statement filed on August 3, 2018.
|
(l)(6)
|
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF is filed herewith.
|
(m)(1)
|
Amended and Restated Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Adaptive Funds is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2017.
|
(m)(2)
|
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund is incorporated herein by reference
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registration Statement filed on June 30, 2014.
|
(m)(3)
|
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the QCI Balanced Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registration Statement filed on November 15, 2013.
|
(m)(5)
|
Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for The Sector Rotation Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 253 to the Registration Statement filed on April 13, 2017.
|
(n)(1)
|
Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan for the Adaptive Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(n)(2)
|
Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(n)(3)
|
Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan for the QCI Balanced Fund is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registration Statement filed on November 15, 2013.
|
(o)
|
Reserved.
|
(p)(1)
|
Code of Ethics dated June 11, 2020 for the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 356 filed on June 26, 2020.
|
(p)(2)
|
Code of Ethics for Adaptive Investments, investment advisor to the Adaptive Funds, is incorporated herein
by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 237 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on September 28, 2016.
|
(p)(3)
|
Code of Ethics for Roumell Asset Management, LLC, investment advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund, is
incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2017.
|
(p)(4)
|
Code of Ethics for Grimaldi Portfolio Solutions, Inc., investment advisor to The Sector Rotation Fund, is
incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 317 filed on January 28, 2019.
|
(p)(5)
|
Code of Ethics for Arin Risk Advisors, LLC, investment advisor to the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund, is incorporated herein
by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 230 to the Registration Statement filed on June 28, 2016.
|
(p)(6)
|
Code of Ethics for Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, Inc., d/b/a Matisse Capital, investment advisor to the Matisse
Discounted Closed-End Strategy and Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 268 filed on July 28, 2017.
|
(p)(7)
|
Code of Ethics for QCI Asset Management, Inc., investment advisor to the QCI Balanced Fund, is incorporated herein by
reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318 filed on January 28, 2019.
|
(p)(8)
|
Code of Ethics for Capital Investment Group, Inc., distributor for each series of the Trust, is Incorporated herein
by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 305 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2018.
|
(p)(10)
|
Code of Ethics for Bluestone Capital Management, LLC, investment sub-advisor to the Adaptive Tactical
Economic Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to the Registration Statement filed on September 28, 2018.
|
(q)(1)
|
Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed on December 27, 2019.
|
(q)(2)
|
Power of Attorney dated September 3, 2020 for Ashley H. Lanham is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 370 filed on December 29, 2020 .
|
(1)
|
(2)
|
(3)
|
Name
|
Position and Offices
With Underwriter
|
Positions and Offices
with Registrant
|
Richard K. Bryant
|
CEO
|
None
|
Benjamin T. Brooks
|
President
|
None
|
Con T. McDonald
|
Assistant Vice-President
|
None
|
W. Harold Eddins, Jr.
|
Assistant Vice-President
|
None
|
Kurt A. Dressler
|
Assistant Vice-President
|
None
|
Ronald L. King
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
None
|
(a)
|
The Registrant maintains accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder (“Records”) at the offices of The Nottingham Company, 116
S. Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27802.
|
(b)
|
UMB Bank, n.a. maintains all Records relating to its service as custodian to the Registrant at its offices located at 928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
|
(c)
|
The Nottingham Company maintains all Records related to its services as administrator and fund accountant to the Registrant at its offices located at 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky
Mount, North Carolina 27802.
|
(d)
|
Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC maintains all Records related to its services as dividend disbursing and transfer agent to the Registrant at 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount,
North Carolina 27802.
|
(e)
|
Arin Risk Advisors, LLC maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor for the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund at its offices located at 1100 East Hector Street, Suite
215, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428.
|
(f)
|
Cavalier Investments, LLC (d/b/a Adaptive Investments) maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor to the Adaptive Funds and Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF at
its offices located at 12600 Deerfield Drive, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004.
|
(g)
|
Bluestone Capital Management, LLC maintains all Records related to its services as investment sub-advisor to the Adaptive Growth Opportunities Fund and Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
at its offices located at 37 West Avenue, Suite 301, Wayne, PA 19087.
|
(h)
|
Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, Inc. d/b/a Matisse Capital maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor to the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy and
Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy at its offices located at 4949 Meadows Road, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035.
|
(i)
|
Grimaldi Portfolio Solutions, Inc. maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor to The Sector Rotation Fund at its offices located at 1207 Route 9, Suite 10,
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
|
(j)
|
Roumell Asset Management, LLC maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund at its offices located at 2 Wisconsin Circle,
Suite 640, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815.
|
(k)
|
QCI Asset Management, Inc. maintains all Records related to its services as investment advisor for the QCI Balanced Fund at its offices located at 1040 Pittsford Victor Road, Pittsford,
New York 14534.
|
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Katherine M. Honey*
|
|
Katherine M. Honey
|
||
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
/s/James H. Speed, Jr.*
|
Trustee and Chairman
|
December 29, 2020
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
||
/s/J. Buckley Strandberg*
|
Trustee
|
December 29, 2020
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
||
/s/Michael G. Mosley*
|
Trustee
|
December 29, 2020
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
||
/s/Theo H. Pitt, Jr.*
|
Trustee
|
December 29, 2020
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
||
/s/Katherine M. Honey*
|
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
December 29, 2020
|
Katherine M. Honey
|
||
/s/Ashley H. Lanham*
Ashley H. Lanham
|
Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
|
December 29, 2020
|
(d)(2)
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement for Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
(d)(10)
|
Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement for Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
(g)(2)
|
|
(h)(3)(ii)
|
Form of Expense Limitation Agreement for Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
(i)(1)
|
|
(j)
|
|
(l)(6)
|
Form of Initial Subscription Agreement for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
1.
|
APPOINTMENT OF THE ADVISOR
|
2.
|
OBLIGATIONS OF THE ADVISOR
|
(a)
|
Services. The Advisor agrees to perform the following services for the Funds and Trust:
|
i.
|
Manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Funds;
|
ii.
|
Continuously review, supervise, and administer the investment program of the Funds;
|
iii.
|
Determine, in its discretion, the securities to be purchased, retained, or sold (and implement those decisions) with respect to the Funds;
|
iv.
|
Provide the Funds and Trust with records concerning the Advisor’s activities under this Agreement which the Funds and Trust are required to maintain;
|
v.
|
Render regular reports to the Trust’s trustees and officers concerning the Advisor’s discharge of the foregoing responsibilities; and
|
vi.
|
Perform such other services as agreed by the Advisor and the Trust from time to time.
|
(b)
|
Expenses and Personnel. The Advisor agrees, at its own expense or at the expense of one or more of its affiliates, to render its services and to provide the office space, furnishings,
equipment, and personnel as may be reasonably required in the judgment of the trustees and officers of the Trust to perform the services on the terms and for the compensation provided herein. The Advisor shall authorize and permit any of
its officers, directors, and employees, who may be elected as trustees or officers of the Trust, to serve in the capacities in which they are elected. Except to the extent expressly assumed by the Advisor herein and except to the extent
required by law to be paid by the Advisor, the Trust shall pay all costs and expenses in connection with its operation.
|
(c)
|
Fund Transactions. The Advisor is authorized to select the brokers or dealers that will execute the purchases and sales of portfolio securities for each Fund. With respect to
brokerage selection, the Advisor shall seek to obtain the best overall execution for fund transactions, which is a combination of price, quality of execution, and other factors. The Advisor may, in its discretion, purchase and sell
portfolio securities from and to brokers and dealers who provide the Advisor with brokerage, research, analysis, advice, and similar services, and the Advisor may pay to these brokers and dealers, in return for such services, a higher
commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers and dealers, provided that the Advisor determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of that particular transaction or of the overall responsibility of
the Advisor to each Fund and its other clients and that the total commission paid by each Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to each Fund and its other clients over the long-term. The Advisor will promptly communicate to
the officers and the trustees of the Trust such information relating to portfolio transactions as they may reasonably request.
|
(d)
|
Books and Records. All books and records prepared and maintained by the Advisor for the Funds and Trust under this Agreement shall be the property of the Funds and Trust and, upon
request, the Advisor shall surrender to the Funds and Trust such of the books and records so requested.
|
(e)
|
Compliance Procedures. The Advisor will, in accordance with Rule 206(4)-7 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, adopt and implement written policies and
procedures reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and will provide the Trust with copies of such written policies and procedures upon request.
|
(f)
|
Code of Ethics. The Advisor has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-l under the Act and will provide the Trust with a copy of the code and
evidence of its adoption. Within forty-five (45) days of the last calendar quarter of each year while this Agreement is in effect, the Advisor will provide to the Board of Trustees of the Trust a written report that describes any issues
arising under the code of ethics since the last report to the Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the code and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and which
certifies that the Advisor has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent “access persons” (as that term is defined in Rule 17j-l) from violating the code.
|
3. |
COMPENSATION
|
4.
|
STATUS OF ADVISOR
|
5.
|
RETENTION OF SUB-ADVISOR
|
6.
|
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
|
7.
|
LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS
|
8. |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
(a)
|
Advisor’s Representations. The Advisor represents and warrants to the Trust as follows: (i) the Advisor is a limited liability
company duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the State of Massachusetts and is fully authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its duties and obligations hereunder; and (ii) the Advisor is registered as an
investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and shall maintain such registration in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement.
|
(b)
|
Trust’s Representations. The Trust represents and warrants to the Advisor as follows: (i) the Trust has been duly organized as a
statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and is authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its terms; (ii) the Trust is registered as an investment company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Investment Company Act of 1940; (iii) shares of each Fund are (or will be) registered for offer and sale to the public under the Securities Act of 1933; and (iv) such registrations will be kept in effect during the term of this Agreement.
|
9. |
NOTICE OF CHANGE IN CONTROL
|
10. |
DURATION AND TERMINATION
|
(a)
|
The Trust may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon 60 calendar days’ written notice of a decision to terminate this Agreement by (i) the Trust’s
trustees; or (ii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds;
|
(b)
|
This Agreement shall immediately terminate in the event of its assignment (within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder); and
|
(c)
|
The Advisor may, at any time and without the payment of any penalty, terminate this Agreement upon 60 calendar days’ written notice to the Funds and Trust.
|
(d)
|
The terms of paragraph 5 of this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
11. |
AMENDMENT OR ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT
|
(a)
|
Amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by a written instrument signed by the party against which enforcement of
the change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. No material amendment of this Agreement shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds’ outstanding voting securities (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940).
|
(b)
|
Assignment. The parties agree that assignment of this Agreement constitutes a material breach, and further that this Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the
event of its assignment.
|
12. |
STRUCTURE OF AGREEMENT
|
13. |
MISCELLANEOUS
|
(a)
|
Headings. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their
construction or effect.
|
(b)
|
Use of Names. The Trust acknowledges that all rights to the name “Cavalier Investments” belong to the Advisor, and the Trust is being granted a limited license to use such words in
its name, the name of its series and the name of its classes of shares.
|
(c)
|
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.
|
(d)
|
Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware.
|
FUND
|
INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
|
1. Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
1.00%
|
|
(i) |
subject to the general supervision of the Trustees and the Advisor, the Sub-Advisor shall, employing its discretion, manage the investment operations of the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to the Sub-Advisor from time to time by
the Advisor, which may range from 0% to 100% in the Advisor’s sole discretion (the “Allocated Assets”), and the composition of the portfolio of securities and investments (including cash) belonging to the Allocated Assets of the Fund,,
including the purchase, retention, and disposition thereof, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, any policies and procedures established by the Trust or the Advisor, and the Fund’s investment objective, policies and
restrictions as stated in the Fund’s then-current prospectus and statement of additional information or any similar offering documents of the Fund (together, the “Prospectus”);
|
|
(ii) |
select brokers and dealers to execute the purchase and/or sale, consistent with the Sub-Advisor's duty to seek "best execution" on behalf of the Fund, of portfolio securities of the Fund;
|
|
(iii) |
provide the Advisor and the Fund with such records concerning the Sub-Advisor’s activities under this Agreement as the Advisor and the Trust may request from time to time or as otherwise required by applicable law; and
|
|
(iv) |
render regular reports to the Advisor and the Trustees concerning the Sub-Advisor’s discharge of the foregoing responsibilities.
|
Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
|
|
Sub-Advisor Allocated Assets
|
Fee Rate
|
$0 to $20 Million
|
Zero
|
>$20 Million to $40 Million
|
15 basis points (on all AUM)
|
Above $40 Million
|
30 basis points (on all AUM)
|
(a)
|
The term “affiliate” or “affiliated person” as used in this Agreement shall mean “affiliated person” as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the Act.
|
(b)
|
The captions of this Agreement are included for convenience only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
|
(c)
|
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.
|
(d)
|
Nothing herein shall be construed as constituting the Sub-Advisor as an agent of the Advisor or constituting the Advisor as an agent of the Sub-Advisor.
|
(e)
|
The Advisor and the Sub-Advisor each affirm that it has procedures in place reasonably designed to protect the privacy of non-public personal consumer/customer financial information.
|
(f)
|
The Advisor and the Sub-Advisor acknowledge that each may have obligations under the laws and regulations of the United States to verify the source of funds and identity of investors in accordance with the
USA Patriot Act, and any rules or regulations adopted thereunder (collectively the “Patriot Act”). Each party agrees to assist the other parties in monitoring transactions in accordance with the Patriot Act. If required by applicable law
or regulation, each party shall provide the other parties with documentation evidencing the identity of a beneficial owner or owners of shares of the Fund upon request when a party is required by a law, court order, or by administrative or
regulatory entity to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner(s).
|
(g)
|
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one Agreement, binding on all the parties.
|
(h)
|
The undersigned each have the power, on behalf of their respective entities, to enter into, execute, and deliver this Agreement and to perform fully the party’s obligations under this Agreement. This
Agreement is valid and binding on and enforceable against each party in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
|
(i)
|
Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, to the extent permitted by law, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth
in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or be construed as a
waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement, by law, in equity, or otherwise afforded will be cumulative and not in the alternative.
|
1.01
|
“Assets” means Securities, monies,
and other property held by the Custodian for the benefit of a Fund.
|
1.02
|
“Authorized Person”
means any Officer or person who has been designated as such by written notice and named in Exhibit A and delivered to the Custodian by the Trust, or
if the Trust has notified the Custodian in writing that it has an authorized investment manager or other agent (including its administrator), delivered to the Custodian by the Trust’s investment advisor or other agent. Such Officer or
person shall continue to be an Authorized Person until such time as the
|
1.03
|
“Board of Trustees” shall mean the
trustees from time to time serving under the Trust’s declaration of trust, as amended from time to time.
|
1.04
|
“Book-Entry System” shall mean a
federal book-entry system as provided in Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or in such book- entry regulations of federal agencies as are substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
|
1.05
|
“Business Day” shall mean any day
recognized as a settlement day by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Trust computes the net asset value of Shares of the Fund.
|
1.06
|
“Eligible Foreign Custodian” has
the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(1), including a majority-owned or indirect subsidiary of a U.S. Bank (as defined in Rule 17f-5), a bank holding company meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian (as set forth in Rule
17f-5 or by other appropriate action of the SEC), or a foreign branch of a Bank (as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act; the term does not include any
Eligible Securities Depository.
|
1.07
|
“Eligible Securities
Depository” shall mean a system for the central handling of securities as that term is defined in Rule 17f-7(b)(1) under the 1940 Act.
|
1.08
|
“Foreign Securities”
means any of the Fund’s investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States and such cash and cash equivalents as are reasonably necessary to effect the Fund’s transactions in such
investments.
|
1.09
|
“Fund Custody Account”
shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the Trust, which is provided for in Section 3.02 below.
|
1.10
|
“IRS” shall mean the Internal
Revenue Service.
|
1.11
|
“Memo Segregation” shall mean a
Securities Depository’s inventory control mechanism that allows the Custodian to instruct the Securities Depositary to protect the fully- paid-for customer securities maintained in the Custodian’s Depository Account, whereby such securities
are moved from a free position to a protected (segregated) position, but are not actually physically segregated from other securities maintained in the Custodian’s Depository Account.
|
1.12
|
“Officer” shall mean the Chairman,
President, any Vice President, any Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the Trust, or any other position deemed as an officer by the Board of Trustees.
|
1.13
|
“SEC” shall mean the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
|
1.14
|
“Securities” shall include, without
limitation, common and preferred stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or
other instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any similar property or assets that the Custodian or its agents have
the facilities to clear and service.
|
1.15
|
“Securities Depository” shall
mean The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities
where all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.
|
1.16
|
“Shares” shall mean, with respect
to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued by the Trust on account of the Fund.
|
1.17
|
“Sub-Custodian” shall mean and
include (i) any branch of a “U.S. bank,” as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, and (ii) any “Eligible Foreign Custodian” having a contract with the Custodian that the Custodian and the foreign custody manager have
determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Fund based on the standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall be in writing and shall include provisions that provide: (i) that the Foreign Securities will not be
subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration, in the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in
favor of creditors of the Sub-Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (ii) that beneficial ownership for the Foreign Securities will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe
custody or administration; (iii) that adequate records will be maintained identifying the Assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the Fund;(iv) that the Fund’s independent public accountants will
be given access to those records or confirmation of the contents of those records; and (v) that the Fund will receive periodic reports with respect to the safekeeping of the Assets, including, but not limited to, notification of any
transfer to or from a Fund's account or a third party account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund. Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified in (i)-(v) above, such other provisions that the
Custodian and the foreign custody manager determine will provide, in their entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for the Assets as the specified provisions.
|
1.18
|
“Written Instructions”
shall mean (i) written communications actually received by the Custodian and signed by an Authorized Person, (ii) communications by facsimile or Internet electronic e-mail or any other such system from one or more persons reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
|
2.01
|
Appointment. The Trust hereby
appoints the Custodian as custodian of all Assets at any time during the period of this Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services
and duties set forth in this Agreement. The Assets shall, at all times, be subject to inspection by the SEC. The Trust hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Rule 17f-5(b), the responsibilities with respect to the Fund’s Foreign
Securities, and the Custodian hereby accepts such delegation as foreign custody manager with respect to the Funds. The services and duties of the Custodian shall be confined to those matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties
are assumed by or may be asserted against the Custodian hereunder.
|
2.02
|
Documents to be Furnished. The
following documents, including any amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the Agreement to the Custodian by the Trust:
|
(a)
|
A copy of the Trust’s declaration of trust, certified by the Secretary;
|
(b)
|
A copy of the Trust’s bylaws, certified by the Secretary;
|
(c)
|
A copy of the resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary;
|
(d)
|
A copy of the current prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Trust (the “Prospectus”); and
|
(e)
|
A certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the Trust setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers of
the Trust and other Authorized Persons.
|
2.03
|
Notice of Appointment of Transfer Agent.
The Trust agrees to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in appointment of any transfer agent of the Fund.
|
3.01
|
Segregation. All Securities and
non-cash property held by the Custodian for the account of the Fund (other than Securities maintained in a Securities Depository, Eligible Securities Depository or Book-Entry System, including via Memo Segregation with respect to each of
the aforementioned depositories and system) shall be physically segregated from other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other series of the Trust, if
applicable) and shall be identified as subject to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Securities maintained in a Securities Depository, Eligible Securities Depository or Book-Entry System shall be segregated by the use of Memo
Segregation and shall not be physically segregated from other Securities and non- cash property in the possession of the Custodian (including the Securities and non-cash property of the other series of the Trust, if applicable).
|
3.02
|
Fund Custody Accounts. As to each
Fund, the Custodian shall open and maintain a custody account in the name of the Trust coupled with the name of the Fund, subject only to draft or order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all Assets (including
Securities that may be maintained in a Securities Depository and segregated in the Depository Account via Memo Segregation), which are delivered to it. Absent a written agreement between the Custodian and the Trust, Assets held by Custodian
shall not be re- hypothecated, pledged, assigned, invested or otherwise disposed of by the Custodian and beneficial ownership shall be freely transferable without payment of money or value other than for safe custody and administration.
|
3.03
|
Appointment of Agents.
|
(a)
|
In its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities
Depositories or (ii) Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of the Sub-Custodian’s network to hold the Assets and to carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine; provided, however, that the appointment of any
such agents and maintenance of any Assets of the Fund shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement. The Custodian shall be liable for the actions of any Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether
Assets are maintained in the custody of a Sub- Custodian, a member of its network or an Eligible Securities Depository) appointed by it as if such actions had been done by the Custodian.
|
(b)
|
If, after the initial appointment of Sub-Custodians by the Board of Trustees in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes to appoint
other Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it will so notify the Trust and make the necessary determinations as to any such new Sub-Custodian's eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.
|
(c)
|
In performing its delegated responsibilities as foreign custody manager to the Funds to place or maintain the Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian,
the Custodian will determine that the Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Assets will be held by that Sub-Custodian, after considering all factors relevant
to Custodian to safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1).
|
(d)
|
The agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule 17f-5(c)(2)
under the 1940 Act.
|
(e)
|
At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide written reports notifying the Board of Trustees of the withdrawal or placement
of the Assets with a Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the Fund’s arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may be required to withdraw Assets from any Sub-Custodian arrangement that has ceased to meet the
requirements of Rule 17f-5 or Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as applicable.
|
(f)
|
With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.03, the Custodian hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to exercise reasonable
care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of property of the Fund. The Custodian further warrants that the Assets will be subject to reasonable care if maintained with a Sub- Custodian, after
considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such Assets, including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls for certificated securities (if applicable), its method of keeping
custodial records, and its security and data protection practices; (ii) whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for the Assets; (iii) the Sub- Custodian's general reputation and standing
and, in the case of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository's operating history and number of participants; (iv) ensuring that the Assets held by a Sub-Custodian shall not, without the consent of the Trust, be sold,
re-hypothecated, pledged, assigned, invested or otherwise disposed by the Sub-Custodian and beneficial ownership of the Securities held by such Sub-Custodian shall be freely transferable without payment of money or value other than that for
safe custody and administration; and (v) whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Sub- Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United States
or the Sub-Custodian's consent to service of process in the United States.
|
(g)
|
The Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian has established a system to monitor on a continuing
basis (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Assets with a Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodians who are members of a Sub- Custodian’s network; (ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund’s arrangements with such
Sub-Custodian or Eligible Foreign Custodian’s members of a Sub- Custodian’s network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining Assets with an Eligible Securities Depository. The Custodian must promptly notify the Fund or its investment
adviser of any material change in these risks.
|
(h)
|
The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to timely collect all income and other payments with respect to Foreign
Securities to which the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Trust. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to collect such
income, the Trust and Custodian shall consult as to the measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures.
|
3.04
|
Delivery of Assets to
Custodian. The Trust shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Assets, including (i) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital distributions received by the Fund with respect to such
Assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement, and (ii) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Assets until actually received by it.
|
3.05
|
Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems.
The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository or in a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
|
(a)
|
The Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository or Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for
deposit therein and shall make use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible and practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of
purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral consisting of Securities.
|
(b)
|
Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository shall be kept in an account (“Depository Account”) of the Custodian
in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, and may be segregated via Memo Segregation.
|
(c)
|
The records of the Custodian and the Custodian’s account on the books of the Book Entry System and Securities Depository, as the case may be,
with respect to Securities of the Fund maintained in a Book- Entry System or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, or otherwise identify such Securities as belonging to the Fund.
|
(d)
|
If Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall facilitate Fund’s payment
for such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account
of the Fund.
|
(e)
|
Upon request, the Custodian shall provide the Trust with copies of any report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository in which Securities of the Fund are kept) on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository.
|
(f)
|
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be liable to the Trust for any loss or damage
to the Fund resulting from the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian. At its election, the Trust shall be subrogated to
the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or any other person from any loss or damage to the Fund arising from the use of such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if
and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
|
(g)
|
With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.05 and pursuant to Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian
hereby warrants to the Trust that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets, (ii) provide,
promptly upon request by the Trust, such reports as are available concerning the Custodian’s internal accounting controls and financial strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise due care in accordance with reasonable
commercial standards in discharging its duty as a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain assets corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement holders.
|
3.06
|
Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody
Account. Upon receipt of Written Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases or as otherwise may be permitted by applicable laws or regulations:
|
(a)
|
For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in accordance with Section 4.01 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of Securities
(other than options on Securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such Securities registered as provided in Section 3.09 below or in proper form for
transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 3.05 above; (ii) in the case of options on Securities, against delivery
to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery to the Custodian (or
any Sub-Custodian) of evidence of title thereto in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred to in Section 3.09 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements entered into between the Trust and a bank that is a
member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Trust and a primary dealer in U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account at a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository with such Securities;
|
(b)
|
In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth in Section 3.07(f) below, of Securities owned by the
Fund;
|
(c)
|
For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions declared by the Fund;
|
(d)
|
In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section 5.01 below;
|
(e)
|
For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund, including, but not limited to, the following payments for
the account of the Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian, trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund; in all cases, whether or not such expenses are
to be in whole or in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
|
(f)
|
For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
|
(g)
|
For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Fund;
|
(h)
|
For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the
Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less; and
|
(i)
|
For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, specifying the amount and purpose of such payment, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
|
3.07
|
Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody
Account. Upon receipt of Written Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver, or cause the Sub-Custodian to release and deliver, Securities from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases or as
otherwise may be permitted by applicable laws or regulations:
|
(a)
|
Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashier’s check or
bank credit;
|
(b)
|
In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.05 above;
|
(c)
|
To an offeror’s depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that, in any such case,
the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
|
(d)
|
To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian, or any
nominee or nominees of any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
are to be delivered to the Custodian;
|
(e)
|
To the broker selling the Securities, for examination in accordance with the “street delivery” custom;
|
(f)
|
For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the issuer of such
Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement, including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection with the issuance or cancellation of depository
receipts; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
|
(g)
|
Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund;
|
(h)
|
In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash,
if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
|
(i)
|
For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Trust shall have
specified to the Custodian in Written Instructions;
|
(j)
|
For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Trust, but only
against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
|
(k)
|
Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Trust;
|
(l)
|
For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act
and a member of FINRA, relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Fund;
|
(m)
|
For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Trust, the Custodian and a futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Fund;
|
(n)
|
For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, specifying the Securities to be delivered, setting forth
the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made; or
|
(o)
|
To brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade execution in accordance with market custom;
provided that in any such case the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian’s own
negligence or willful misconduct.
|
3.08
|
Actions Not Requiring Written Instructions.
Unless otherwise instructed by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for the Fund:
|
(a)
|
Subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other payments to which the Fund is entitled either
by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business ;
|
(b)
|
Present for payment and, subject to Section 9.04 below, collect on a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities
which may mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable;
|
(c)
|
Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments;
|
(d)
|
Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive form;
|
(e)
|
Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of ownership required of it under the federal income tax laws or the laws or
regulations of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare and submit reports to the IRS and the Trust at such time, in such manner and containing such information as is prescribed by the IRS;
|
(f)
|
Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held therein, through a Book- Entry System or Securities
Depository, all rights and similar Securities issued with respect to Securities of the Fund; and
|
(g)
|
In general, and except as otherwise directed in Written Instructions, attend to all non- discretionary details in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and other assets of the Fund that may be required by law.
|
3.09
|
Registration and Transfer of Securities.
All Securities held for the Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities
held for the Fund may be registered in the name of the Fund, the Custodian, a Sub- Custodian or any nominee thereof, or in the name of a Book- Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof. The records of the
Custodian with respect to Foreign Securities of the Fund that are maintained with a Sub-Custodian in an account that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers shall identify those Securities as belonging
to the Fund. The Trust shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees referred to above or in the name of a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any Securities registered in the name of the Fund.
|
3.10
|
Records.
|
(a)
|
The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to the Assets held for the Fund, including (i) journals or other records
of original entry containing an itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting (A) Securities in transfer,
|
(b)
|
All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be maintained in compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, (ii) be
the property of the Trust and at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Trust and employees or agents of the SEC,
and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940 Act.
|
3.11
|
Fund Reports by Custodian. The
Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a daily activity statement and a summary of all transfers to or from each Fund Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the Trust with a
detailed statement of the Assets held by the Custodian and the Sub-Custodians for the Fund under this Agreement.
|
3.12
|
Other Reports by Custodian. As the
Trust may reasonably request from time to time, the Custodian shall provide the Trust with reports on the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities that are employed by the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian.
|
3.13
|
Proxies and Other Materials. The
Custodian shall use reasonable efforts to cause all proxies relating to Securities that are not registered in the name of the Fund to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without indication of the manner in
which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Trust such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such Securities received by Custodian utilizing standard industry practices. With respect
to the Foreign Securities, the Custodian will use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country
where such securities are issued. The Trust acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of the Trust
to exercise shareholder rights.
|
3.14
|
Information on Corporate Actions.
The Custodian shall promptly deliver to the Trust information received by the Custodian and pertaining to Securities being held by the Fund with respect to optional tender or exchange offers, calls for redemption or purchase, expiration of
rights, or similar transaction. If the Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least three Business Days prior to the date on which
the Custodian is to take such action, provided that the Custodian shall use reasonable efforts to take any such action or exercise any such rights requested by the Fund at the Fund’s expense. The Fund will promptly provide or cause to be
provided to the Custodian relevant information for any Security which has unique put/option provisions, and in each event, at least three Business Days prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
|
4.01
|
Purchase of Securities. Promptly
upon each purchase of Securities for the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number of
shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased, (iii) the date of purchase and settlement,
|
4.02
|
Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt
of Securities Purchased. In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for the Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities purchased and in the absence of specified Written
Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such payment.
|
4.03
|
Sale of Securities. Promptly upon
each sale of Securities by the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number of shares,
principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii) the date of sale and settlement, (iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (vi) the person to whom such Securities are to be
delivered. Upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund as specified in such Written Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the
Custodian may accept payment in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities.
|
4.04
|
Delivery of Securities Sold.
Notwithstanding Section 4.03 above or any other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally accepted market practices and procedures
in the foreign or domestic jurisdiction in which the transaction occurs, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of final payment therefore. In any such case, and to the extent any such delivery of Securities by the Custodian is
not made in error or as a result of the Custodian’s negligence, the Trust shall bear the risk that final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the
person to whom they were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any of the foregoing.
|
4.05
|
Payment for Securities Sold. In
its sole discretion and from time to time, the Custodian may credit the Fund Custody Account, prior to actual receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities that it has been instructed to deliver against
payment, (ii) proceeds from the redemption of the Assets, and (iii) income from the Assets. Any such credit shall be conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be reversed if final payment is not actually received
in full. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Fund to use funds so credited to the Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final payment. Any such funds shall be repayable promptly
upon demand made by the Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund Custody Account.
|
4.06
|
Advances by Custodian for
Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Trust to facilitate the settlement of a Fund's transactions in the Fund Custody Account. Any such advance shall be repayable
promptly upon demand made by Custodian.
|
5.01
|
Portfolio Composition File. On a daily basis, the Fund shall prepare and provide to the Custodian for submission to National Securities Clearing Corporation (the “NSCC”) the Fund’s Portfolio
Composition File (“PCF”). The Fund shall ensure that each PCF
provided to the Custodian for submission to NSCC comports in all respects with NSCC’s ETF Portfolio Data Service file specifications, and the Fund must provide the PCF to the Custodian no later than one (1) hour in advance of
NSCC’s required delivery time.
|
5.02
|
Sale of Shares. Upon Written
Instructions from the Fund’s administrator, the Custodian shall receive from the Transfer Agent through Security Depository’s Deposit and Withdrawal at Custodian (“DWAC”) service (free of payment) any Shares in such amount as set forth in
each such Written Instructions, and, once all Assets are received from an authorized participant in the amount and of the nature specified in the Written Instructions, the Custodian shall deliver Shares to the authorized participant through
method provided in the Written Instructions.
|
5.03
|
Redemption of Shares. Upon Written
Instructions from the Fund’s administrator specifying that Assets are required to redeem Shares of the Fund, and once the Shares are received from an authorized participant in the amount and of the nature specified in the Written
Instructions provided by the Fund’s administrator, the Custodian shall deliver to the authorized participant all Assets in the amount, of the nature, and through the method specified in such Written Instructions provided by the Fund’s
administrator.
|
5.04
|
Deposit and Maintenance
of Collateral for Securities not Received. In accordance with the provisions of the Fund’s prospectus, shares of the Fund may be issued to an authorized participant in advance of receipt of all the designated portfolio of
securities (“Deposit Securities”) subject to various conditions, including a requirement for the authorized participant to maintain cash on deposit with the Custodian for the account of the Fund in an amount as determined by the Fund in its
sole discretion. On a daily basis, by 2:00 p.m. New York time, the Custodian will deliver to the Fund a list of the missing Deposit Securities. The Fund will instruct the Custodian, by 3:00 p.m. New York time as to the amount of collateral
or daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Variation Margin Call”) to be received from the authorized participant and instruct the authorized participant as to the amounts to be delivered to the Custodian. The Fund
shall ensure that the Authorized Participant satisfies the Variation Margin Call on the same day, by the close of the Federal Reserve wire for money transactions.
|
(a)
|
in accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Trust and the Custodian and any other broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act
and a member of FINRA (or any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
|
(b)
|
for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in connection with
financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or sold by the Fund;
|
(c)
|
which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the Fund;
|
(d)
|
for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions; and
|
(e)
|
for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of Written Instructions, setting forth the purpose or purposes of
such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
|
8.01
|
Representations and Warranties of the Trust.
The Trust hereby represents and warrants to the Custodian, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
|
(a)
|
It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now
conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
|
(b)
|
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trust in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and
legally binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and
secured parties;
|
(c)
|
It is responsible for determining compliance with the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including any obligations in connection
with entering into this Agreement; and
|
(d)
|
It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has
obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding it or affecting
its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
|
8.02
|
Representations and Warranties of the
Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the Trust, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing throughout the term of this Agreement, that:
|
(a)
|
It is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full power to carry on its business as now
conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder;
|
(b)
|
It is a member of a “national securities exchange,” as defined in the 1934 Act, subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and a member of FINRA.
|
(c)
|
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid
and legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors
and secured parties;
|
(d)
|
No legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Custodian’s
ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and
|
(e)
|
It is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, both state and
federal, and has obtained all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract binding
it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or performance of this Agreement.
|
9.01
|
Standard of Care. The Custodian
shall exercise good faith and reasonable care in the performance of its duties under this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law, shareholder fraud or for any loss suffered by the Trust in
connection with its duties under this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to the Custodian’s (or a Sub-Custodian’s) refusal or failure to materially comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement) or
from its (or a Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of
counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Trust is in compliance with the
1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Trust’s charter documents or by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies as then in effect.
|
9.02
|
Actual Collection Required. The
Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund or any money represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money, until the Custodian or its agents actually
receive such cash or collect on such instrument.
|
9.03
|
No Responsibility for Title, etc.
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to
this Agreement.
|
9.04
|
Limitation on Duty to Collect.
Custodian shall not be required to enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due and payable with respect to Securities held for the Fund if such Securities are in default or payment is not made after due
demand or presentation.
|
9.05
|
Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions.
The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Written Instructions actually
received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
|
9.06
|
Express Duties Only. The Custodian
shall have no duties or obligations whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement against the Custodian.
|
9.07
|
Cooperation.
|
(a)
|
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or entities appointed by the Trust to keep the books of account
of the Fund and/or compute the value of the assets of the Fund. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Trust may from time to time request to enable the Trust to obtain, from year to year, favorable opinions from the
Trust's independent accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (i) the preparation of the Trust's reports on Form N-1A and Form N-CEN and any other reports required by the SEC, annual, semi-annual,
or otherwise and (ii) the fulfillment by the Trust of any other requirements of the SEC.
|
(b)
|
The Custodian shall cooperate to allow the Assets to be verified by actual examination at the end of each annual and semi-annual fiscal period by
an independent public accountant retained by the Fund, and to be examined by such accountant at least one other time, chosen by the accountant, during each fiscal year. A certificate of such accountant stating that an examination of such
securities has been made, and describing the nature and extent of the examination, will be filed by the Trust on Form N-17f-1 promptly after each examination.
|
(c)
|
The Custodian shall perform its duties hereunder in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provide any sub-certifications
reasonably requested by the Trust in connection with any certification required of the Trust pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder, provided the same shall not be deemed to
change the Custodian’s standard of care as set forth herein.
|
(d)
|
In order to assist the Trust in satisfying the requirements of Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule”), the Custodian will provide the Trust’s
Chief Compliance Officer with reasonable access to the Custodian’s personnel and records relating to the services provided by it under this Agreement, and will provide quarterly compliance reports and related certifications regarding any
Material Compliance Matter (as defined in the Rule) involving the Custodian that affect or could affect the Trust.
|
10.01
|
Indemnification by Trust. The
Trust, on behalf of each Fund, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian, any Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, a “Custodian Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Custodian Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and
all claims, demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that a Custodian Indemnified Party may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against a Custodian Indemnified Party by
any person arising directly or indirectly (i) from the fact that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, (ii) from any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (a) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Trust on behalf of each Fund, or (b) upon Written Instructions, (iii) from the performance or non-performance of its obligations under this Agreement or any sub- custody agreement, or (iv) in
connection with or related to the Fund Custody Account, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such Sub-Custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such claim, demand, loss, expense or liability arising from
its bad faith, fraud, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Trust, its successors and assigns,
notwithstanding the termination or expiration of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the terms “Custodian” and “Sub-Custodian” shall include their respective directors, officers and employees.
|
10.02
|
Indemnification by
Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the
Trust may sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Trust by any person arising directly or indirectly out of any action taken or omitted to be taken by a Custodian Indemnified Party as a result of the Custodian Indemnified
Party’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody
agreement). This indemnity shall be continuing obligation of the Custodian, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the term “Trust” shall include the Trust’s trustees,
officers and employees.
|
10.03
|
Miscellaneous.
|
(a)
|
Neither party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any
provision of this Agreement. The indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the termination and/or assignment of this Agreement.
|
(b)
|
In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article X shall apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be
asked to indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all reasonable
care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the indemnitee against any claim that
may be the subject of this indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation
initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek indemnification under this Article X. The indemnitee shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the indemnitor will be asked to
indemnify the indemnitee except with the indemnitor’s prior written consent.
|
13.01
|
Effective Period. This Agreement
shall become effective as of the date first written above and will continue in effect for a period of one (1) year. After the expiration of the initial term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year terms unless
a written notice of non-renewal is delivered by the non-renewing party no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, as the case may be.
|
13.02
|
Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon giving 45 days’ prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be terminated
by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the breaching party. In addition, the Trust may, at any time, immediately
terminate this Agreement in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of
competent jurisdiction.
|
13.03
|
Early Termination by Trust. In the
absence of any material breach of this Agreement, should the Trust elect to terminate this Agreement prior to the end of the initial term, the Trust agrees to pay the following fees:
|
(a)
|
All monthly fees through the initial term of the Agreement, including the repayment of any negotiated discounts, as applicable;
|
(b)
|
All reasonable and customary fees associated with converting services to a successor service provider;
|
(c)
|
All reasonable and customary fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the
conversion to a successor service provider.
|
13.04
|
Early Termination by the Custodian.
In the absence of any material breach of this Agreement, should the Custodian elect to terminate this Agreement prior to the end of the initial term, the Custodian agrees to pay the following fees:
|
(a)
|
All reasonable and customary fees associated with converting services to a successor service provider; repayment of any negotiated discounts;
|
(b)
|
All reasonable and customary fees associated with any record retention and/or tax reporting obligations that may not be eliminated due to the
conversion to a successor service provider.
|
13.05
|
Appointment of Successor Custodian.
If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the Board of Trustees, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (i) deliver directly to the successor
custodian all Assets (other than Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) then owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (ii) transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository to an account of or for the benefit of the Fund at the successor custodian, provided that the Trust shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be
entitled. In addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of the Trust, transfer to such successor copies of all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or maintained by the Custodian under this Agreement in a
form reasonably acceptable to the Trust (if such form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Trust shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to such form), and will cooperate in the
transfer of such duties and responsibilities, including provision for assistance from the Custodian’s personnel in the establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. Upon such delivery and transfer, the Custodian shall
be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. Any transfer to a successor custodian shall be treated as a termination by the Trust for purposes of this Agreement.
|
13.06
|
Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian.
If a successor custodian is not designated by the Trust on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to an entity in compliance with Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act. Upon such
delivery and transfer, such entity shall be the successor custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. In addition, under these circumstances, copies of all books, records and
other data of the Trust shall be returned to the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may retain copies of Confidential Information to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or as may be retained as party of an
automated archival or backup system.
|
15.01
|
Compliance with Laws. The Trust
has and retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of
2001 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The Custodian’s services hereunder shall not relieve the Trust of its
responsibilities for assuring such compliance or the Board of Trustee’s oversight responsibility with respect thereto. The Trust shall immediately notify the Custodian if the investment strategy of any Fund materially changes or if it (or
any Fund) becomes subject to any new law, rule, regulation, or order of a governmental or judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that materially impacts the operations of the Trust or any Fund or the services provided under this
Agreement.
|
15.02
|
Amendment. This Agreement may
not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement executed by the Custodian and the Trust, and authorized or approved by the Board of Trustees.
|
15.03
|
Assignment.
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Trust without the written consent of the Custodian, or
by the Custodian without the written consent of the Trust accompanied by the authorization or approval of the Board of Trustees.
|
15.04
|
Governing Law. This Agreement
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York, or any of the provisions herein,
conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC thereunder.
|
(a)
|
The parties hereto irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of The State of New York and to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the subject matter hereof. The parties hereto
waive, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law that cannot be waived, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such proceeding brought in any of the above-named courts, any claim that it is not
subject personally to the jurisdiction of such court, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that such proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of such proceeding is improper, or that this
Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court;
|
(b)
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EACH PARTY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF
ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
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15.10
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Multiple Originals.
This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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15.11
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No Waiver. No failure by either
party hereto to exercise, and no delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not preclude the exercise of any other right, and
the remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
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15.12
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References to Custodian. The
Trust shall not circulate any printed matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the Prospectus or statement of additional information for the Fund
and such other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for the Fund. The Trust shall submit printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel
prior to any deadline for printing.
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STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
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CLEAR STREET, LLC
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By: ___________________________
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By: ________________________________
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Name:__________________________
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Name:_______________________________
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Title: ___________________________
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Name
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Telephone/Fax Number
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Signature
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(a) |
Applicable Expense Limit. Each Fund has set an Operating Expense Limit,
outlined below and stated in Appendix A. Applicable Expense shall be defined as the aggregate expenses of every character, including but not limited to investment advisory fees of the Advisor, administration fees, distribution and shareholder
service fees, fees necessary for professional services, and costs associated with regulatory compliance and maintaining legal existence and shareholder relations, and other such fees and expenses, but does not include: (i) any front-end or
contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example
option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund
officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Advisor)). These expenses are typically shown on the financial statements of each Fund and are classified as the Fund Operating Expenses.
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b) |
Due from Advisor Reimbursement. To the extent that each Fund’s Operating
Expenses exceed the Operating Expense Limit, as defined herein, such excess amount (the “Excess Amount”) shall be the liability of the Advisor. Those expenses incurred on behalf of each Fund and the Advisor, particularly those expenses
advanced on the Advisor’s behalf for Fund marketing and distribution, shall also be the liability of the Advisor and payable to the party advancing such expenses on the Advisor’s behalf. Marketing expenses are specifically excluded as being
deemed a liability of any party other than the Advisor.
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(c) |
Expense Limit Calculation. Each Fund’s maximum operating expense limits in
any year shall be calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of that Fund. The fee shall be calculated as of the last business day of each month based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund determined in the manner
described in that Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. For purposes of the Operating Expense Limit, that calculation shall include all the expenses directly charged to the net asset value of that Fund.
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(d) |
Method of Computation. To determine the Advisor’s liability with respect to
the Excess Amount, each month the Funds’ Operating Expenses shall be annualized as of the last day of the month (the “Report Period”). If the annualized Fund Operating Expenses for any month exceed the Operating Expense Limit of a Fund, the
Advisor shall first waive or reduce its investment advisory fee for such month by an amount sufficient to reduce the annualized Fund Operating Expenses to an amount no higher than the Operating Expense Limit. If the amount of the waived or
reduced investment advisory fee for any such month is insufficient to pay the Excess Amount, the Advisor shall also remit to that Fund an amount that, together with the waived or reduced investment advisory fee, is sufficient to pay such
Excess Amount within ten days of the Report Period. If the Advisor fails to make the full payment needed within 30 days of the Report Period, the provisions of the Security Agreement will take effect.
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(e) |
Year-End Adjustment. If necessary, on or before the last day of the first
month of each fiscal year, an adjustment payment shall be made by the appropriate party in order that the amount of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by the Advisor to each Fund with respect to the
previous fiscal year shall equal the Excess Amount.
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(a) |
Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience only
and in no other way define or delineate any provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
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(b) |
Interpretation. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust
or any Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or by- laws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of
Trustees of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or any Fund.
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(c) |
Definitions. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this
Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Advisory Agreement or
the Act, shall have the same meaning as, and be resolved by reference to, such Advisory Agreement or the Act.
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(d) |
Entire Agreement. This Agreement and all the exhibits attached hereto and the
Security Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior negotiations, agreements, and understandings with respect thereto.
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(e) |
Amendment. No amendment or modification to this Agreement, or any attachment
hereto, shall be valid unless made in writing and executed by all parties hereto.
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(f) |
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original.
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FUND
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OPERATING EXPENSE LIMIT
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1. Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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1.25%
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1.
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Adaptive Fundamental Growth Fund
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2.
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF
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3.
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Adaptive Growth Opportunities Fund
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4.
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Adaptive Hedged High Income Fund
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5.
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Adaptive Hedged Income Fund
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6.
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Adaptive Tactical Economic Fund
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7.
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Adaptive Tactical Rotation Fund
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8.
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Arin Large Cap Theta Fund
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9.
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Matisse Discounted Bond CEF Strategy
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10.
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Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
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11.
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QCI Balanced Fund
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12.
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Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund
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13.
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The Sector Rotation Fund
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BBD, LLP |
(1)
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Purchaser is aware that no federal or state agency has made any finding or determination as to the fairness for investment, nor any
recommendation nor endorsement, of the Interest;
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(2)
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Purchaser has such knowledge and experience of financial and business matters as will enable it to utilize the information made available to it
in connection with the offering of the Interest to evaluate the merits and risks of the prospective investment and to make an informed investment decision;
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(3) |
Purchaser recognizes that the Fund has no financial or operating history and, further, that investment in the Fund involves certain risks and that Purchaser understands
the risks related to the purchase of the Interest and acknowledges that it can bear the economic risks of such an investment for an indefinite period of time and can suffer the complete loss thereof;
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(4) |
Purchaser is purchasing the Interest for its own account, for investment purposes only, and not with any present intention of redemption, distribution, or resale of the
Interest, either in whole or in part;
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(5) |
Any resale of the Interest, or any part thereof, may be subject to restrictions under the federal securities laws and Purchaser will not sell the Interest purchased by
it without registration of the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933 or exemption therefrom;
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(6) |
Purchaser has been furnished with and has read this agreement, the prospectus, and such other documents relating to the Fund as it has requested and as have been
provided to it by the Fund; and
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(7) |
Purchaser also has had the opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, officers of the Fund concerning the Fund and the terms of the offering.
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