REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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☒ |
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
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☐ |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 376
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☒ |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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☒ |
Amendment No. 379
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☒ |
Terrence Davis, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
3333 Piedmont RD., NE
Suite 2500
Atlanta, GA 30305
|
Tanya Boyle, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 5200
Dallas, TX 75201
|
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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Summary
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2
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Additional Information about the Fund’s Investment Objective,
Principal Investment Strategies , and Risks
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10 |
Investment Objective
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10
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Principal Investment Strategies
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10
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Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
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11
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Temporary Defensive Positions
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14
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Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
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15
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Management of the Fund
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16
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Investment Advisor
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16
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Distributor
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17
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Investing in the Fund
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18
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Purchase and Redemption Price
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18
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Buying or Selling Shares Through a Financial Intermediary
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19
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Purchasing Shares
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19
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Redeeming Your Shares
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21
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Frequent Purchases and Redemptions
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24
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Shareholder Statements and Reports
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25
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Other Important Information
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26
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Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes
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26
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Financial Highlights
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27
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Additional Information
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Back Cover
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Shareholder Fees
|
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(fees paid directly from your investment)
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|
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed On Purchases
(as a % of offering price) |
None
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Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a % of the lesser of amount purchased or redeemed) |
None
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Redemption Fee
(as a % of amount redeemed) |
None
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Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
|
|
Management Fees
|
1.00%
|
Distribution and/or Service (12b‑1) Fees
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0.25%
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Other Expenses
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0.85%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses1
|
0.17%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
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2.27%
|
1 Year
|
3 Years
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
$230
|
$709
|
$1,215
|
$2,605
|
•
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Consumer Discretionary. Companies in this sector may be adversely affected by negative
changes in the domestic and international economies, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence, disposable household income, and consumer spending. These companies are also subject to severe competition and changes in demographics and
consumer tastes, which may have an adverse effect on the performance of these companies.
|
•
|
Consumer Staples. Companies in this sector may be adversely affected by negative
changes in the domestic and international economies, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence, and consumer spending. These companies also are subject to the risk that government regulation could affect the permissibility of using
various production methods and food additives, which regulations could affect company profitability. The success of food, household, and personal product companies may be strongly affected by consumer tastes, marketing campaigns, and other
factors affecting supply and demand.
|
•
|
Industrials. Companies in this sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or
service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, and economic conditions will affect the performance of these companies. These companies can also be cyclical, subject to sharp price movements, and
significantly affected by government spending policies.
|
•
|
Information Technology. The performance of companies in this sector may be adversely affected by intense
competition both domestically and internationally; limited product lines, markets, financial resources, or personnel; rapid product obsolescence and frequent new product introduction; dramatic and unpredictable changes in growth rates; and
dependence on patent and intellectual property rights.
|
Average Annual Total Returns Period Ended
December 31, 20 20
|
Past
1 Year |
Past 5
Years
|
Past 10
Years |
Sector Rotation Fund
Return Before Taxes Return After taxes on Distributions Return After taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares |
11.53%
11.29% 9.36% |
10.08% 8.65% 7.94% |
8.73% 7.00% 6.63% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
18.40%
|
15.22%
|
13.88% |
•
|
Consumer Discretionary. Companies in this sector may be adversely affected by negative changes in the
domestic and international economies, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence, disposable household income, and consumer spending. These companies are also subject to severe competition and changes in demographics and consumer
tastes, which may have an adverse effect on the performance of these companies.
|
•
|
Consumer Staples. Companies in this sector may be adversely affected by negative
changes in the domestic and international economies, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence, and consumer spending. These companies also are subject to the risk that government regulation could affect the permissibility of using
various production methods and food additives, which regulations could affect company profitability. The success of food, household, and personal product companies may be strongly affected by consumer tastes, marketing campaigns, and other
factors affecting supply and demand.
|
•
|
Industrials. Companies in this sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or
service and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation, world events, and economic conditions will affect the performance of these companies. These companies can also be cyclical, subject to sharp price movements, and
significantly affected by government spending policies.
|
•
|
Information Technology. The performance of companies in this sector may be adversely affected by intense
competition both domestically and internationally; limited product lines, markets, financial resources, or personnel; rapid product obsolescence and frequent new product introduction; dramatic and unpredictable changes in growth rates; and
dependence on patent and intellectual property rights.
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(1) |
Your letter of instruction specifying the account number and number of shares (or the dollar amount) to be redeemed. This request must be signed by all registered shareholders in the exact names in which they are registered;
|
(2) |
Any required signature guarantees (see “Signature Guarantees” below); and
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(3) |
Other supporting legal documents, if required in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, partnerships, pension or profit-sharing plans, and other entities.
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•
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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, and a discussion of performance.
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•
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Shareholder tax forms.
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Year Ended September 30,
|
|||||
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$12.94
|
$14.58
|
$12.99
|
$11.61
|
$11.13
|
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
Net investment income (loss)(a) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments Total from investment operations |
(0.07) 1.08 1.01 |
(0.05) (0.46) (0.51) |
(0.10) 2.48
2.38
|
(0.04) 1.76
1.72
|
0.05 0.79
0.84
|
Less Distributions:
From net investment income From net realized gains
Total distributions
|
-- (1.08) (1.08) |
(0.38) (0.75) (1.13) |
(0.01) (0.78) (0.79) |
-- (0.34) (0.34) |
-- (0.36) (0.36) |
Net Asset Value, End of Year
|
$12.87
|
$12.94
|
$14.58
|
$12.99
|
$11.61
|
Total Return ( b )
|
8.04%
|
(2.41)%
|
19.05%
|
15.17%
|
7.55%
|
Net Assets, End of Year (000’s)
|
$25,589
|
$24,941
|
$26,707
|
$23,798
|
$22,264
|
Ratios of:
Gross expenses to average net assets (c) (d) Net expenses to average net assets (c)
Net investment income (loss) to average
net assets (c)
|
2.10% 2.10% (0.57)% |
2.05% 2.02% (0.38)% |
1.96% 1.96% (0.71)% |
1.90% 1.89% (0.35)% |
1.77% 1.77% 0.41% |
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
274.61%
|
184.39%
|
219.74%
|
333.48%
|
345.74%
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By telephone:
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1-800-773-3863
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By mail:
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The Sector Rotation Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services 116 South Franklin Street Post Office Box 4365 Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365 |
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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GENERAL INFORMATION
|
2
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
|
2
|
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
|
13
|
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
|
15
|
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
|
17
|
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
|
18
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ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
|
28
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SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
|
29
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
30
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NET ASSET VALUE
|
32
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
|
33
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
35
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APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
|
36
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APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
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40
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• | Deposits or obligations of any bank; |
• | Guaranteed or endorsed by any bank; or |
•
|
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, such as 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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•
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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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•
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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) |
Not invest 25% or more of its total assets in a particular industry or group of industries. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities or
repurchase agreements with respect thereto.
|
(2) |
Not borrow money or issue senior securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be
amended or interpreted from time to time.
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(3) |
Not make loans, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules, or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.
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(4) |
Not purchase or sell commodities or real estate, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from
time to time.
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(5) |
Not underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from
time to time.
|
(1) |
Not borrow money in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, provided that, for purposes of this limitation, investment strategies that either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate
assets are not considered to be borrowing. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowing, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of its total assets.
|
(2) |
Not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into
repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its securities.
|
(3) |
Not purchase or sell real estate, real estate limited partnership interests, physical commodities, or commodities contracts except that the Fund may purchase: (i) marketable securities issued by companies which own or invest in real estate
(including real estate investment trusts), commodities or commodities contracts; and (ii) commodities contracts relating to financial instruments, such as financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.
|
Fund
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Sector Rotation Fund
|
$27,095
|
$11,700
|
$16,996
|
Fund
|
2020
|
2019
|
Sector Rotation Fund
|
274.61%
|
184.39%
|
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.
|
12
|
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
|
Since 9/10
|
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999.
|
12
|
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.
|
12
|
None.
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
(03/1960) |
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/09
|
President of Standard Insurance and Realty since 1982.
|
12
|
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
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen By
Trustee in Family of Investment Companies |
Michael G. Mosley
|
A
|
A
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
A
|
A
|
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 Fund and
Fund Complex Paid
to Trustees
|
Independent Trustees
|
||||
Michael G. Mosley
|
$ 3,516.67
|
None
|
None
|
$ 46,900
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
$ 3,516.67
|
None
|
None
|
$ 46,900
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
$ 3,516.67
|
None
|
None
|
$ 46,900
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
$ 3,516.67
|
None
|
None
|
$ 46,900
|
Name and Address of Owner |
Percentage of Ownership
|
Type of Ownership |
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.
211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94104 |
84.37%
|
Record* |
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
|
Advisory Fees Incurred
|
Advisory Fees Waived
|
2020
|
$246,337
|
$0
|
2019
|
$248,332
|
$3,851
|
2018
|
$248,975
|
$0
|
Name of
Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund |
Mark Anthony Grimaldi
|
F
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
Administration Fees
|
$29,909
|
$24,981
|
$24,951
|
Fund Accounting Fees
|
$29,547
|
$29,904
|
$29,489
|
Net Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions |
Compensation
on Redemptions and Repurchases |
Brokerage Commissions |
Other Compensation |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$5,000
|
Fund
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Sector Rotation Fund
|
$61,584
|
$62,083
|
$62,244
|
Advertising
|
$ 0
|
Printing and Mailing of Prospectuses to Other than Current
Shareholders
|
$0
|
Compensation to Underwriters
|
$ 61,584
|
Compensation to Broker-Dealers
|
$ 0
|
Compensation to Sales Personnel
|
$0
|
Interest, Carrying, or Other Financing Charges
|
$0
|
Other
|
$0
|
•
|
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 at the time of valuation.
|
•
|
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. Instruments with maturities in excess of sixty days are valued at prices
provided by a third-party pricing source.
|
•
|
Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees. Securities may be valued on the basis of prices
provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
|
1. |
Vote in Accordance with the Guidelines. To the extent that the Adviser has little or no discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser shall vote in accordance with such pre-determined
voting policy.
|
2. |
Obtain Consent of Clients. To the extent that the Adviser has discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser will disclose the conflict to the relevant clients and obtain their consent to
the proposed vote prior to voting the securities. The disclosure to the client will include sufficient detail regarding the matter to be voted on and the nature of the conflict so that the client will be able to make an informed decision
regarding the vote. If a client does not respond to such a conflict disclosure request or denies the request, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client’s account.
|
3. |
Client Directive to Use an Independent Third Party. Alternatively, a client may, in writing, specifically direct the Adviser to forward all proxy matters in which the Adviser has a conflict of interest regarding the client’s securities to
an identified independent third party for review and recommendation. Where such independent third party’s recommendations are received on a timely basis, the Adviser will vote all such proxies in accordance with such third party’s
recommendation. If the third party’s recommendations are not timely received, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client’s account.
|
1. |
Client Maintains Proxy Voting Authority. Where a client specifies in writing that it will maintain the authority to vote proxies itself or that it has delegated the right to vote proxies to a third party, the Adviser will not vote the
securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client. If any proxy material is received by the Adviser for such account, it will promptly be forwarded to the client or specified third party.
|
2. |
Terminated Account. Once a client account has been terminated in accordance with its investment advisory agreement, the Adviser will not vote any proxies received after the termination date. However, the client may specify in writing that
proxies should be directed to the client (or a specified third party) for action.
|
3. |
Limited Value. If the Adviser determines that the value of a client’s economic interest or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, the Adviser may abstain from voting a client’s proxies. The Adviser also will
not vote proxies received for securities which are no longer held by the client’s account. In addition, the Adviser generally will not vote securities where the economic value of the securities in the client account is less than $500.
|
4. |
Securities Lending Programs. When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower’s name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. However, where the Adviser determines that a proxy vote (or other shareholder
action) is materially important to the client’s account, the Adviser may recall the security for the purposes of voting.
|
5. |
Unjustifiable Costs. In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, the Adviser may abstain from voting where the cost of voting a client’s proxy would exceed any anticipated benefits from the proxy proposal.
|
1. |
Election of independent accountants recommended by management, unless seeking to replace if there exists a dispute over policies.
|
2. |
Date and place of annual meeting.
|
3. |
Limitation on charitable contributions or fees paid to lawyers.
|
4. |
Ratification of directors’ actions on routine matters since previous annual meeting.
|
5. |
Confidential voting. Confidential voting is most often proposed by shareholders as a means of eliminating undue management pressure on shareholders regarding their vote on proxy issues. The Adviser will generally vote to approve these
proposals as shareholders can later divulge their votes to management on a selective basis if a legitimate reason arises.
|
6. |
Limiting directors’ liability.
|
7. |
Eliminate preemptive rights. Preemptive rights give current shareholders the opportunity to maintain their current percentage ownership through any subsequent equity offerings. These provisions are no longer common in the U.S. and can
restrict management’s ability to raise new capital.
|
8. |
The Adviser will generally vote to approve the elimination of preemptive rights, but will oppose the elimination of listed preemptive rights, e.g., on proposed issues representing more than an acceptable level of total dilution.
|
9. |
Employee Stock Purchase Plans.
|
10. |
Establish 40 1(k) Plans.
|
C. |
Case-By-Case.
|
1. |
Pay directors solely in stock;
|
2. |
Eliminate director’s mandatory retirement policy;
|
3. |
Rotate annual meeting location or date;
|
4. |
Changes in the state of incorporation;
|
5. |
Social and corporate responsibility issues;
|
6. |
Option and stock grants to management and directors; and
|
7. |
Allowing indemnification of directors and/or officers after reviewing the applicable laws and extent of protection requested.
|
D. |
Investment Company Issues.
|
(1)
|
The exchange ticker symbol and CUSIP number may be difficult to obtain for certain portfolio securities, such as foreign issuers. Accordingly, such information may be omitted if it’s not
available through reasonably practicable means.
|
ITEM 28.
|
Exhibits |
(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)
|
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 incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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)
|
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 incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January
12, 2021 .
|
(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 24, 2020 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. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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)
|
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 Registrant (“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 September 24, 2020 to the Fund Accounting and Administration
Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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, (“Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement”) 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 24, 2020 to the Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent
Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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)
|
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 incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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 March 12 , 20 20 between the Registrant and Grimaldi
Portfolio Solutions, Inc., as investment advisor for The Sector Rotation Fund, is filed herewith .
|
(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 of Counsel is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 371 to the Registration
Statement filed on December 29, 2020.
|
(i)(2)
|
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)
|
Initial Subscription Agreement for the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF is incorporated herein by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 373 to the Registration Statement filed on January 12, 2021 .
|
(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)
|
Clear Street, LLC maintains all Records relating to its service as custodian to the Adaptive Growth Opportunities ETF at its offices located at 55 Broadway, New York, New York 10006.
|
(d)
|
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.
|
(e)
|
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.
|
(f)
|
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.
|
(g)
|
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.
|
(h)
|
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.
|
(i)
|
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.
|
(j)
|
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.
|
(k)
|
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.
|
(l)
|
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
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
||
/s/J. Buckley Strandberg*
|
Trustee
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
||
/s/Michael G. Mosley*
|
Trustee
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
||
/s/Theo H. Pitt, Jr.*
|
Trustee
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
||
/s/Katherine M. Honey*
|
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
Katherine M. Honey
|
||
/s/Ashley H. Lanham*
Ashley H. Lanham
|
Treasurer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
|
January 2 8 , 2021
|
(g)(2)
|
Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Clear Street, LLC. |
(h)(7)
|
|
(i)(2)
|
|
(j)
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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 organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the 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 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.
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|
(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;
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|
(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;
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|
(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;
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|
(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;
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|
(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;
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|
(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.
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|
(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;
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|
(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;
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|
(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.
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|
(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) Securities in physical
possession, (C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and
interest receivable; and (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto. The Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Trust may reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but not
limited to, those necessary to comply with Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(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.
|
|
(a) |
All reasonable and customary fees associated with converting services to a successor
service provider; (b) Intentionally omitted.
|
|
(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) |
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.
|
STARBOARD INVESTMENT TRUST
By: /s/ Katherine M. Honey
Name: Katherine M. Honey
Title: President
|
CLEAR STREET LLC
By: /s/ Chris Pento
Name: Chris Pento
Title: CEO
|
Name
|
Telephone/Fax Number
|
Signature
|
1.
|
EXPENSE LIMITATION
|
(a)
|
Applicable Expense Limit. The 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
Adviser)). These expenses are typically shown on the financial statements of the Fund and are classified as the Fund Operating Expenses.
|
(b)
|
Due from Advisor Reimbursement. To the extent that the 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 the 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.
|
(c)
|
Expense Limit Calculation. The Fund’s maximum operating expense limits in any year shall be calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The fee shall be
calculated as of the last business day of each month based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund determined in the manner described in the 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 the Fund.
|
(d)
|
Method of Computation. To determine the Advisor’s liability with respect to the Excess Amount, each month the Fund’s 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 the 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 the 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.
|
(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 the Fund with respect to the previous fiscal year shall equal the Excess Amount.
|
2.
|
TERM AND TERMINATION
|
3.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
(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.
|
(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 the Fund.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
(f)
|
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
|
By:
|
/s/ Katherine M. Honey |
Name:
|
Katherine M. Honey
|
Title:
|
President
|
By:
|
/s/ Mark Anthony Grimaldi |
Name:
|
Mark Anthony Grimaldi
|
Title:
|
President
|
FUND
|
OPERATING EXPENSE LIMIT
|
Sector Rotation Fund
|
2.14%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BBD, LLP
|
|