Securities Act Registration No. 333-204808
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-23066
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2017
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ☒
◻ | Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
☒ | Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý
☒ | Amendment No. 41 |
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68154
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (402) 895-1600
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With copy to:
JoAnn M. Strasser, Thompson Hine LLP Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-469-3265 (phone) 614-469-3361 (fax)
|
James P. Ash, Gemini Fund Services, LLC 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110 Hauppauge, New York 11788 (631) 470-2619 (phone) (631) 813-2884 (fax) |
Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
(X) Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
( ) On (date ) pursuant to paragraph (b)
() 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
() On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
() 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
() On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
( ) This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
QXGG |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
QXMI |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
QXRR |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
QXTR |
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
XUSA |
each a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
PROSPECTUS
January 20, 2017
Advised by:
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC
6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle
Suite 350
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Quantxfunds.com 866-270-0300
This Prospectus provides important information about the Fund that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on Bats Global Markets (“BATS”)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX RISK MANAGED GROWTH ETF | 1 |
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX RISK MANAGED MULTI-ASSET INCOME ETF | 7 |
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX RISK MANAGED REAL RETURN ETF | 14 |
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX RISK MANAGED MULTI-ASSET TOTAL RETURN ETF | 21 |
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX DYNAMIC BETA US EQUITY ETF | 28 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS |
33 |
Investment Objective | 33 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 33 |
Principal Investment Risks | 38 |
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 47 |
Cybersecurity | 47 |
MANAGEMENT | 47 |
Investment Adviser | 47 |
Portfolio Managers | 48 |
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED | 48 |
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES | 49 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES | 50 |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN | 51 |
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES | 51 |
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS | 53 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 54 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 55 |
Privacy Notice | 56 |
FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Growth Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year
|
|
Management Fees | 0.95% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses (1) | 0.00% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.27% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.22% |
(1) | Estimated for the current fiscal year. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years |
$124 | $387 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies:
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Growth Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in foreign (including emerging markets) and domestic equity securities of any market capitalization pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
Under normal market conditions, in order to achieve growth of capital, the Index will be allocated to equity securities in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During
1 |
conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding certain securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments. The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund defines equity securities as common and preferred stock, as well as total return swaps on those securities. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Affiliated Investment Company Risk . The Fund invests in affiliated underlying funds (the “Affiliated Funds”), unaffiliated underlying funds, or a combination of both. The Adviser, therefore, is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among the Affiliated Funds. The Adviser will receive more revenue to the extent it selects Affiliated Fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the Fund’s assets to those Affiliated Funds for which the net advisory fees payable to the Adviser are higher than the fees payable by other Affiliated Funds.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk . At any time, the Fund may have significant investments in cash or cash equivalents. When a substantial portion of a portfolio is held in cash or cash equivalents, there is the risk that the value of the cash account, including interest, will not keep pace with inflation, thus reducing purchasing power over time.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular industry to the extent the Index does. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the industry. This may cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular industry.
Derivatives Risk . The use of derivative instruments, such as swaps, involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not
2 |
fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities.
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Emerging Markets Risk: Investing in emerging markets involves not only the risks described below with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other risks, including exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The typically small size of the markets of securities of issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o 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 Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares
3 |
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 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.
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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. |
Exchange Traded Fund Risk. ETFs in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the ETFs is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such ETFs will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
Fixed Income Risk . When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
4 |
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . As the Fund may not fully replicate the Index, it is subject to the risk that investment management strategy may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk . Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets.
Passive Investment Risk . The Fund is not actively managed and the Adviser will not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Index or the selling of shares of that security is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Swaps Risk . Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund's losses.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and
5 |
performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting Quantxfunds.com or by calling 866-270-0300.
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Keys Tinney, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and David Varadi, Director of Research of the Adviser have served the Fund as its portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year
|
|
Management Fees | 0.79% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses (1) | 0.00% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.33% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.12% |
(1) | Estimated for the current fiscal year. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years |
$114 | $356 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects exchange-traded funds (the “ETFs”) (which may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts that are selected from a universe of income producing securities that include the following categories:
1) Duration or Interest-Rate Sensitive Income: Income generated from domestic and international treasury bonds and cash instruments;
2) Credit Risk Income: Income generated from domestic and foreign corporate and high yielding bonds along with emerging market bonds denominated in domestic or local currency;
7 |
3) Equity Risk Income: Income generated from high dividend-paying equities, utilities, common stock, and preferred stock;
4) Real Asset Income: Income generated from real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), royalty trusts; and
4) Option Income: Income generated from option-selling strategies or selling volatility through ETFs or ETNs that either sell uncovered put options or employ covered call writing strategies.
These income producing securities generally provide high levels of current income and are selected pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to income categories that invest in cash and cash equivalents when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market.
Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to income producing securities in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents. The Index may have exposure to income producing securities of any duration, maturity or quality, including “junk” bonds, as well as any industry and of any market capitalization. The income producing securities may include total return swaps on those securities. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Affiliated Investment Company Risk . The Fund invests in affiliated underlying funds (the “Affiliated Funds”), unaffiliated underlying funds, or a combination of both. The Adviser, therefore, is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among the Affiliated Funds. The Adviser will receive more revenue to the extent it selects Affiliated Fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the Fund’s assets to those Affiliated Funds for which the net advisory fees payable to the Adviser are higher than the fees payable by other Affiliated Funds.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to
8 |
the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk . At any time, the Fund may have significant investments in cash or cash equivalents. When a substantial portion of a portfolio is held in cash or cash equivalents, there is the risk that the value of the cash account, including interest, will not keep pace with inflation, thus reducing purchasing power over time.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular industry to the extent the Index does. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the industry. This may cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular industry.
Credit Risk . Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security and other instrument will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Credit risk may be substantial for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk . The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities.
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Emerging Markets Risk: Investing in emerging markets involves not only the risks described below with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other risks, including exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The typically small size of the markets of securities of issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
9 |
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o | 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 | Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. 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 | 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. |
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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 |
10 |
and the Fund’s net asset value.
Exchange Traded Fund Risk. ETFs in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the ETFs is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such ETFs will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
Exchange Traded Note Risk . Similar to ETFs, owning an ETN generally reflects the risks of owning the assets that comprise the underlying market benchmark or strategy that the ETN is designed to reflect. ETNs also are subject to issuer and fixed-income risk.
Fixed Income Risk . When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Junk Bonds Risk . Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Limited Partnership Risk . Investments in limited partnerships (“LPs”) involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the LP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an LP and the LP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the LP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right.
Management Risk . As the Fund may not fully replicate the Index, it is subject to the risk that investment management strategy may not produce the intended results.
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Market Risk . Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets.
MLP Risk . Investments in MLPs involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the MLP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund.
o | MLP Tax Risk . MLPs, typically, do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Instead, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it could result in a reduction of the value of your investment in the Fund and lower income, as compared to an MLP that is not taxed as a corporation. |
Options Risk . There are risks associated with the sale and purchase of call and put options. As a seller (writer) of a put option, the Fund will tend to lose money if the value of the reference index or security falls below the strike price. As the seller (writer) of a call option, the Fund will tend to lose money if the value of the reference index or security rises above the strike price. As the buyer of a put or call option, the Fund risks losing the entire premium invested in the option if the Fund does not exercise the option.
Passive Investment Risk . The Fund is not actively managed and the Adviser will not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Index or the selling of shares of that security is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
REITs Risk . The value of the Fund’s investments in REITs may change in response to changes in the real estate market such as declines in the value of real estate, lack of available capital or financing opportunities, and increases in property taxes or operating costs. Shareholders of the Fund will indirectly be subject to the fees and expenses of the individual REITs in which the Fund invests.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
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Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Swaps Risk . Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund's losses.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting Quantxfunds.com or by calling 866-270-0300.
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Keys Tinney, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and David Varadi, Director of Research of the Adviser have served the Fund as its portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Real Return Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year
|
|
Management Fees | 0.95% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses (1) | 0.00% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.27% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.22% |
(1) | Estimated for the current fiscal year. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years |
$124 | $387 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Real Return Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects other investment companies (exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that invest in foreign and domestic real assets pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. Real assets are asset classes that are positively correlated to traditional measures of inflation (e.g., real estate and commodities (including precious metals), as well as certain inflation-hedged fixed income securities such as Treasury-Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and equity securities). The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
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Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to real assets in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments (Treasury-Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)). The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund may also gain exposure to the asset classes in which it invests using total return swaps. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Affiliated Investment Company Risk . The Fund invests in affiliated underlying funds (the “Affiliated Funds”), unaffiliated underlying funds, or a combination of both. The Adviser, therefore, is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among the Affiliated Funds. The Adviser will receive more revenue to the extent it selects Affiliated Fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the Fund’s assets to those Affiliated Funds for which the net advisory fees payable to the Adviser are higher than the fees payable by other Affiliated Funds.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk . At any time, the Fund may have significant investments in cash or cash equivalents. When a substantial portion of a portfolio is held in cash or cash equivalents, there is the risk that the value of the cash account, including interest, will not keep pace with inflation, thus reducing purchasing power over time.
Commodity Risk . Investing in the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Commodity prices may be influenced by unfavorable weather, animal and plant disease, geologic and environmental factors as well as changes in government regulation such as tariffs, embargoes or burdensome production rules and restrictions.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular industry to the extent the Index does. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly
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affect the industry. This may cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular industry.
Derivatives Risk . The use of derivative instruments, such as swaps, involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities.
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o 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 Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial
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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 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.
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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. |
Exchange Traded Note Risk . Similar to ETFs, owning an ETN generally reflects the risks of owning the assets that comprise the underlying market benchmark or strategy that the ETN is designed to reflect. ETNs also are subject to issuer and fixed-income risk.
Fixed Income Risk . When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
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Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . As the Fund may not fully replicate the Index, it is subject to the risk that investment management strategy may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk . Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets.
MLP Risk . Investments in MLPs involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the MLP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund.
Passive Investment Risk . The Fund is not actively managed and the Adviser will not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Index or the selling of shares of that security is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
REITs Risk . The value of the Fund’s investments in REITs may change in response to changes in the real estate market such as declines in the value of real estate, lack of available capital or financing opportunities, and increases in property taxes or operating costs. Shareholders of the Fund will indirectly be subject to the fees and expenses of the individual REITs in which the Fund invests.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
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Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Swaps Risk . Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund's losses.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
Underlying Fund Risk . ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs and closed-end funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the ETFs and closed-end funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such ETFs and closed-end funds will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting Quantxfunds.com or by calling 866-270-0300.
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers Keys Tinney, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and David Varadi, Director of Research of the Adviser have served the Fund as its portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
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Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year
|
|
Management Fees | 1.25% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses (1) | 0.00% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.26% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.51% |
(1) | Estimated for the current fiscal year. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years |
$154 | $477 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects other investment companies (exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that invest in foreign (including emerging markets) and domestic equity securities, real estate, commodities (including precious metals), corporate bonds, high-yield bonds (known as “junk” bonds) pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
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Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to the asset classes described above in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments. The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund may also gain exposure to the asset classes in which it invests using total return swaps. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Affiliated Investment Company Risk . The Fund invests in affiliated underlying funds (the “Affiliated Funds”), unaffiliated underlying funds, or a combination of both. The Adviser, therefore, is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among the Affiliated Funds. The Adviser will receive more revenue to the extent it selects Affiliated Fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the Fund’s assets to those Affiliated Funds for which the net advisory fees payable to the Adviser are higher than the fees payable by other Affiliated Funds.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk . At any time, the Fund may have significant investments in cash or cash equivalents. When a substantial portion of a portfolio is held in cash or cash equivalents, there is the risk that the value of the cash account, including interest, will not keep pace with inflation, thus reducing purchasing power over time.
Commodity Risk . Investing in the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Commodity prices may be influenced by unfavorable weather, animal and plant disease, geologic and environmental factors as well as changes in government regulation such as tariffs, embargoes or burdensome production rules and restrictions.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular industry to the
22 |
extent the Index does. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the industry. This may cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular industry.
Derivatives Risk . The use of derivative instruments, such as swaps, involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities.
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Emerging Markets Risk: Investing in emerging markets involves not only the risks described below with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other risks, including exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The typically small size of the markets of securities of issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o Not Individually Redeemable . Shares are not individually redeemable and may be
23 |
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 Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. 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 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.
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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. |
Exchange Traded Note Risk . Similar to ETFs, owning an ETN generally reflects the risks of owning the assets that comprise the underlying market benchmark or strategy that the ETN is designed to reflect. ETNs also are subject to issuer and fixed-income risk.
Fixed Income Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
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Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Junk Bonds Risk . Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . As the Fund may not fully replicate the Index, it is subject to the risk that investment management strategy may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk . Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets.
MLP Risk . Investments in MLPs involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the MLP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund.
Passive Investment Risk . The Fund is not actively managed and the Adviser will not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Index or the selling of shares of that security is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology.
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Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
REITs Risk . The value of the Fund’s investments in REITs may change in response to changes in the real estate market such as declines in the value of real estate, lack of available capital or financing opportunities, and increases in property taxes or operating costs. Shareholders of the Fund will indirectly be subject to the fees and expenses of the individual REITs in which the Fund invests.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Swaps Risk . Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund's losses.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
Underlying Fund Risk . ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the ETFs and closed-end funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the ETFs and closed-end funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such ETFs and closed-end funds will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting Quantxfunds.com or by calling 866-270-0300.
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Keys Tinney, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and David Varadi, Director of
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Research of the Adviser have served the Fund as its portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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FUND SUMMARY - QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity Index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year
|
|
Management Fees | 0.59% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses (1) | 0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.59% |
(1) | Estimated for the current fiscal year. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years |
$60 | $189 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects domestic large and mid capitalization equity securities of companies listed on the Russell 1000 Index pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to companies that have the highest estimated upside volatility relative to downside volatility while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to companies that have the lowest estimated downside volatility when the methodology indicates that the Fund should hold less risk exposure.
Upside and downside volatility are determined using primarily forward-looking measures of volatility from the equity options market. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets (defined as net assets plus borrowing for investment purposes) in domestic equity securities. The Fund defines equity securities as common and preferred stock, as well as total return swaps on those securities.
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The Index is reconstituted monthly and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Concentration Risk. The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular industry to the extent the Index does. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the industry. This may cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular industry.
Derivatives Risk . The use of derivative instruments, such as swaps, involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities.
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
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ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o 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 Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. 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 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.
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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 |
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turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . As the Fund may not fully replicate the Index, it is subject to the risk that investment management strategy may not produce the intended results.
Market Risk . Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets.
Passive Investment Risk . The Fund is not actively managed and the Adviser will not sell shares of an equity security due to current or projected underperformance of a security, industry or sector, unless that security is removed from the Index or the selling of shares of that security is otherwise required upon a rebalancing of the Index as addressed in the Index methodology.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Swaps Risk . Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund's losses.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
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Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting Quantxfunds.com or by calling 866-270-0300.
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Keys Tinney, Managing Partner of the Adviser, and David Varadi, Director of Research of the Adviser have served the Fund as its portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in large blocks of 50,000 Shares (each block of Shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE:
Fund | Investment Objective |
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF | seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Growth Index. |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income Index. |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Real Return Index. |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return Index |
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF | seeks to replicate investment results that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity Index. |
Each Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders. QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF has adopted a policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in domestic equity securities. The Fund may change its 80% policy upon 60 days’ written notice to its shareholders. The Adviser seeks correlation over time of 0.95 or better between each Fund’s performance and the performance of its Underlying Index; a figure of 1.00 would represent perfect correlation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Growth Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in foreign (including emerging markets) and domestic equity securities of any market capitalization pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
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Under normal market conditions, in order to achieve growth of capital, the Index will be allocated to equity securities in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding certain securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments. The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund defines equity securities as common and preferred stock, as well as total return swaps on those securities. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Index’s approach is meant to generate asymmetric returns, which means that it seeks to manage downside risk while providing as much upside capture as possible. Upside capture is generated by exposing the underlying portfolio to what the methodology considers to be the best performing markets. Downside risk is mitigated by reducing exposure to risky assets and increasing exposure to fixed income and/or cash and cash equivalents when conditions warrant. The Index’s proprietary methodology combines various price-derived filters and/or indicators (momentum, volatility, and trend factors) to select its component securities. The Index looks to allocate to the top-performing assets based on these proprietary filters and by managing the position size in each asset based on the estimated probability that they will outperform cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. These industries are expected to include, but not be limited to, Energy, Materials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Financials, Information Technology, Telecommunication Services, Utilities, and Real Estate.
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects exchange-traded funds (the “ETFs”) (which may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts that are selected from a universe of income producing securities that include the following categories:
1) Duration or Interest-Rate Sensitive Income: Income generated from domestic and international treasury bonds and cash instruments;
2) Credit Risk Income: Income generated from domestic and foreign corporate and high yielding bonds along with emerging market bonds denominated in domestic or local currency;
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3) Equity Risk Income: Income generated from high dividend-paying equities, utilities, common stock, and preferred stock;
4) Real Asset Income: Income generated from real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), royalty trusts; and
4) Option Income: Income generated from option-selling strategies or selling volatility through ETFs or ETNs that either sell uncovered put options or employ covered call writing strategies.
These income producing securities generally provide high levels of current income and are selected pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to income categories that invest in cash and cash equivalents when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market.
Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to income producing securities in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents. The Index may have exposure to income producing securities of any duration, maturity or quality, including “junk” bonds, as well as any industry and of any market capitalization. The income producing securities may include total return swaps on those securities. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Index’s approach is meant to generate asymmetric returns, which means that it seeks to manage downside risk while providing as much upside capture as possible. Upside capture is generated by exposing the underlying portfolio to what the methodology considers to be the best performing markets. Downside risk is mitigated by reducing exposure to risky assets and increasing exposure to fixed income and/or cash and cash equivalents when conditions warrant. The Index’s proprietary methodology combines various price-derived filters and/or indicators (momentum, volatility, and trend factors) to select its component securities. The Index looks to allocate to the top-performing assets based on these proprietary filters and by managing the position size in each asset based on the estimated probability that they will outperform cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. These industries are expected to include, but not be limited to, Energy, Materials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Financials, Information Technology, Telecommunication Services, Utilities, and Real Estate.
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QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Real Return Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects other investment companies (exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that invest in foreign and domestic real assets pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. Real assets are asset classes that are positively correlated to traditional measures of inflation (e.g., real estate and commodities (including precious metals), as well as certain inflation-hedged fixed income securities such as Treasury-Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and equity securities). The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to real assets in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments (Treasury-Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)). The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund may also gain exposure to the asset classes in which it invests using total return swaps. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Index’s approach is meant to generate asymmetric returns, which means that it seeks to manage downside risk while providing as much upside capture as possible. Upside capture is generated by exposing the underlying portfolio to what the methodology considers to be the best performing markets. Downside risk is mitigated by reducing exposure to risky assets and increasing exposure to fixed income and/or cash and cash equivalents when conditions warrant. The Index’s proprietary methodology combines various price-derived filters and/or indicators (momentum, volatility, and trend factors) to select its component securities. The Index looks to allocate to the top-performing assets based on these proprietary filters and by managing the position size in each asset based on the estimated probability that they will outperform cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. These industries are expected to include, but not be limited to, Energy, Materials, and Real Estate.
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QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects other investment companies (exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end funds), exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), limited or master limited partnerships, and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that invest in foreign (including emerging markets) and domestic equity securities, real estate, commodities (including precious metals), corporate bonds, high-yield bonds (known as “junk” bonds) pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to the best performing markets, while decreasing exposure to the worst performing markets while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to ETFs that invest in cash and cash equivalents or fixed income instruments when the methodology indicates that the Fund should be out of the market. The ETFs included in the Index may include affiliated and unaffiliated ETFs of the Fund.
Under normal market conditions, the Index will be allocated to the asset classes described above in what the methodology determines to be the best performing markets. During conditions when the methodology determines that the risk of holding these securities is elevated, the Index may allocate as much as 100% to cash and cash equivalents and/or fixed income instruments. The Index may have exposure to companies in any industry, country, and of any market capitalization. The Fund may also gain exposure to the asset classes in which it invests using total return swaps. The Index may remove a security when the methodology indicates that the security is overvalued or better investment opportunities are available. The Index is reconstituted daily and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Index’s approach is meant to generate asymmetric returns, which means that it seeks to manage downside risk while providing as much upside capture as possible. Upside capture is generated by exposing the underlying portfolio to what the methodology considers to be the best performing markets. Downside risk is mitigated by reducing exposure to risky assets and increasing exposure to fixed income and/or cash and cash equivalents when conditions warrant. The Index’s proprietary methodology combines various price-derived filters and/or indicators (momentum, volatility, and trend factors) to select its component securities. The Index looks to allocate to the top-performing assets based on these proprietary filters and by managing the position size in each asset based on the estimated probability that they will outperform cash or cash equivalents.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. These industries are expected to include, but not be limited to, Energy, Materials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Financials, Information Technology, Telecommunication Services, Utilities, and Real Estate.
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QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
The Fund generally will invest at least 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity Index (the “Index”). The Index methodology selects domestic large and mid capitalization equity securities of companies listed on the Russell 1000 Index pursuant to a proprietary selection methodology that is designed to increase exposure to companies that have the highest estimated upside volatility relative to downside volatility while also managing overall portfolio risk by allocating to companies that have the lowest estimated downside volatility when the methodology indicates that the Fund should hold less risk exposure. The Index’s approach is meant to generate asymmetric returns, which means that it seeks to manage downside risk while providing as much upside capture as possible.
Upside and downside volatility are determined using primarily forward-looking measures of volatility from the equity options market. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets (defined as net assets plus borrowing for investment purposes) in domestic equity securities. The Fund defines equity securities as common and preferred stock, as well as total return swaps on those securities.
The Index is reconstituted monthly and rebalanced as needed to stay within pre-determined thresholds for portfolio weightings. Due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, it may have relatively high portfolio turnover compared to other funds, which may lead to higher transaction costs that may affect the Fund’s performance.
The Fund uses a sampling approach in seeking to achieve its objective. Sampling means that the Investment Adviser uses quantitative analysis to select securities from the Index universe to obtain a representative sample of securities that resemble the Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics. These include industry weightings, market capitalization and other financial characteristics of securities. However, the Fund may use replication to achieve its objective if practicable.
The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries. These industries are expected to include, but not be limited to, Energy, Materials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Financials, Information Technology, Telecommunication Services, Utilities, and Real Estate.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS
The following describes the risks born by the Funds with respect to their direct and indirect investments.
Risk | QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF | QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF |
Affiliated Investment Company Risk | X | X | X | X | |
Asset Class | X | X | X | X | X |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | X | X | X | X | |
Commodity | X | X | |||
Concentration | X | X | X | X | X |
Credit | X | ||||
Derivatives | X | X | X | X | X |
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Early Close/Trading Halt Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
Emerging Markets | X | X | X | ||
Equity Securities | X | X | X | X | X |
ETF Structure | X | X | X | X | X |
ETN | X | X | X | ||
Fixed Income | X | X | X | X | |
Foreign Securities | X | X | X | X | |
Index | X | X | X | X | X |
Junk Bonds | X | X | |||
Limited History of Operations | X | X | X | X | X |
Limited Partnership | X | ||||
Management | X | X | X | X | X |
Market | X | X | X | X | X |
MLP | X | X | X | ||
Options | X | ||||
Passive Investment | X | X | X | X | X |
Portfolio Turnover | X | X | X | X | X |
REIT | X | X | X | ||
Sampling | X | X | X | X | X |
Small and Medium Capitalization | X | X | X | X | X |
Swaps | X | X | X | X | X |
Tracking Error | X | X | X | X | X |
Underlying Fund | X | X | X | X |
Affiliated Investment Company Risk . The Fund invests in affiliated underlying funds (the “Affiliated Funds”), unaffiliated underlying funds, or a combination of both. The Adviser, therefore, is subject to conflicts of interest in allocating the Fund’s assets among the Affiliated Funds. The Adviser will receive more revenue to the extent it selects Affiliated Fund rather than an unaffiliated fund for inclusion in the Fund’s portfolio. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to allocate the Fund’s assets to those Affiliated Funds for which the net advisory fees payable to the Adviser are higher than the fees payable by other Affiliated Funds.
Asset Class Risk . Securities in the Index or in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Risk . At any time, the Fund may have significant investments in cash or cash equivalents. When a substantial portion of a portfolio is held in cash or cash equivalents, there is the risk that the value of the cash account, including interest, will not keep pace with inflation, thus reducing purchasing power over time.
Commodity Risk . The Fund’s exposure to the commodities futures markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments, commodity-based notes may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.
Concentration Risk. Sector risk is the possibility that securities within the same group of industries will
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decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. If the Fund invests more heavily in a particular industry, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that industry. As a result, the Fund's share price may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of industries. Additionally, some industries could be subject to greater government regulation than other sectors. Therefore, changes in regulatory policies for those industries may have a material effect on the value of securities issued by companies in those industries. The industries in which the Fund may invest, directly or indirectly, will vary based on the investments of the Index.
Credit Risk . Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay principal and interest in a timely manner, reducing the Fund’s total return. The Fund may invest in high-yield, high-risk securities commonly called “junk bonds”, that are not investment grade and are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities. Credit risk may be substantial for the Fund.
Derivatives Risk . The Fund's use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities including:
o | Leverage and Volatility Risk: Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the Fund. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify the Fund's potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund's share price. |
o | Liquidity Risk : It is possible that particular derivative investments might be difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Fund from executing positions at an advantageous time or price, or possibly requiring them to dispose of other investments at unfavorable times or prices in order to satisfy their obligations. Most U.S. commodity futures exchanges impose daily limits regulating the maximum amount above or below the previous day's settlement price which a futures contract price may fluctuate during a single day. During a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased to the limit point, it may be difficult, costly or impossible to liquidate a position. It is also possible that an exchange or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), which regulates commodity futures exchanges, may suspend trading in a particular contract, order immediate settlement of a contract or order that trading to the liquidation of open positions only. |
Early Close/Trading Halt Risk. An exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these
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circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.
Emerging Markets Risk : The Fund may invest in countries with newly organized or less developed securities markets. There are typically greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets securities. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries and their political systems tend to be less stable. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries, therefore security issuers, including governments, may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market countries also may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by government policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The potentially smaller size of their securities markets and lower trading volumes can make investments relatively illiquid and potentially more volatile than investments in developed countries, and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. Due to this relative lack of liquidity, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell a portfolio security at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to meet cash obligations or take advantage of other investment opportunities.
Equity Securities Risk : Equity securities are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value. The equity securities held by the Fund may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors affecting securities markets generally, the equity securities of a particular sector, or a particular company.
ETF Structure Risk: The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o | 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 | Trading Issues . 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. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares |
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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 | Market Price Variance Risk . Individual Shares of the Fund that are listed for trading on the Exchange can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly and you may pay more than NAV when buying Shares on the secondary market, and you may receive less than NAV when you sell those Shares. The market price of Shares, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid-ask spread often increases significantly. This means that Shares may trade at a discount to NAV and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of Shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your Shares. The Fund’s investment results are measured based upon the daily NAV of the Fund over a period of time. Investors purchasing and selling Shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund. |
§ | 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. |
§ | 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 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. |
§ | 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. |
ETN Risk . Similar to ETFs, owning an ETN generally reflects the risks of owning the assets that comprise the underlying market benchmark or strategy that the ETN is designed to reflect. ETNs also are subject to issuer and fixed-income risk.
Fixed Income Risk . Fixed income risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default) and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early or later than expected, potentially reducing the amount of interest payments or extending time to principal repayment). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. If the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open
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Market Committee (“FOMC”) raises the federal funds interest rate target, interest rates across the U.S. financial system may rise. However, the magnitude of rate changes across maturities and borrower sectors is uncertain. Rising rates may decrease liquidity and increase volatility, which may make portfolio management more difficult and costly to the Fund and its shareholders. Additionally, default risk increases if issuers must borrow at higher rates. Generally, these changing market conditions may cause the Fund’s share price to fluctuate or decline more than other types of equity investments.
Foreign Securities Risk: To the extent the Fund invest in foreign securities, the Fund could be subject to greater risks because the Fund’s performance may depend on issues other than the performance of a particular company or U.S. market sector. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may also be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information. The values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to greater risk and will be more dependent on the adviser's ability to assess such risk than if the Fund invested solely in more developed countries.
Index Risk. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, it would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Junk Bonds Risk . Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. These bonds offer the potential for higher return, but also involve greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased possibility that the bond's issuer, obligor or guarantor may not be able to make its payments of interest and principal (credit quality risk). If that happens, the value of the bond may decrease, and the Fund's share price may decrease and its income distribution may be reduced. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates (interest rate risk) could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds (liquidity risk). Such securities may also include "Rule 144A" securities, which are subject to resale restrictions. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price.
Limited History of Operations : The Fund is a new mutual fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Limited Partnership Risk . Investments in limited partnerships (“LPs”) involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the LP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an LP and the LP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the LP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right.
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Management Risk : The Fund’s ability to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon the Adviser. If one or more key individuals leave, the Adviser may not be able to hire qualified replacements or may require extended time to do so. This situation could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objectives. The Fund’s portfolio managers use quantitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies. By necessity, these analyses and models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Further, the data used in models may be inaccurate and/or it may not include the most recent information about a company or a security.
Market Risk : Stock market Risk is the risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously, although equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Despite gains in some markets after steep declines during certain periods of 2008-2009, negative conditions and price declines may return unexpectedly and dramatically. In addition, the Fund could experience a loss when selling securities in order to meet unusually large or frequent redemption requests in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold. Stock prices change daily, sometimes rapidly, in response to company activity and general economic and market conditions. Certain stocks may decline in value even during periods when the prices of equity securities in general are rising, or may not perform as well as the market in general. Stock prices may also experience greater volatility during periods of challenging market conditions such as the one that the market recently experienced.
MLP Risk . Investments in MLPs involve risks different from those of investing in common stock including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between an MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks (which could occur if the MLP raises capital and then invests it in projects whose return fails to exceed the cost of capital raised) and risks related to the general partner’s limited call right. MLPs are generally considered interest-rate sensitive investments. During periods of interest rate volatility, these investments may not provide attractive returns. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the use of MLPs could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Fund.
o | MLP Tax Risk . MLPs, typically, do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Instead, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it could result in a reduction of the value of your investment in the Fund and lower income, as compared to an MLP that is not taxed as a corporation. |
Options Risk . The Fund may lose the entire put option premium paid if the underlying security does not decrease in value at expiration. Put options may not be an effective hedge because they may have imperfect correlation to the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Purchased put options may decline in value due to changes in price of the underlying security, passage of time and changes in volatility. Written call and put options may limit the Fund's participation in equity market gains and may magnify the losses if the price of the written option instrument increases in value between the date when the Fund writes the option and the date on which the Fund purchases an offsetting
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position. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a written options (also known as a short position) if the price of the written option instrument increases in value between the date when the Fund writes the option and the date on which the Fund purchases an offsetting position. The Fund's losses are potentially large in a written put transaction and potentially unlimited in an unhedged written call transaction.
Passive Investment Risk. The Fund is not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments related to the Index. The Fund invests in securities included in, or representative of securities included in, the Index, regardless of their investment merits. The Fund does not take defensive positions under any market conditions, including conditions that are adverse to the performance of the Fund, unless such defensive positions are also taken by the Index.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
REIT Risk . The Fund’s investments in REITs may subject the fund to the following additional risks: declines in the value of real estate, changes in interest rates, lack of available mortgage funds or other limits on obtaining capital, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws and regulations, casualty or condemnation losses and tax consequences of the failure of a REIT to comply with tax law requirements. The Fund will bear a proportionate share of the REIT’s ongoing operating fees and expenses, which may include management, operating and administrative expenses in addition to the expenses of the Fund.
Sampling Risk. The Fund’s use of a representative sampling approach, if used, could result in its holding a smaller number of securities than are in the Index. As a result, an adverse development with an issuer of securities held by the Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Fund held all of the securities in the Index. To the extent the assets in the Fund are smaller, these risks will be greater.
Small and Medium Capitalization Risk : The stocks of small and medium capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group. Stocks of these companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
Swaps Risk . The Fund may use swaps to enhance returns. The Fund's use of swaps involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the Fund. The use of leverage may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations or to meet collateral segregation
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requirements. The use of leveraged derivatives can magnify the Fund's potential for loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund's share price.
Tracking Error Risk . Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, differences on timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses, while the Index does not.
Underlying Fund Risk . Other investment companies including mutual funds, ETFs and closed-end funds (“Underlying Funds”) in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the sub-adviser expects the principal investments risks of such Underlying Funds will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund. Additional risks of investing in ETFs and mutual funds are described below:
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE: A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information.
CYBERSECURITY: The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Funds and their service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by the Funds and their service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. Each Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact each Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with each Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of each Fund, the adviser, and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the Funds invest; counterparties with which the Funds engage in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for a Fund’s shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
MANAGEMENT
Investment Adviser: Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC, located at 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 350, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, serves as each Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The adviser manages accounts for individuals and institutions as well as the Funds. As of December 30, 2016 it had approximately $271,384,539 in asset under management.
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s investments, executing transactions and providing related administrative services and facilities under an Investment Advisory Agreement between each Fund and the Adviser.
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor a unitary management fee equal to the amount set forth below of its average daily net assets.
Fund | Management Fee |
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF | 0.95% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | 0.79% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | 0.95% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | 1.25% |
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF | 0.59% |
The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay each Fund’s operating expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing service for each Fund. The Adviser pays substantially all operating expenses of each Fund, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, and other services, and Independent Trustees’ fees, except for payments
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under each Fund’s 12b-1 plan, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation expense and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto). The Adviser, and not Fund shareholders, would benefit from any reduction in fees paid for third-party services, including reductions based on increases in assets.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the advisory agreement will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated June 30, 2017.
Portfolio Managers
Keys Tinney. Mr. Tinney has been the Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (BSAM) since its formation in 2013. Additionally, since 2011, he has been the Managing Partner of Aveo Capital Partners, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm providing private wealth management services to high net worth investors. Mr. Tinney is a Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP) and received his B.S. from the University of Colorado.
David Varadi . Mr. Varadi is the co-founder of QuantX and has been the Chief Investment Officer of Blue Sky Asset Management Canada Inc. and the Director of Research of Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (BSAM) since 2014. Previously, David was the Vice President of Economic Research and Strategic Development for Flexible Plan Investments in Michigan from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, Mr. Varadi was the Quantitative Director for Butler, Philbrick and Gordillo in Toronto, Canada from 2011 to 2012. Mr. Varadi is a CFA charterholder, and received his MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto.
The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Fund shares.
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
The net asset value (“NAV”) and offering price (NAV plus any applicable sales charges) of each class of shares is determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is computed by determining, on a per class basis, the aggregate market value of all assets of the applicable Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares = NAV). The NYSE is closed on weekends and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The NAV takes into account, on a per class basis, the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day.
Generally, each Fund’s securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair
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value” procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value team composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) adviser. The team may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.
The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of each Fund’s securities. In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund. Because the Funds may invest in underlying ETFs that hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of some of a Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares. In computing the NAV, the Funds value foreign securities held by a Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. If events materially affecting the value of a security in a Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before a Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before a Fund calculates its NAV, the adviser may need to price the security using the Funds’ fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of a Fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of a Fund’s NAV by short term traders. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine net asset value, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.
With respect to any portion of a Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s net asset value is calculated based upon the net asset values of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
Premium/Discount Information
Most investors will buy and sell Shares of the Funds in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Fund’s Shares will trade at market prices. The market price of Shares of the Funds may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of Shares of the Funds.
Information regarding how often the Shares of the Funds traded at a price above (at a premium to) or below (at a discount to) the NAV of the Funds during the past four calendar quarters, when available, can be found at Quantxfunds.com.
How to Buy and Sell Shares
Shares of the Funds will be listed for trading on Bats Global Markets (“BATS or the “Exchange”) under the symbols QXGG, QXMI, QXTR, QXRA, and XUSA. Share prices are reported in dollars and
49 |
cents per Share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares, and Shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
Authorized participants (“APs”) may acquire Shares directly from the Funds, and APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Funds, at NAV per Share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 50,000 Shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Funds must follow the each Fund’s procedures, which are described in the SAI.
The Funds may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.
Share Trading Prices
The approximate value of Shares of the Funds, an amount representing on a per share basis the sum of the current market price of the securities accepted by the Funds in exchange for Shares of the Funds and an estimated cash component will be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per Share of the Funds because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Funds are not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the Shares, and the Funds do not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.
Book Entry
Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all Shares for all purposes.
Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
Each Fund’s Shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by APs, and the vast majority of trading in a Fund’s Shares occurs on the secondary market.
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Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund’s trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With regard to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units directly with the Funds, to the extent effected in-kind ( i.e. , for securities), those trades do not cause the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in cash, those trades could result in dilution to the Funds and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. However, direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that each Fund’s Shares trade at or close to NAV. The Funds also employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. In addition, the Funds impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Funds in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that a Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances. Given this structure, the Trust has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Funds’ Shares.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Funds have adopted a distribution and service plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Funds are authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services (“Service Providers”). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Fund may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Funds, and there are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Funds. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to the fund only at closing NAVs, each Fund’s Shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on a Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the Shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Funds or its ongoing shareholders.
Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually by the Funds. The Funds distribute their net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available.
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Taxes
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
A Fund makes distributions,
You sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and
You purchase or redeem Creation Units.
Taxes on Distributions
As stated above, dividends from net investment income, if any, ordinarily are declared and paid monthly by the Funds. The Funds may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements. Distributions from each Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that each Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” ( i.e ., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their Fund shares at the rate for net capital gain -- a maximum of 15% for taxable years beginning before 2013. A part of each Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends each Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.
In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Funds (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional Shares of a Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the Shares.
Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the Shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
By law, the Funds are required to withhold 28% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.
Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales
Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if
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the Shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of Shares may be limited.
Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units
An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“Service”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to Share redemptions and each Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the Service.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Shares under all applicable tax laws. See “T ax Status in the SAI for more information.
Fund Service Providers
Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the Funds’ administrator and fund accountant. It has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. It is an affiliate of the Distributor.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, is the Funds’ transfer agent and custodian.
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130, is the distributor for the shares of the Funds. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.
BBD, LLP, 1835 Market Street, 26 th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Funds.
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Other Information
Investments by Investment Companies
The SEC has granted an exemptive order to the advisor permitting registered investment companies and unit investment trusts that enter into an agreement with the Trust (“Investing Funds”) to invest in series of the Trust beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act subject to certain terms and conditions. This aspect of the exemptive order is not applicable to the Funds. Accordingly, Investing Funds must adhere to the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act when investing in the Funds.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares and sells the Shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Householding: To reduce expenses, the Funds mail only one copy of the prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Funds at 866-270-0300 on days the
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Funds are open for business or contact your financial institution. The Funds will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Because the Funds have only recently commenced investment operations, no financial highlights are available for the Funds at this time. In the future, financial highlights will be presented in this section of the Prospectus.
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PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Rev. August 2015
FACTS | WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some, but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
What? |
The types of personal information we collect and share depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include: · Social Security number and wire transfer instructions · account transactions and transaction history · investment experience and purchase history When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust IV chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information: | Does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV share information? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. | YES | NO |
For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you. | NO | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your transactions and records. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your credit worthiness. | NO | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | NO | We don’t share |
QUESTIONS? | Call 1-402-493-4603 |
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PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Page 2 |
What we do : | |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV protect my personal information? |
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV collect my personal information? |
We collect your personal information, for example, when you · open an account or deposit money · direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities · seek advice about your investments We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? |
Federal law gives you the right to limit only: · sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness. · affiliates from using your information to market to you. · sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you. State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions | |
Affiliates |
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. · Northern Lights Fund Trust IV has no affiliates. |
Nonaffiliates |
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. · Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. |
Joint marketing |
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. · Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not jointly market . |
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QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
Adviser |
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 350 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 |
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 17605 Wright Street Omaha, NE 68130 |
Custodian &Transfer Agent |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02110 |
Legal
Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, OH 43215 |
Administrator |
Gemini Fund Services, LLC 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2 Omaha, NE 68130 |
Independent
Registered
|
BBD, LLP 1835 Market Street, 26th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
Additional information about the Funds is included in the Funds’ SAI dated January 20, 2017. The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus). The SAI provides more details about the Funds’ policies and management. Additional information about the Funds’ investments will also be available in the Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during the last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Funds, or to make shareholder inquiries about the
Funds, please call
866-270-0300. The Funds do not have a website; however information relating to the Fund can be found on the website at Quantxfunds.com.
You may also write to:
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street, Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68130
You may review and obtain copies of the Funds’ information at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Please call 1-202-551-8090 for information relating to the operation of the Public Reference Room. Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
Investment Company Act File # 811-23066
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF
QXGG |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF
QXMI |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF
QXRR |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF
QXTR |
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF
XUSA |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 20, 2017
Listed and traded on:
the BATS
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the combined Prospectus of the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF, and QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF (each a "Fund" and, together, the “Funds”) dated January 20, 2017. The Funds’ Prospectus is hereby incorporate by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Funds’ Prospectus, annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting the Funds’ Distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130-2095 or by calling 866-270-0300 . You may also obtain a Prospectus by visiting the website at Quantxfunds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUNDS | 1 |
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS | 2 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 19 |
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 20 |
MANAGEMENT | 22 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS | 26 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 26 |
THE DISTRIBUTOR | 29 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS | 30 |
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE | 32 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 32 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 33 |
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES | 35 |
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM | 35 |
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES | 35 |
TAX STATUS | 50 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 55 |
LEGAL COUNSEL | 55 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 55 |
APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | A-1 |
THE FUNDS
The Funds are each diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, a Delaware statutory trust organized on June 2, 2015 (the "Trust"). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees").
The Funds may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges. Each share of each Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each share of each Fund is entitled to participate equally with other shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by such Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of such Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.
Each Fund’s investment objective is to seek investment results that generally correspond to the performance of an applicable underlying index (the “Underlying Index”). The Fund is managed by Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (the "Adviser"). The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.
The Funds will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 50,000 Shares (each a "Creation Unit"). The Funds will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for a basket of securities included in the Underlying Index (the "Deposit Securities"),, together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash Component"), plus a transaction fee. The Funds are expected to be approved for listing, subject to notice of issuance, on BATS (the "Exchange"). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Funds, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
The Funds reserve the right to offer creations and redemptions of Shares for cash. In addition, Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash equal to up to 115% of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees, may be imposed and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES below.
Exchange Listing and Trading
The approximate value of a Fund’s investments on a per-Share basis, the Indicative Intra-Day Value (“IIV”), is disseminated by the Exchange every 15 seconds during hours of trading on the Exchange. The IIV should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of NAV because the IIV will be calculated by an independent third party calculator and may not be calculated in the exact same manner as NAV, which is computed daily.
The Exchange calculates the IIV during hours of trading on the Exchange by dividing the “Estimated Fund Value” as of the time of the calculation by the total number of outstanding Shares. “Estimated Fund Value” is the sum of the estimated amount of cash held in the Fund’s portfolio, the estimated amount of accrued interest owing to the Fund and the estimated value of the securities
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held in the Fund’s portfolio, minus the estimated amount of liabilities. The IIV will be calculated based on the same portfolio holdings disclosed on the Fund’s website. In determining the estimated value for each of the component securities, the IIV will use last sale, market prices or other methods that would be considered appropriate for pricing equity securities held by registered investment companies. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IIV.
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in securities that comprise the Underlying Index. Each Fund operates as an index fund and will not be actively managed. Each Fund may use a “sampling” methodology – in seeking to achieve its investment objective including when securities in the Underlying Index are unavailable or trading in round lots that are too large to include in the Deposit Securities or until the Fund achieves scale. Sampling involves using a quantitative analysis to select securities that, in the aggregate, have investment characteristics resembling the Underlying Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other characteristics.
A discussion of each Fund's investment policies and the risks associated with an investment in the Fund is contained in the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.
An investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of the Fund's portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities in general and other factors that affect the market.
An investment in a Fund should also be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the securities market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Shares). Securities are susceptible to general securities market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions of their issuers' change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid/ask spreads are wide. The performance of a Fund and the Underlying Index may vary due to asset valuation differences: a Fund may fair value certain of the securities it holds and to the extent it calculates its NAV based on fair value prices, the Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index may be adversely affected. There may also be differences between a Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index as a result of legal restrictions, cost or liquidity constraints. Similarly, liquidity constraints also may delay a Fund’s purchase or sale of securities included in the Underlying Index. Further, the investment activities of one or more of the Adviser’s affiliates for their proprietary accounts and for client accounts may also adversely impact a Fund’s ability to track the Underlying Index. For example, in regulated industries, and in corporate and
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regulatory ownership definitions, there may be limits on the aggregate amount of investment by affiliated investors that may not be exceeded, or that may not be exceeded without the grant of a license or other regulatory or corporate consent or, if exceeded, may cause the Adviser, the Funds or other client accounts to suffer disadvantages or business restrictions. As a result, a Fund may be restricted in its ability to acquire particular securities due to positions held by the Adviser’s affiliates.
In addition, the use of a representative sampling approach by a Fund may cause the Fund to not be as well correlated with the return of the Underlying Index as would be the case if the Fund purchased all of the securities in the Underlying Index in the proportions represented in the Underlying Index. It is also possible that a Fund may not replicate the performance of the Underlying Index due to the temporary unavailability of certain Underlying Index securities in the secondary market or due to other extraordinary circumstances. A Fund may also have to vary its portfolio holdings from the composition of the Underlying Index in order to qualify, and continue to qualify, as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). See Taxes below for additional information on the Fund’s tax treatment.
The Funds are not actively managed, and therefore would not necessarily sell a security, even if the security’s issuer is in financial trouble, unless the security is removed from the Underlying Index.
Securities of Other Investment Companies
Investments in ETFs and mutual funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in such funds. Due to legal limitations, a Fund will be prevented from: 1) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company's (including ETFs) outstanding shares; 2) investing more than 5% of a Fund’s assets in any single such investment company, and 3) investing more than 10% of a Fund’s assets in investment companies overall; unless: (i) the underlying investment company and/or a Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); and (ii) the underlying investment company and a Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. In the alternative, a Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds to exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, a Fund may invest in other investment companies such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, within the limitations described above. Each investment company is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of a Fund. ETFs and mutual funds may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the underlying stock or other index upon which they are based.
Open-End Investment Companies
A Fund and any "affiliated persons," as defined by the 1940 Act, may purchase in the aggregate only up to 3% of the total outstanding securities of any underlying fund. Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying fund, a Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference. The 1940 Act also provides that an underlying fund whose shares are purchased by a Fund will be obligated to redeem shares held by a Fund only in an amount up to 1% of the underlying fund’s outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Shares held by a Fund in excess of 1% of an underlying fund’s outstanding securities
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therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of a Fund’s total assets.
Under certain circumstances an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by a Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, a Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.
Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying fund(s) are made independently of a Fund and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to a Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Exchange Traded Funds
ETFs are generally passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and typically provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts (“UITs”). Under certain circumstances, the adviser may invest in ETFs, known as "inverse funds," which are designed to produce results opposite to market trends. Inverse ETFs are funds designed to rise in price when stock prices are falling.
ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.
Foreign Securities
Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to a Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of a Fund held in foreign countries. Finally, the establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations.
To the extent currency exchange transactions do not fully protect a Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S.
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dollar value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).
Short Sales
A Fund may sell securities short as an outright investment strategy and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. A Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; a Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund covers its short position, a Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, a Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
To the extent a Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales "against the box") will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent a Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible bonds, warrants, rights and options. The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be significant.
Common Stock
Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In
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addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.
A Fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company's worth.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common stock at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of several of these securities. Convertible securities are senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security's underlying common stock.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
A Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). REITs are publicly traded corporations or trusts that specialize in acquiring, holding and managing residential, commercial or industrial real estate. A REIT is not taxed at the entity level on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it distributes to shareholders or unitholders at least 95% of its taxable income for each taxable year and complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income.
REITs generally can be classified as "Equity REITs", "Mortgage REITs" and "Hybrid REITs." An Equity REIT invests the majority of its assets directly in real property and derives its income primarily from rents and from capital gains on real estate appreciation, which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage REIT invests the majority of its assets in real estate mortgage loans and services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage REIT. Although a Fund can invest in all three kinds of REITs, its emphasis is expected to be on investments in Equity REITs.
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Investments in the real estate industry involve particular risks. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.
Investments in REITs also involve risks. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and income from the properties they own, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills and on their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for real property, as well as to the risk of self-liquidation. REITs also can be adversely affected by their failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through treatment of their income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. By investing in REITs indirectly through a Fund, a shareholder bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of a Fund, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.
Warrants
Warrants are options to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time. Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the optioned common stock.
Depositary Receipts
Sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depositary of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting rights. Many of the risks described below regarding foreign securities apply to investments in ADRs.
Emerging Markets Securities
Investing in emerging market securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility;
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restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Additional risks of emerging markets securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances
Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral. Commercial paper is usually repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase. Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically
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have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.
Information on Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes
Time deposits are issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the depositor on the date specified with respect to the deposit. Time deposits do not trade in the secondary market prior to maturity. However, some time deposits may be redeemable prior to maturity and may be subject to withdrawal penalties.
The commercial paper obligations are typically unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between a Fund and the issuer. It permits daily changes in the amounts invested. A Fund, typically, has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct investment arrangements between a Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to a Fund’s investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer (redeemed) on demand within seven days.
Insured Bank Obligations
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. A Fund may elect to purchase bank obligations in small amounts so as to be fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.
Closed-End Investment Companies
A Fund may invest its assets in "closed-end" investment companies (or "closed-end funds"), subject to the investment restrictions set forth above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% or 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as "NASDAQ") or, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as a Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.
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A Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. A Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses a Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. A Fund may, however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the Adviser, based on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund’s proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if a Fund purchased such securities in the secondary market.
The shares of many closed-end funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is less than the net asset value per share, the difference representing the "market discount" of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined net asset value but rather are subject to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their net asset value.
A Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to net asset value or at a premium to net asset value. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by a Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and a Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the net asset value of a Fund’s shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by a Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by a Fund.
Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund’s common shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund’s common shareholders. A Fund’s investment in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and net asset value than an investment in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.
United States Government Obligations
These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis.
United States Government Agencies
These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of
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the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., Fannie Mae Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association).
Government-related guarantors (i.e. not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
Freddie Mac was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. Freddie Mac issues PCs, which represent interests in conventional mortgages from Freddie Mac's national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Securities Options
A Fund may purchase and write ( i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities
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exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ PHLX.
A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by a Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series ( i.e. , same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event a Fund will have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.
If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, a Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, a Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by a Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a
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gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and a Fund will realize a gain or loss.
Certain Risks Regarding Options
There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
Successful use by a Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, a Fund’s ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by a Fund. Inasmuch as a Fund’s securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and a Fund’s securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by a Fund.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, a Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If a Fund is
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unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
Cover for Options Positions
Transactions using options (other than options that a Fund has purchased) expose a Fund to an obligation to another party. A Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above. A Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with a Fund’ custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, a Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which a Fund writes or sells options.
Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of a Fund’s assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or a Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Options on Futures Contracts
A Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
Dealer Options
A Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While a Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if a Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by a Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, a Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when a Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom a Fund originally wrote the option. While a Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with a Fund, there can be no
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assurance that a Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless a Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, a Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by a Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to a Fund. For example, because a Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, a Fund may not sell the assets, which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair a Fund’s ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.
The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. A Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that a Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, a Fund will treat dealer options as subject to a Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, a Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.
Spread Transactions
A Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. These covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives a Fund the right to put securities that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that a Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to a Fund, in addition to the risks of dealer options described above, is the cost of the premium paid as well as any transaction costs. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect a Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. This protection is provided only during the life of the spread options.
Repurchase Agreements
A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as a Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security") from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to a Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund generally will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be "fully collateralized," in that the market value of the underlying securities (including accrued interest) must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.
Repurchase agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by a Fund to invest excess cash or as part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, a
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Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security while a Fund is seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Trading in Futures Contracts
A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are paid when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.
Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain a Fund’s open positions in futures contracts, a Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as "initial margin." The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to a Fund.
These subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuate making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as "marking to the market." A Fund expect to earn interest income on margin deposits.
Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, a Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, a Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that a Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If a Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, a Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.
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For example, one contract in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.
Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Funds’ operation. Accordingly, each Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.
When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements
A Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled "Custodian") will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, a Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of a Fund’s commitment. It may be expected that a Fund’s net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.
A Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because a Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy purchase commitments in the manner described, a Fund’s liquidity and the ability of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event a Fund’s forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.
A Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to a Fund on the settlement date. In these cases a Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When a Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in a Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.
The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of a Fund starting on the day a Fund agrees to purchase the securities. A Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
A Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been
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registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.
Restricted and other illiquid securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. A Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. A Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by NASDAQ.
Under guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board, a Fund’s Adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two National Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Adviser determines that it is of equivalent quality.
Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of a Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.
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Lending Portfolio Securities
For the purpose of achieving income, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) a Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) a Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of a Fund.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund, which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
2. Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions;
3. Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities);
4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);
5. Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries, except that the Fund will concentrate to approximately the same extent that its Underlying Index concentrates in the stocks of such particular industry or industries. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.);
6. Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or
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other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities; or
7. Make loans to others, except that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the term "loans" shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.
If a restriction on the Fund’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments of the Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund’s total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.
With respect to fundamental investment limitation 2 above, if the Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.
Although fundamental investment restriction #7 reserves for the Fund the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about each Fund's portfolio holdings. The Funds and their service providers may not receive compensation or any other consideration (which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser) in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information of the Funds. The Trust’s policy is implemented and overseen by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. Periodic reports regarding these procedures will be provided to the Board. The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy.
Each business day, the Fund’s portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including Authorized Participants (as defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Funds in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day.
Access to information concerning each Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including the Funds’ custodian, transfer agent, auditors and counsel, as
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may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Funds.
The Funds disclose on the Adviser’s website at Quantxfunds.com at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by the Funds that will form the basis of each Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day. The Funds may also concurrently disclose this portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies on a daily basis.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule . The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q. The Trust will also disclose a complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR after its second and fourth quarters.
Form N-Q and Form N-CSR for the Funds will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund's Form N-Q and Form N-CSR, when available, may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202-551-8090. Each Fund's Form N-Q and Form N-CSR will be available without charge, upon request, by calling Quantxfunds.com or by writing to: Blue Sky Funds, c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, New York 11788.
The Adviser . Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing each Fund’s portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide its management, administrative, and investment services to the Funds. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, as demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities, Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.
Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is custodian and transfer agent for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
BBD, LLP. BBD, LLP is each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of each Fund’s annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Funds; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with review of each Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.
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Additions to List of Approved Recipients
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Funds, the Adviser, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings.
Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Funds’ portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.
There is no assurance that the Trust's policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect The Funds from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.
MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the "Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are available upon request. The Board consists of four (4) individuals, each of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust or any investment adviser to any series of the Trust ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Trust, the Trustees shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.
Board Leadership Structure
The Trust is led by Joseph Breslin, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since July 2015. The Board of Trustees is comprised of four independent Trustees. Additionally, under certain 1940 Act governance guidelines that apply to the Trust, the Independent Trustees will meet in executive session, at least quarterly. Under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, (c) execution and administration of Trust policies including (i) setting the agendas for board meetings and (ii) providing information to board members in advance of each board meeting and between board meetings. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its funds and each shareholder.
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Board Risk Oversight
The Board of Trustees has a standing independent Audit Committee with a separate chair, Ira Rothblut. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting risk within its area of responsibilities. Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information.
Trustee Qualifications
Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills. Mr. Breslin has over 20 years of business experience in the investment management and brokerage business and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based, in part, upon his years of service as an officer and/or Trustee to other registered investment companies. Thomas Sarkany is qualified to serve as a Trustee based on his experience in various business and consulting positions, and through his experience from service as a board member of the Trust and other investment companies. Since 2010, he has been the President of a financial services firm and from 1994 through 2010, held various roles at a publicly held company providing financial research, publications and money management services to retail and institutional investors, including Director of Marketing and Asset Management, Director of Index Licensing, and member of the Board of Directors. In addition to his service as a Trustee of the Trust, Mr. Sarkany serves as a trustee of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II and has previously served as a director of certain public companies. Charles R. Ranson has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic analysis and planning, risk assessment, and capital formation in the operation of complex organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to his service to the Trust, Mr. Ranson serves as an independent trustee to another mutual fund complex. Mr. Rothblut founded IJR Consulting Corp (IJRCC) in 2003. IJRCC provides preparation and presentation of monthly financial statements, revenue cycle redesign and management, accounting policy and procedure oversight, and supervision and training of onsite Fiscal Directors. He holds the CPA designation, and his in-depth knowledge of GAAP is a benefit to the Board. Each Trustee’s ability to perform his duties effectively also has been enhanced by his educational background and professional training. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.
The following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and each person’s principal occupation over the last five years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.
Independent Trustees
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Joseph Breslin |
Independent |
President and Consultant, J.E. Breslin
|
5 | Northern Lights Fund |
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Year of Birth: 1953 |
Trustee and Chairman of the Board since 2015 |
& Co. (management consulting firm to investment advisers), 2009 to present.
|
Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); Director, Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc. (since 2000); Trustee, Kinetics Portfolios Trust (since 2000); Trustee, Forethought Variable Insurance Trust; Trustee, BlueArc Multi-Strategy Fund (since 2014) | |
Thomas Sarkany Year of Birth: 1946 |
Independent Trustee since 2015 | Founder and President, TTS Consultants, LLC (consultant to financial service enterprises, including investment advisors and mutual funds), 2010 – present | 5 |
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); Arrow Investments Trust (since 2014), Arrow ETF Trust (since 2014), Trustee, Northern Lights Fund Trust II (since 2011); Director, Aquila Distributors (since 1981)
|
Ira Rothblut Year of Birth: 1969 |
Independent Trustee since 2015 | Founder and President IJR Consulting Corp.(consultant to Federally Qualified Health Centers), 2003 to present. | 5 | Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015) |
Charles Ranson Year of Birth: 1947 |
Independent Trustee since 2015 | Partner, Ranson & Associates, strategic analysis and planning, marketing, regulatory and government affairs, and capital formation. 2003 – present. | 5 | Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); Advisors Preferred Trust since November 2012. |
Officers
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Wendy Wang
80 Arkay Drive
|
President since 2015 | Senior Vice President, Director of Tax and Compliance Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012), Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2004-2012). | N/A | N/A |
Sam Singh
80 Arkay Drive
|
Treasurer since 2015 | Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015); Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (2011-2014); Assistant Vice President of Fund Administration, BNY Mellon, (2007-2011). | N/A | N/A |
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James P. Ash
80 Arkay Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788 Born in 1976 |
Secretary since 2015. | Senior Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2011 - 2012); Director of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2009 - 2011); Assistant Vice President of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2008 - 2011). | N/A | N/A |
Michael Quain Born in 1957 |
Chief Compliance Officer | Quain Compliance Consulting, LLC (since 2014); Artio Global Management, LLC (formerly Julius Baer), First Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2013). | N/A | N/A |
* The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed.
** As of January 11, 2017, the Trust was comprised of 8 active portfolios managed by investment advisers unaffiliated with the Funds’ adviser. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds in the Trust managed by the Adviser. The Funds in the Fund Complex do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series .
Board Committees
Audit Committee
The Board has an Audit Committee that consists of all the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing nominee candidates for consideration as Independent Trustees as is from time to time considered necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee generally will not consider shareholder nominees. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting Independent Trustee compensation from time to time when considered necessary or appropriate.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2017, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust will receive a quarterly fee of $12,500 for his attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, to be paid in arrears of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred.
Additionally, in the event of an in-person meeting of the Board of Trustees other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a “Special Meeting”) is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $6,250 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser
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depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust.
The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees are estimated to receive from the Funds during the initial fiscal period ending November 30, 2017. Each Independent Trustee is expected to attend all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.
Name and Position | QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF |
QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Estimated Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees |
Joseph Breslin | $16,145 | $9,804 | $11,072 | $12,341 | $11,072 | $0 | $0 | $60,434 |
Thomas Sarkany | $16,145 | $9,804 | $11,072 | $12,341 | $11,072 | $0 | $0 | $60,434 |
Ira Rothblut | $16,145 | $9,804 | $11,072 | $12,341 | $11,072 | $0 | $0 | $60,434 |
Charles Ranson | $16,145 | $9,804 | $11,072 | $12,341 | $11,072 | $0 | $0 | $60,434 |
* There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Funds, and not to any other series of the Trust.
Management and Trustee Ownership
As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers, as a group, owned no shares of the Fund or any of the Fund Complex’s outstanding shares.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control.
As of the date of this SAI, no shareholder(s) of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC, 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 350, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
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Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of each Fund’s investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of the Trust, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Funds. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of each Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees. In general, the Adviser's duties include setting each Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, agrees to invest the assets of each Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in each Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Funds and, as such shall, (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of each Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Funds, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Funds with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing each Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provides the management and supplemental administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds. These services include providing assisting in the supervising of relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Funds; assisting in the preparing of all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; assisting in maintaining the Funds’ records and the registration of each Fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; assisting in developing management and shareholder services for the Funds; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
The annual management fee rate payable by each Fund to the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreements is the amount set forth below of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Fund | Management Fee |
QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF | 0.95% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | 0.79% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | 0.95% |
QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | 1.25% |
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QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF | 0.59% |
The unitary management fee paid to the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement is designed to pay the Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing service for each Fund. Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of each Fund, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit, and other services, and Independent Trustees’ fees, except for payments under each Fund’s 12b-1 plan, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest (including borrowing costs and dividend expenses on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, litigation expense and other extraordinary expenses (including litigation to which the Trust or a Fund may be a party and indemnification of the Trustees and officers with respect thereto).
The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (with respect to the Fund). The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Codes of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics (each a “Code”) under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the Codes, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Funds.
In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics (the “Trust Code”), which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Trust files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Trust Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Trust Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Trust Code.
Proxy Voting Policies
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures ("Policies") on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser or its designee, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser or its designee vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and shareholders. The Policies also require the Adviser or its designee to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser's Proxy Policies, or the proxy policies of the Adviser's designee, and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser or its designee on behalf of the Funds, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
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Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and a Fund’s interests, the Adviser will resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client's directive using the recommendation of an independent third party. If the third party's recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client's account. A copy of the Adviser's and proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.
More information . Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at 866-270-0300 ; and (2) on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 866-270-0300 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Funds pursuant to an underwriting agreement with the Trust (the "Underwriting Agreement"). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state's securities laws and is a member of the FINRA. The offering of each Fund’s shares is continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of each Fund’s shares, will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the sale of the Fund’s shares.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of the Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Funds at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds on 60 days written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Funds. The Underwriting Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with broker-dealers that solicit orders for the sale of shares of the Funds and may allow concessions to dealers that sell shares of the Funds.
Rule 12b-1 Plans
The Trust, with respect to each Fund, has adopted Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") for Shares pursuant to which the Funds are authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Funds monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Funds’ average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The
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Funds may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Distributor. The Plans authorize payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Funds will bear their own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund’s method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Fund under the Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Funds; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Funds and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Funds’ investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Funds as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Distributor with respect to the Funds.
The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients.
The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by each Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. During the term of the Plans, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of the Plans, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.
Any agreement related to a Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Funds at any time upon sixty days written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Funds; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Keys Tinney and David Varadi serve as the portfolio managers of the Funds. As of December 30, 2016, the portfolio managers are responsible for the portfolio management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Funds:
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Keys Tinney
Total Other Accounts By Type |
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type |
Total Assets By Account Type (in millions) |
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee |
Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee (in millions) |
Registered Investment Companies | 722 | $271,384,539.00 | 0 | 0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
David Varadi
Total Other Accounts By Type |
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type |
Total Assets By Account Type (in millions) |
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee | Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee |
Registered Investment Companies | 722 | $271,384,539.00 | 0 | 0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Conflicts of Interest
As a general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment of a Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts might include conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements, and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute a Fund’s portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from a Fund’s portfolio trades (for example, research, or "soft dollars", if any). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Funds from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
Compensation
Mr. Tinney and Mr. Varadi is compensated through a combination of base salary, discretionary bonus and equity participation in the Adviser.
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Ownership of Securities
The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers in each Fund as of the date of this SAI.
Name of Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF |
Keys Tinney | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
David Varadi | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by the portfolio managers who are employees of the Adviser. The Adviser are authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of the Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Fund or the Adviser for the Fund’s use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.
In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the following into consideration:
Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Funds may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Funds. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Funds.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Each Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of a Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period.
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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Fund Administration
Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (the "Administrator"), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. The Administrator is an affiliate of the Distributor.
Pursuant to Fund Services Agreement with the Fund, the Administrator provides administrative services to the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Administrator may provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of the Administrator or its affiliates.
The Fund Services Agreement is dated July 27, 2016. The Agreement will remain in effect for two years from the effective date of the agreement, and will remain in effect subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The Administration Service Agreement is terminable by the Board or the Administrator on ninety days' written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent. This Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Administrator shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.
Under the Fund Services Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (ii) facilitating the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others, including the Fund's Custodian; (iii) preparing, but not paying for, the periodic updating of the Fund's Registration Statement, Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators, and preparing reports to the Fund's shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel, but not paying for, all filings under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of such states or countries as are designated by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of the Fund and/or its shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses.
The Administrator also provides the Fund with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Fund's listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for the Fund; (vi) maintaining certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciling account information and balances among the Fund's custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Fund.
For administrative services rendered to the Funds under the Agreement, the Funds pay GFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net
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assets. For the fund accounting services rendered to the Funds under the Agreement, the Funds pay GFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Funds also pay GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent
Brown Brothers Harriman& Co. (“BBH”), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to written agreement with Fund (the “Transfer Agent”). Under the agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Custodian
BBH, located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (the "Custodian"), serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Fund may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.
Compliance Officer
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68130, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Funds, the Funds pay NLCS a one-time fee plus an annual asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Funds also pay NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Index Provider
The Underlying Index is an index sponsored, created, compiled, and maintained by the Adviser.
In order to minimize any potential for conflicts caused by the fact that the Adviser acts as both the Underlying Index provider and investment advisor to the Funds, the Fund will post on its website on each day that the NYSE, the relevant Listing Exchange and the Trust are open for business (a "Business Day"), before commencement of trading of shares on the Exchange, the identities and quantities of the portfolio securities, assets and other positions held by a Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.
Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series or classes. Matters such as election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal, per-class, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Fund. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA PATRIOT Act"). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that a Fund’s Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and a providing a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
As a result of the Program, the Trust may be required to "freeze" the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
Calculation of Share Price
As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "Net Asset Value," ("NAV") of a Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of a Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of a Fund.
The Administrator calculates a Fund’s NAV at the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) every day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is calculated by deducting all of a Fund’s liabilities from the total value of its assets and dividing the result by the
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number of Shares outstanding, rounding to the nearest cent. All valuations are subject to review by the Trust’s Board or its delegate.
In determining NAV, expenses are accrued and applied daily and securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. The NAV for a Fund will be calculated and disseminated daily. The value of a Fund’s portfolio securities is based on market value when market quotations are readily available.
Exchange-traded securities, such as common and preferred stocks, ETFs, ETPs, ETNs, closed-end funds, REITs, MLPs, REOCs and similar instruments, generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the Exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. If a security’s market price is not readily available, the security will be valued at fair value as determined by the Trust’s Fair Value Committee in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. The values of assets denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars based on the mean of the current bid and asked prices by major banking institutions and currency dealers.
Bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments are valued by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices are accurate and reflect the fair market value of such securities. If the Adviser decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser, subject to review by the Board of Trustees. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be amortized to maturity, provided such valuations represent par value.
Futures contracts listed for trading on a futures exchange or board of trade for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean of the last bid and ask prices.
Even when market quotations are available, they may be stale or unreliable because the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable; the number of quotations is such as to indicate that there is a thin market in the security; a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund's NAV calculation that may affect a security's value; or the Adviser is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations such as issuer-specific events, which may include a merger or insolvency, events which affect a geographical area or an industry segment, such as political events or natural disasters, or market events, such as a significant movement in the U.S. market. Where market quotations are not readily available, including where the Adviser determines that the closing price of the security is unreliable, the Adviser will value the security at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.
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Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase Shares, the value of a Fund’s investments may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase Shares.
Creation Units
Each Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 50,000 Shares. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares outstanding of a Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
Authorized Participants
To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an Authorized Participant. In order to be an Authorized Participant, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant (“Participating Party”) in the Continuous Net Settlement System (“Clearing Process”) of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system (“DTC Participant”), and you must execute an agreement (“Participant Agreement”) with the Distributor that governs transactions in each Fund’s Creation Units.
Investors who are not Authorized Participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an Authorized Participant and therefore must still transact through an Authorized Participant may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of Authorized Participants at any one time.
Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.
Transaction Fees
A fixed fee payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by a Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees,
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brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of a Fund.
Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Fund are listed in the table below.
Fee for In-Kind and Cash Purchases | Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases* |
$500 | 2.00% |
* As a percentage of the amount invested.
The Clearing Process
Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions “through the Clearing Process.” Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions “outside the Clearing Process.” The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system (“Federal Reserve System”). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).
Foreign Securities
Because the portfolio securities of the Funds may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Funds, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Funds, or to purchase or sell shares of the Funds on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Funds could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.
Purchasing Creation Units
Portfolio Deposit
The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the Deposit Securities and a Cash Component. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Portfolio Deposit.” The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from a Fund.
On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and
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amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of Deposit Securities.
The Deposit Securities may change and as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events of the Underlying Index are reflected from time to time by the Adviser in a Fund’s portfolio. The Deposit Securities may also change in response to the rebalancing and/or constitution of the Underlying Index. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Portfolio Deposit.
Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The Authorized Participant must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.
Custom Orders and Cash-in-lieu
Each Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (“cash-in-lieu”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Deposit Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, a Fund may permit or require cash in lieu of Deposit Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more Deposit Securities. The Funds will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities including that the Deposit Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Orders.”
Purchase Orders
To order a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.
Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders
An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order to receive that Business Day’s NAV (“Cut-off Time”). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” An order to create Creation Units is deemed received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the “Settlement Date,” which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date (“T+1”) for cash and the third Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities (“T+3”).
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Orders Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to a Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.
Orders Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to a Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day’s Portfolio Deposit. Authorized Participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to a Fund for any losses incurred by a Fund in connection therewith.
Orders involving foreign Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian , who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of a Fund to maintain an account into which an Authorized Participant may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash -in-lieu), with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering Authorized Participant will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by a Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.
Acceptance of Purchase Order
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by a Fund. A Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
A Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of a Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to a Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust, Fund or the
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Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Funds’ Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an Authorized Participant of its rejection of the order. The Funds, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Issuance of a Creation Unit
Once a Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.
Except as provided below, a Creation Unit will not be issued until a Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. Except as provided in Appendix C, the delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no later than T+3.
In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Deposit Securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities (or cash -in-lieu) have been delivered to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+3, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+3 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.
A Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) Deposit Securities have not been delivered, in reliance on an undertaking by the relevant Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal to at least 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Collateral”), as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars.
While (certain) Deposit Securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser) of the daily marked-to-market value of the
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missing Deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing securities, and the Authorized Participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund. More information regarding the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.
Cash Purchase Method
When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.
Redeeming a Creation Unit
Redemption Basket
The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption Securities”) and a Cash Component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Redemption Basket.”
There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in Shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.
The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from a Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund.
If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.
The Redemption Securities may change as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events of the Underlying Index are reflected from time to time by the Adviser in a Fund’s portfolio. The Redemption Securities may also change in response to the rebalancing and/or reconstitution of the Underlying Index. These adjustments will reflect changes known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Redemption Basket.
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The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares or determination of the ETF’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.
Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-lieu
A Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Redemption Security. A Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, a Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. A Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Redemptions.”
Redemption Requests
To redeem a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.
An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to a Fund that it or, if applicable, the investor on whose behalf it is acting, (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund. The Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in a Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by a Fund.
Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests
An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.
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Requests Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to a Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.
Requests Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.
Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption to the Fund’s local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund’s accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).
Acceptance of Redemption Requests
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Delivery of Redemption Basket
Once a Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.
The Redemption Basket will generally be delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+3. Except under the circumstances described below, however, a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.
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In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+3 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Listed below are the dates in calendar year 2017 in which the regular holidays in non-U.S. markets may impact Fund settlement. This list is based on information available to the Funds. The list may not be accurate or complete and is subject to change:
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January 01, 02 February 16, 17 April 03 May 01 August 10 October 09 November 02, 03 December 25 |
January 01, 07, 25 April 12, 13, July 01, 23, September 23, 24, 27, October 06, 14 December 23 |
January 01 February 24 April 03 May 01, 14 June 23, 24, August 20 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 December 25 |
January 01, 06, 30 April 02, 03, 06 May 01, 14, June 19 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06 May 01 December 25, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01, 14, 25 June 04 December 24, 25, 31 |
Ghana | Greece | Hong Kong SAR | Hungary | Iceland | India | Indonesia |
January 01 March 06 April 03, 06, May 01, 25, July 01, 20, September 21, 24, December 04, 25, 28 |
January 01, 06 February 23 March 25 April 03, 06, 09, 10, 13 May 01 June 01, 29, 30 July 01, 02, 03, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16 October 28 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 February 16, 18, 19, 20 April 03, 06, 07 May 01, 25 July 01 September 03, 28 October 01, 21 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 April 03,06, May 01, 25 August 08, 20, 21 October 23 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 April 02, 03, 06, 23 May 01, 14, 25 June 17 August 03 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 26 February 17, 19, 28 March 06 April 01, 02, 03, 14, May 01, 04, July 01 August 18 September 17, 25 October 02, 22 November 11, 12, 25, December 24, 25 |
January 01 February 19 April 03 May 01, 14 June 02 July 16, 17, 20, 21 August 17 September 24 October 14 December 24, 25, 31 |
Ireland | Israel | Italy | Ivory Coast | Japan | Jordan | Kazakhstan |
January 01 March 17 April 03, 06, May 01, 04, 25 June 01 August 03 October 26 December 25, 28 |
March 05, 17 April 03, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 22, 23 May 24 July 26 September 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, October 01, 04, 05 |
January 01, 06 April 03, 06 May 01 December 08, 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, February 09 April 03, 06, May 01, 14, 25 July 14 August 07 September 24 December 25 |
January 01, 02, 12 February 11 April 29 May 04, 05, 06 July 20 September 21, 22, 23, October 12 November 03, 23 December 23, 31 |
October 15 |
January 01, 02, 07 March 09, 23, 24, 25 May 01, 07, 11 July 06 September 24 December 01, 16, 17 |
Kenya | Kuwait | Latvia | Lebanon | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malaysia |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01 June 01 October 20 December 25 |
January 01, 25 February 25, 26 May 17 July 17, 19, 20 September 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 October 14, 15 December 24 |
January 01, 02 April 03, 06, May 01, 04, 14 June 22, 23, 24 November 18 December 25, 31 |
January 01, 06 February 09 March 25 April 03, 10, 13 May 01, 25, July 17 September 24, 25 October 14, 23 November 23 December 25 |
January 01 February 16 March 11 April 06 May 01, 14, June 24 July 06 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01, 14, 25 June 23 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 February 02, 03, 18, 19, 20, May 01, 04 July 16, 17 August 31 September 16, 24 October 14 November 10 December 24, 25 |
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Mauritius | Mexico | Morocco | Namibia | Netherlands | New Zealand | Nigeria |
January 01, 02 February 03, 17, 19 March 12 May 01 September 18 November 02, 11 December 25 |
January 01 February 02 March 16 April 02, 03, May 01 September 16 November 02, 16 December 25 |
January 01 May 01 July 17, 30 August 14, 20, 21 September 24, 25 October 15 November 06, 18 |
January 01 March 21 April 03, 06, May 01, 04, 14, 25 August 26 December 10, 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01 December 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 February 06 April 03, 06, 27 June 01 October 26 December 25, 28 |
January 01, 05 April 03, 06 May 01, 29 July 17, 20 September 24, 25 October 01 December 25 |
Norway | Oman | Pakistan | Palestine Autonomous Area | Peru | Philippines | Poland |
January 01 April 01, 02, 03, 06 May 01,14, 25 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 04, 14, 25 May 16, 17 July 16, 19, 20, 23 September 23, 24 October 14, 15 November 18, 19 December 24 |
January 01, 03 February 05 March 23 May 01 June 22 July 01, 17, 18, 20, 21 August 14 September 24, 25, 26, 27 October 22, 23 November 09 December 25 |
January 01, 07 March 08 July 16, 19 September 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 October 14, 15 November 15 |
January 01, 02 April 02, 03 May 01 June 29 July 28, 29, October 08, 09 December 08, 25 |
January 01, 02, 15, 16, 19 February 19 April 02, 03, 09 May 01 June 12 August 21, 31 September 25 November 18, 19, 30 December 24, 25, 30, 31 |
January 01, 06 April 03, 06, May 01 June 04 November 11 December 24, 25, 31 |
Portugal | Qatar | Romania | Russia | Rwanda | Saudi Arabia | Serbia |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01 December 25, 31 |
January 01 February 10 March 01 July 19, 20, 21 September 23, 24, 27, 28 |
January 01, 02 April 13 May 01 June 01 November 30 December 01, 25 |
January 01, 02, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, February 23 March 09 May 01, 04, 11 June 12 November 04 December 31 |
January 01 April 03, 07 May 01 July 01 September 24 December 25 |
January 25 July 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 September 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 |
January 01, 02, 07 February 16, 17 April 10, 13 May 01 November 11 |
Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia | South Africa | South Korea | Spain | Sri Lanka |
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January 01 February 18, 19, 20 April 03 May 01 June 01 July 17 August 07, 10 September 11, 24 November 10 December 25 |
January 01, 06 April 03, 06, May 01, 08 September 01, 15 November 17 December 24, 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06, 27 May 01 June 25 December 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06, 27 May 01 June 16 August 10 September 24 December 16, 24, 25 |
January 01 February 18, 19, 20 May 01, 05, 25 August 14 September 28, 29 October 09 December 25, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 05, 08, 14, 15 February 03, 04, 17 March 05 April 03, 13, 14, May 01, 04 June 02 July 01, 31 September 24 October 27 November 10, 25 December 24, 25 |
Swaziland | Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan | Tanzania, United Republic Of | Thailand | Trinidad & Tobago |
January 01, 08 April 03, 06, 20 May 01, 14, July 22 December 25 |
January 01, 05, 06 April 02, 03, 06, 30 May 01, 13, 14 June 19 October 30, December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 April 03, 06, May 01, 14, 25 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 27, April 03, 06 May 01 June 19 September 28, 29 October 09 |
January 01, 12 April 03, 06, 07 May 01 July 01, 07, 17 September 24 October 14 November 05 December 09, 25 |
January 01, 02 March 04 April 06, 13, 14, 15 May 01, 04, 05 June 01 July 01, 30 August 12 October 23 December 07, 10 |
January 01 March 30 April 03, 06 June 04, 19 August 31 September 24 December 25 |
Tunisia | Turkey | Uganda | Ukraine | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom | United States |
January 01, 14 March 20 April 09 May 01 July 17 August 13 September 24, 25 October 14, 15 |
January 01 April 23, May 01, 19, July 16, 17, September 23, 24, 25, October 28, 29 |
January 01, 26 April 03, 06, May 01 June 03, 09, September 24 October 09 December 25 |
January 01, 02, 05, 07 March 09 April 13 May 01, 04, 11 June 01, 29 August 24 |
January 01 February 16 May 17 July 19, 20 September 23, 24 October 14, 15 December 02, 03 |
January 01, 19 February 16 April 03, 06 May 01, 04, 25 August 31 December 25, 28 |
January 01, 19 February 16 April 03 May 25 July 03 September 07 October 12 November 11, 26 December 25 |
Uruguay | Venezuela | Vietnam | Zambia | Zimbabwe | ||
January 01, 06 February 16, 17 April 02, 03, May 01, 18 June 19 August 25 October 12 November 02 December 25 |
January 01, 05 February 16, 17 March 19 April 02, 03, May 01, 18 June 08, 24, 29 July 24 October 12 December 07, 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, April 28, 29, 30 May 01 September 02 |
January 01, 02, 20 March 09, 12 April 03, 06, May 01, 25 July 06, 07, August 03 December 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06 May 01, 25 August 10, 11 December 22, 25 |
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Cash Redemption Method
When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.
TAX STATUS
The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding their investment in a Fund.
Each Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify and has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, a Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of a Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Code.
Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of a Fund. Capital losses incurred after January 31, 2011 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Under pre-enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital, irrespective of the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.
Each Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income and net capital gain, if any, will be made annually no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of a Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.
To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, a Fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of a Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of
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the market value of a Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers that a Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.
If a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from a Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of a Fund.
Each Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of a Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to a Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, each Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.
The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Code.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions of net capital gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Trust have been held by such shareholders.
Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in a Fund.
Redemption of Fund shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.
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Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.
Under the Code, a Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if a Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements
To the extent such investments are permissible for a Fund, the Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of a Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of a Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a Fund's book income is less than taxable income, a Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Investment by a Fund in certain "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs") could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax
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cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.
A Fund also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of a Fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for a Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect a Fund's total return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.
Foreign Taxation
Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year.
Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of a Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to a Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on
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corporations and individuals and foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative minimum taxable income.
Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities
Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, a Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
A Fund that holds the foregoing kinds of securities may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest a Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of a Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). A Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event a Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.
Shareholders of a Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund’s shares.
A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
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Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board has selected BBD,LLP, located at 1835 Market Street, 26th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, as its independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal period. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as the Trust's legal counsel.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds have not yet commenced operations and, therefore, have not produced financial statements. Once produced, you can obtain a copy of the financial statements contained in the Fund's Annual or Semi-Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 866-270-0300.
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BLUE SKY ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC PROXY VOTING POLICY
Policy: BSAM, as a matter of policy and practice, has no authority to vote proxies on behalf of advisory clients unless otherwise agreed to in writing. The firm may offer assistance as to proxy matters upon a client's request, but the client always retains the proxy voting responsibility. BSAM’s policy of having no proxy voting responsibility is disclosed to its advisory clients. BSAM also serves as an investment adviser to an open-end investment company. BSAM’s general policy with respect to its proxy and corporate action obligations are set forth below.
Background: Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.
Investment Advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its Funds, Portfolios and clients; (b) to disclose to Funds, Portfolios and clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.
Responsibility: Chief Compliance Officer
Procedure: BSAM has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policy and reviews to monitor and insure the firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:
PROXIES FOR ETFs
BSAM serves as investment adviser to open-end investment companies established as exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) under the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (“ETF Client”). The ETF Client may make investments in other investment companies that are not affiliated (“Underlying Funds”). The ETF Client is required by the 1940 Act to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. Subject to participation agreements with certain Underlying ETF issuers that have received exemptive orders from the SEC allowing investing funds to exceed the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the 1940 Act, BSAM will mirror vote proxies for Underlying ETFs in which the ETF Client holds more than 25% of outstanding voting shares when required to do so by participation agreements and SEC orders. After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer for future reference.
The Chief Compliance Officer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies received by BSAM are voted in a timely manner and in a manner consistent with the established BSAM’s policies. Although the majority of proxy proposals can be handled in accordance with BSAM’s established proxy policies, BSAM recognizes that some proposals require special consideration that may dictate that exceptions are made to its general procedures.
PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
A- 1 |
1. | Principles: BSAM’s primary purpose and fiduciary responsibility is to maximize shareholder value, which is defined as share price and dividend appreciation. BSAM will vote proxies in the best interests of our clients. Because of the extenuating circumstances associated with specific proxy issues, BSAM’s votes may differ from time to time. In addition, BSAM will act, in our best judgment, on behalf of our clients on certain corporate actions that impact shareholder value, such as tender offers and bankruptcy proceedings. |
2. | Conflicts of Interest |
On occasion, a conflict of interest may exist between BSAM and clients regarding the outcome of certain proxy votes. In such cases, BSAM is committed to resolving the conflict in the best interest of our clients before we vote the proxy in question.
If the proxy proposal is a Routine Proxy Proposal, BSAM will typically adhere to the standard procedure of referring to the principles described herein in deciding how to vote. Alternatively, BSAM may disclose the conflict to our clients and obtain their consent before voting or seek the recommendation of an independent third party in deciding how to vote.
If the proxy proposal is a Non-Routine Proxy Proposal, BSAM will take any of the following courses of action to resolve the conflict:
a) | Disclose the conflict to our clients and obtain consent before voting; |
b) | Suggest that our clients engage another party to determine how the proxy should be voted; or |
c) | Vote according to the recommendation of an independent third party, such as a: |
· | proxy consultant; |
· | research analyst; |
· | proxy voting department of a mutual fund or pension fund; or |
· | compliance consultant. |
3. | Form N-PX / Annual Report of Proxy Voting Record |
BSAM will work with the fund administrator to file the Form N-PX (and any other required filings and reports) with the SEC regarding the fund’s proxy voting record.
4. | Obtaining More Information |
Funds, Portfolios and clients may obtain a record of the Adviser’s proxy voting, free of charge, by calling (425) 283-8184.
These policies and procedures may also be found in BSAM’s Form ADV, Part 2 and supporting schedules.
Procedures
When the mail arrives, the person responsible for separating the mail gives any proxy materials to the person who handles compliance issues. The proxy materials are then opened by the Compliance person. The ticker symbol for the security noted on the proxy is located. BSAM will determine how many shares were owned by clients as of the record date. An email is sent to the Receptionist about the arrival of the proxy. In the email is listed the name of the security, ticker symbol, arrival date, custodian and number of shares.
Once BSAM determines how many shares were owned by clients as of the record date, the number of shares is compared to the number of shares to be voted on the proxy.
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If the number of shares between the two matches, the proxy materials and forwarded to the Portfolio Manager to be voted according to BSAM’s proxy voting policies.
If the number of shares does not match, then reasonable efforts will be made to resolve the difference, such as:
· | Determining shares owned by clients for other dates around the record date of the proxy to see if the security transferred into BSAM after the record date, even though the client owned it as of the record date. |
· | Calling the custodian to confirm the clients per their records that are included in the proxy count, and then verifying that information. There may be differences due to clients having made the decision to vote their proxies, in which case, the proxies would go directly to the clients. |
If the difference still cannot be resolved, the matter is reviewed with the Portfolio Manager as to the next action to be taken. If the difference is determined to be immaterial and is approved by the Portfolio Manager, then the proxy will stand as is.
Once the shares have been reconciled, then the proxy materials and the Security Cross Reference report are then given to the Portfolio Manager to vote.
The Portfolio Manager will generally vote the routine proxies in accordance with the principles and guidelines described in BSAM’s Proxy Voting Policy and sign the proxy. For Non-Routine Proxy Proposals, the Portfolio Manager will vote them on a case- by-case basis. The vote and the rationale will be noted as documentation for the vote.
Once the Portfolio Manager has voted the proxies, they will be given to the Receptionist for processing. If the proxy is to be mailed, then a copy of the proxy is made, attached to the proxy materials that support the vote and filed in chronological order. This file is maintained by year.
If the proxy was voted electronically, the original proxy with the notes on it is as to how the proxy was voted, are maintained and attached to the proxy materials that support the vote and Security Cross Reference report, and filed in chronological order, just like proxies that are mailed.
The Receptionist then enters the necessary information in the Proxy Voting Database. The following information is entered:
· | Name of Company |
· | Proxy Proposal |
· | Management’s recommendation |
· | BSAM’s Action |
· | Rationale for the vote |
· | List of clients to whom the proxy vote applies. |
Should BSAM receive any requests from clients regarding proxy voting, the Receptionist will maintain a record of the requests from the specific clients, which will include:
· | Name of the Client |
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· | Date that the request was received |
· | Whether the request was for a complete or partial record of proxy votes |
· | The documents provided |
· | Date that the information was sent to the client |
A copy of the information sent to the client will be retained in a chronological file, maintained by year.
Disclosure
BSAM will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Form ADV Part 2 in the Supporting Schedules, summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how BSAM voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of these policies and procedures.
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Articles of Incorporation.
(i) | Registrant's Trust Instrument was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Certificate of Trust was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on June 8, 2015 and is incorporated by reference. |
(b) By-Laws. Registrant's By-Laws was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference.
(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holder. None other than in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Registrant.
(d) Investment Advisory Contracts.
(i) | Management Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Management Agreement between Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Main BuyWrite Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Management Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Management Agreement between Tree Ring Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Tree Ring Stock Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Management Agreement between Moerus Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Form of Management Agreement between LGM Capital Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 26, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Management Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP, and Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | Management Agreement between Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF and QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF is filed herewith. |
(ix) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and Black Peak Capital, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 8, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 and is incorporated by reference. |
(x) | Management Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xi) | Sub-advisory Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xii) | Sub-advisory Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and Anfield Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiii) | Management Agreement between FormuliaFolios Investments, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Income ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xiv) | Management Agreement between CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire and the Registrant, with respect to the Inspire Global Hope Large Cap ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF and Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(e) Underwriting Contracts.
(i) | Underwriting Agreement with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Underwriting Agreement with Ceros Financial Services was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Underwriting Agreement with Foreside Fund Services, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | ETF Underwriting Agreement with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, is filed herewith. |
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.
(g) Custodial Agreement.
(i) | Custody Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Custody Agreement with The Huntington National Bank was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Form of Custody Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., is filed herewith. |
(h) Other Material Contracts.
(i) | Fund Services Agreement was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and the Registrant with respect to the Main BuyWrite Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 11, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Tree Ring Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Tree Ring Stock Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Moerus Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between LGM Capital Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(viii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, and Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ix) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(x) | ETF Fund Services Agreement with Gemini Fund Services, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xi) | Amended Expense Limitation between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 26, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between FormulaFolios Investments, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Income ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xiii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP and Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 29, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiv) | Expense Limitation Agreement between CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire and the Registrant, with respect to the Inspire Global Hope Large Cap ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF and Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xv) | Fund Services Agreement with Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the with respect to the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF and QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF is filed herewith. |
(i) Legal Opinion.
(i) | Legal Opinion and Consent of Thompson Hine LLP is filed herewith. |
(j) Other Opinions. None.
(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.
(i) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Institutional Class shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Institutional Class Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class N Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(b) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(vi) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Non-Designated Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for ETF Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Schedule A to Rule 12b-1 Plan is filed herewith. |
(n)
(i) | Rule 18f-3 Plan was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(b) | Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan to add Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, and Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(c) | Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan to include Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment |
(o) Reserved.
(p) Code of Ethics.
(i) | Code of Ethics for the Trust was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Code of Ethics for Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Code of Ethics for Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Code of Ethics for Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Code of Ethics for Tree Ring Capital Management LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Code of Ethics for Moerus Capital Management LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | Code of Ethics for LGM Capital Management, LLC will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(ix) | Code of Ethics for Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC is filed herewith. |
(x) | Code of Ethics for Regents Park Funds, LLC will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xi) | Code of Ethics for Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xii) | Code of Ethics for Anfield Capital Management, LLC will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xiii) | Code of Ethics for FormuliaFolios Investments, LLC will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xiv) | Code of Ethics for CWM Advisers, LLC dba Inspire will be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(q) Powers of Attorney. Power of Attorney for the Trust, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each trustee and executive officer, was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference.
Item 29. Control Persons. None.
Item 30. Indemnification.
Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust Instrument which is included, Section 8 of the Underwriting Agreement, Section 7 of the Custody Agreement, and Section 4 of the Fund Services Agreement. The application of these provisions is limited by the following undertaking set forth in the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Article VIII, Section 2(b) provides that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or document whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust, the officers or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in such Person's capacity as Trustee and/or as officer, and such Trustee or officer, as applicable, shall not be personally liable therefore, except as described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2 of Article VIII.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in such Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The Registrant may maintain a standard mutual fund and investment advisory professional and directors and officers liability policy. The policy, if maintained, would provide coverage to the Registrant, its Trustees and officers, and could cover its advisers, among others. Coverage under the policy would include losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.
The Underwriting Agreement between the Trust and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC ("NLD") provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold NLD, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls NLD within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which NLD, its officers and directors, or any such controlling persons, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, (ii) any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in any of them not misleading, (iii) the Registrant's failure to maintain an effective Registration statement and Prospectus with respect to Shares of the Funds that are the subject of the claim or demand, or (iv) the Registrant's failure to provide NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis.
The Underwriting Agreement between the Trust and Ceros Financial Services Inc. (“Ceros") provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Ceros, its several officers and directors, and any person who controls Ceros within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which Ceros, its officers and directors, or any such controlling persons, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, (ii) the breach of any representations, warranties or obligations set forth herein, (iii) any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in any of them not misleading, (iv) the Trust’s failure to maintain an effective Registration statement and Prospectus with respect to Shares of the Funds that are the subject of the claim or demand, (v) the Trust’s failure to provide Ceros with advertising or sales materials to be filed with FINRA on a timely basis or use of marketing materials that are false or misleading, (vi) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, or (vii) all reasonable actions taken by Ceros hereunder, including all actions resulting from Ceros’s reliance on instructions received from an officer, agent or legal counsel of the Trust.
The Registrant shall indemnify, defend and hold the Foreside, its affiliates and each of their respective members, managers, directors, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls or previously controlled the Foreside within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Foreside Indemnitees”), free and harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages and expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages or expenses and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) (collectively, “Losses”) that any Foreside Indemnitee may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act any other statute (including Blue Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or relating to (i) the Foreside serving as distributor of the Funds pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) the Registrant’s breach of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement; (iii) the Registrant’s failure to comply with any applicable securities laws or regulations; or (iv) any claim that the Registration Statement, Prospectus, shareholder reports, sales literature and advertising materials or other information filed or made public by the Registrant (as from time to time amended) include or included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law any violation of any rule of FINRA or of the SEC or any other jurisdiction wherein Shares of the Funds are sold, provided, however, that the Registrant’s obligation to indemnify any of the Foreside Indemnitees shall not be deemed to cover any Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, annual or interim report, or any such advertising materials or sales literature in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Foreside and furnished to the Registrant or its counsel by the Foreside in writing and acknowledging the purpose of its use. In no event shall anything contained herein be so construed as to protect the Foreside against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders to which the Foreside would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.
The Fund Services Agreements with Gemini Fund Services, LLC ("GFS") provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold GFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Registrant's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement, or which arise out of the Registrant's lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Registrant's performance under or in connection with this Agreement.
The Consulting Agreement with Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS") provides that the Registrant agree to indemnify and hold NLCS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Trust's refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement, or which arise out of the Trust's lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Trust's performance under or in connection with the Agreement. NLCS shall not be liable for, and shall be entitled to rely upon, and may act upon information, records and reports generated by the Trust, advice of the Trust, or of counsel for the Trust and upon statements of the Trust's independent accountants, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such records and reports.
Item 31. Activities of Investment Advisor.
Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Advisor of each series of the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to the section of the respective Prospectus captioned “Investment Advisor” and to the section of the respective Statement of Additional Information captioned “Investment Advisory and Other Services.” The information required by this Item 26 with respect to each director, officer or partner of each Advisor is incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Each Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, and may be requested by File No. as follows:
Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc., adviser to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP, and Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP -- File No. 801-19624
Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC, adviser to the Main BuyWrite Fund – File No. 801-106755
Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., adviser to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund – File No. 801-80124
Tree Ring Capital Management LLC, adviser to the Tree Ring Stock Fund – File No. 801-107217
Moerus Capital Management LLC, adviser to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund – File No. 801-107225
LGM Capital Management, LLC adviser to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund – File No.801-108408.
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC adviser to QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF, QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF- File No. to be supplied by subsequent amendment.
Black Peak Capital, LLC, sub-adviser to Measured Risk Strategy Fund – File No. 801-108415.
Regents Park Funds, LLC adviser to Affinity Global Franchise ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives- File No. to be supplied by subsequent amendment.
Affinity Investments Advisors, LLC, sub-adviser to Affinity Global Franchise ETF-File No. 801-42015.
Anfield Capital Management, LLC sub-adviser to Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF- File No. 801-77714.
FormuliaFolios Investments, LLC adviser to FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Income ETF 801-72780
CWM Advisers, LLC dba Inspire adviser to CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire adviser to Inspire Global Hope Large Cap ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF and Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF will be filed by subsequent amendment.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, the principal underwriter to the Trust also acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:
AdvisorOne Funds, AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds, Arrow ETF Trust, BlueArc Multi-Strategy Fund, Centerstone Investors Trust, Copeland Trust, Crow Point Global Dividend Plus Fund, Equinox Funds Trust, Forethought Variable Insurance Trust, Hays Series Trust, Miller Investment Trust, Morgan Creek Series Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Neiman Funds, Nile Capital Investment Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, PREDEX, Princeton Private Equity Fund, The Multi-Strategy Growth & Income Fund, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Total Income+ Real Estate Fund, Tributary Funds, Inc., Two Roads Shared Trust and Vertical Capital Income Fund.
Ceros Financial Services, Inc., 1445 Research Blvd., Suite 530, Rockville, MD 20850, also acts as the principal underwriter to Advisors Preferred Trust underwriter for certain series of the following investment companies: Northern Lights Fund Trust II and Advisors Preferred Trust.
Foreside Distribution Services, L.P. serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1. HSBC Advisor Funds Trust
2. HSBC Funds (f/k/a HSBC Investor Funds)
3. IMS Funds, Series of 360 Funds
4. Leader Funds, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust
5. Princeton Futures Strategy Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust
6. Miles Funds, Inc. (f/k/a WB Capital Mutual Funds, Inc.)
(b) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the following are the members and officers of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:
Name |
Positions and Offices with Underwriter |
Positions and Offices with the Trust |
Brian Nielsen | CEO and Secretary | None |
Bill Wostoupal | President | None |
Daniel Applegarth | Treasurer/FINOP | None |
Mike Nielsen | Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer | None |
Bill Strait | General Counsel | None |
Ceros Financial Services, Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of Ceros Financial Services, Inc. is 1445 Research Blvd., Suite 530, Rockville, MD 20850. To the best of Registrant's knowledge, the following are the officers of Ceros Financial Services, Inc.:
Name | Positions and Offices with Underwriter | Positions and Offices with the Trust |
Dr. Franz Winklbauer | Chairman | None |
M. Catherine Ayers-Rigsby | Chief Executive Officer, Director | None |
Robert M. Fox | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Foreside Distribution Services, LP is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. The following are the Officers of the distributor:
Name | Address | Position with Underwriter |
Position with the Trust
|
Mark A. Fairbanks | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | President | None |
Richard J. Berthy | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President and Treasurer | None |
Jennifer E. Hoopes | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Secretary | None |
Nanette K. Chern | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Lisa S. Clifford | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President and Managing Director of Compliance | None |
Nishant Bhatnagar | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Assistant Secretary | None |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 through 31a-3 thereunder are maintained at the office of the Registrant, Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Principal Underwriter, Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant, Administrator and Custodian at the addresses stated in the SAI.
MUFG Union Bank, National Association, 400 California Street, San Francisco, California 94104 (“Union”), provides custodian services to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund and the MainBuyWrite Fund.
The Huntington National Bank located at 7 Easton Oval EA4E70, Columbus, OH 43219, provides custodian services to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund and the Tree Ring Stock Fund.
Bank of New York Mellon (“BONY”), located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, provides custodian services to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund.
NLD, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, serves as principal underwriter for all series of Northern Lights Fund Trust, except the Tree Ring Stock Fund. NLD maintains all records required to be maintained pursuant to each Fund’s Distribution Plan and Agreement adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Ceros Financial Services, Inc., located at 1445 Research Boulevard, Suite 530 Rockville, MD 20850, serves as principal underwriter for the Tree Ring Stock Fund and maintains all records required to be maintained pursuant to the Fund’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan and Agreements adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Item 34. Management Services. Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings. Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hauppauge, State of New York, on the 20th day of January, 2017.
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
By: _/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacities indicated on January 20, 2017.
Name | Title |
Joseph Breslin* | Trustee |
Thomas Sarkany* | Trustee |
Ira Rothblut* | Trustee |
Charles Ranson* | Trustee |
Wendy Wang* | President and Principal Executive Officer |
Sam Singh* | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
*By: _/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang
Attorney-in-Fact
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit: | Exhibit No . | |
1. | Management Agreement with Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC | (d)(vii) |
2. | ETF Underwriting Agreement with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC | (e)(iv) |
3. | Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. | (g)(iv) |
4. | Fund Services Agreement with Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC | (h)(xv) |
5. | Legal Opinion and Consent of Thompson Hine LLP | (i)(ii) |
6. | Amended Schedule A to Rule 12b-1 for ETF Shares | (m)(vii)(a) |
7. | Code of Ethics for Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC | (p)(ix) |
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Between
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
and
BLUE SKY ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
This AGREEMENT is made as of October 20, 2016 between NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), and Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC a Colorado limited liability Company (the “Adviser”), located at 6400 S. Fiddlers Green Circle, Suite 350, Greenwood Village, Colorado, 80111.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”);
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, each having its own investment objective or objectives, policies and limitations;
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in the series named on Appendix A hereto (such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 1.3, being herein referred to as a “Fund,” and collectively as the “Funds”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser is or soon will be registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to render investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to each Fund in the manner and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Services of the Adviser .
1.1 Investment Advisory Services . Subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), the Adviser shall regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments. The Adviser shall determine from time to time what securities and other investments and instruments will be purchased, retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the assets of the Fund’s portfolio will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation and agreements), all subject to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the “Governing Documents”), the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Adviser. The Adviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of
the 1940 Act and direction from the Board, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund in one or more investment companies.
The Adviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Adviser’s authority regarding the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions provided herein.
The Trust hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the Adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement, which is a member of a national securities exchange, to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Trust which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Trust hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv) provided the transaction complies with the Trust’s Rule 17e-1 policies and procedures.
1.2 Administrative Services . The Trust has engaged the services of an administrator. The Adviser shall provide such additional administrative services as reasonably requested by the Board of Trustees or officers of the Trust; provided, that the Adviser shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any direct or indirect services to Trust shareholders, any services related to the distribution of Trust shares, or any other services which are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Adviser. Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Adviser shall:
1.2.1 Office Space, Equipment and Facilities . Provide such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate to fulfill the Adviser’s obligations hereunder.
1.2.2 Personnel . Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust, the services of individuals competent to perform the administrative functions, which are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Trust or by the Adviser acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Trust.
1.2.3 Agents . Assist the Trust in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Trust, including the Trust's shareholder servicing agent, custodian, administrator, independent auditors and legal counsel.
1.2.4 Trustees and Officers . Authorize and permit the Adviser's directors, officers and employees who may be elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust.
1.2.5 Books and Records . Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are maintained and preserved by it in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
1.2.6 Reports and Filings . Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by the Fund to its shareholders and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Funds and Fund shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Fund, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
1.3 Additional Series . In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series after the effectiveness of this Agreement (“Additional Series”), Appendix A to this Agreement may be amended to make such Additional Series subject to this Agreement upon the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the shareholder(s) of the Additional Series, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Trust or the Adviser may elect not to make any such series subject to this Agreement.
1.4 Change in Management or Control . The Adviser shall provide at least sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the Trust of any change in the ownership or management of the Adviser, or any event or action that may constitute a change in “control,” as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Act. The Adviser shall provide prompt notice of any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.
2. Expenses . The Adviser shall pay all of the expenses of each Fund, except for: (i) the fee payment under this Agreement, (ii) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) any Rule 12b-l fees, (v) acquired fund fees and expenses; (vi) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (vii) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (viii) taxes; and (ix) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)).
3. Advisory Fee
As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, each Fund shall pay the Adviser on the last day of each month, or as promptly as possible thereafter, a fee calculated by applying a monthly rate, based on an annual percentage rate, to the Fund's average daily net assets for the month. The annual percentage rate applicable to each Fund is set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. If this Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of a month with respect to a Fund, the aforesaid fee shall be prorated for the portion of such month during which this Agreement is in effect for the Fund.
4. Proxy Voting
The Adviser will vote, or make arrangements to have voted, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of a Fund may be invested from time to time. Such proxies will be voted in a manner that you deem, in good faith, to be in the best interest of
the Fund and in accordance with your proxy voting policy. You agree to provide a copy of your proxy voting policy to the Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement, and any amendments thereto promptly.
5. Records
5.1 Tax Treatment . Both the Adviser and the Trust shall maintain, or arrange for others to maintain, the books and records of the Trust in such a manner that treats each Fund as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes.
5.2 Ownership . All records required to be maintained and preserved by the Trust pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 31(a) of the Act and maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are the property of the Trust and shall be surrendered by the Adviser promptly on request by the Trust; provided, that the Adviser may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
6. Reports to Adviser
The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Adviser such copies of each Fund's Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, financial statements, proxy statements, reports and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Adviser may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
7. Reports to the Trust
The Adviser shall prepare and furnish to the Trust such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as the Trust may reasonably request.
8. Code of Ethics
The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Act and will provide the Trust with a copy of the code and evidence of its adoption. The Adviser will provide to the Board of Trustees of the Trust at least annually or as more frequently requested by 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 Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent “access persons” (as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating the code.
9. Retention of Sub-Adviser
Subject to the Trust's obtaining the initial and periodic approvals required under Section 15 of the Act, the Adviser may retain one or more sub-advisers, at the Adviser's own cost and expense, for the purpose of managing the investments of the assets of one or more Funds of the Trust. Retention of one or more sub-advisers shall in no way reduce the responsibilities or obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall, subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, be responsible to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any sub-adviser in connection with the performance of the Adviser's duties hereunder.
10. Services to Other Clients
Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser to render investment management and administrative services to other investment companies, to act as investment adviser or investment counselor to other persons, firms or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
11. Limitation of Liability of Adviser and its Personnel
Neither the Adviser nor any director, manager, officer or employee of the Adviser performing services for the Trust at the direction or request of the Adviser in connection with the Adviser's discharge of its obligations hereunder shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with any matter to which this Agreement relates, and the Adviser shall not be responsible for any action of the Trustees of the Trust in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation of the Adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the Adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement; PROVIDED, that nothing herein contained shall be construed (i) to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties, or by reason of the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, manager, officer or employee of the Adviser who is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability of the Trust or its shareholders to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office with the Trust. The federal securities laws impose liabilities under certain circumstances on persons who act in good faith, and therefore nothing herein shall in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of such rights which the Trust or the Fund may have under federal securities laws.
12. Effect of Agreement
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require to the Trust to take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust or its By-Laws or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of the Trust of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust.
13. Term of Agreement
With respect to each Fund, the term of this Agreement shall begin as of the date and year upon which the Fund commences investment operations, and unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of two years. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to each Fund from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; PROVIDED, such continuance with respect to a Fund is approved at least annually by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Trustees of the Trust; PROVIDED, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
14. Amendment or Assignment of Agreement
Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; PROVIDED, that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees of the Trust, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such amendment if required by applicable law. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment.
15. Termination of Agreement
Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to one or more Funds, without payment of any penalty:
(i) By vote of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, or by “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), in each case, upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser;
(ii) By any party hereto upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party if the breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of the breach; or
(iii) By the Adviser upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.
16. Use of Name
16.1 The Trust is named the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV and each Fund may be identified, in part, by the name “Northern Lights.”
16.2 The Funds may use the name “Blue Sky”, “QuantX” or any variant thereof in connection with the name of the Funds, only for so long as this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment hereof remains in effect. At such time as this Agreement shall no longer be in effect, the Funds shall cease to use such a name or any other similar name. In no event shall the Funds use the name “Blue Sky”, “QuantX” or any variant thereof if Adviser’s functions are transferred or assigned to a company over which Adviser does not have control or with which it is not affiliated. In the event that this Agreement shall no longer be in effect or Adviser’s functions are transferred or assigned to a company over which Adviser does not have control or with which it is not affiliated, the Funds shall use its best efforts to legally change its name by filing the required documentation with appropriate state and federal agencies.
17. Declaration of Trust
The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The
Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds. The Adviser further understands and agrees that no Fund of the Trust shall be liable for any claims against any other Fund of the Trust and that the Adviser must look solely to the assets of the pertinent Fund of the Trust for the enforcement or satisfaction of any claims against the Trust with respect to that Fund.
18. Confidentiality
The Adviser agrees to treat all records and other information relating to the Trust and the securities holdings of the Funds as confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other person unless (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved the disclosure or (ii) such disclosure is compelled by law. In addition, the Adviser and the Adviser's officers, directors, members and employees are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of a Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Adviser agrees that, consistent with the Adviser's Code of Ethics, neither the Adviser nor the Adviser's officers, directors, members or employees may engage in personal securities transactions based on nonpublic information about a Fund's portfolio holdings.
19. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
20. Interpretation and Definition of Terms
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts, or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission validly issued pursuant to the Act. Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the Act. In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
21. Captions
The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
22. Execution in Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date and year first above written.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
By: /s/ Wendy Wang
Name: Wendy Wang
Title: President
BLUE SKY ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
By: /s/ Keys Tinney
Name: Keys Tinney
Title: Managing Partner
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS OF THE TRUST
NAME OF FUND |
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF THE FUND |
QuantX Risk Managed Global Growth ETF | 0.95% |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | 0.79% |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | 1.25% |
QuantX Risk Managed Real Asset ETF | 0.95% |
QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF | 0.59% |
ETF DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
This ETF Distribution Agreement (this “Agreement”) is effective the 27 th day of July, 2016, between Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of itself and the fund(s) listed on Schedule B , as may be amended from time to time (each, a “Fund”, and collectively, the “Funds”), and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC a Nebraska limited liability company (the “Distributor”).
WHEREAS, the Trust is, registered as an open-end investment management company organized as a statutory trust and comprised of a number of series of securities, each series representing a portfolio of securities, having filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”);
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to create and redeem shares (the “Shares”) of each Fund on a continuous basis only in aggregations of Shares constituting a “Creation Unit” as such term is defined in the registration statement;
WHEREAS, the Shares of each Fund will be listed on one or more national securities exchanges (together, the “Listing Exchanges”);
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Distributor to act as the distributor with respect to the issuance and distribution of Creation Units of each Fund, hold itself available to receive and process orders for such Creation Units in the manner set forth in the Trust’s prospectus.
WHEREAS, the Distributor is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”); and
WHEREAS, the Distributor desires to provide the services described herein to the Trust and Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, intending to be legally bound, the Trust, on behalf of itself and the Fund, and the Distributor hereby agree as follows:
1. Sale of Creation Units; Services
(a) The Trust grants to the Distributor the exclusive right to sell Creation Units of each Fund listed on Schedule B hereto, on the terms and during the term of this Agreement and subject to the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC, and the Distributor hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to act in such capacity hereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, the Distributor shall perform the distribution services and shall perform the marketing services set forth in Schedule A . The Trust acknowledges and
1 |
agrees that Distributor is and may in the future distribute shares of other investment companies including investment companies having investment objectives similar to those of the Funds. The Trust further understands that existing and future investors in a Fund may invest in shares of such other investment companies. The Trust agrees that the services that Distributor provides to such other investment companies shall not be deemed in conflict with its duties to the Fund under this Agreement.
(b) | Duties of the Distributor |
a. | The Distributor agrees to act as agent of the Trust in connection with the receipt and processing of all orders for purchases and redemptions of Creation Units of each Fund from DTC Participants or participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation that have executed a Participant Agreement (the “Authorized Participants”), with the Distributor and transfer agent (as applicable) and to transmit such orders to the Trust, including as appropriate, through the custodian and transfer agent in accordance with the registration statement and prospectus; provided, however, that nothing herein shall affect or limit the right and ability of the custodian to accept deposit securities and related cash components through or outside the clearing process, and as provided in and in accordance with the registration statement and prospectus. The Trust acknowledges that the Distributor shall not be obligated to accept any certain number of orders for Creation Units; provided, however, that the Distributor shall accept all orders submitted in proper form unless the Trust or its agent has notified the Distributor that it is refusing an order based on its authority to do so as described in the registration statement, as amended and supplemented from time to time. |
b. | The Distributor agrees that (i) at the request of the Trust, the Distributor shall enter into certain agreements (“Participant Agreements”) between and among Authorized Participants, the Distributor and the transfer agent (as applicable), for the purchase of Creation Units of a Fund, (ii) as Distributor, it shall generate, transmit and maintain copies of confirmations of Creation Unit purchase and redemption order acceptances to the purchaser or redeemer (such confirmations will indicate the time such orders were accepted and will be made available to the Trust promptly upon request), and (iii) it shall maintain telephonic, facsimile and/or access to direct computer communications links with the transfer agent and custodian. |
c. | The Distributor shall consult with the Trust or its agent with respect to the production and printing of prospectuses to be used in connection with creations by Authorized Participants of Creation Units. The Distributor will generally make it known in the brokerage community that Funds’ prospectuses and statements of additional information (“SAI”) are available, including by (i) advising the Listing Exchanges on behalf of its member firms of the same, (ii) making such disclosure in all marketing and advertising materials prepared and/or filed by the Distributor with FINRA, and (iii) as may otherwise be required by the SEC. The Distributor shall not bear any costs associated with printing prospectuses, SAIs and other such materials. |
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d. | The Distributor shall review and approve all sales and marketing materials for compliance with applicable laws and conditions of any applicable exemptive order, and file such materials with FINRA as necessary or appropriate. All such sales and marketing materials must be approved, in writing, by the Distributor prior to use, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. |
e. | If the Trust, on behalf of any Fund, adopts a distribution and/or shareholder servicing plan(s) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”), the Distributor shall enter into selling and/or investor servicing agreements or similar (“Sales and Investor Services Agreements”), consistent with applicable law and the registration statement and prospectus, with various broker-dealers, to sell Shares and provide services to shareholders. The Distributor agrees that (i) it shall assist in the administration of any Plan(s); (ii) it shall, at its own expense, set up and maintain a system of recording payments of fees and reimbursement of expenses disseminated pursuant to this Agreement and other agreements related to any such Plan(s) and, pursuant to the 1940 Act, report such payment activity to the Trust at least quarterly; (iii) it shall receive from the Trust all distribution and shareholder servicing fees, as applicable, at the rate and to the extent payable under the terms and conditions set forth in any Plan(s) adopted by the Trust, applicable to the appropriate class of shares of each Fund or class of Shares thereof, as such Plan(s) may be amended from time to time, and subject to any further limitations on such fees as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may impose; and (iv) it shall pay, from the fees received from the Trust pursuant to any such Plan(s), all fees and make reimbursement of all expenses, pursuant to and in accordance with such Plan(s) and any and all Sales and Investor Services Agreements. In no event shall Distributor pay any fees pursuant to any such Plan(s) until it has received payment of such fees from the Trust or the adviser. |
f. | The Distributor shall provide an order processing system pursuant to which the Authorized Participants may contact the Distributor (or its affiliates) and place requests to create and redeem Creation Units, including without limitation: (i) generating and transmitting confirmations of purchase and redemption order acceptances to purchasers and redeemers of Creation Units; (ii) providing acknowledgement to Authorized Participants that orders have been accepted; (iii) rejecting any orders that were not submitted in proper form or on a timely basis; (iv) obtaining representations that Authorized Participants will not place trades that would raise their total holdings to 80% or more of any fund; (v) maintaining, along with the Trust and its Transfer Agent information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination or, in lieu of this, accept a certification from a Listing Exchange member firm or a member of such other exchange that the cost basis of the securities so deposited is essentially identical to their market value at the time of deposit; and (vi) maintaining a dedicated line for Authorized Participants to place share creation and redemption orders. |
g. | The Distributor has as of the date hereof, and shall at all times have and maintain, net capital of not less than that required by Rule 15c3-1 under the 1934 Act, or any successor provision thereto. In the event that the net capital of the Distributor shall |
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fall below that required by Rule 15c3-1, or any successor provision thereto, the Distributor shall promptly provide notice to the Trust and the adviser of such event.
h. | The Distributor agrees to maintain and preserve such records as are required by Section 31 of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. |
i. | The Distributor agrees to maintain compliance policies and procedures (a “Compliance Program”) that are reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Federal Securities Laws (as defined in Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act) with respect to the Distributor’s services under this Agreement, and to provide any and all information with respect to the Compliance Program, including without limitation, information and certifications with respect to material violations of the Compliance Program and any material deficiencies or changes therein, as may be reasonably requested by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer or Board of Trustees. |
j. | Upon reasonable request by the Trust, the Distributor shall provide the Trust with information relating to the Services provided pursuant to this Agreement as necessary and applicable to enable the Trust to complete required regulatory filings. |
2. Solicitation of Sales
In consideration of these rights granted to the Distributor, the Distributor agrees to use reasonable efforts in connection with the distribution of Creations Units of the Fund; provided, however, that the Distributor shall not be prevented from entering into like arrangements with other issuers. The Trust reserves the right to suspend sales upon due notice to Distributor if in the judgment of the Trust it is in the best interests of the Trust to do so.
3. Authorized Representations
The Distributor is not authorized by the Trust to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in the current registration statements and prospectuses of the Trust filed with the SEC or contained in shareholder reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for the Distributor’s use. The Distributor may prepare and distribute sales literature and other material as it may deem appropriate, provided that such literature and materials have been prepared in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and approved by the Fund’s adviser.
4. Registration of Shares
(a) The Trust and Fund agree that they will take all action necessary to register an unlimited number of Shares on Form N-1A. The Trust and Fund shall make available to the Distributor such number of copies of the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional information as the Distributor may reasonably request. The Fund shall furnish to the Distributor copies of all information, financial statements and other papers which the Distributor may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of Creation Units of the Fund. The Trust represents and warrants that it has or will have made as of the date on which
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Distributor begins distributing Creation Units, all applicable filings to exempt the Creation Units from registration under applicable rules and regulations.
(b) The Trust agrees to issue Creation Units of each Fund and to request DTC to record on its books the ownership of the Shares constituting such Creation Units, in accordance with the book-entry system procedures described in the prospectus, in such amounts as the Distributor has requested through the transfer agent in writing or other means of data transmission, as promptly as practicable after receipt by the Trust of the requisite deposit securities and cash component (together with any fees) and acceptance of such order, upon the terms described in the registration statement and Participant Agreement. The Trust may reject any order for Creation Units or stop all receipts of such orders at any time upon reasonable notice to the Distributor, in accordance with the provisions of the prospectus and statement of additional information.
5. Compensation
(a) In consideration of Distributor’s services hereunder, the Fund agrees to cause the Fund’s adviser to pay to Distributor the fees and charges set forth on Schedule B , attached hereto. Fees will begin to accrue with respect to each Fund on the latter of the date of this Agreement or the date Distributor begins providing services to or on behalf of such Fund. The Distributor may receive compensation from the Fund’s adviser related to its services hereunder or for additional services as may be agreed to between the adviser and Distributor in writing.
(b) The Fund shall bear the cost and expenses of the registration of the Creation Units for sale under the 1933 Act.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Distributor and its affiliates may receive compensation or reimbursement from the Trust and the adviser with respect to any services not included under this Agreement, as may be agreed upon by the parties from time to time.
6. Indemnification of Distributor
(a) The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and each of its managers and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith), arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares or Creation Units, based upon (i) the ground that the registration statement, prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Trust (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading provided that the Trust does not agree to indemnify the Distributor or hold it harmless to the extent that the statements or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Trust by the Distributor, (ii) the Trust’s failure to maintain an effective registration statement and prospectus with respect to
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Shares of the Fund that are the subject of the claim or demand, (iii) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, (iv) instructions given by the Trust, the Trust’s failure to perform its duties hereunder or any inaccuracy of its representations, or (vi) all actions taken by Distributor hereunder resulting from Distributor’s reliance on instructions received from an officer or agent of the Trust.
(b) In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Trust to be deemed to protect the Distributor or any other person against any liability to which the Distributor or such person otherwise would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties under this Agreement (“Disqualifying Conduct”) by such party, or (ii) is the Trust to be liable to the Distributor under the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6 with respect to any claim made against the Distributor or any person indemnified unless the Distributor or other person shall have notified the Trust in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Distributor or such other person (or after the Distributor or the person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Trust of any claim shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it may have to the Distributor or any person against whom such action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.
(c) The Trust shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any claims subject to this indemnity provision. If the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such claim, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Trust and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants in the suit whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Trust elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the indemnified defendants shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of a suit, it will reimburse the indemnified defendants for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified defendants.
(d) The Trust agrees to notify the Distributor promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers or Trustees in connection with the issuance or sale of Shares or Creation Units.
7. Indemnification of Trust
(a) The Distributor covenants and agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each of its Trustees and officers and each person, if any, who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, against any loss, liability, damages, claim or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, damages, claim or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith) arising out of or based upon any Disqualifying Conduct by Distributor in connection with the offering and sale of any Shares.
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(b) In no case (i) is the indemnity of the Distributor in favor of the Trust or any other person indemnified to be deemed to protect the Trust or any other person against any liability to which the Trust or such other person would otherwise be subject by reason of Disqualifying Conduct by such party, or (ii) is the Distributor to be liable under its indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7 with respect to any claim made against the Trust or any person indemnified unless the Trust or person, as the case may be, shall have notified the Distributor in writing of the claim within a reasonable time after the summons or other first written notification giving information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the Trust or upon any person (or after the Trust or such person shall have received notice of service on any designated agent). However, failure to notify the Distributor of any claim shall not relieve the Distributor from any liability which it may have to the Trust or any person against whom the action is brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph.
(c) The Distributor shall be entitled to participate, at its own expense, in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce the claim subject to this indemnity provision, but if the Distributor elects to assume the defense, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Distributor and satisfactory to the indemnified defendants whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the Distributor elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the defendants in the suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by them. If the Distributor does not elect to assume the defense of any suit, it will reimburse the indemnified defendants in the suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them.
(d) The Distributor agrees to notify the Trust promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it or any of its officers in connection with the issuance or sale of Shares or Creation Units.
8. Consequential Damages
In no event and under no circumstances shall either party to this Agreement be liable to anyone, including, without limitation, the other party, for consequential damages for any act or failure to act under any provision of this Agreement.
9. Effective Date
This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first above written, and, unless terminated as provided, shall continue in force through the second anniversary of its effective date, and thereafter from year to year, provided that such annual continuance is approved by (i) either the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, and (ii) the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or the Trust’s distribution plan or interested persons of any such party (“Qualified Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the approval. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. As used in this paragraph the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act. In addition, this Agreement may at any time be terminated without penalty by the Trust, by a vote of a
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majority of Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust upon sixty days prior written notice to the other party.
10. Notices
All notices provided for or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed effective upon receipt, and shall be in writing and (a) delivered personally, (b) sent by commercial overnight courier with written verification of receipt, or (c) sent by certified or registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to the party to be notified, at the address for such party set forth below. Notices to the Distributor shall be sent to the attention of:
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
Attn: Legal Department
17605 Wright Street
Omaha, NE 68130
11 . Limitation of Liability
A copy of the Certificate of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the Trust’s Trust Instrument is on file with the Trust. Notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Trustees of the Trust as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust individually but binding only upon the assets and property of the applicable Fund or Trust, as relevant.
This Agreement is executed by or on behalf of the Trust with respect to each of the Funds. It is expressly acknowledged and agreed that the obligations hereunder are binding only upon the Fund to which such obligations pertain and the assets and property of such Fund. The Distributor understands that the rights and obligations of each series of shares of the Trust under the Trust Instrument are separate and distinct from those of any and all other series.
12. Dispute Resolution
Whenever either party desires to institute legal proceedings against the other concerning this Agreement, it shall provide written notice to that effect to such other party. The party providing such notice shall refrain from instituting said legal proceedings for a period of 60 days following the date of provision of such notice. During such period, the parties shall attempt in good faith to amicably resolve their dispute by negotiation among their executive officers.
13. Entire Agreement; Amendments
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior agreement, draft or proposal with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement or any part hereof may be changed or waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
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14. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska without giving effect to any conflict of laws or choice of laws rules or principles thereof. To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of Nebraska, or any of the provisions of this Agreement, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act, these acts shall control.
15. Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Each such counterpart shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart. This Agreement shall be deemed executed by both parties when any one or more counterparts hereof or thereof, individually or taken together, bears the original or facsimile signatures of each of the parties.
16. Force Majeure
No breach of any obligation of a party to this Agreement (other than obligations to pay amounts owed) will constitute an event of default or breach to the extent it arises out of a cause, existing or future, that is beyond the control and without negligence of the party otherwise chargeable with breach or default, including without limitation: work action or strike; lockout or other labor dispute; flood; war; riot; theft; act of terrorism, earthquake or natural disaster. Either party desiring to rely upon any of the foregoing as an excuse for default or breach will, when the cause arises, give to the other party prompt notice of the facts which constitute such cause; and, when the cause ceases to exist, give prompt notice thereof to the other party.
17. Severability
Any provision of this Agreement that is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability in such jurisdiction, without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace the provision with a provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the original intention of the parties, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.
18 . Confidential Information
(a) The Distributor and the Trust (in such capacity, as applicable, the “Receiving Party”) acknowledge and agree to maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information (as hereinafter defined) provided by the Distributor and the Trust (in such capacity, as applicable,
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the “Disclosing Party”) in connection with this Agreement. The Receiving Party shall not disclose or disseminate the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to any Person other than (a) those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of the Receiving Party, or (b) those employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees of any agent or affiliate, who have a need to know it in order to assist the Receiving Party in performing its obligations, or to permit the Receiving Party to exercise its rights under this Agreement. In addition, the Receiving Party (a) shall take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access to the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, and (b) shall not use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, or authorize other Persons to use the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information, for any purposes other than in connection with performing its obligations or exercising its rights hereunder. As used herein, “reasonable steps” means steps that a party takes to protect its own, similarly confidential or proprietary information of a similar nature, which steps shall in no event be less than a reasonable standard of care.
(b) The term “Confidential Information,” as used herein, shall mean all business strategies, plans and procedures, proprietary information, methodologies, data and trade secrets, and other confidential information and materials (including, without limitation, any non-public personal information as defined in Regulation S-P) of the Disclosing Party, its affiliates, their respective clients or suppliers, or other Persons with whom they do business, that may be obtained by the Receiving Party from any source or that may be developed as a result of this Agreement.
(c) The provisions of this Section 18 respecting Confidential Information shall not apply to the extent, but only to the extent, that such Confidential Information: (a) is already known to the Receiving Party free of any restriction at the time it is obtained from the Disclosing Party, (b) is subsequently learned from an independent third party free of any restriction and without breach of this Agreement; (c) is or becomes publicly available through no wrongful act of the Receiving Party or any third party; (d) is independently developed by or for the Receiving Party without reference to or use of any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party; or (e) is required to be disclosed pursuant to an applicable law, rule, regulation, government requirement or court order, or the rules of any stock exchange (provided, however, that the Receiving Party shall advise the Disclosing Party of such required disclosure promptly upon learning thereof in order to afford the Disclosing Party a reasonable opportunity to contest, limit and/or assist the Receiving Party in crafting such disclosure).
(d) The Receiving Party shall advise its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, and shall require its agents to advise their employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees, of the Receiving Party’s obligations of confidentiality and non-use under this Section 18, and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance by its employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors and licensees with such obligations. The Receiving Party shall promptly notify the Disclosing Party in writing upon learning of any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information by such persons.
(e) Upon the Disclosing Party’s written request following the termination of this Agreement, the Receiving Party promptly shall return to the Disclosing Party, or destroy, all
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Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party provided under or in connection with this Agreement, including all copies, portions and summaries thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (a) the Receiving Party may retain one copy of each item of the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information for purposes of identifying and establishing its rights and obligations under this Agreement, for archival or audit purposes and/or to the extent required by applicable law, and (b) the Distributor shall have no obligation to return or destroy Confidential Information of the Trust that resides on save tapes or other electronic forms; provided, however, that in either case all such Confidential Information retained by the Receiving Party shall remain subject to the provisions of Section 18 for so long as it is so retained. If requested by the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party shall certify in writing its compliance with the provisions of this paragraph.
19. Anti-Money Laundering
The Distributor represents that it has in place anti-money laundering procedures. The Distributor agrees to notify the Trust of any suspicious activity of which it becomes aware relating to transactions involving Shares. Upon reasonable request, the Distributor agrees to provide the Trust with documentation relating to its anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
20. Use of Name
(a) The Trust shall not use the name of the Distributor in any prospectus or statement of additional information, sales literature, and other material relating to the Trust in any manner without the prior written consent of the Distributor (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Distributor hereby approves all lawful uses of the names of the Distributor in the prospectus and statement of additional information of the Trust and in all other materials which merely refer in accurate terms to their appointment hereunder or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority.
(b) The Distributor shall not use the name of the Trust in any publicly disseminated materials, including sales literature, in any manner without the prior written consent of the Trust (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that the Fund hereby approves all lawful uses of its name in any required regulatory filings of the Distributor which merely refer in accurate terms to the appointment of the Distributor hereunder, or which are required by applicable law, regulations or otherwise by the SEC, FINRA, or any state securities authority.
21. Insurance
The Distributor agrees to maintain liability insurance coverage for distribution activities provided to the Trust hereunder. The Distributor shall notify the Trust of any material claims against it, whether or not covered by insurance that may materially and adversely affect the Trust’s rights hereunder.
22. Representations
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(a) The Distributor represents and warrants that: (i) it is duly authorized and licensed under applicable law to carry out the services contemplated herein; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within its power and have been duly authorized by all necessary action; (iii) it is entering into this Agreement or providing the services contemplated hereby does not conflict with or constitute a default or require a consent under or breach of any provision of any agreement or document to which the Distributor is a party or by which it is bound; (iv) it is registered as a broker-dealer under the 1934 Act and a member of FINRA and will notify the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and adviser immediately in the event of its expulsion or suspension by FINRA; and (v) it is not an “affiliated person” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Listing Exchange or any underlying index provider for any Fund.
(b) The Trust represents and warrants that: (i) it is duly organized as a Delaware statutory trust and is and at all times will remain duly authorized to carry out its obligations as contemplated herein; (ii) it is registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act; (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement are within its power and have been duly authorized by all necessary action; (iv) its entering into this Agreement does not conflict with or constitute a default or require a consent under or breach of any provision of any agreement or document to which the Trust is a party or by which it is bound; (v) the registration statement and each Fund’s prospectus, and sales literature and advertisements approved by the adviser or other materials prepared by or on behalf of the Trust for the Distributor’s use (“Sales Literature and Advertisements”) have been prepared, and shall be prepared, in all material respects, in conformity with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission (the “Rules and Regulations”); and (vi) the registration statement and each Fund’s prospectus contain all material statements required to be stated therein in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations; and (vii) all statements of fact contained therein, or in Sales Literature and Advertisements, are or will be true and correct in all material respects at the time indicated or the effective date, as the case may be, and any Fund’s prospectus shall not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they are made. The Trust shall not file any amendment to the registration statement or Fund’s prospectus without giving the Distributor reasonable notice thereof in advance, provided that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Trust’s right to file at any time such amendments to the registration statement or any Fund’s prospectus as the Trust may deem advisable.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust and Distributor have each duly executed this Agreement, as of the day and year above written.
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
By: /s/ Wendy Wang | By: /s/ Brian Nielsen |
Name: Wendy Wang | Name: Brian Nielsen |
Title: President | Title: Chief Executive Officer |
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT , dated as of October 20, 2016, between Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the Fund , on behalf of its series listed hereto on Schedule V, the Portfolios ), an open-end management investment company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and registered with the Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act ), and BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. , a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of New York ( BBH&Co. or, when referring to BBH&Co. in its capacity as custodian, the Custodian, and when referring to BBH&Co. in its capacity as transfer agent, TA ).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Fund wishes to employ BBH&Co. to act as custodian and transfer agent for the Portfolios and to
provide related services, all as provided herein, and BBH&Co. is willing to accept such employment, subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Fund and BBH&Co. hereby agree, as follows:
1. Appointment of Custodian and Transfer Agent.
1.1 The Fund hereby appoints BBH&Co. as each Portfolio’s custodian, and BBH&Co. hereby accepts such appointment. All Investments of a Portfolio delivered to the Custodian or its agents or Subcustodians shall be dealt with as provided in this Agreement. The duties of the Custodian with respect to the Portfolio’s Investments shall be only as set forth expressly in this Agreement, including any attachments or schedules thereto, which duties are generally comprised of safekeeping assets and various administrative duties that will be performed in accordance with Instructions (as defined below) and as reasonably required to effect Instructions. The terms of this Agreement shall apply separately and respectively to each Portfolio for which a separate account is maintained on the books of the Custodian. The Parties agree that Sections 2.1- 9 and 11-17 and Schedules I, II and II of the Agreement contain the provisions related to BBH&Co.’s performance as Custodian.
1.2 The Fund hereby engages BBH as its transfer agent to perform the obligations set forth in this Agreement, and BBH accepts such engagement. The Parties agree that Sections 2.1, 3 and 10-17 and Schedule IV of the Agreement and the Transfer Agency Services Schedule attached hereto contain the provisions related to BBH&Co.’s performance as TA.
2. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Fund. The Fund hereby represents, warrants and covenants each of the following:
With respect to BBH&Co’s appointment as Custodian and TA:
2.1 This Agreement has been, and at the time of delivery of each Instruction, such Instruction will have been, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund. Neither this Agreement, nor any Instruction issued hereunder violates any Applicable Law or conflicts with or constitutes a default under the applicable Portfolio’s prospectus, the Fund’s organizational documents or any agreement, judgment, order or decree to which the Fund is a party or Portfolio or its Investments is bound.
With respect to BBH&Co’s appointment as Custodian:
2.2 By providing an Instruction with respect to the first acquisition of an Investment (as defined below) in a jurisdiction other than the United States of America, the Fund shall be deemed to have confirmed to the Custodian that the Fund has (a) assessed and accepted all material Country, Sanctions or Sovereign Risks and accepted responsibility for their occurrence, (b) made all determinations required to be made by the Fund under the 1940 Act, except those appropriately delegated to the Custodian in the Delegation
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Schedule, and (iii) if appropriate, adequately disclosed the material investment risks of such Investment, including Country Risks. Nothing in this Section 2.2 shall relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities under Section 8.2 of this Agreement.
2.3 The Fund shall safeguard and shall solely be responsible for the safekeeping of any testkeys, identification codes, passwords, other security devices or statements of account with which the Custodian provides it. If the Fund uses any on-line or similar communications service made available by the Custodian, the Fund and the Custodian each shall be solely responsible for ensuring the security of its access to the service and for the authorized use of the service, and shall only attempt to access the service and the Custodian’s computer systems as directed by the Custodian. If the Custodian provides any computer software to the Fund relating to the services described in this Agreement, the Fund will only use the software for the purposes for which the Custodian provided the software to the Fund, and will abide by the license agreement accompanying the software and any other security policies which the Custodian provides to the Fund.
2.4 By providing an Instruction in respect of an Investment (which Instruction may relate to among other things, the processing of orders and/or settlement of transactions in funds), the Fund hereby (i) authorizes BBH&Co. to complete such documentation as may be required or appropriate to carry out the Instruction, and agrees to be contractually bound to the terms of such documentation “as is” without recourse against BBH&Co.; (ii) represents, warrants and covenants that it has accepted and agreed to comply with all Applicable Law, terms and conditions to which it and/or its Investment may be bound, including without limitation, requirements imposed by the Investment prospectus or offering circular, subscription agreement, any application or other documentation relating to an Investment (e.g., compliance with suitability requirements and eligibility restrictions); (iii) acknowledges and agrees that BBH&Co. will not be responsible for the accuracy of any information provided to BBH&Co. by or on behalf of the Fund, or for any underlying commitment or obligation inherent to an Investment; (iv) except as otherwise provided for in Section 2.4.1, represents, warrants and covenants that it will not effect any sale, transfer or disposition of Investment(s) held in BBH&Co.’s name by any means other than the issuance of an Instruction by the Fund to BBH&Co.; (v) acknowledges that collective investment pools (and/or their agent(s)) in which the Fund invests may pay to BBH&Co. certain fees (including without limitation, shareholder servicing and/or trailer fees) in respect of the Fund’s investments in such pools; (vi) agrees that BBH&Co. shall have no obligation or responsibility whatsoever to respond to, or provide capital in connection with any capital calls, letters of intent of other requirements as set out in the prospectus or offering circular of an Investment; (vii) represents, warrants and covenants that it will provide BBH&Co. with such information as is necessary or appropriate to enable BBH&Co.’s performance pursuant to an Instruction or under this Agreement; (viii) undertakes to inform BBH&Co. and to keep the same updated as any tax withholding or benefit to which an Investment may be subject; (ix) acknowledges that BBH&Co. shall have no obligation to fund any order placed by the Fund for which the Fund does not have sufficient cash on deposit with BBH&Co.; and (x) agrees that BBH&Co. shall be held harmless for the acts, omissions or any unlawful activity of any agent of the Fund, or any transfer agent or other agent of an Investment in which the Fund may invest.
2.4.1 To the extent that the Fund holds Investments in an account opened in the name of BBH&Co. as custodian for and at the direction of the Fund, and the Fund requests that BBH&Co. provide the Fund with the capability to place orders and execute trades in fund shares directly with such fund companies and/or their transfer agents which shall be settled in an account established with each such fund company or its transfer agent, the Fund hereby acknowledges that BBH&Co. is under no obligation to agree to such arrangement but if BBH&Co. so agrees, the Fund (i) acknowledges that all relevant terms under Section 2.4 above apply thereto, (ii) authorizes BBH&Co. as custodian, to grant a limited power of attorney to the Fund or its designated agent to enable the Fund to so execute, (iii) agrees to ensure that any instructions issued by the Fund or its designated agent shall also be concurrently submitted to BBH&Co., and (iv) shall adhere to any BBH&Co. procedures established with each such fund or its transfer agent with respect thereto including, but not limited to, the terms of the limited power of attorney. The Fund also acknowledges and agrees that (1) BBH&Co. is acting solely in its capacity as custodian and is not acting as a broker or introducing broker on behalf of the Fund, (2) BBH&Co. is not receiving
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compensation in connection with the Fund’s own execution hereunder of trades with each such fund other than its usual and customary custody fees and transaction charges, (3) it will provide such account opening information to each such fund and/or transfer agent as and when requested by such fund and/or transfer agent, and (4) BBH&Co. is not responsible for (a) providing information published by the relevant distributor of each such fund including, but not limited to, the prospectus for each such Investment in a fund or for resolving execution queries or complaints relative to any such Investment, and (b) assessing the suitability of any such Investment executed directly by the Fund.
2.5 The Fund represents and warrants that it is not resident in or organized under the laws of any country with which transactions or dealings are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime. The Fund further warrants that it is not owned or controlled by: (i) the government of any country with which transactions or dealings by any person are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime; (ii) a person or entity resident in or organized under the laws of any country with which transactions or dealings by any person are prohibited under a Sanctions Regime; or (iii) any person or entity on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons published by OFAC or any comparable Sanctions Regime lists .
2.6 The Fund represents and warrants that it will not instruct or otherwise cause Custodian to hold any assets in custody or to engage in or facilitate any transaction that would cause Custodian to violate any Sanctions Regime, including any transaction or dealing with or involving (i) any person or entity subject to any Sanctions Regime, or (ii) any assets owned or controlled by a person or entity that is subject to any Sanctions Regime, or any fund or other investment vehicle that is invested in such assets in violation of any Sanctions Regime (collectively, the “Sanctioned Property”). The Fund further represents and warrants that it will not instruct or cause Custodian to engage in any foreign exchange transaction related to any Sanctioned Property.
2.7 The Fund represents and warrants that it is not a “Plan” (which term includes (1) employee benefit plans that are subject to the United States (“US”) Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (2) plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, and (3) entities the underlying assets of which are considered to include “plan assets” of such plans, accounts and arrangements), or an entity purchasing shares on behalf of, or with the “plan assets” of, a Plan, and further undertakes to inform BBH&Co. and to keep the same updated as to the status under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, each as amended, of the Fund.
3. Representation and Warranty of BBH&Co. as Custodian and TA. BBH&Co. hereby represents and warrants that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by BBH&Co. and does not and will not violate any Applicable Law or conflict with or constitute a default under BBH&Co.'s limited partnership agreement or any agreement, instrument, judgment, order or decree to which BBH&Co. is a party or by which it is bound.
4. Instructions. Unless otherwise explicitly indicated herein, the Custodian shall perform its duties pursuant to Instructions. As used herein, the term Instruction shall mean a directive initiated by the Fund, acting through its board of trustees, officers or other Authorized Person, which directive shall conform to the requirements of this Section 4.
4.1 Authorized Persons. For purposes hereof, an Authorized Person shall be a person or entity authorized by the Fund to give Instructions to the Custodian for or on behalf of the Fund or Portfolio, as applicable, in accordance with procedures delivered to and acknowledged by the Custodian. The Custodian may treat any Authorized Person as having the full authority of the Fund to issue Instructions hereunder unless the notice of authorization contains explicit limitations as to said authority. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the authority of designated Authorized Persons to give Instructions with respect to the Fund or a Portfolio until it receives appropriate written notice from the Fund to the contrary.
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4.2 Form of Instruction. Each Instruction shall be transmitted by such secured or authenticated electro- mechanical means as the Custodian shall make available to the Fund from time to time unless the Fund elects to transmit such Instruction in accordance with Subsections 4.2.1 through 4.2.3 of this Section.
4.2.1 Fund Designated Secured-Transmission Method. Instructions may be transmitted through a secured or tested electro-mechanical means identified by the Fund or by an Authorized Person entitled to give Instruction and acknowledged and accepted by the Custodian, it being understood that such acknowledgment shall authorize the Custodian to accept such means of delivery but shall not represent a judgment by the Custodian as to the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by the Authorized Person.
4.2.2 Written Instructions. Instructions may be transmitted in a writing that bears the manual signature of Authorized Persons.
4.2.3 Other Forms of Instruction. Instructions may also be transmitted by another means determined by the Fund or Authorized Persons and acknowledged and accepted by the Custodian (subject to the same limits as to acknowledgements as are contained in Subsection 4.2.1, above) including Instructions given orally or by SWIFT or telefax (whether tested or untested).
When an Instruction is given by means established under Subsections 4.2.1 through 4.2.3, it shall be the responsibility of the Custodian to use reasonable care to adhere to any security or other procedures established in writing between the Custodian and the Authorized Person with respect to such means of Instruction, but the Authorized Person shall be solely responsible for determining that the particular means chosen is reasonable under the circumstances. Oral Instructions shall be binding upon the Custodian only if and when the Custodian takes action with respect thereto. With respect to telefax instructions, the parties agree and acknowledge that receipt of legible instructions cannot be assured, that the Custodian cannot verify that authorized signatures on telefax instructions are original or properly affixed, and that the Custodian shall not be liable for losses or expenses incurred through actions taken in reasonable reliance on inaccurately stated, illegible or unauthorized telefax instructions, The provisions of Section 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code shall apply to Funds Transfers performed in accordance with Instructions. The Funds Transfer Services Schedule and the Electronic and Online Services Schedule to this Agreement shall each comprise a designation of a means of delivering Instructions for purposes of this Section 4.2.
4.3 Completeness and Contents of Instructions. The Authorized Person shall be responsible for assuring the adequacy and accuracy of Instructions. Particularly, upon any acquisition or disposition or other dealing in the Fund's Investments and upon any delivery and transfer of any Investment or moneys, the Authorized Person initiating the Instruction shall give the Custodian an Instruction with appropriate detail, including, without limitation:
4.3.1 The transaction date and the date and location of settlement;
4.3.2 | The specification of the type of transaction; |
4.3.3 A description of the Investments or moneys in question, including, as appropriate, quantity, price per unit, amount of money to be received or delivered and currency information. Where an Instruction is communicated by electronic means, or otherwise where an Instruction contains an identifying number such as a CUSIP, SEDOL or ISIN number, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely on such number as controlling notwithstanding any inconsistency contained in the Instruction, particularly with respect to Investment description; and
4.3.4 | The name of the broker or similar entity concerned with execution of the transaction. |
If the Custodian determines that an Instruction is either unclear or incomplete, the Custodian may give prompt notice of such determination to the Fund and the Fund shall thereupon amend or otherwise reform the Instruction. In such event, the Custodian shall have no obligation to take any action in response to the Instruction initially delivered until the redelivery of an amended or reformed Instruction.
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4.4 Timeliness of Instructions. In giving an Instruction, the Fund shall take into consideration known delays which may occur due to the involvement of a Subcustodian or agent, differences in time zones, and other factors particular to a given market, exchange or issuer. When the Custodian has established specific timing requirements or deadlines with respect to particular classes of Instruction and provided those requirements or deadlines to the Fund in writing, or when an Instruction is received by the Custodian at such a time that it could not reasonably be expected to have acted on such instruction due to time zone differences or other factors beyond its reasonable control, the execution of any Instruction received by the Custodian after such deadline or at such time (including any modification or revocation of a previous Instruction) shall be at the risk of the Fund.
5. Safekeeping of Fund Assets. The Custodian shall hold Investments delivered to it or Subcustodians for the Fund in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The Custodian shall not be responsible for (a) the safekeeping of Investments not delivered or that are not caused to be issued to it or its Subcustodians; or, (b) pre- existing faults or defects in Investments that are delivered to the Custodian or its Subcustodians. The Custodian is hereby authorized to hold with itself or a Subcustodian, and to record in one or more accounts, all Investments delivered to and accepted by the Custodian, any Subcustodian or their respective agents pursuant to an Instruction or in consequence of any corporate action or income event. The Custodian shall hold Investments for the account of the Fund and shall segregate Investments from assets belonging to the Custodian and shall cause its Subcustodians to segregate Investments from assets belonging to the Subcustodian in an account held for the Fund or in an account maintained by the Subcustodian generally for non-proprietary assets of the Custodian.
5.1 Use of Securities Depositories. The Custodian may deposit and maintain Investments in any Securities Depository, either directly or through one or more Subcustodians appointed by the Custodian. Investments held in a Securities Depository shall be held (a) subject to the agreement, rules, statement of terms and conditions or other document or conditions effective between the Securities Depository and the Custodian or the Subcustodian, as the case may be, and (b) in an account for the Fund or in bulk segregation in an account maintained for the non-proprietary assets of the entity holding such Investments in the Depository. If market practice or the rules and regulations of the Securities Depository prevent the Custodian, the Subcustodian or (any agent of either) from holding its client assets in such a separate account, the Custodian, the Subcustodian or other agent shall as appropriate segregate such Investments for benefit of the Fund or for benefit of clients of the Custodian generally on its own books.
5.2 Certificated Assets. Investments which are certificated may be held in registered or bearer form: (a) in the Custodian's vault; (b) in the vault of a Subcustodian or agent of the Custodian or a Subcustodian; or (c) in an account maintained by the Custodian, Subcustodian or agent at a Securities Depository; all in accordance with customary market practice in the jurisdiction in which any Investments are held.
5.3 Registered Assets . Investments which are registered may be registered in the name of the Custodian, a Subcustodian, or in the name of the Fund, a Portfolio or a nominee for any of the foregoing, and may be held in any manner set forth in Section 5.2 above.
5.4 Book Entry Assets. Investments which are represented by book-entry may be so held in an account maintained by the Book-entry Agent on behalf of the Custodian, a Subcustodian or another Agent of the Custodian, or a Securities Depository.
5.5 Replacement of Lost Investments. In the event of a loss of Investments for which loss the Custodian is responsible under the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall replace such Investment, or in the event that such replacement cannot be effected, the Custodian shall pay to the affected Portfolio the fair market value of such Investment based on the last available price as of the close of business in the relevant market on the date that a claim was first made to the Custodian with respect to such loss or such other lesser amount as shall be agreed by the parties.
6. Administrative Duties of the Custodian. The Custodian shall perform the following administrative duties with respect to Investments of the Fund and its Portfolios.
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6.1 Purchase of Investments. Pursuant to Instruction, Investments purchased for the account of the Fund (or a Portfolio) shall be paid for (a) against delivery thereof to the Custodian or a Subcustodian, as the case may be, either directly or through a Clearing Corporation or a Securities Depository (in accordance with the rules of such Securities Depository or such Clearing Corporation), or (b) otherwise in accordance with an Instruction, Applicable Law, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Investment.
6.2 Sale of Investments. Pursuant to Instruction, Investments sold for the account of the Fund (or a Portfolio) shall be delivered against payment therefor (a) in cash, by check or by bank wire transfer, (b) by credit to the account of the Custodian or the applicable Subcustodian, as the case may be, with a Clearing Corporation or a Securities Depository (in accordance with the rules of such Securities Depository or such Clearing Corporation), or (c) otherwise in accordance with an Instruction, Applicable Law, generally accepted trade practices, or the terms of the instrument representing such Investment.
6.3 Delivery and Receipt in Connection with Borrowings of the Fund or other Collateral and Margin Requirements. Pursuant to Instruction, the Custodian may deliver or receive Investments or cash of the Fund in connection with borrowings or loans by the Fund and other collateral and margin requirements.
6.4 Futures and Options. If, pursuant to an Instruction, the Custodian shall become a party to an agreement with the Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, and a futures commission merchant regarding margin ( Tri-Party Agreement ), the Custodian shall (a) receive and retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, confirmations or other documents evidencing the purchase or sale by the Fund of exchange- traded futures contracts and commodity options, (b) when required by such Tri-Party Agreement, deposit and maintain in an account opened pursuant to such Agreement ( Margin Account ), segregated either physically or by book-entry in a Securities Depository for the benefit of any futures commission merchant, such Investments as the Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall have designated as initial, maintenance or variation "margin" deposits or other collateral intended to secure the Fund's performance of its obligations, on behalf of a Portfolio, under the terms of any exchange-traded futures contracts and commodity options; and (c) thereafter pay, release or transfer Investments into or out of the margin account in accordance with the provisions of such Agreement. Alternatively, the Custodian may deliver Investments, in accordance with an Instruction, to a futures commission merchant for purposes of margin requirements in accordance with Rule 17f-6 under the 1940 Act. The Custodian shall in no event be responsible for the acts and omissions of any futures commission merchant to whom Investments are delivered pursuant to this Section; for the sufficiency of Investments held in any Margin Account; or, for the performance of any terms of any exchange-traded futures contracts and commodity options.
6.5 Contractual Obligations and Similar Investments. From time to time, the Fund's Investments may include Investments that are not ownership interests as may be represented by certificate (whether registered or bearer), by entry in a Securities Depository or by Book-Entry Agent, registrar or similar agent for recording ownership interests in the relevant Investment. If the Fund shall at any time acquire such Investments, including without limitation deposit obligations, loan participations, repurchase agreements and derivative arrangements, the Custodian shall (a) receive and retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, confirmations or other documents evidencing the arrangement; and (b) perform on the Fund's account in accordance with the terms of the applicable arrangement, but only to the extent directed to do so by Instruction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility for agreements running to the Fund as to which it is not a party other than to retain, to the extent the same are provided to the Custodian, documents or copies of documents evidencing the arrangement and, in accordance with Instruction, to include such arrangements in reports made to the Fund.
6.6 Exchange of Securities. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall: (a) exchange securities held for the account of the Fund (or a Portfolio) for other securities in connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, conversion, stock split, change of par value of shares or similar event, and
(b) deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.
6.7 Surrender of Securities. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian may surrender securities: (a) in temporary form for definitive securities; (b) for transfer into the name of an entity
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allowable under Section 5.3; and (c) for a different number of certificates or instruments representing in the aggregate the same number of shares or the same principal amount of indebtedness.
6.8 Rights, Warrants, Etc. Pursuant to Instruction, the Custodian shall (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to any agent of the issuer or trustee, for purposes of exercising such rights or selling such securities, and (b) deliver securities in response to any tender offer.
6.9 Mandatory Corporate Actions. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall: (a) comply with the terms of all mandatory or compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions or similar rights of securities ownership affecting securities held on the Fund’s/Portfolio’s account and promptly notify the Fund of such action; and (b) collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature with respect to such securities.
6.10 Income Collection. Unless otherwise directed by Instruction, the Custodian shall collect any amount due and payable to the Fund with respect to a Portfolio’s Investments and promptly credit the amount collected to a Principal or Agency Account (each as defined below); provided, however, that the Custodian shall not be responsible for: (a) the collection of amounts due and payable with respect to Investments that are in default or (b) the collection of cash or share entitlements with respect to Investments that are not registered in the name of the Custodian or its Subcustodians. The Custodian is hereby authorized to endorse and deliver any instrument required to be so endorsed and delivered to effect collection of any amount due and payable to the Fund with respect to Investments.
6.11 Corporate Action Information. In fulfilling the duties set forth in Sections 6.6 through 6.10 above, the Custodian shall provide to the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, such material information pertaining to a corporate action which the Custodian actually receives; provided that the Custodian shall not be responsible for the completeness or accuracy of such information. Information relative to any pending corporate action made available to the Fund via any of the services described in the Electronic and Online Services Schedule shall constitute the delivery of such information by the Custodian. Any advance credit of cash or shares expected to be received as a result of any corporate action shall be subject to actual collection and may be reversed by the Custodian.
6.12 Proxy Materials. The Custodian shall promptly deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Fund proxy forms, notices of meeting, and any other notices or announcements materially affecting or relating to Investments received by the Custodian. Information relative to any pending corporate action made available to the Fund, on behalf of any Portfolio, via any of the services described in the Electronic and Online Services Schedule shall constitute the delivery of such information by the Custodian.
6.13 Ownership Certificates and Disclosure of the Fund's Interest . The Custodian is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Fund or a Portfolio ownership certificates, affidavits or other disclosure required under Applicable Law or established market practice in connection with the receipt of income, capital gains or other payments by the Fund or Portfolio with respect to Investments, or in connection with the sale, purchase or ownership of Investments.
With respect to securities issued in the United States of America, the Custodian [ ] may [ ] may not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund. IF NO BOX IS CHECKED, THE CUSTODIAN SHALL RELEASE SUCH INFORMATION UNTIL IT RECEIVES
CONTRARY INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE FUND. With respect to securities issued outside of the United States of America, information shall be released in accordance with law or custom of the particular country in which such security is located.
6.14. Taxes. The Custodian shall, where applicable, assist the Fund and its Portfolios in the reclamation of taxes withheld on dividends and interest payments received by the Fund, including on behalf of a Portfolio. In the performance of its duties with respect to tax withholding and reclamation, the Custodian
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shall be entitled to rely on the advice of others pursuant to Section 13.11 below and upon information and advice regarding the Fund’s tax status that is received from or on behalf of the Fund without duty of separate inquiry.
6.15 Other Dealings. The Custodian shall otherwise act as directed by Instruction, including without limitation effecting the free payments of moneys or the free delivery of securities, provided that such Instruction shall indicate the purpose of such payment or delivery and that the Custodian shall record the party to whom the payment or delivery is made.
6.16 Nondiscretionary Details and Minor Expenses. The Custodian shall attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale or purchase or other administration of Investments, except as otherwise directed by Instruction, and may make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of administering Investments under this Agreement, provided that the Fund shall have the right to request an accounting with respect to such expenses.
6.17 Use of Agents. The Custodian may appoint (and remove) any affiliate, bank, trust fund or subcontractor as its agent (each an “ Agent ” and collectively, the “ Agents ”), in addition to Subcustodians, to carry out such provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the selection and monitoring of such Agents and Subcustodians. The appointment of an Agent or Subcustodian shall not relieve the Custodian of its obligations under this Agreement.
6.18 Registration Document Completion Service. The Fund may appoint the Custodian to further provide registration document completion services for account openings, name changes, conversions, mergers, market-specific licensing renewals, account closings and other events, and for such markets, as may be agreed between each Fund and the Custodian from time to time (the “Registration Services”). The Fund shall pay Custodian such fees as may be agreed between the parties from time to time with respect to the Registration Services in accordance with Section 14 hereof. The Fund further acknowledges and agrees that: (i) as part of the Registration Services, the Custodian will complete registration documentation for the agreed markets on behalf of the Fund and then forward such documentation to the Fund or an Authorized Person for final review and signature on behalf of the Fund; (ii) by the Fund or an Authorized Person signing and submitting the aforementioned documentation to the Custodian on behalf of the Fund (the "Submitted Documents"), the Fund shall be deemed to have confirmed to the Custodian that the Fund has reviewed the Submitted Documents and has determined that all of the information contained therein is accurate and complete; (iii) the submission of the Submitted Documents to the Custodian, shall be deemed an Instruction under Section 4 hereof to open one or more accounts in the referenced market (in accordance with the information provided in the Submitted Documents) and to provide the Submitted Documents and/or the information contained therein to the Subcustodian in the referenced market (and where applicable, for further submission to the relevant Securities Depository, exchanges, regulatory and tax authorities, tax agents and/or brokers in the referenced market).
7. Cash Accounts, Deposits and Money Movements. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7, the Fund hereby authorizes the Custodian to open and maintain, with itself or with Subcustodians, cash accounts in United States Dollars, in such other currencies as are the currencies of the countries in which the Fund or Portfolios maintain Investments or in such other currencies as the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, shall from time to time request by Instruction, including standing Instructions for Principal Accounts to participate in a BBH&Co. cash management vehicle. Notwithstanding any in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund shall be liable as principal for any overdrafts occurring in its cash accounts.
7.1 Types of Cash Accounts . Cash accounts opened on the books of the Custodian ( Principal Accounts ) shall be opened in the name of the Fund, on behalf of the applicable Portfolios. Such accounts collectively shall be a deposit obligation of the Custodian and shall be subject to the terms of this Section 7 and the general liability provisions contained in Section 9. Cash accounts opened on the books of a Subcustodian may be opened in the name of the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, or in the name of the Custodian for the Fund or in the name of the Custodian for its customers generally ( Agency Accounts ). Such deposits shall be obligations of the Subcustodian and shall be treated as an Investment of the Fund and the applicable
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Portfolios. Accordingly, the Custodian shall be responsible for exercising reasonable care in the administration of such accounts, but shall not be liable for their repayment in the event the Subcustodian, by reason of its bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise, fails to make repayment. In connection with the services provided hereunder, the Custodian is hereby directed to open cash accounts on its books and records from time to time for the purposes of receiving subscriptions and/or processing redemptions on behalf of the Fund, and/or for the purposes of aggregating, netting and/or clearing transactions (including, without limitation foreign exchange, repurchase agreements, capital stock activity, expense payment) or other administrative purposes on behalf of the Fund or the Fund and affiliated funds (each an "Account"). Each such Account shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including, without limitation Section 7.6) and the Fund shall be liable for the satisfaction of its own obligations in connection with each Account; provided however, the Fund shall not be liable for the obligations of any other affiliated fund thereunder.
7.1.1 Administrative Accounts. In connection with the services provided hereunder, the Custodian is hereby directed to open cash accounts on its books and records from time to time for the purposes of receiving subscriptions and/or processing redemptions on behalf of the Fund and/or for the purposes of aggregating, netting and/or clearing transactions (including, without limitation foreign exchange, repurchase agreements, capital stock activity, expense payment) or other administrative purposes, each on behalf of the Fund (each an “Account”). Each such Account shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Fund shall be liable for the satisfaction of its obligations in connection with each Account.
7.2 Payments and Credits with Respect to the Cash Accounts . The Custodian shall make payments from or deposits to any of the cash accounts in the course of carrying out its administrative duties, including but not limited to income collection with respect to a Portfolio’s Investments, and otherwise in accordance with Instructions. The Custodian and its Subcustodians shall be required to credit amounts to the cash accounts only when moneys are actually received in cleared funds in accordance with banking practice in the country and currency of deposit. Any credit made to any Principal or Agency Account before actual receipt of cleared funds shall be provisional and may be reversed by the Custodian in the event such payment is not actually collected. Unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing by the Custodian or any Subcustodian, all deposits shall be payable only at the branch of the Custodian or Subcustodian where the deposit is made or carried.
7.3 Currency and Related Risks. The Fund bears the risks of holding or transacting in any currency, including any mark to market exposure associated with a foreign exchange transaction undertaken with the Custodian. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the applicability of any law or regulation now or hereafter in effect, or from the occurrence of any event, which may delay or affect the transferability, convertibility or availability of any currency in the country (a) in which such Principal or Agency Accounts are maintained or (b) in which such currency is issued, and in no event shall the Custodian be obligated to make payment of a deposit denominated in a currency during the period during which its transferability, convertibility or availability has been affected by any such law, regulation or event. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian shall be required to repay any deposit made at a foreign branch of either the Custodian or Subcustodian if such branch cannot repay the deposit due to a cause for which the Custodian would not be responsible in accordance with the terms of Section 9 of this Agreement unless the Custodian or such Subcustodian expressly agrees in writing to repay the deposit under such circumstances. All currency transactions in any account opened pursuant to this Agreement are subject to exchange control regulations of the United States and of the country where such currency is the lawful currency or where the account is maintained. Any taxes, costs, charges or fees imposed on the convertibility of a currency held by the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio shall be for the account of the Fund/Portfolio.
7.4 Foreign Exchange Transactions . The Custodian shall, subject to the terms of this Section, settle foreign exchange transactions (including contracts, futures, options and options on futures) on behalf and for the account of the Fund or a Portfolio with such currency brokers or banking institutions, including Subcustodians, as the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio may direct pursuant to Instructions. The Custodian
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may act as principal in any foreign exchange transaction with the Fund in accordance with Section 7.4.2 of this Agreement. The obligations of the Custodian in respect of all foreign exchange transactions (whether or not the Custodian shall act as principal in such transaction) shall be contingent on the free, unencumbered transferability of the currency transacted on the actual settlement date of the transaction.
7.4.1 Third Party Foreign Exchange Transactions . The Custodian shall process foreign exchange transactions (including without limitation contracts, futures, options, and options on futures), where any third party acts as principal counterparty to the Fund or a Portfolio on the same basis it performs duties as agent for the Fund with respect to any other of the Fund's or a Portfolio’s Investments. Accordingly the Custodian shall only be responsible for delivering or receiving currency on behalf of the Fund or a Portfolio in respect of such contracts pursuant to Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the failure of any counterparty (including any Subcustodian) in such agency transaction to perform its obligations thereunder. The Custodian
(a) shall transmit cash and Instructions to and from the currency broker or banking institution with which a foreign exchange contract or option has been executed, (b) may make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of Dollars or foreign currency without receiving confirmation of a foreign exchange contract or option or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing the foreign exchange contract has been delivered or received or that the option has been delivered or received, (c) may, in connection with cash payments made to third party currency brokers/dealers for settlement of the Fund’s foreign exchange spot or forward transactions, foreign currency swap transactions and similar foreign exchange transactions, process settlements using the facilities of the CLS Bank according to CLS Bank’s standard terms and conditions , and (d) shall hold in safekeeping all confirmations, certificates and other documents and agreements received by the Custodian and evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolios accepts full responsibility for its use of third-party foreign exchange dealers and for execution of the foreign exchange contracts and options and understands that each applicable Portfolio shall be responsible for any and all costs and interest charges which may be incurred by it or the Custodian as a result of the failure or delay of third parties to deliver foreign exchange.
7.4.2 Foreign Exchange with the Custodian as Principal . The Custodian may enter into foreign exchange transactions with the Fund. If a foreign exchange transaction with the Custodian as principal is initiated by Instruction and the parties have no otherwise entered into an agreement specific to such transaction(s), the transaction will be performed and subject to the terms and conditions currently posted on the Custodian's website at <http:// www.bbh.com/fxtermsandconditions /> ( the "FX Online Terms and Conditions"), which terms are available in hardcopy upon request, and which terms may be updated from time to time. The Custodian shall provide notice of any material change to the FX Online Terms and Conditions to the Fund at least ten (10) business days prior to their taking effect, unless the Custodian determines that the circumstances require that a shorter period apply. Foreign exchange transactions that occur or are placed on or after the effective date of such changes, as stated in the applicable notice, shall be governed by the modified FX Online Terms and Conditions. The Fund represents and warrants, each and every time an Instruction to execute a foreign exchange transaction with the Custodian as principal is initiated, that it is an eligible contract participant, as that term is used under the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.
7.5 Delays . If no event of Force Majeure shall have occurred and be continuing and in the event that a delay shall have been caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Custodian in carrying out an Instruction to credit or transfer cash, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolios for damages, plus: (a) with respect to Principal Accounts, for interest to be calculated at the rate customarily paid on such deposit and currency by the Custodian on overnight deposits at the time the delay occurs for the period from the day when the transfer should have been effected until the day it is in fact effected; and, (b) with respect to Agency Accounts, for interest to be calculated at the rate customarily paid on such deposit and currency by the Subcustodian on overnight deposits at the time the delay occurs for the period from the day when the transfer should have been effected until the day it is in fact effected. The Custodian shall not be liable for delays in carrying out Instructions to transfer cash which are not due to the
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Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct.
7.6 Advances. If, for any reason in connection with this Agreement the Custodian or any Subcustodian makes an Advance to facilitate settlement or otherwise for the benefit of the Fund or a Portfolio (whether or not any Principal or Agency Account shall be overdrawn either during, or at the end of, any Business Day), the Fund hereby does:
7.6.1 acknowledge that the Fund shall have no right, title or interest in or to any Investments purchased with such Advance or proceeds of such Investments, and that any credit of Investments to an account of Fund shall be provisional, until: (a) the debit of the Principal or Agency Account by Custodian for an amount equal to Advance Costs; and/or (b) if such debit produces an overdraft in such account, reimbursement to the Custodian or Subcustodian for the amount of such overdraft;
7.6.2 acknowledge that the Custodian has an automatically perfected statutory security interest in Investments purchased with any such Advance pursuant to Section 9-206 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York from time to time;
7.6.3 in addition, in order to secure the obligations of the Fund to pay or perform any and all obligations of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation to repay any Advance made pursuant to this Agreement, grant to the Custodian a security interest in all Investments and proceeds thereof (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect in the State of New York); and agree to take, and agree that the Custodian may take, in respect of the security interest referenced above, any further actions that the Custodian may reasonably require.
7.7 Custodian’s Rights Neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian shall be obligated to make any Advance or to allow an Advance to occur to the Fund or a Portfolio, and in the event that the Custodian or any Subcustodian does make or allow an Advance, any such Advance and any transaction giving rise to such Advance shall be for the account and risk of the Fund and shall not be deemed to be a transaction undertaken by the Custodian for its own account and risk. If such Advance shall have been made or allowed by a Subcustodian or any other person, the Custodian may assign all or part of its security interest referenced above and any other rights granted to the Custodian hereunder to such Subcustodian or other person. If the Fund or Portfolio shall fail to repay the Advance Costs when due, the Custodian or its assignee, as the case may be, shall be entitled to a portion of the available cash balance in any Agency or Principal Account equal to such Advance Costs, and the Fund authorizes the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund or Portfolio, to pay an amount equal to such Advance Costs irrevocably to such Subcustodian or other person, and to dispose of any property in such Account to the extent necessary to make such payment. Any Investments credited to accounts subject to this Agreement created pursuant hereto shall be treated as financial assets credited to securities accounts under Articles 8 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York from time to time. Accordingly, the Custodian and any Subcustodian shall have the rights and benefits of a secured creditor that is a securities intermediary under such Articles 8 and 9.
7.8 Integrated Account . For purposes hereof, deposits maintained in all Principal Accounts (whether or not denominated in Dollars) shall collectively constitute a single and indivisible current account with respect to the Fund's obligations to the Custodian or its assignee, and balances in the Principal Accounts shall be available for satisfaction of the Fund's obligations under this Section 7. The Custodian shall further have a right of offset against the balances in any Agency Account maintained hereunder to the extent that the aggregate of all Principal Accounts is overdrawn.
8. Subcustodians and Securities Depositories . Subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth in this Section 8, the Fund hereby authorizes the Custodian to utilize Securities Depositories to act on behalf of a Portfolio and to appoint from time to time and to utilize Subcustodians. With respect to Investments held by a Subcustodian, either directly or indirectly (including by a Securities Depository or Clearing Corporation), notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, payment for securities purchased and delivery of securities sold may be made
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prior to receipt of securities or payment, respectively, and securities or payment may be received in a form in accordance with (a) governmental regulations, (b) rules of Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies, (c) generally accepted trade practice in the applicable local market, (d) the terms and characteristics of the particular Investment, or (e) the terms of Instructions.
8.1 Domestic Subcustodians and Securities Depositories . The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain, either directly or through one or more Agents appointed by the Custodian, Investments of the Fund in any Securities Depository in the United States, including The Depository Trust Company, provided such Depository meets applicable requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank or of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian may, from time to time, appoint any 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 and the rules and regulations thereunder to act on behalf of the Fund as a Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund in the United States.
8.2 Foreign Subcustodians and Securities Depositories . Unless instructed otherwise by the Fund, the Custodian may deposit and/or maintain non-U.S. Investments of the Fund in any Foreign Securities Depository provided such Securities Depository meets the requirements of an "eligible securities depository" under Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act, or any successor rule or regulation ("Rule 17f-7") or which by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission is exempted therefrom. Prior to the time that Investments are placed with such depository, but subject to the provisions of Section 8.2.4 below, the Custodian shall have prepared and provided to the Fund an assessment of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Securities Depository and shall have established a system to monitor such risks on a continuing basis in accordance with subsection 8.2.3 of this Section. Additionally, the Custodian may, from time to time, appoint (a) any bank, trust company or other entity meeting the requirements of an “eligible foreign custodian ” under Rule 17f-5 or which by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission is exempted therefrom, or (b) any 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 and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act on behalf of the Fund as a Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund outside the United States.
8.3 Delegation of Board Review of Subcustodians. From time to time, the Custodian may agree to perform certain reviews of Subcustodians and of Subcustodian Contracts as the delegate of the Fund's Board. In such event, the Custodian's duties and obligations with respect to this delegated review will be performed in accordance with the terms of the attached Delegation Schedule.
8.4 Board Approval of Foreign Subcustodians . Unless and except to the extent that the Board of Trustees has delegated to the Custodian and the Custodian has accepted delegation of review of certain matters concerning the appointment of Subcustodians pursuant to Subsection 8.3, the Custodian shall, prior to the appointment of any Subcustodian for purposes of holding Investments of the Fund or its Portfolios outside the United States, obtain written confirmation of the approval of the Board of Trustees with respect to (a) the identity of a Subcustodian, and (b) the Subcustodian agreement which shall govern such appointment, such approval to be signed by an Authorized Person. An Instruction to open an account in a given country shall comprise authorization of the Custodian to hold assets in such country in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be required to make independent inquiry as to the authorization of the Fund to invest in such country.
8.5 Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Securities Depositories. Prior to the placement of any assets of the Fund or a Portfolio with a Foreign Securities Depository, the Custodian: (a) shall provide to the Fund or its authorized representative a written assessment of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets within such Securities Depository; and (b) shall have established a system to monitor the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with such Securities Depository on a continuing basis and to promptly notify the Fund or its Investment Adviser of any material changes in such risk. In performing its duties under this subsection, the Custodian shall use reasonable care and may rely on such reasonable sources of information as may be available including but not limited to: (i) published ratings; (ii) information supplied by a Subcustodian that is a participant in such Securities Depository; (iii) industry surveys or publications; (iv) information supplied by the depository itself, by its auditors (internal or external) or by
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the relevant Foreign Financial Regulatory Authority. It is acknowledged that information procured through some or all of these sources may not be independently verifiable by the Custodian and that direct access to Securities Depositories is limited under most circumstances. Accordingly, the Custodian shall not be responsible for errors or omissions in its duties hereunder provided that it has performed its monitoring and assessment duties with reasonable care. The risk assessment shall be provided to the Fund or its Investment Adviser by such means as the Custodian shall reasonably establish. Advices of material change in such assessment may be provided by the Custodian in the manner established as customary between the Fund and the Custodian for transmission of material market information.
8.6 Responsibility for Subcustodians . Except as provided in the last sentence of this Section 8.6, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund and its applicable Portfolios for any loss or damage thereto caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Subcustodian to the extent that such acts or omissions would be deemed to be negligence, gross negligence or willful misconduct in accordance within the terms of the relevant subcustodian agreement under the laws, circumstances and practices prevailing in the place where the act or omission occurred. The liability of the Custodian in respect of the countries and Subcustodians designated by the Custodian, from time to time on the Global Custody Network Listing shall be subject to the additional condition that the Custodian actually recovers such loss or damage from the Subcustodian.
8.7 New Countries. The Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be held in a country in which no Subcustodian is authorized to act in order that the Custodian shall, if it deems appropriate to do so, have sufficient time to establish a subcustodial arrangement in accordance herewith. In the event the Custodian is unable to establish such arrangements prior to the time the investment is to be acquired, the Custodian is authorized to designate at its discretion a local safekeeping agent, and the use of the local safekeeping agent shall be at the sole risk of the Fund, and accordingly the Custodian shall be responsible to the Fund for the actions of such agent if and only to the extent the Custodian shall have recovered from such agent for any damages caused the Fund by such agent. .
9. Responsibility of the Custodian. In performing its duties and obligations hereunder, the Custodian shall use reasonable care under the facts and circumstances prevailing in the market where performance is effected. Subject to the specific provisions of this Section, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any damage incurred by the Fund or a Portfolio in consequence of the Custodian's (or its employees’, officers’ or other agents’) negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the Custodian be liable hereunder for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement even if advised of the possibility of such damages. It is agreed that the Custodian shall have no duty to assess the risks inherent in the Fund’s Investments or to provide investment advice with respect to Investments and that the Fund and its Portfolios as principal shall bear any risks attendant to particular Investments such as failure of counterparty or issuer.
9.1 Limitations of Performance . The Custodian shall not be responsible under this Agreement for any failure to perform its duties, and shall not be liable hereunder for any loss or damage in association with such failure to perform for or in consequence of the following causes:
9.1.1 Force Majeure. Force Majeure shall mean any circumstance or event which is beyond the reasonable control of the Fund, Custodian, a Subcustodian or any agent of the Custodian or a Subcustodian and which adversely affects the performance by the Fund, Custodian of its obligations hereunder, by the Subcustodian of its obligations under its Subcustody Agreement or by any other Agent of the Custodian or the Subcustodian, including any event caused by, arising out of or involving (a) an act of God, (b) accident, fire, water or wind damage or explosion, (c) any computer, system or other equipment failure or malfunction caused by any computer virus or the malfunction or failure of any communications medium, (d) any interruption of the power supply or other utility service, (e) any strike or other work stoppage, whether partial or total, (f) any delay or disruption resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Country, Sanctions or Sovereign Risk, (g) any disruption of, or suspension of trading in, the securities, commodities or foreign exchange markets, whether or not resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any
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Country, Sanctions or Sovereign Risk, (h) any encumbrance on the transferability of a currency or a currency position on the actual settlement date of a foreign exchange transaction, whether or not resulting from or reflecting the occurrence of any Country, Sanctions or Sovereign Risk, or (i) any other cause similarly beyond the reasonable control of the party.
9.1.2 Country Risk. Country Risk shall mean, with respect to the acquisition, ownership, settlement or custody of Investments in a jurisdiction, all risks relating to, or arising in consequence of, systemic and markets factors affecting the acquisition, payment for or ownership of Investments including (a) the prevalence of crime and corruption, (b) the inaccuracy or unreliability of business and financial information, (c) the instability or volatility of banking and financial systems, or the absence or inadequacy of an infrastructure to support such systems, (d) custody and settlement infrastructure of the market in which such Investments are transacted and held, (e) the acts, omissions and operation of any Securities Depository, (f) the risk of the bankruptcy or insolvency of banking agents, counterparties to cash and securities transactions, registrars or transfer agents, and (g) the existence of market conditions which prevent the orderly execution or settlement of transactions or which affect the value of assets.
9.1.3 Sovereign Risk. Sovereign Risk shall mean, in respect of any jurisdiction, including the United States of America, where Investments are acquired or held hereunder or under a Subcustody Agreement, (a) any act of war, terrorism, riot, insurrection or civil commotion, (b) the imposition of any investment, repatriation or exchange control restrictions by any Governmental Authority, (c) the confiscation, expropriation or nationalization of any Investments by any Governmental Authority, whether de facto or de jure, (d) any devaluation or revaluation of the currency, (e) the imposition of taxes, levies or other charges affecting Investments, (f) any change in the Applicable Law, or (g) any other economic or political risk incurred or experienced.
9.1.4 Sanctions Risk. Sanctions Risk shall mean, with respect to the acquisition, ownership, settlement or custody of Investments in a jurisdiction, all risks relating to, or arising in consequence of the Custodian complying with one or more Sanctions Regimes, including the risk that if Custodian reasonably believes it has come into possession or control of any Sanctioned Property as a result of its performance of this Agreement, Custodian may be required by one or more Sanctions Regime to block (i.e. prevent further movement of) such Sanctioned Property and report any related activity to relevant government authorities. The Fund acknowledges that if multiple Sanctions Regimes apply (including OFAC), the Custodian will comply with the most restrictive of the applicable regimes.
9.2. Limitations on Liability. The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, claim, damage or other liability arising from the following causes:
9.2.1 Failure of Third Parties. The failure of any third party including: (a) any issuer of Investments or Book-Entry Agent or other agent of an issuer; (b) any counterparty with respect to any Investment, including any issuer of exchange-traded or other futures, option, derivative or commodities contract; (c) failure of an Investment Advisor, third party foreign custody manager or other agent of the Fund ; or (d) failure of other third parties similarly beyond the control or choice of the Custodian.
9.2.2 Information Sources. The Custodian may rely upon information received from issuers of Investments or agents of such issuers, information received from Subcustodians and from other commercially reasonable sources such as commercial data bases and the like, but shall not be responsible for specific inaccuracies in such information (provided that the Custodian has relied upon such information in good faith), or the failiure of any commerciallly reasonable information provider.
9.2.3 Reliance on Instruction . Action by the Custodian or the Subcustodian in accordance with an Instruction, even when such action conflicts with, or is contrary to any provision of, the
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Fund's trust instrument, certificate of trust or by-laws, Applicable Law, or actions by the trustees, directors or shareholders of the Fund.
9.2.4 Restricted Securities. The limitations inherent in the rights, transferability or similar investment characteristics of a given Investment of the Fund.
10. Transfer Agency Services. Subject to the specific provisions of this Section, the TA shall not be liable to the Fund for any damage incurred by the Fund or a Portfolio unless such damages arise from the TA's (or its employees’, officers’ or other agents’) negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the TA be liable hereunder for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential damages arising out of, pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement even if advised of the possibility of such damages. BBH&Co. will provide the transfer agency services described in Schedule IV hereto pursuant to the following terms and conditions:
10.1 Limitations on Liability
10.1.1 TA shall not be held accountable or liable to the Fund, or any third party if TA is unable to perform its responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement as a result of (i) any errors in the Services based upon or arising out of information received in a timely or untimely manner by TA either (a) from a source which TA was authorized to rely upon pursuant to a relevant Schedule hereto, or (b) from a source which in TA’s reasonable judgment was as an appropriate source for such information, (ii) relevant information known to the Fund which would impact the Services but which is not communicated by the Fund or its agent to TA, or (iii) the suspension, discontinuance or termination of the transmission of information by information providers for any reason, provided TA shall have made reasonable commercial efforts to procure such transmission. The Fund hereby acknowledges and agrees that TA shall neither guarantee nor make any warranties whatsoever, with respect to the sources referenced above and to the accuracy or completeness of their information.
10.1.2 The Fund acknowledges and agrees that nothing herein is intended to diminish the responsibility of third parties, including without limitation, its clients, custodian banks, brokers, and pricing and administrative agents, under their respective contractual and/or business arrangements with the Fund.
10.1.3 TA shall incur no liability with respect to any telecommunications, equipment or power failures, or any failures to perform or delays in performance by postal or courier services or third- party information providers.
10.1.4 TA shall in no event be required to advance or expend its own funds in connection with the services provided hereunder, or take any action which is in contravention of any applicable law, rule or regulation or any order or judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction.
10.1.5 The Fund shall review the Services performed by TA under this Agreement promptly and periodically and shall notify TA of any improper performance, discrepancy or error therein. Unless the Fund provides written notice of any such discrepancy or error within a reasonable time after such Services are performed, the Services shall be deemed to have met the duties and standards set forth herein.
10.1.6 Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing provisions, in no event shall TA be liable for any taxes, penalties, fines, costs, charges or fees imposed on the Fund in connection with the Services hereunder unless otherwise agreed between the Parties.
10.1.7 In no event shall TA be responsible for providing investment management services or advice or legal advice under this Agreement, nor shall TA be liable for the investment management services and advice received or given by the Fund or the legal advice received by the Fund from its counsel or other legal counsel.
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10.1.8 Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing provisions, the TA shall have no liability for any damages arising out of (i) the failure of any Authorized Participant to perform its obligations under a Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement” defined for this purpose as any Participant Agreement between the Distributor and an Authorized Participant acknowledged by the Administrator); (ii) activities or statements of sales or wholesaler personnel who are employed by any distributor (or its affiliates); or (iii) the failure of any Authorized Participant to deposit with the Custodian sufficient collateral, or to provide additional collateral upon request by the TA, in connection with the monitoring services provided for herein on Schedule IV; or (b) any errors in the computation of collateral requirements based upon or arising out of quotations or information received by the TA from the Fund’s accounting agent or any other source on which the TA reasonably relies.
10.2 Instructions . TA shall not be liable for, and shall be indemnified by the Fund against any and all losses, costs, damages or expenses arising from or as a result of, any action taken or omitted in reliance upon Instructions (as hereinafter defined) or upon any other written notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or other instrument believed by it to be genuine and signed or authorized by the proper party or parties.
10.2.1 Instructions shall mean a written request, direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed on behalf of the Fund by one or more Authorized Persons. Authorized Persons may be identified by name, title or position. Telephonic and other oral instructions or instructions given by facsimile transmission may be given by any one of the Authorized Persons. Such instructions shall be considered Instructions if TA reasonably believes them to have been given by an Authorized Person. In no event shall Instructions be in the form of electronic mail.
10.2.2 Where Instructions are conveyed through facsimile transmissions, the Fund hereby acknowledges that (i) receipt of legible instructions cannot be assured, (ii) TA cannot verify that authorized signatures on facsimile Instructions are original, and (iii) TA shall not be responsible for losses or expenses incurred through actions taken in reliance on such Instructions. The Fund agrees that such facsimile Instructions shall be conclusive evidence of the Fund’s Instruction to TA to act or to omit to act.
10.2.3 Instructions given orally will be confirmed by written Instructions in the manner set forth above in Section 10.2.1, including by facsimile, but the lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by TA in reliance upon such oral Instructions. The Fund authorizes TA to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral Instructions given to TA by or on behalf of the Fund (including any of its officers, directors, trustees, employees or agents or any investment manager or adviser or person or entity with similar responsibilities which is authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund to TA). The Fund agrees to solicit valid written or other consent from any of its employees in respect to telephonic recordings to the extent such consent is required by applicable law.
10.3 | Representations of TA. |
10.3.1 TA represents that it is a registered transfer agent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
10.3.2 TA has established pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, and other U.S. laws and regulations applicable to it, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance programs, including but not limited to: (1) the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls; (2) the designation of a compliance officer; (3) the implementation of ongoing employee training programs; and (4) the creation of an independent audit function to test such programs.
10.3.3 TA has a customer identification program (CIP) consistent with the rules under section 326 of the USA Patriot Act. TA. For the avoidance of doubt, DTC is exempt from CIP requirements.
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10.3.4 TA: (i) has in place policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the transfer agent rules of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii) and will maintain appropriate records in accordance with said transfer agent rules.
11. Indemnification. The Fund hereby indemnifies BBH&Co. as TA and Custodian (and each Subcustodian), and their respective Agents, nominees and the partners, employees, officers and directors, and agrees to hold each of them harmless from and against all claims and liabilities, including counsel fees and taxes, incurred or assessed against any of them in connection with the performance of this Agreement and any Instruction. If a Subcustodian or any other person indemnified under the preceding sentence, gives written notice of claim to the Custodian, the Custodian shall promptly give written notice to the Fund.
12. | Reports and Records. BBH&Co. shall: |
12.1 create and maintain records relating to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement (including such reports as may be required pursuant to Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder);
12.2 make available to and copy for the Fund (at the Fund’s expense), its auditors, agents and employees, upon reasonable request and during its normal business hours, all records maintained by BBH&Co. pursuant to Section 12.1 above, subject, however, to all reasonable security requirements of BBH&Co. then applicable to the records of its customers generally; and
12.3 make available to the Fund all Electronic Reports; it being understood that BBH&Co. shall not be liable hereunder for the inaccuracy or incompleteness thereof or for errors in any information included therein.
12.4 The Fund shall examine all records, however produced or transmitted, promptly upon receipt and notify BBH&Co. promptly of any discrepancy or error. Unless the Fund delivers written notice of any such discrepancy or error within a reasonable time after its receipt of the records, the records shall be deemed to be true and accurate.
12.5 The Fund acknowledges that the Custodian obtains information on the value of assets from outside sources which may be utilized in certain reports made available to the Fund. The Custodian deems such sources to be reliable but the Fund acknowledges and agrees that the Custodian does not verify such information nor make any representations or warrantees as to its accuracy or completeness and accordingly shall be without liability in selecting and using such sources and furnishing such information.
13. | Miscellaneous. |
13.1 Powers of Attorney, etc. The Fund on behalf of its Portfolios will promptly execute and deliver, upon request, such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may reasonably be necessary or desirable for the Custodian to provide, or to cause any Subcustodian to provide, the services contemplated by this Agreement.
13.2 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes any other oral or written agreements heretofore in effect between the Fund and the Custodian with respect to the subject matter hereof. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or terminated except by a statement in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment or termination is sought, provided, however, that an Instruction shall, whether or not such Instruction shall constitute a waiver, amendment or modification for purposes hereof, be deemed to have been accepted by the Custodian when it commences actions pursuant thereto or in accordance therewith. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of a service level agreement or other operating agreement in place between the parties from time to time, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
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13.3 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Custodian and the Fund and their successors and assignees, provided that neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Custodian. Each party agrees that only the parties to this Agreement and/or their successors in interest shall have a right to enforce the terms of this Agreement. Accordingly, no client of the Fund or other third party shall have any rights under this Agreement and such rights are explicitly disclaimed by the parties.
13.4 GOVERNING LAW, JURISDICTION AND VENUE. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE. THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK CITY. THE FUND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. FURTHERMORE, EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
13.5 Notices. Notices and other writings contemplated by this Agreement, other than Instructions, shall be delivered (a) by hand, (b) by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) by a nationally recognized overnight courier, or (d) by facsimile transmission, provided that any notice or other writing sent by facsimile transmission shall also be mailed, postage prepaid, to the party to whom such notice is addressed. All such notices shall be addressed, as follows:
If to the Fund: Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Attn:Wendy Wang
Telephone: (631)470-2612
If to the Custodian: Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1548 Attn:
Telephone: (617) 772-1818
Facsimile: (617) 772-XXXX,
or such other address as the Fund or the Custodian may have designated in writing to the other. Notices given by the Custodian pursuant to Section 12.13 may also be given by electronic mail to the email address of any Authorized Person. The Fund agrees that such notices given by electronic mail shall be conclusively presumed to have been delivered and received by the Fund as of the date such electronic mail was sent by the Custodian, as recorded by the Custodian’s systems.
13.6 Headings. Paragraph headings included herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not modify, define, expand or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.
13. 7 Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement is determined to be void or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall continue to be in force.
13.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
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signed and delivered by the Fund and the Custodian. A photocopy or telefax of the Agreement shall be acceptable evidence of the existence of the Agreement and the Custodian shall be protected in relying on the photocopy or telefax until the Custodian has received the original of the Agreement.
13.9 Confidentiality. The parties hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering or obtaining services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying out this Agreement (including, without limitation, disclosure to Subcustodians or Agents appointed by the Custodian), shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is required to be disclosed by or to any regulator of the Custodian or any Agent or Subcustodian, any Regulatory Authority, any auditor or attorney of the parties hereto, or by judicial or administrative process or otherwise by Applicable Law.
13.10 Tape-recording. The Fund on behalf of itself and its Customers authorizes the Custodian to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral instructions given to the Custodian by or on behalf of the Fund, including from any Authorized Person. This authorization will remain in effect until and unless revoked by the Fund in writing.
13.11 Counsel/ Certified Public Accountant . In fulfilling its duties hereunder, the Custodian shall be entitled to receive and act upon the advice of (i) counsel and/or a certified public accountant regularly retained by the Custodian in respect of such matters, (ii) counsel and/or a certified public accountant for the Fund or (iii) such counsel or certified public accountant as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon, with respect to all matters, and the Custodian shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
13.12 | Conflict. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Custodian and its associates from |
(i) dealing as a principal or an intermediary in the sale, purchase or loan of the Fund’s Investments to, or from the Custodian or its associates; (ii) acting as a custodian, a subcustodian, a trustee, an agent, securities dealer, an investment manager or in any other capacity for any other client whose interests may be adverse to the interest of the Fund; or (iii) buying, holding, lending, and dealing in any way in any assets for the benefit of its own account, or for the account of any other client whose interests may be adverse to the Fund notwithstanding that the same or similar assets may be held or dealt in by, or for the account of the Fund by the Custodian. The Fund hereby voluntarily consents to, and waives any potential conflict of interest between the Custodian and/or its associates and the Fund, and agrees that:
(a) the Custodian’s and/or its associates’ engagement in any such transaction shall not disqualify the Custodian from continuing to perform as the custodian of the Fund or Portfolios under this Agreement;
(b) the Custodian and/or its associates shall not be under any duty to disclose any information in connection with any such transaction to the Fund;
(c) the Custodian and/or its associates shall not be liable to account to the Fund or a Portfolio for any profits or benefits made or derived by or in connection with any such transaction,; and
(d) the Fund shall use all reasonable efforts to disclose this provision, among other provisions in this Agreement, to its shareholders.
13.13 Online Terms and Conditions. Foreign exchange services provided under or otherwise referenced in this Agreement will be performed and subject to the terms and conditions posted on the Custodian’s website at < http://www.bbh.com/fxtermsandconditions/> (the “FX Online Terms and Conditions”), which terms are available in hardcopy upon request, and which terms may be updated from time to time. The Custodian shall provide notice of any change to the FX Online Terms and Conditions to the Fund at least ten business days prior to their taking effect, unless the Custodian determines that the circumstances require that a shorter period apply. Foreign exchange transactions that occur or are placed
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on or after the effective date of such changes, as stated in the applicable notice, shall be governed by the modified FX Online Terms and Conditions.
14. | Definitions. The following defined terms will have the respective meanings set forth below. |
14.1 Advance(s) shall mean any extension of credit by or through the Custodian or by or through any Subcustodian and shall include, without limitation, amounts due to the Custodian as the principal counterparty to any foreign exchange transaction with the Fund as described in Section 7.4.2 hereof, or paid to third parties for account of the Fund or in discharge of any expense, tax or other item payable by the Fund.
14.2 Advance Costs shall mean any Advance, interest on the Advance and any related expenses, including without limitation any mark to market loss of the Custodian or Subcustodian on any Investment to which Section 7.6.1 applies.
14.3 Agency Account(s) shall mean any deposit account opened on the books of a Subcustodian or other banking institution in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof.
14.4 | Agent(s) shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.17 hereof. |
14.5 Applicable Law shall mean with respect to each jurisdiction, all (a) laws, statutes, treaties, regulations, guidelines (or their equivalents); (b) orders, interpretations, licenses and permits; and (c) judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders and similar actions by a court of competent jurisdiction; compliance with which is required or customarily observed in such jurisdiction.
14.6 Authorized Person(s) shall mean any person or entity authorized to give Instructions on behalf of the Fund in accordance with Section 4.1 or 10.2.1 hereof.
14.7 Book-entry Agent(s) shall mean an entity acting as agent for the issuer of Investments for purposes of recording ownership or similar entitlement to Investments, including without limitation a transfer agent or registrar.
14.8 Clearing Corporation shall mean any entity or system established for purposes of providing securities settlement and movement and associated functions for a given market(s).
14.9 Delegation Schedule shall mean any separate schedule entered into between the Custodian and the Fund or its authorized representative with respect to certain matters concerning the appointment and administration of Subcustodians delegated to the Custodian pursuant to Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act.
14.10 Electronic and Online Services Schedule shall mean any separate schedule entered into between the Custodian and the Fund or its authorized representative with respect to certain matters concerning certain electronic and online services as described therein and as may be made available from time to time by the Custodian to the Fund and Portfolios.
14.11 Electronic Reports shall mean any reports prepared by the Custodian and remitted to the Fund or its authorized representative via the internet or electronic mail.
14.12 | EU shall mean the European Union and its member states. |
14.13 Foreign Custody Manager shall mean the Fund’s foreign custody manager appointed pursuant to Rule 17f-5 of the 1940 Act.
14.14 Foreign Financial Regulatory Authority shall have the meaning given by Section 2(a)(50) of the 1940 Act.
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14.15 Funds Transfer Services Schedule shall mean any separate schedule entered into between the Custodian and the Fund or its authorized representative with respect to certain matters concerning the processing of payment orders from Principal Accounts of the Fund.
14.16 G lobal Custody Network Listing shall mean Countries and Subcustodians approved for Investments in non-U.S. Markets.
14.17 | Instruction(s) shall have the meaning assigned in Section 4 hereof. |
14.18 Investment Advisor shall mean any person or entity who is an Authorized Person to give Instructions with respect to the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's Investments.
14.19 Investment(s) shall mean any investment asset of the Fund or Portfolios, including without limitation securities, bonds, notes, and debentures as well as receivables, derivatives, contractual rights or entitlements and other intangible assets, but shall not include any Principal Account.
14.20 | Margin Account shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 hereof. |
14.21 | OFAC shall mean the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. |
14.22 Principal Account(s) shall mean deposit accounts of the Fund or a Portfolio carried on the books of BBH&Co. as principal in accordance with Section 7 hereof.
14.23 Sanctions or Sanctions Regime(s) shall mean any governmental sanctions against countries, persons and entities that are imposed at any time by the US, the EU, the United Nations or any other jurisdiction, which Custodian must comply with.
14.24 Securities Depository shall mean a central or book entry system or agency established under Applicable Law for purposes of recording the ownership and/or entitlement to investment securities for a given market that, if a foreign Securities Depository, meets the definitional requirements of Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act.
14.25 Subcustodian(s) shall mean each foreign bank appointed by the Custodian pursuant to Section 8 hereof, but shall not include Securities Depositories.
14.26 | Tri-Party Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4 hereof. |
14.27 | 1940 Act shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940. |
15. Compensation. The Fund agrees to pay to BBH&Co. a fee in an amount set forth in the fee letter between the Fund and BBH&Co. as Custodian and between BBH&Co. as TA, in effect on the date hereof or as amended from time to time, and (b) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BBH&Co. for account or benefit of the Fund or its Portfolios, and payable from time to time. Amounts payable by the Fund under and pursuant to this section shall be payable by wire transfer to the Custodian at BBH&Co. in New York, New York.
16. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The provisions of this Agreement and any other rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
16.1 Term, Notice and Effect . This Agreement shall have an initial term of two (2) years from the date hereof. Thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods unless either party terminates this Agreement by written notice effective ninety (90) days or more following delivery of that notice to the other party at its address set forth hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, either party may terminate this Agreement at any time (a) for cause, which is a material breach
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of the Agreement not cured within 60 days, in which case termination shall be effective upon written receipt of notice by the non-terminating party, or (b) upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party in the event that either party is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or there shall be commenced against such party a case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law now or hereafter in effect.
16.2 Notice and Succession. In the event a termination notice is given by a party hereto, all reasonable costs and expenses associated with any required systems, facilities, procedures, personnel, and other resourced modifications as well as the movement of records and materials and the conversion thereof shall be paid by the Fund for which Services shall cease to be performed hereunder. Furthermore, to the extent that it appears impracticable given the circumstances to effect an orderly delivery of the necessary and appropriate records of BBH&Co. to a successor within the time specified in the notice of termination as aforesaid, BBH&Co. and the Fund agree that this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for such reasonable period as may be required to complete necessary arrangements with a successor.
16.3 Successor Custodian . In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is agreed that the Investments of the Fund held by the Custodian or any Subcustodian shall be delivered to the successor custodian in accordance with reasonable Instructions. The Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to facilitate the succession of the new custodian. If no successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall in like manner transfer the Fund's Investments in accordance with Instructions.
16.4 Delayed Succession of Custodian. If no Instruction has been given as of the effective date of termination, Custodian may at any time on or after such termination date and upon thirty (30) consecutive calendar days written notice to the Fund either (a) deliver the Investments of the Fund or any Portfolio held hereunder to the Fund at the address designated for receipt of notices hereunder; or (b) deliver any investments held hereunder to a bank or trust company having a capitalization of $2,000,000 USD equivalent and operating under the Applicable Law of the jurisdiction where such Investments are located, such delivery to be at the risk of the Fund. In the event that Investments or moneys of the Fund remain in the custody of the Custodian or its Subcustodians after the date of termination owing to the failure of the Fund to issue Instructions with respect to their disposition or owing to the fact that such disposition could not be accomplished in accordance with such Instructions despite diligent efforts of the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services with respect to such Investments and moneys during such period as the Custodian or its Subcustodians retain possession of such items and the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until disposition in accordance with this Section is accomplished.
17. Compliance Policies and Procedures. To assist the Fund in complying with Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act, BBH&Co. represents that it has adopted written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws in fulfilling its obligations under the Agreement and that it has in place a compliance program to monitor its compliance with those policies and procedures. BBH&Co will upon request provide the Fund with information about our compliance program as mutually agreed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document.
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. | NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV |
By: /s/ Shawn R. McNinch | By: /s/ Wendy Wang |
Name: Shawn R. McNinch | Name: Wendy Wang |
Title: Managing Director | Title: President |
Date: 11/9/16 | Date: |
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Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH&Co.”) is a limited partnership organized under the laws of the United States of America (“US”) and is subject to the US Treasury Regulations set forth under 31 CFR 500, et seq. BBH&Co. may not establish any relationship with any Prohibited Person or Entity as such term is defined under the regulations. No customer of BBH&Co. may be owned or controlled by an entity or person: (i) that is listed in the Annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of Executive Order 13224, issued on September 24, 2001 (“EO13224”)
<www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/terror/terror.pdf>; (ii) whose name appears on the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) most current list of “Specifically Designated National and Blocked Persons” (which list may be published from time to time in various mediums including, but not limited to, the OFAC website;
(iii) who commits, threatens to commit or supports “terrorism”, as such term is defined in EO13224; or (iv) who is otherwise
affiliated with any entity or person listed above (any and all parties or persons described in clauses (i) through (iv) above are herein referred to as a “Prohibited Person”).
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SCHEDULE I: FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICES SCHEDULE (“FTSS”)
In accordance with Section 4.2 of the Custodian Agreement, the Fund acknowledges the following terms and conditions in respect of all funds transfers effected by the Custodian. References to UCC 4A shall mean Article 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code as currently in effect in the State of New York. Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings accorded to them in the Custodian Agreement.
1. Transmission of Payment Orders . Each FT Instruction shall be transmitted by such secured or authenticated means and subject to such security procedures as the Custodian shall make available to the Fund from time to time (such transmission method and security procedures, a Custodian Designated Security Procedure ), unless the Fund shall elect to transmit such FT Instruction in accordance with a Fund Designated Security Procedure (as defined in Section 4 below). The Fund acknowledges and agrees that the Custodian will use the security procedures referenced in Sections 3 and 4 below solely to authenticate a FT Instruction, as set forth herein, and not to detect any errors or omissions therein.
2. Custodian Designated Security Procedure . The Custodian will make the following Custodian Designated Security Procedures available to the Fund for use in communicating FT Instructions to the Custodian:
§ BBH Worldview® Payment Products . The Custodian offers to the Fund use of its BBH Worldview Payment Products (“BBH Worldview”), which are Custodian proprietary on-line payment order authorization facilities with built-in authentication procedures. The Custodian and the Fund shall each be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of passwords or other codes used by them in connection with BBH Worldview. The Custodian will act on FT Instructions received through BBH Worldview without duty of further confirmation unless the Fund notifies the Custodian that its password is not secure. The Fund agrees that access to, and use of, BBH Worldview shall be governed by an Electronic and On- line Services Schedule, which the Fund will execute prior to access to BBH Worldview.
§ SWIFT Transmission . The Custodian and the Fund shall comply with SWIFT’s authentication procedures. The Custodian will act on FT Instructions received via SWIFT provided the instruction is authenticated by the SWIFT system.
§ Written Instructions . Instructions may be transmitted in an original writing that bears the manual signature of an Authorized Person(s) .
3. Fund Designated Security Procedure . FT Instructions may be transmitted through such other means, and subject to such additional security procedures, as may be elected by the Fund (or by an Authorized Person entitled to give Instructions) and acknowledged and accepted by the Custodian (the transmission methods and security procedures referenced below, as may be supplemented by such additional security procedures, each a Fund Designated Security Procedure ); it being understood that the Custodian’s acknowledgment shall authorize it to accept such means of delivery but shall not represent a judgment by the Custodian as to the reasonableness or security of the means utilized by the Fund.
§ Computer Transmission . The Custodian is able to accept transmissions sent from the Fund’s computer facilities to the Custodian’s computer facilities. If the Fund determines to use its proprietary transmission or other electronic transmission method, it must provide Custodian sufficient notice and information to allow testing or other confirmation that FT Instructions received via the Fund Designated Security Procedure can be processed in good time and order. The Custodian may require the Fund to execute additional documentation prior to the use of such transmission method.
§ | Facsimile Transmission . |
A FT Instruction transmitted to the Custodian by facsimile transmission must be transmitted by the Fund to a telephone number specified from time to time by the Custodian for such purposes. The Custodian will then follow one of the procedures below:
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1. If the facsimile requests a non-repetitive order, the Custodian will call the Fund and request to speak to a person authorized to validate orders on behalf of the Fund, and confirm the authorization and details of the payment order (a Callback );
2. If the facsimile FT Instruction pertains to a repetitive payment order (see Section 7 below), the Custodian may (at its sole discretion) perform a Callback. The Fund acknowledges that prior to its issuance of any repetitive payment order, it must (a) request that the appropriate repetitive payment order process be approved and set up at the Custodian, and (b) complete such documentation as may be required by the Custodian, including a PPO (as defined in Section 7).
The Custodian shall rely on the purported identity of the originator but due to the lack of reliability of a facsimile signature, it will not perform signature verification on facsimiles.
§ Telephonic . The Fund may call a telephonic payment order into the Custodian at the telephone number designated from time-to-time by the Custodian for that purpose. The caller shall identify herself/himself as an Authorized Person. The Custodian shall obtain the FT Instruction details from the caller. The Custodian shall then follow one of the procedures below:
i. If the telephonic FT Instruction pertains to a non-repetitive payment order, the Custodian will perform a Callback; or
ii. If the telephonic FT Instruction pertains to a repetitive payment order (see Section 7 below) , the Custodian may (at its sole discretion) perform a Callback. The Fund acknowledges that prior to its issuance of any repetitive payment order, it must (a) request that the appropriate repetitive payment order process be approved and set up at the Custodian, and (b) complete such documentation as may be required by the Custodian, including a PPO.
In electing to transmit a FT Instruction via a Fund Designated Security Procedure, the Fund (i) agrees to be bound by the transaction(s) or payment order(s) specified on said FT Instruction, whether or not authorized, and accepted by the Custodian in compliance with such Fund Designated Security Procedure, and (ii) accepts the risk associated with such Fund Designated Security Procedure and confirms it is commercially reasonable for the transmission and authentication of the FT Instruction.
The parties agree that the Fund’s transmission of a FT Instruction by means of any of the above Fund Designated Security Procedures and the Custodian’s acceptance and execution of such FT Instruction shall constitute a FT Instruction sent via a Fund Designated Security Procedure and governed by the terms of this FTSA.
4. Rejection of Payment Orders; Rescission of Designated Security Procedure . The Custodian shall give the Fund prompt notice of the Custodian’s rejection of a FT Instruction. Such notice may be given in writing, via a Custodian Designated Security Procedure or any Fund Designated Security Procedure used by the Fund, or orally by telephone, each of which is hereby deemed commercially reasonable. In the event the Custodian fails to execute a properly executable FT Instruction and fails to give the Fund notice of the Custodian’s non-execution, the Custodian shall be liable only for the Fund’s actual damages and only to the extent that such damages are recoverable under UCC 4A. The Custodian, after providing prior written notice, may decide to no longer accept a particular Fund or Custodian Designated Security Procedure, or to do so only on revised terms, in the event that it determines that such agreed or established method of transmission represents a security risk or is attendant to any general change in the Custodian’s policy regarding FT Instructions. Notwithstanding anything in this FTSA and the Agreement to the contrary, neither party shall be liable for any consequential, indirect, special or punitive damages under this FTSA, whether or not such damages relate to services covered by UCC 4A, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
5. Cancellation of Payment Orders . The Fund may cancel a FT Instruction but the Custodian shall have no liability for the Custodian’s failure to act on a cancellation FT Instruction unless the Custodian has received such cancellation FT Instruction at a time and in a manner affording the Custodian reasonable opportunity to act prior to
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the Custodian’s execution of the original FT Instruction. Any cancellation FT Instruction shall be sent and confirmed by such means as is set forth in Section 3 or 4 above.
6. Preauthorized Repetitive Payment Orders . The Fund may establish with the Custodian a process to preauthorize certain repetitive payments or transfers. The Fund will execute all documentation required by the Custodian, including a separate Preauthorized Repetitive Payment Order ( PPO ) form. The PPO shall be delivered to the Custodian in writing or by another Custodian Designated Security Procedure or Fund Designated Security Procedure, and will become effective after the Custodian shall have had a reasonable opportunity to act thereon (or if later, two (2) banking days after receipt by the Custodian). The PPO may take the form of either:
(i) | A standing instruction in which the Fund provides in the PPO all required information for a FT Instruction (except for the transfer date and amount) on a “standing instructions” basis. The Fund may from time-to-time instruct the Custodian to make a payment under the PPO, in writing or another Custodian Designated Security Procedure or Fund Designated Security Procedure, which instruction shall reference the repetitive line number (a number assigned to it by the Custodian after execution of the PPO), details of the payment, the transfer date and the amount of the transfer; or |
(ii) | A recurring instruction in which the Fund supplies all required information for a FT Instruction with an instruction to process such payments with a specific frequency. |
7. Responsibility for the Detection of Errors in Payment Orders; Liability of the Parties . The purpose of any Fund Designated Security Procedure or Custodian Designated Security Procedure is to confirm the authenticity of any FT Instruction and is not designed to detect errors or omissions in such FT Instructions. Therefore, the Custodian is not responsible for detecting any Fund error or omission contained in any FT Instruction received by the Custodian. In the event that the FT Instruction either (i) identifies the beneficiary by both a name and an identifying or Fund account number and the name and number identify different persons or entities, or (ii) identifies any Fund by both a name and an identifying number and the number identifies a person or entity different from the Fund identified by name, execution of the relevant payment order, payment to the beneficiary, cancellation of the payment order or actions taken by the Custodian or any Fund in respect of such payment order may be made solely on the basis of the number.
The Custodian shall not be liable for interest on the amount of any FT Instruction that was not authorized or was erroneously executed unless the Fund so notifies the Custodian within thirty (30) days following the Fund’s receipt of notice that such FT Instruction was processed. Any compensation payable in the form of interest shall be payable in accordance with UCC 4A. If a FT Instruction in the name of the Fund and accepted by the Custodian was not authorized by the Fund, the liability of the parties will be governed by the applicable provisions of UCC 4A.
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SCHEDULE II: ELECTRONIC AND ON-LINE SERVICES SCHEDULE
This Electronic and On-Line Services Schedule (this Schedule ) to a Custodian Agreement dated as of October 20, 2016 (as amended from time to time hereafter, the Agreement ) by and between Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. ( we, us our ) and Northern Lights Fund Trust IV ( you, your or the Fund ), provides general provisions governing your use of and access to the Services (as hereinafter defined) provided to you by us via the Internet (at www.bbhco.com or such other URL as we may instruct you to use to access our products ) and via a direct dial-up connection between your computer and our computers, as of , , 2016 (the Effective Date). Use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Schedule, any
Appendices hereto, the Terms and Conditions posted on our web site, and any terms and conditions specifically
governing a particular Service or our other products, which may be set forth in the Agreement or in a separate related agreement (collectively, the Related Agreements ).
1. | General Terms. |
You will be granted access to our suite of online products, which may include, but shall not be limited to the following services via the Internet or dial-up connection (each separate service is a Service ; collectively referred to as the Services ):
1.1. | BBH WorldView®, a system for effectuating securities and fund trade instruction and execution, processing and handling instructions, and for the input and retrieval of other information; |
1.2. | F/X WorldView, a system for executing foreign exchange trades; |
1.3. | Fund WorldView, a system for receiving fund and prospectus information; |
1.4. | BBHCOnnect, a system for placing securities trade instructions and following the status and detail of trades; |
1.5. | ActionView SM , a system for receiving certain corporate action information; and, |
1.6. | Such other services as we shall from time to time offer. |
2. | Security / Passwords. |
2.1. | A digital certificate and/or an encryption key may be required to access certain Services. You may apply |
for a digital certificate and/or an encryption key by following the procedures set forth at http://www.bbh.com/certs/ . You also will need an identification code ( ID ) and password(s) ( Password ) to access the Services.
2.2. | You agree to safeguard your digital certificate and/or encryption key, ID, and Password and not to give or make available, intentionally or otherwise, your digital certificate, ID, and/or Password to any unauthorized person. You must immediately notify us in writing if you believe that your digital certificate and/or encryption key, Password, or ID has been compromised or if you suspect unauthorized access to your account by means of the Services or otherwise, or when a person to whom a digital certificate and/or an encryption key, Password, or ID has been assigned leaves or is no longer permitted to access the Services. |
2.3. | We will not be responsible for any breach of security, or for any unauthorized trading or theft by any third party, caused by your failure (be it intentional, unintentional, or negligent) to maintain the confidentiality of your ID and/or Password and/or the security of your digital certificate and/or encryption key. |
3. | Instructions. |
3.1. | Proper instructions under this Schedule shall be provided as designated in the Related Agreements |
( Instructions ).
3.2. | The following additional provisions apply to Instructions provided via the Services: |
a. | Instructions sent by electronic mail will not be accepted or acted upon. |
b. | You authorize us to act upon Instructions received through the Services utilizing your digital certificate, ID, and/or Password as though they were duly authorized written instructions, without any duty of verification or inquiry on our part, and agree to hold us harmless for any losses you experience as a result. |
c. | From time to time, the temporary unavailability of third party telecommunications or computer systems required by the Services may result in a delay in processing Instructions. In such an event, we shall not be liable to you or any third party for any liabilities, losses, claims, costs, damages, penalties, fines, obligations, or expenses of any kind (including without limitation, reasonable |
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attorneys', accountants', consultants', or experts' fees and disbursements) that you experience due to such a delay.
4. | Electronic Documents. |
We may make periodic statements, disclosures, notices, and other documents available to you electronically,
and, subject to any delivery and receipt verification procedures required by law, you agree to receive such documents electronically and to check the statements for accuracy. If you believe any such statement contains incorrect information, you must follow the procedures set forth in the Related Agreement(s).
5. | Malicious Code. |
You understand and agree that you will be responsible for the introduction (by you, your employees, agents, or
representatives) into the Services, whether intentional or unintentional, of (i) any virus or other code, program, or sub-program that damages or interferes with the operation of the computer system containing the code, program or sub-program, or halts, disables, or interferes with the operation of the Services themselves; or (ii) any device, method, or token whose knowing or intended purpose is to permit any person to circumvent the normal security of the Services or the system containing the software code for the Services ( Malicious Code ). You agree to take all actions and precautions reasonably necessary to prevent the introduction and proliferation of any Malicious Code into those systems that interact with the Services.
6. | Indemnification. |
For avoidance of doubt, you and we hereby agree that the provisions in any related agreement(s) entered into pursuant to Section 1 hereof, related to your indemnification of us and any limitations on our liability and
responsibilities to you, shall be applicable to this Agreement, and are hereby expressly incorporated herein. You agree that the Services are comprised of telecommunications and computer systems, and that it is possible that Instructions, information, transactions, or account reports might be added to, changed, or omitted by electronic or programming malfunction, unauthorized access, or other failure of the systems which comprise the Services,
despite the security features that have been designed into the Services. You agree that we will not be liable for
any action taken or not taken in complying with the terms of this Schedule, except as provided by Section 9 of the Agreement. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Schedule and the related agreements.
7. | Payment. |
You may be charged for services hereunder as set forth in a fee schedule from time to time agreed by us.
8. | Term/Termination. |
8.1. | This Schedule is effective as of the date you sign it or first use the Services, whichever is first, and |
continues in effect until such time as either you or we terminate the Schedule in accordance with this Section 8 and/or until your off-line use of the Services is terminated.
8.2. | We may terminate your access to the Services at any time, for any reason, with five (5) business days prior notice; provided that we may terminate your access to the Services with no prior notice (i) if your account with us is closed, (ii) if you fail to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement, (iii) if we believe that your continued access to the Services poses a security risk, or (iv) if we believe that you are violating or have violated applicable laws, and we will not be liable for any loss you may experience as a |
result of such termination. You may terminate your access to the Services at any time by giving us ten
(10) business days notice. Upon termination, we will cancel all your Passwords and IDs and any in- process or pending Instructions effective after the termination date will be carried out or cancelled, at our sole discretion.
9. | Miscellaneous. |
9.1. | Notices. All notices, requests, and demands (other than routine operational communications, such as |
Instructions) shall be in such form and effect as provided in the Related Agreement(s).
9.2. | Inconsistent Provisions. Each Service may be governed by separate terms and conditions in addition to this Schedule and the Related Agreement(s). Except where specifically provided to the contrary in this Schedule, in the event that such separate terms and conditions conflict with this Schedule and the Related Agreement(s), the provisions of this Schedule shall prevail to the extent this Schedule applies to the transaction in question. |
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9.3. | Binding Effect; Assignment; Severability. This Schedule shall be binding on you, your employees, officers and agents. We may assign or delegate our rights and duties under this Schedule at any time without notice to you. Your rights under this Schedule may not be assigned without our prior written consent. In the event that any provision of this Schedule conflicts with the law under which this Schedule is to be construed or if any such provision is held invalid or unenforceable by a court with jurisdiction over you and us, such provision shall be deemed to be restated to effectuate as nearly as possible the purposes of the Schedule in accordance with applicable law. The remaining provisions of this Schedule and the application of the challenged provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and each such provision shall be valid and enforceable to the full extent permitted by law. |
9.4. | Choice of Law; Jury Trial. This Schedule shall be governed by and construed, and the legal relations between the parties shall be determined, in accordance with the laws of the State of New York , without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws. Each party agrees to waive its right to trial by jury in any action or proceeding based upon or related to this Agreement. The parties agree that all actions and proceedings based upon or relating to this Schedule shall be litigated exclusively in the federal and state courts located within New York City, New York. |
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document.
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV ("you")
By: /s/ Wendy Wang
Title: President
Date: 11/9/16
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SCHEDULE III: DELEGATION SCHEDULE
By its execution of this Delegation Schedule dated as of [ ], 2016, between Northern Lights Fund Trust IV , a management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission ) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act ), acting through its Board of Directors/Trustees or its duly appointed representative (the Fund ), hereby appoints BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. , a New York limited partnership with an office in Boston, Massachusetts (the Delegate ) as its delegate to perform certain functions with respect to the custody of Fund's Assets outside the United States.
1. Maintenance of Fund's Assets Abroad . The Fund, acting through its Board or its duly authorized representative, hereby instructs the Delegate pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement dated as of the date hereof executed by and between the Fund and the Delegate (the Custodian Agreement ) to place and maintain the Fund's Assets in countries outside the United States in accordance with Instructions received from the Fund’s Investment Advisor. Such instruction shall constitute an Instruction under the terms of the Custodian Agreement. The Fund acknowledges that (a) the Delegate shall perform services hereunder only with respect to the countries where it accepts delegation as Foreign Custody Manager as indicated on the Delegate’s Global Custody Network Listing; (b) depending on conditions in the particular country, advance notice may be required before the Delegate shall be able to perform its duties hereunder in or with respect to such country (such advance notice to be reasonable in light of the specific facts and circumstances attendant to performance of duties in such country); and (c) nothing in this Delegation Schedule shall require the Delegate to provide delegated or custodial services in any country, and there may from time to time be countries as to which the Delegate determines it will not provide delegation services.
2. Delegation . Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act as amended, the Board hereby delegates to the Delegate, and the Delegate hereby accepts such delegation and agrees to perform only those duties set forth in this Delegation Schedule concerning the safekeeping of the Fund's Assets in each of the countries designated on the Global Custody Network Listing or as to which it otherwise acts as the Fund’s delegate. The Delegate is hereby authorized to take such actions on behalf of or in the name of the Fund as are reasonably required to discharge its duties under this Delegation Schedule, including, without limitation, to cause the Fund's Assets to be placed with a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian in accordance herewith. The Fund confirms to the Delegate that the Fund or its Investment Adviser has considered the Sovereign Risk and Country Risk as part of its continuing investment decision process, including such factors as may be reasonably related to the systemic risk of maintaining the Fund's Assets in a particular country, including, but not limited to, financial infrastructure, prevailing custody and settlement systems and practices (including the use of any Securities Depository in the context of information provided by the Custodian in the performance of its duties as required under Rule 17f-7 and the terms of the Custodian Agreement governing such duties), and the laws relating to the safekeeping and recovery of the Fund's Assets held in custody pursuant to the terms of the Custodian Agreement.
3. Selection of Eligible Foreign Custodian and Contract Administration . The Delegate shall perform the following duties with respect to the selection of Eligible Foreign Custodians and administration of certain contracts governing the Fund's foreign custodial arrangements:
(a) Selection of Eligible Foreign Custodian . The Delegate shall place and maintain the Fund's Assets with an Eligible Foreign Custodian, provided that the Delegate shall have determined that the Fund's Assets will be subject to reasonable care based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets including without limitation:
(i) The Eligible Foreign Custodian's practices, procedures, and internal controls, including, but not limited to, the physical protections available for certificated securities (if applicable), the controls and procedures for dealing with any Securities Depository, the method of keeping custodial records, and the security and data protection practices;
(ii) Whether the Eligible Foreign Custodian has the requisite financial strength to provide reasonable care for the Fund's Assets;
(iii) | The Eligible Foreign Custodian's general reputation and standing; and |
(iv) Whether the Fund will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments against the Eligible Foreign Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of any offices of such Eligible
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Foreign Custodian in the United States or such Eligible Foreign Custodian's appointment of an agent for service of process in the United States or consent to jurisdiction in the United States.
The Delegate shall be required to make the foregoing determination to the best of its knowledge and belief based only on information reasonably available to it.
(b) Contract Administration . The Delegate shall cause that the foreign custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall be governed by a written contract that the Delegate has determined will provide reasonable care for Fund assets based on the standards applicable to custodians in the relevant market. Each such contract shall, except as set forth in the last paragraph of this subsection (b), include provisions that provide:
(i) For indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will be adequately protected against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract;
(ii) That the Fund's Assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Eligible Foreign Custodian or its creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration or, in the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of such Custodian arising under bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws;
(iii) That beneficial ownership of the Fund's Assets will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for safe custody or administration;
(iv) That adequate records will be maintained identifying the Fund's Assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held by a third party for the benefit of the Fund;
(v) That the Fund's independent public accountants will be given access to those records described in (iv) above or confirmation of the contents of such records; and
(vi) | That the Delegate will receive sufficient and timely periodic reports with respect to the |
safekeeping of the Fund's Assets, including, but not limited to, notification of any transfer to or from the Fund's account or a third party account containing the Fund's Assets.
Such contract may contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified in this Section 3(b), such other provisions that the Delegate determines will provide, in their entirety, the same or a greater level of care and protection for the Fund's Assets as the specified provisions, in their entirety.
(c) Limitation to Delegated Selection . Notwithstanding anything in this Delegation Schedule to the contrary, the duties under this Section 3 shall apply only to Eligible Foreign Custodians selected by the Delegate and shall not apply to Securities Depositories or to any Eligible Foreign Custodian that the Delegate is directed to use pursuant to Section 7 of this Delegation Schedule.
4. Monitoring . The Delegate shall establish and maintain a system to monitor at reasonable intervals (but at least annually) the appropriateness of maintaining the Fund's Assets with each Eligible Foreign Custodian that has been selected by the Delegate pursuant to Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule. The Delegate shall monitor the continuing appropriateness of placement of the Fund's Assets in accordance with the criteria established under Section 3(a) of this Delegation Schedule. The Delegate shall monitor the continuing appropriateness of the contract governing the Fund's arrangements in accordance with the criteria established under Section 3(b) of this Delegation Schedule.
5. Reporting . At least annually and more frequently as mutually agreed between the parties, the Delegate shall provide to the Board written reports specifying placement of the Fund's Assets with each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Delegate pursuant to Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule and shall promptly report on any material changes to such foreign custody arrangements. Delegate will prepare such a report with respect to any Eligible Foreign Custodian that the Delegate has been instructed to use pursuant to Section 7 of this Delegation Schedule only to the extent specifically agreed with respect to the particular situation.
6. Withdrawal of Fund's Assets . If the Delegate determines that an arrangement with a specific Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Delegate under Section 3 of this Delegation Schedule no longer meets the
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requirements of said Section, Delegate shall withdraw the Fund's Assets from the non-complying arrangement as soon as reasonably practicable; provided, however, that if in the reasonable judgment of the Delegate, such withdrawal would require liquidation of any of the Fund's Assets or would materially impair the liquidity, value or other investment characteristics of the Fund's Assets, it shall be the duty of the Delegate to provide information regarding the particular circumstances and to act only in accordance with Instructions of the Fund or its Investment Advisor with respect to such liquidation or other withdrawal.
7. Direction as to Eligible Foreign Custodian . Notwithstanding this Delegation Schedule, the Fund, acting through its Board, its Investment Advisor or its other Authorized Representative, may direct the Delegate to place and maintain the Fund's Assets with a particular Eligible Foreign Custodian, including without limitation with respect to investment in countries as to which the Custodian will not provide delegation services. In such event, the Delegate shall be entitled to rely on any such instruction as an Instruction under the terms of the Custodian Agreement and shall have no duties under this Delegation Schedule with respect to such arrangement save those that it may undertake specifically in writing with respect to each particular instance.
8. Standard of Care . In carrying out its duties under this Delegation Schedule, the Delegate agrees to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for safekeeping the Fund's Assets would exercise.
9. Representations . The Delegate hereby represents and warrants that it is a U.S. Bank, as defined in Rule 17f-5(a)(7) under the 1940 Act and that this Delegation Schedule has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Delegate and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Delegate.
The Fund hereby represents and warrants that its Board of Trustees has determined that it is reasonable to rely on the Delegate to perform the delegated responsibilities provided for herein and that this Delegation Schedule has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Fund.
10. Effectiveness; termination . This Delegation Schedule shall be effective as of the date on which this Delegation Schedule shall have been accepted by the Delegate, as indicated by the date set forth below the Delegate's signature. This Delegation Schedule may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by written notice from the terminating party to the non-terminating party. Such termination shall be effective on the 30th calendar day following the date on which the non-terminating party shall receive the foregoing notice. The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, this Delegation Schedule shall be deemed to have been terminated concurrently with the termination of the Custodian Agreement.
11. Notices . Notices and other communications under this Delegation Schedule are to be made in accordance with the arrangements designated for such purpose under the Custodian Agreement unless otherwise indicated in a writing referencing this Delegation Schedule and executed by both parties.
12. Definitions . Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Delegation Schedule have the following meanings:
a. Country Risk – shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement.
b. Eligible Foreign Custodian - shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-5(a)(1) of the 1940 Act and shall also include a U.S. Bank.
c. Fund's Assets - shall mean 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.
d. | Instructions - shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement. |
e. | Securities Depository - shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 17f-7 under the 1940 Act. |
f. | Sovereign Risk - shall have the meaning set forth in the Custodian Agreement. |
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g . U.S. Bank - shall mean a bank which qualifies to serve as a custodian of assets of investment companies under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act.
13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction . This Delegation Schedule shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal courts sitting in the State of New York or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of the state courts of either such State or such Commonwealth.
14. Fees . Delegate shall perform its functions under this Delegation Schedule for the compensation determined under the Custodian Agreement.
15. Integration . This Delegation Schedule sets forth all of the Delegate's duties with respect to the selection and monitoring of Eligible Foreign Custodians, the administration of contracts with Eligible Foreign Custodians, the withdrawal of assets from Eligible Foreign Custodians and the issuance of reports in connection with such duties. The terms of the Custodian Agreement shall apply generally as to matters not expressly covered in this Delegation Schedule, including dealings with the Eligible Foreign Custodians in the course of discharge of the Delegate's obligations under the Custodian Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
The undersigned acknowledges that (I/we) have received a copy of this document.
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. | NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV |
By /s/ Shawn R. McNinch | By: /s/ Wendy Wang |
Name: Shawn R. McNinch | Name: Wendy Wang |
Title: Managing Director | Title: President |
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SCHEDULE IV: TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES SCHEDULE
BBH&Co. shall perform the following transfer agency services for the Fund and, where applicable, the Fund’s Portfolios. As used herein, the term Fund incorporates and includes the term Portfolio:
I. Issuance and Redemption of Unit Baskets. It is agreed and understood that the Fund, and TA on the Fund’s behalf, shall issue and redeem Share Baskets of the Fund in blocks of [ ] shares (“Shares”) (“Creation Baskets” and “Redemption Baskets,” respectively, and generically, “Baskets”) to and from such persons as are identified by the Fund as “Authorized Participants.”
A. Pursuant to such purchase orders that BBH&Co. as the Index Receipt Agent shall receive from Northern Lights Distributor, LLC (“Distributor”) and pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement entered into by the Fund, TA shall transfer appropriate trade instructions to the Custodian and pursuant to such orders register the appropriate number of book entry only Shares in the name of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee as a unitholder (each an Authorized Participant) of the Fund and deliver the Basket.
B. Pursuant to such redemption orders that Index Receipt Agent shall receive from the Distributor, pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement entered into by the Fund, TA shall transfer appropriate trade instructions to the Custodian and, pursuant to such orders, redeem the appropriate number of Shares that are delivered to the designated DTC Participant Account of the Custodian for redemption and debit such Shares from the account of the Authorized Participant on the register of the Fund.
C. On behalf of the Fund, TA shall issue Creation Baskets for settlement with purchasers through DTC as the purchaser is authorized to receive. Beneficial ownership of Shares shall be shown on the records of DTC and DTC Participants and not on any records maintained by TA. In issuing Shares through DTC to an Authorized Participant, TA shall be entitled to rely upon the latest Instructions that are received from the Distributor by TA as Index Receipt Agent concerning the issuance and delivery of such Shares for settlement.
D. TA shall not issue on behalf of the Fund any Shares where it has received an Instruction from the Fund or the Distributor or written notification from any federal or state authority that the sale of the Shares has been suspended or discontinued, and TA shall be entitled to rely upon such Instructions or written notification.
E. Upon the issuance of Shares as provided herein, TA shall not be responsible for the payment of any original issue or other taxes, if any, required to be paid by the Fund or the Distributor in connection with such issuance.
F. Shares may be redeemed in accordance with the procedures set forth in the relevant Authorized Participant Agreement and TA shall duly process all redemption requests.
G. TA will act only upon Instruction from the Fund and/or the Distributor in addressing any failure in the delivery of cash, securities and/or Shares in connection with the issuance and redemption of Shares.
II. | Recordkeeping. |
A. In satisfying its obligations under the Agreement, TA shall record the issuance of Creation Baskets and maintain, pursuant to Rule 17Ad 14(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a record of the total number of Creation Baskets that are authorized, issued and outstanding based upon data provided to TA by the Fund or the Distributor. TA shall also provide the Fund on a regular basis with the total number of Shares authorized, issued and outstanding; provided however that TA shall not be responsible for monitoring the issuance of such Shares or compliance with any laws relating to the validity of the issuance or the legality of the sale of such Shares.
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III. | Services Related to the Monitoring of Cash Collateral. |
(a) | Monitor the collateralization levels as set forth in Authorized Participant Agreements in connection with cash collateral posted by Authorized Participants in connection with Creation Basket activity. |
(b) | Mark to market daily the value of such cash collateral using a pricing source from the Fund’s accounting agent or any other source on which the TA reasonably relies. |
(c) | Monitor collateral levels daily and communicate calls for additional collateral to the Authorized Participants as necessary based upon daily collateral requirement calculations using ratios set forth in Participant Agreements. |
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FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT
between
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
and
INDEX
1. APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS | 1 |
2. DUTIES OF GFS | 2 |
3. FEES | 3 |
4. STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE | 4 |
5. LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY | 6 |
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 6 |
7. CONFIDENTIALITY | 7 |
8. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION | 8 |
9. ADDITIONAL FUNDS | 9 |
10. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING | 9 |
11. TERM AND TERMINATION | 9 |
12. MISCELLANEOUS | 10 |
ATTACHED APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
APPENDIX III
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS FUND SERVICES AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated the 20 th day of October, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and between Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, a Delaware statutory trust having its principal office and place of business at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130 (the "Trust") and GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company having its principal office and place of business at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 (“GFS”).
WHEREAS , the Trust is an investment company registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”); and
WHEREAS , the Trust is authorized to issue shares (“Shares”) in separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS , the Trust offers shares in the series as set forth on Appendix III attached hereto (each such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 10 , being herein referred to as a “Fund,” and collectively as the “Funds”); and
WHEREAS , the Trust desires that GFS perform the services described on Appendices I and II (collectively the “Services”) for the Funds and GFS is willing to provide those services on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Trust and GFS hereby agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
(a) | The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, hereby appoints GFS to provide the Services to the Trust and the Funds for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. GFS accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish the Services in return for the compensation as provided in Section 3 and Appendix III of this Agreement. |
(b) | In connection therewith, the Trust has delivered to GFS copies of: |
(i) | the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (collectively, the "Organizational Documents"); |
(ii) | the Trust's Registration Statement and all amendments thereto filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and the Investment Company Act (the "Registration Statement"); |
(iii) | the Trust’s notification of registration under the Investment Company Act on Form N-8A as filed with the SEC; |
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(iv) | each Fund’s listing notice from the applicable securities exchange; |
(v) | the Trust's current prospectus and statement of additional information for each Fund (collectively, as currently in effect and as amended or supplemented, the "Prospectus"); |
(vi) | if applicable, each Fund’s current plan of distribution adopted by the Trust under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (the "Plan"); |
(vii) | each Fund’s investment advisory agreement; |
(viii) | each Fund’s underwriting agreement; |
(ix) | contact information for each Fund’s service providers, including, but not limited to, the Fund’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent and/or index receipt agent, independent auditors, legal counsel, underwriter, lead market maker, securities exchange where the Shares will be listed and chief compliance officer; and |
(x) | procedures adopted by the Trust in accordance with Rule 17a-7 under the Investment Company Act with respect to affiliated transactions. |
(c) | The Trust shall promptly furnish GFS with all amendments of or supplements to the items listed in Section 1(b) above, and shall deliver to GFS a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") appointing GFS and authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement. |
2. DUTIES OF GFS
GFS’s duties with respect to the Services are detailed in Appendices I and II to this Agreement.
(a) | In order for GFS to perform the Services, the Trust (i) shall cause all third party service providers to the Trust or Funds to furnish any and all information to GFS and assist GFS as GFS may require and (ii) shall ensure that GFS has access to all records and documents maintained by the Trust and the Funds or any service provider to the Trust or the Funds. |
(b) | GFS shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust. |
(c) | Whenever, in the course of performing its duties under this Agreement, GFS determines, on the basis of information supplied to GFS by the Trust, that a violation of applicable law has occurred, or that, to its knowledge, a possible violation of applicable law may have occurred, or with the passage of time could occur, GFS shall promptly notify the Trust’s chief compliance officer and its legal counsel of such violation. |
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3. FEES
(a) | Fees. As compensation for the Services provided by GFS to the Trust pursuant to this Agreement, the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to pay GFS the fees set forth in Appendix III attached hereto. Fees will begin to accrue for each Fund on the latter of the Effective Date or the date GFS begins providing services to such Fund. For the purpose of determining fees calculated as a function of such Fund’s assets, the value of the Fund’s assets and net assets shall be computed as required by its currently effective Prospectus, generally accepted accounting principles, and resolutions of the Board. GFS will render, after the close of each month in which the Services have been furnished, a statement reflecting all of the charges for such month together with any unpaid charges from prior months. Services provided for partial months shall be subject to pro ration. |
(b) | Expenses. In addition to the fees paid under Section 3(a) , the Trust agrees to reimburse GFS for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or advances incurred by GFS to perform the Services, as well as for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by GFS at the request or with the consent of the Trust. For the avoidance of doubt, and without intending to limit the Trust’s reimbursement obligation, the Trust agrees to reimburse GFS for the following expenses to the extent incurred by GFS in the performance of the Services: |
(i) taxes (except to the extent relating the income of GFS);
(ii) interest;
(iii) brokerage fees and commissions, if any;
(iv) | fees for trustees who are not officers, directors, partners, employees or holders of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of GFS or the Company’s investment adviser; |
(v) SEC fees (including EDGAR filing fees);
(vi) state blue sky registration or qualification fees;
(vii) licensing fees for the index on which the Funds are based (“Index”);
(viii) | securities exchange listing fees and fees associated with the calculation and dissemination of the Index and indicative optimized portfolio value (“IOPV”); |
(ix) advisory fees;
(x) charges of custodians;
(xi) transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and index receipt agent fees;
(xii) insurance premiums;
(xiii) outside auditing and legal expenses;
(xiv) costs of maintaining Trust existence;
(xv) | costs attributable to shareholder services, including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses; |
(xvi) costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes;
(xvii) costs of shareholders' reports, Trust meetings and related expenses;
(xviii) costs associated with Fund purchase and redemption transactions; and
(xix) any extraordinary expenses.
(c) | Fee Changes . On each anniversary date of this Agreement, the base and/or minimum fees enumerated in Appendix III attached hereto, may be increased by the change in the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region (the “CPI”) for the twelve-month period ending with the month preceding such annual anniversary date. Any CPI |
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increases not charged in any given year may be included in prospective CPI fee increases in future years. GFS Agrees to provide the Board prior written notice of any CPI increase.
(d) | Due Date . All fees contemplated under Section 3(a) above and reimbursement for all expenses contemplated under Section 3(b) above are due and payable within ten (10) days of receipt of an invoice provided by GFS. Any fees or reimbursements due hereunder and not received by its due date may be assessed interest at the maximum amount permitted by law. |
(e) | Books and Records. The accounts, books, records and other documents (the “Records”) maintained by GFS in connection with the performance of the Services shall be the property of the Funds, and shall be surrendered to the Funds, at the expense of the Funds, promptly upon request by the Funds in the form in which such Records have been maintained or preserved, provided that all service fees and expenses charged by GFS in the performance of its duties hereunder have been fully paid to the satisfaction of GFS. GFS agrees to maintain a backup set of each Fund’s Records Funds (which backup set shall be updated on at least a weekly basis) at a location other than that where the original Records are stored. GFS shall assist the Funds’ independent auditors, or, upon approval of the Funds, any regulatory body, in any requested review of the Funds’ Records. GFS shall preserve the Records, as they are required to be maintained and preserved by Rule 31a-1 under the Investment Company Act. |
(f) | Post-Engagement Audit Support Fees. After a de-conversion, GFS may be called upon to provide support to a Fund’s service providers in connection with a Fund’s annual audit. Services provided by GFS to accommodate any request by the Fund for assistance with the Fund’s annual audit following termination of this Agreement shall be subject to GFS’s standard hourly rates existing at the time of the request. The Fund agrees to compensate GFS, at GFS’s standard hourly rates, for accommodating any such request. |
4. | STANDARD OF CARE, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELIANCE |
(a) | Indemnification of GFS . The Trust shall, on behalf of each applicable Fund, indemnify and hold GFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Trust’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by the Trust contained in this Agreement, or which arise out of the Trust’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Trust’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement. The Trust shall also indemnify and hold GFS harmless from all reasonable actions taken by GFS hereunder in good faith without gross negligence, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of its duties. |
(b) | Indemnification of the Trust . GFS shall indemnify and hold the Trust and each applicable Fund harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable attorney or consultant fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to GFS’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement, breach of any representation or warranty made by GFS contained in this Agreement, or |
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which arise out of GFS’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to GFS’s performance under or in connection with this Agreement.
(c) | Reliance . Except to the extent that GFS may be liable pursuant to Section 4(b) above, the Trust shall hold GFS harmless and GFS shall not be liable for any action taken or failure to act in reliance upon, and shall be entitled to rely upon: |
(i) | advice of the Trust, its officers, independent auditors or counsel to the Trust; |
(ii) | any oral instruction which it receives and which it reasonably believes in good faith was transmitted by the person or persons authorized by the Board to give such oral instruction pursuant to the parties standard operating practices; |
(iii) | any written instruction or resolution of the Board, and GFS may rely upon the genuineness of any such document, copy or facsimile thereof reasonably believed by GFS to have been validly executed; |
(iv) | any signature, instruction, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, statement, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or other document reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the Trust or other proper party or parties; |
(v) | any instruction, information, data, records or documents provided to GFS or its agents or subcontractors furnished (pursuant to procedures mutually agreed to by GFS and the Trust’s service providers) by machine readable input, data entry, email, facsimile or other similar means authorized by the Trust; and |
(vi) | any authorization, instruction, approval, item or set of data, or information of any kind transmitted to GFS in person or by telephone, email, facsimile or other electronic means, furnished and reasonably believed by GFS to be genuine and to have been given by the proper person or persons. GFS shall not be held to have notice of any change of authority of any person, until receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust. |
GFS shall not be under any duty or obligation to inquire into the validity or invalidity or authority or lack of authority of any statement, oral or written instruction, resolution, signature, request, letter of transmittal, certificate, opinion of counsel, instrument, report, notice, consent, order, or any other document or instrument which GFS reasonably believes to be genuine.
At any time, GFS may apply to any officer of the Trust for instructions, and may consult with legal counsel to the Trust with respect to any matter arising in connection with the routine services to be performed by GFS under this Agreement, and GFS and its agents or subcontractors shall not be liable and shall be indemnified by the Trust for any action taken or omitted by it in reasonable reliance upon such instructions or upon the advice of such counsel.
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(d) | Errors of Others . GFS shall not be liable for the errors of other service providers to the Trust, except or unless any GFS action or inaction is a direct cause of the error. |
(e) | Reliance on Electronic Instructions. If the Trust has the ability to originate electronic instructions to GFS in order to (i) effect the transfer or movement of cash or Shares or (ii) transmit shareholder information or other information, then in such event GFS shall be entitled to rely on the validity and authenticity of such instruction without undertaking any further inquiry as long as such instruction is undertaken in conformity with security procedures established and agreed upon by GFS and the Trust. |
(f) | Notification of Claims. In order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Section shall apply, upon the assertion of a claim for which either party may be required to indemnify the other, the party seeking indemnification shall promptly notify the other party of such assertion, and shall keep the other party advised with respect to all developments concerning such claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of the indemnitee to timely notify the indemnitor shall not relieve the indemnitor of its indemnification obligations hereunder except to the extent that the indemnitor is materially prejudiced by such failure. |
(g) | Defense of Claims . The party who may be required to indemnify shall have the option to participate with the party seeking indemnification in the defense of such claim or to defend against said claim in its own name or in the name of the other party. The party seeking indemnification shall in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the other party may be required to indemnify it except with the other party’s prior written consent. |
(h) | Limitation of GFS’s Liability . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, GFS’s maximum liability to the Trust or any Fund arising out of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether arising in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence) or otherwise, shall not exceed the direct loss to the Trust or such Fund. IN NO EVENT SHALL GFS BE LIABLE FOR TRADING LOSSES, LOST REVENUES, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE OR GFS WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OTHER PARTS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE PREMISED UPON THE LIMITATION STATED IN THIS SECTION. |
5. | LIMITATION OF SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY |
The Board and the shareholders of each Fund shall not be liable for any obligations of the Trust or of the Funds under this Agreement, and GFS agrees that, in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, it shall look only to the assets and property of the Trust or the Fund(s) to which GFS’s rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims, and not to the Board or the shareholders of the Trust or the Fund(s). It is expressly agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but bind only the Trust property of the Trust, as provided in the Trust’s Organizational Documents.
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6. | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
(a) | Representations of GFS. GFS represents and warrants to the Trust that: |
(i) | it is a limited liability company duly organized, existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of Nebraska; |
(ii) | it is empowered under applicable laws and by its organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and perform its duties under this Agreement; |
(iii) | it has and will maintain access to the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and |
(iv) | it is registered as a transfer agent under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall continue to be so registered throughout the remainder of this Agreement. |
(b) | Representations of the Trust. The Trust represents and warrants to GFS that: |
(i) | it is a Trust duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization; |
(ii) | it is empowered under applicable laws and by its Organizational Documents to enter into and perform this Agreement; |
(iii) | all proceedings required by said Organizational Documents have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; |
(iv) | it is an investment company registered or to-be registered under the Investment Company Act and will operate in conformance with the Investment Company Act and all rules, regulations and orders promulgated thereunder, as well as any applicable SEC staff interpretations, guidance and no-action positions, during the term of this Agreement; |
(v) | a registration statement under the Securities Act is or will be effective and will remain effective, and appropriate state securities law filings as required, have been or will be made and will continue to be made, with respect to all Shares of the Fund(s) being offered for sale; and |
(vi) | Each Fund’s Organizational Documents, Registration Statement and Prospectus are true and accurate and will remain true and accurate at all times during the term of this Agreement in conformance with applicable federal and state securities laws. |
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
GFS and the Trust agree that all books, records, information, and data pertaining to the business of the other party that are exchanged or received pursuant to the negotiation or the carrying out of this
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Agreement shall remain confidential, and shall not be voluntarily disclosed to any other person, except that GFS may:
(a) | prepare or assist in the preparation of periodic reports to shareholders and regulatory bodies such as the SEC; |
(b) | provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information regarding investment companies; and |
(c) | release such information as permitted or required by law or approved in writing by the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where GFS may be exposed to civil or criminal liability or proceedings for failure to release the information, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities or when so requested by the Trust. |
Except as provided above, in accordance with Title 17, Chapter II, part 248 of the Code of Federal Regulations (17 CFR 248.1 – 248.30) (“Reg S-P”), GFS will not directly, or indirectly through an affiliate, disclose any non-public personal information as defined in Reg S-P, received from a Fund to any person that is not affiliated with the Fund or with GFS and provided that any such information disclosed to an affiliate of GFS shall be under the same limitations on non-disclosure.
Both parties agree to communicate sensitive information via secured communication channels (i.e., encrypted format).
8. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
(a) | Proprietary Information of GFS . The Trust acknowledges that the databases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, and documentation manuals maintained by GFS on databases under the control and ownership of GFS or a third party constitute copyrighted, trade secret, or other proprietary information (collectively, “GFS Proprietary Information”) of substantial value to GFS or the third party. The Trust agrees to treat all GFS Proprietary Information as proprietary to GFS and further agrees that it shall not divulge any GFS Proprietary Information to any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may be directed by GFS or as may be duly requested by regulatory authorities. |
(b) | Proprietary Information of the Trust . GFS acknowledges that all information related to shareholders purchasing or redeeming in-kind furnished to GFS by the Trust or by a shareholder in connection with this Agreement (collectively, “Customer Data”), all information regarding the Trust portfolios, arrangements with brokerage firms and Authorized Participants (as defined in the Funds’ Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information), compensation paid to or by the Trust, trading strategies and all such related information (collectively, “Trust Proprietary Information”) constitute proprietary information of substantial value to the Trust. GFS agrees to treat all Trust Proprietary Information and Customer Data as proprietary to the Trust and further agrees that it shall not divulge any Trust Proprietary Information or Customer Data to |
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any person or organization except as may be provided under this Agreement or as may be directed by the Trust or as may be duly requested by regulatory authorities.
(c) | Each party shall take reasonable efforts to advise its employees of their obligations pursuant to this Section 8. The obligations of this Section 8 shall survive any earlier termination of this Agreement. |
9. ADDITIONAL FUNDS
In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series of Shares (i.e. Funds) after the effectiveness of this Agreement, such series shall become Funds under this Agreement with necessary changes made to Appendix III ; however, either GFS or the Trust may elect not to make any such series subject to this Agreement.
10. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING
This Agreement shall extend to and shall 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 prior written consent of GFS. GFS may subcontract any or all of its responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement to one or more companies, trusts, firms, individuals or associations, which may or may not be affiliated persons of GFS and which agree to comply with the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that any such subcontracting shall not relieve GFS of its responsibilities hereunder. GFS may pay such persons for their services, but no such payment will increase fees due from the Trust hereunder.
11. TERM AND TERMINATION
(a) | Term . This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of two (2) years from the Effective Date and shall continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board. |
(b) | Termination . This Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Trust and/or with respect to any Fund by the Board, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, or by GFS at the end of the initial term or any subsequent renewal term upon not less than ninety (90) days’ advanced written notice; or upon written notice from either party of a material breach, provided that a party shall have a thirty (30) day cure period in which to remedy any claimed material breach. If the party attempting to cure any claimed material breach is unable to do so within the allotted thirty (30) day cure period, the parties agree to submit to arbitration in accordance with Section 12(g) of this Agreement. Additionally, GFS may terminate this Agreement with respect to a Fund at any time following the Board’s determination to liquidate such Fund by delivering written notice to the Board setting forth the date on which such termination is to be effective. In the event of any termination of this Agreement, GFS agrees that it will cooperate to facilitate the smooth transition of services to a replacement service provider, if one has been selected by the Board. |
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(c) | Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred by GFS in Effecting Any Termination . If this Agreement is terminated with respect to a Fund or Funds, GFS shall be entitled to collect from the Fund or Funds, in addition to the compensation described under Section 3 of this Agreement, the amount of all of GFS’s reasonable labor charges and cash disbursements for services in connection with GFS’s activities in effecting such termination. |
(d) | Survival of Certain Obligations . The obligations of Sections 3, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement. |
12. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) | Amendments . This Agreement may not be amended, or any provision hereof waived, except in writing signed by the party against which the enforcement of such amendment or waiver is sought. |
(b) | Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. |
(c) | Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto. |
(d) | C ounterparts . The parties may execute this Agreement on any number of counterparts, and all of the counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. |
(e) | Severability . If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable and not be affected by such determination, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall be construed and enforced as if this Agreement did not contain the particular part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid. |
(f) | Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform if the failure results from a cause beyond its control, including, without limitation, fire, electrical, mechanical, or equipment breakdowns, delays by third party vendors and/or communications carriers, civil disturbances or disorders, terrorist acts, strikes, acts of governmental authority or new governmental restrictions, or acts of God. |
(g) | Interruption . GFS shall, at no additional expense to the Trust, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions in the event of equipment failure, work stoppage, governmental action, communication disruption or other impossibility of performance beyond GFS’s control. GFS shall enter into and shall maintain in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provision, at a level GFS believes consistent with other similarly situated providers of fund services, for (i) periodic back-up of the computer files and data with respect to the Trust and (ii) emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to provide services under this Agreement. Upon reasonable request, GFS shall discuss with |
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the Trust any business continuity/disaster recovery plan of GFS and/or provide a high-level presentation summarizing such plan.
(h) | Arbitration . Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in New York according to the Securities Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. |
This arbitration provision shall be enforced and interpreted exclusively in accordance with applicable federal law, including the Federal Arbitration Act. Any costs, fees, or taxes involved in enforcing the award shall be fully assessed against and paid by the party resisting enforcement of said award. The prevailing party shall also be entitled to an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement.
(i) | Headings . Section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement. |
(j) | Notices . All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (b) on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing, if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the party to receive such notice, (c) if dispatched via a nationally recognized overnight courier service (delivery receipt requested) with charges paid by the dispatching party, on the later of (i) the first Business Day following the date of dispatch, or (ii) the scheduled date of delivery by such service, or (d) on the date sent by electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient during a Business Day, and otherwise on the next Business Day, if sent after normal business hours of the recipient, provided that in the case of electronic mail, each notice or other communication shall be confirmed within one Business Day by dispatch of a copy of such notice pursuant to one of the other methods described herein, at the following addresses, or such other address as a party may designate from time to time by notice in accordance with this Section. |
(k) Safekeeping . GFS shall establish and maintain facilities and procedures reasonably acceptable to the Trust for the safekeeping and control of records maintained by GFS
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under this Agreement including the preparation and use of check forms, facsimile, email or other electronic signature imprinting devices.
(l) | Distinction of Funds . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the parties agree that the assets and liabilities of each Fund of the Trust are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund and that no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise. |
(m) | Representation of Signatories . Each of the undersigned expressly warrants and represents that they have full power and authority to sign this Agreement on behalf of the party indicated and that their signature will bind the party indicated to the terms hereof. |
Signature Page Follows
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized persons, as of the day and year first above written.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
By: /s/ Wendy Wang Wendy Wang President |
GEMINI FUND SERVICES, LLC
By: /s/ Kevin Wolf Kevin Wolf President |
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January 20, 2017
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
17605 Wright Street
Omaha, NE 68154
Dear Board Members:
This letter is in response to your request for our opinion in connection with the filing of Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-204808 and 811-23066 (the "Registration Statement"), of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the "Trust").
We have examined a copy of the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trust's By-laws, the Trust's record of the various actions by the Trustees thereof, and all such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Trust and others, and such other documents, papers, statutes and authorities as we deem necessary to form the basis of the opinion hereinafter expressed. We have assumed the genuineness of the signatures and the conformity to original documents of the copies of such documents supplied to us as copies thereof.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, after Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 is effective for purposes of applicable federal and state securities laws, the shares of each Fund listed on the attached exhibit A (the “Funds”), if issued in accordance with the then current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Fund, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby give you our permission to file this opinion with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registration Statement. This opinion may not be filed with any subsequent amendment, or incorporated by reference into a subsequent amendment, without our prior written consent. This opinion is prepared for the Trust and its shareholders, and may not be relied upon by any other person or organization without our prior written approval.
Very truly yours,
/s/Thompson Hine LLP
Thompson Hine LLP
JMS/MVW
EXHIBIT A
1. | Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund |
2. | Main BuyWrite Fund |
3. | Measured Risk Fund |
4. | Tree Ring Stock Fund |
5. | Moerus Worldwide Value Fund |
6. | Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund |
7. | Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund |
8. | Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund |
9. | Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund |
10. | Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP |
11. | Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP |
12. | Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP |
13. | Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP |
14. | QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF |
15. | QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF |
16. | QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF |
17. | QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF |
18. | QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF |
ETF DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PURSUANT TO RULE 12B-1
UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
Adopted July 27, 2016
WHEREAS, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and organized as a series trust; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“Trustees”) desires to adopt a plan of distribution pursuant to rule l2b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to the shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”) of the series listed on Schedule A (each a “Fund”, collectively, the “Funds”), and the Trustees have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of this ETF Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) will benefit each Fund and holders of such Fund’s Shares.
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of each Fund, the Trust hereby adopts this Plan in accordance with rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act on the following terms and conditions (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned thereto in the Trust’s registration statement under the 1940 Act and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as such registration statement is amended by any amendments thereto at the time in effect).
SECTION 1. The Trust has adopted this Plan to enable the Trust to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of the Shares of the Trust.
SECTION 2. With respect to each Fund, the Trust may pay a monthly fee up to the amount set forth in Schedule A (“Limit”) to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Shares as described in the Trust’s registration statement (“Creation Units”) of each Fund or the provision of investor services, including but not limited to (a) compensation paid to registered representatives of the Funds’ distributor (“the “Distributor”) and other persons that have entered into agreements with the Distributor, (b) salaries and other expenses of the Distributor or other parties relating to selling or servicing efforts, including travel, communications and the provision of sales personnel, (c) expenses of organizing and conducting sales seminars, printing of prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for other than existing shareholders, (d) preparation and distribution of advertising materials and sales literature and other marketing and sales promotion expenses, (e) distribution and/or shareholder service assistance through financial institutions and intermediaries such as banks, savings and loan associations, insurance companies and investment counselors, broker-dealers, and the affiliates and subsidiaries of the Trust’s service providers, (f) delivering any notices of shareholder meetings and proxy statements accompanying such notices in connection with general and special meetings of interest holders of the Trust, and/or (g) ongoing services to shareholders which facilitate the continued retention of investors as shareholders of a Fund.
The Distributor may use all or any portion of the amount received pursuant to this Plan to compensate securities dealers or other persons that are Authorized Participants (“third parties”) for providing distribution assistance, including broker-dealer and shareholder support and educational and promotional services, pursuant to agreements with the Distributor, or to pay any of the expenses associated with other activities authorized under this paragraph. All expenses covered by this Plan shall be deemed incurred whether paid directly by the Distributor or by a third party to the extent reimbursed therefor by the Distributor.
Fees shall be payable by the Trust on behalf of any Fund regardless of whether such fees are greater or less than the actual expenses incurred by the Distributor or third party with respect to such Fund during the relevant period. Although the Fund is not permitted to pay any expenses in excess of the relevant Limit, such excess expenses may be reimbursed during any of the Fund’s subsequent three fiscal years, provided and to the extent that the current expenses plus the excess expenses do not exceed the Limit for that subsequent year and are approved in the manner provided in Section 3 herein.
SECTION 3. Nothing in this Plan shall operate or be construed to prohibit or limit additional compensation derived from sales charges or other sources that may be paid to the Distributor pursuant to the aforementioned Distribution Agreement. In addition, nothing in this Plan shall operate or be construed to limit the extent to which the Trust’s investment adviser or any other person, other than the Trust, may incur costs and bear expenses associated with the distribution of Shares of a Fund. It is recognized that the Trust’s investment adviser and other persons may use its advisory revenues, past profits and other resources to make payments to the Distributor with respect to any expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of Shares. Accordingly, the Trust’s investment adviser and other persons, directly or indirectly, may from time to time make payments to third parties who engage in the sale of Shares or render shareholder support or transfer agency services. If such payments are deemed to be indirect financing of an activity primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by a Fund within the context of rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, such payments shall be deemed to be authorized by this Plan.
SECTION 4. This Plan shall not take effect with respect to any Fund until it has been approved, together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (a) the Trustees and (b) the Qualified Trustees (as defined in Section 10 herein), cast in person at a meeting of the Trustees called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.
SECTION 5. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year after it takes effect, only for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in Section 4 herein for the approval of this Plan.
SECTION 6. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
SECTION 7. This Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Shares of the Funds.
SECTION 8. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide (a) that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Shares of the Funds, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and (b) that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
SECTION 9. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution expenses permitted with respect to any Fund pursuant to Section 2 hereof without the approval of Shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Shares of the Fund, and all material amendments to this Plan shall be approved in the manner provided in Part (b) of Section 4 herein for the approval of this Plan.
SECTION 10. As used in this Plan, the term “Qualified Trustees” shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it. The terms “assignment,” “interested person,” and “majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SECTION 11. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust within the meaning of section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees then in office who are not interested persons of the Trust.
SECTION 12. This Plan shall not obligate the Trust or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.
SECTION 13. If any provision of the Plan shall be held or made invalid, the remainder of the Plan shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 14. The Trust shall preserve
copies of this Plan, each agreement related hereto and each report referred to in Section 6 hereof for a period of at least six
years, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
SCHEDULE A
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
The following series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV are subject to this Plan, at the fee rates specified:
Fund | Fee (as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets of the Fund)* |
Affinity Global Franchise ETF | 0.25% |
Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF | 0.25% |
FFI Income ETF | 0.25% |
FFI Hedged Growth ETF | 0.25% |
QuantX Global Growth ETF | 0.25% |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | 0.25% |
QuantX Risk Managed Real Asset ETF | 0.25% |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | 0.25% |
QuantX SmartVol USA Equity ETF | 0.25% |
* The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Creation Units. Plan payments shall be made within ten (10) days of the end of each calendar month unless otherwise agreed by the parties and approved or ratified by the Trustees.
Adopted: October 20, 2016
Acknowledged and Approved by:
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV:
By: /s/ Wendy Wang Wendy Wang, President |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:
By: /s/ Brian Nielsen Brian Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer |
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC Code Of Ethics
October 12, 2016
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC
Code of Ethics
Table of Contents
1. Introduction | 3 |
2. Statement of General Principles | 4 |
3. Definitions | 4 |
4. Personal Investment Guidelines | 6 |
5. Gifts and Entertainment | 8 |
6. Outside Business Activities | 10 |
7. Compliance Procedures | 10 |
8. Insider Trading | 11 |
9. Political Contributions | 13 |
10. Review of Other Conflicts of Interests | 13 |
11. Exceptions | 13 |
12. Reporting of Violations | 13 |
13. Recordkeeping | 14 |
14. Annual Compliance Certification | 14 |
Page 2 |
1. | Introduction |
This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) forms part of the Compliance Manual of Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC (“BSAM”, the “Adviser” or the “Firm”) and has been approved by BSAM’s management. This Code has been implemented in accordance with Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) as well as with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as amended. As required under Rule 204A-1, BSAM as an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) is required to maintain a Code of Ethics, distribute such Code and any amendments thereto to all required personnel, and review annually the effectiveness of this Code. In addition, BSAM must provide, upon request, a copy of its Code of Ethics to any investor or client wishing to review it.
Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act requires each investment adviser to a registered investment company (“RIC”) to adopt a written code of ethics containing provisions reasonably necessary to prevent the adviser and its Employees from:
o | Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the RIC; |
o | Making any untrue statement of a material fact to the RIC or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the RIC, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; |
o | Engaging in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on the RIC; and |
o | Engaging in any manipulative practice with respect to the RIC. |
o | As required by Rule 17j-1(c)(2)(ii), no less frequently than annually, the Firm shall furnish to the board of directors/trustees of a RIC, a written report that: |
o | Describes any issues arising under the Code or the related procedures adopted hereunder since the last report to the board of trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and the sanctions imposed in response to such material violations; and |
o | Certifies that BSAM has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating the Code. |
This Code shall remain in effect until further notice in writing approved by Management. Any questions of interpretation or implementation should be referred to BSAM’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).
All Management and employees of BSAM are covered by this Code. Compliance with this Code is mandatory and a condition of your continued association with BSAM. Any acts believed to be in violation of this policy must be reported immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer who will promptly undertake an investigation of the pertinent facts in consultation with
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management. Violation of this Code is a serious matter and may result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. In addition, BSAM, as a result of a violation of this policy, may take any other action deemed appropriate or necessary and in the best interests of BSAM, its clients, or its investors.
2. | Statement of General Principles |
This Code has been adopted by BSAM for the purpose of instructing all employees, officers, and directors of BSAM in their ethical obligations and to provide rules for their personal securities transactions. All such persons owe a fiduciary duty to BSAM’s clients. A fiduciary duty means a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards the client, and the obligation to adhere not only to the specific provisions of this Code but to the general principles that guide the Code. These general principles are:
· | The duty at all times to place the interests of the client first; |
· | The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner consistent with the Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of any individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and |
· | The fundamental standard that such employees, officers, and directors should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions or of their relationship with clients. |
It is imperative that the personal trading activities of the employees, officers, and directors of BSAM be conducted with the highest regard for these general principles in order to avoid any possible conflict of interest, any appearance of a conflict, or activities that could lead to disciplinary action. This includes executing transactions through or for the benefit of a third party when the transaction is not in keeping with the general principles of this Code.
Employees shall comply at all times with all applicable federal securities laws. Federal securities laws means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury. Employees shall at all times maintain the confidentiality of client identities, security holdings, financial circumstances, and other confidential information. Employees shall report any violations of this Code of Ethics promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer.
3. | Definitions |
Access Persons : generally any partner, officer, or director of BSAM and any employee, retained consultant, or other supervised person of BSAM who: (i) has access to nonpublic information regarding any purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the holdings of client accounts; or (ii) is involved in making securities recommendations or has access to such recommendations that are non-public.
Advisory Employees : any employee, officer, or director of BSAM (or of any company in a control relationship to BSAM) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, participates
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in or makes recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities; and any natural person who controls BSAM and who obtains information about recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities. The Chief Compliance Officer will maintain a current list of all Advisory Employees.
Affiliated Person : any Family Member of an Access Person; any entity for which an Access Person acts as a custodian, trustee or other fiduciary; or any corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, company or other entity which is neither subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 nor registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Company Act”) and in which the Access Person or a Family Member has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest.
Automatic Investment Plan : a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
Beneficial Interest : ownership or any benefits of ownership, including the opportunity to directly or indirectly profit or otherwise obtain financial benefits from any interest in a security. An Access Person is presumed to have Beneficial Ownership of any Family Member’s account.
Chief Compliance Officer : the officer of BSAM responsible for overseeing and administering its Compliance Program.
Employee Account : each account in which an Employee or a member of his or her family has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest or over which such person exercises control or influence, including, but not limited to, any joint account, partnership, corporation, trust or estate. An Employee’s family members include the Employee’s spouse, minor children, any person living in the home of the Employee and any relative of the Employee (including in-laws) to whose support an Employee directly or indirectly contributes.
Employees : the employees, officers and directors of BSAM, including Advisory Employees. The Chief Compliance Officer will maintain a current list of all Employees.
Exempt Transactions : transactions which are 1) effected in an amount or in a manner over which the Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control, 2) pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan, 3) in connection with the exercise or sale of rights to purchase additional securities from an issuer and granted by such issuer pro-rata to all holders of a class of its securities, 4) in connection with the call by the issuer of a preferred stock or bond, 5) pursuant to the exercise by a second party of a put or call option, 6) closing transactions no more than five business days prior to the expiration of a related put or call option, 7) inconsequential to any Fund because the transaction is very unlikely to affect a highly liquid market or because the security is clearly not related economically to any securities that a Fund may purchase or sell, 8) involving shares of a security of a company with a market capitalization in excess of $500 million.
Family Member : of an Access Person means: that person’s spouse or minor child who resides in the same household; any adult related by blood, marriage or adoption to the Access Person (a “relative”) who shares the Access Person’s household; any relative dependent on the Access
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Person for financial support; or any other relationship (whether or not recognized by law) which the Chief Compliance Officer determines could lead to the possible conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety this Code of Ethics is intended to prevent.
Related Securities : securities issued by the same issuer or issuer under common control, or when either security gives the holder any contractual rights with respect to the other security, including options, warrants or other convertible securities.
Restricted Security(ies) : any Security for which trading by Access Persons is prohibited except in limited circumstances and with the prior approval of the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Firm will maintain a Restricted Securities List, which will enumerate those securities that Access Persons may not trade.
Security(ies) : any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas or other mineral rights, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate or interest or participation in temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase (including options) any of the foregoing and registered open-end funds managed by BSAM.; except for the following: 1) securities issued by the government of the United States, 2) bankers’ acceptances, 3) bank certificates of deposit, 4) commercial paper, 5) high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, and 6) shares of unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies, other than exchange traded funds
Securities Transaction : the purchase or sale, or any action to accomplish the purchase or sale, of a Security for an Employee Account. The term Securities Transaction does not include transactions executed by BSAM for the benefit of unaffiliated persons, such as investment advisory and brokerage clients.
4. | Personal Investment Guidelines |
These Personal Trading Guidelines set forth the general policy and procedures for employees of the Firm with respect to personal trading, but where appropriate, the Firm reserves the right to change or modify these standards.
Access Persons who wish to engage in transactions that include Pre-Clearance Securities are required to submit their trade requests to the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer and to obtain pre-clearance prior to engaging in the trade.
Reporting
Access Persons are required to notify the Chief Compliance Officer of any Employee Accounts in which they have a Beneficial Interest, and to assist the Chief Compliance Officer in ensuring such accounts are set up such that the Chief Compliance Officer obtains duplicate account statements
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on a quarterly basis. All Access Persons shall promptly inform the Chief Compliance Officer of any newly established Employee Accounts in which they have a Beneficial Interest.
Trading Restrictions
The guidelines in this Trading Restrictions Section do not apply to Exempt Transactions unless the transaction involves a private placement or initial public offering. Employees must remember that regardless of the transaction’s status as exempt or not exempt, the Employee’s fiduciary obligations remain unchanged.
Employees may not trade Restricted Securities at any time without the prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer. Typically, the Chief Compliance Officer will approve a Securities Transaction in a Restricted Security only for the liquidation of a position that preceded the Security’s placement on the restricted Securities List. Employees should consult the current Restricted Securities List before initiating any trade.
Before trading in their personal accounts, Access Persons must refer to a RIC’s publically available website to ensure the Access Persons do not trade in any securities in the portfolio of a RIC. Employees must pre-clear in advance with the Chief Compliance Officer any securities investments held in a RIC and any securities considered being bought or sold in a RICs. If the Firm is purchasing/selling or considering for purchase/sale any Security on behalf of a client account, no Employees may effect a transaction in that Security prior to the client purchase/sale having been completed by the Firm, or until a decision has been made not to purchase/sell the Security on behalf of the Client Account.
Any Securities Transactions in a private placement must be authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer, in writing, prior to the transaction. In connection with a private placement acquisition, the Chief Compliance Officer will take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for a client, and whether the opportunity is being offered to the Employee by virtue of the Employee’s position with BSAM. If the private placement acquisition is authorized, the Chief Compliance Officer shall retain a record of the authorization and the rationale supporting the authorization. Employees who have been authorized to acquire securities in a private placement will, in connection therewith, be required to disclose that investment if and when the Employee takes part in any subsequent investment in the same issuer.
The Adviser believes that short term or excessive personal trading by its Access Persons can raise compliance and conflicts issues. Employees or any member of an Employees’ Family/Household cannot purchase and sell at a profit, or sell and purchase at a profit, a Security (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security) within any period of 30 calendar days. Any such profit will be disgorged to charity, as determined by the Chief Compliance Officer, and sales shall be computed on a LIFO basis. Exceptions may be granted by the Chief Compliance Officer for certain hardships and special circumstances.
Employees are prohibited from acquiring any Securities in an initial public offering without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer. This restriction is imposed in order to preclude any possibility of an Employee profiting improperly from the Employee’s position with
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BSAM. If the initial public offering is authorized, the Chief Compliance Officer shall retain a record of the authorization and the rationale supporting the authorization.
Approvals by the Chief Compliance Officer are only valid on the day they are given. Approvals for securities that only trade in the overnight market are assumed to be given for that night’s trading session.
5. | Gifts and Entertainment |
No BSAM Employee shall, directly or indirectly, give or permit to be given anything of value (including gratuities) in excess of $300 per individual per year where such payment or gratuity is in relation to the business of BSAM. This limitation does not include customary business entertainment, such as dinners or sporting events, where BSAM’s Employee is the host of the dinner or event. Gifts of tickets to sporting events or similar gifts where an Advisory Employee does not accompany the client are subject to the $300 limits cited above.
Any gift to a client or prospective client by an Advisory Employee must be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. Documentation of the request for pre-approval and the approval granted by the Chief Compliance Officer must be maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The Firm strives to maintain a high standard of business ethics, which it believes are consistent with good corporate citizenship. To ensure that these standards are not being violated, the Firm requires all Employees to perform their jobs in an ethical and legal fashion. The Firm competes and earns its business and its reputation through the quality of the service and expertise it provides, not by gifts, lavish entertainment, and the like. Moreover, the provision or exchange of gifts or lavish entertainment can result in violations of laws, rules, and regulations.
The Gifts and Entertainment policy sets forth the Firm’s rules and restrictions related to giving/receiving gifts and entertainment. Application of the rules of the Gifts and Entertainment policy can vary depending upon the business or social context, who the recipient is, the nature of the gift or entertainment, and the entity involved.
ALL gifts and entertainment must be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer. All gifts exceeding a total of $100 must be pre-cleared through the Chief Compliance Officer. For any gift or entertainment that could not reasonably be pre-cleared, the Employee should nonetheless inform the Chief Compliance Officer as soon afterwards as practicable.
Gifts
· | An Employee may not give or receive a gift that could influence or appear to influence the business judgment of the Employee or the Recipient/Donor. |
· | An Employee may not give/receive cash or cash equivalents (including gift certificates) to/from anyone doing business with the Firm unless approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. |
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· | There are significant limitations and/or prohibitions on giving gifts to: government officials; principals, officers and employees of exchanges and regulatory organizations; U.S. union officials; and fiduciaries of ERISA Plans (collectively “Restricted Recipient”). As a practical matter, no Firm Employee shall knowingly give a gift to a Restricted Recipient. |
· | In general, gifts are restricted to a total of $300 per person per calendar year. When seeking approval from the Chief Compliance Officer, the Employee shall provide the date, name and employer of the person offering/receiving the gift, a description and the approximate value of the gift. |
· | De minimis gifts (token gifts, i.e. – pens, notepads, desk ornament), Promotional Gifts (umbrellas, tote bags, t-shirts) and Bereavement Gifts (reasonable and customary gifts such as flowers or food baskets given in connection with a funeral or memorial service) are not included in the calculation of the $300 limit. |
· | Personal gifts (Employee’s relationship with the other party is a personal one, which typically would be long-standing or arises primarily out of activities or relationships not involving the Firms) are not restricted by this policy. |
Meals and Entertainment
· | The Firm generally encourages participation in appropriate entertainment events to foster better business relationships. Although there is not a defined limit on the value of meals or entertainment to be received or offered, the Firm advises Employees to utilize discretion in accepting or offering either. |
· | An Employee may not entertain or be entertained if such entertainment could influence or appear to influence proper business judgment. |
· | The Employee and the recipient/donor both must attend the entertainment event. Entertainment will be considered a gift, and fall under the limitations and restrictions that apply to gifts if the donor does not attend the event. |
· | Lavish entertainment is prohibited. In general, events such as meals, theater, sporting events, leisure activities, and day outings would not be considered lavish. If you have a question about whether or not entertainment is “lavish”, contact the Chief Compliance Officer. |
· | Excessive entertainment – e.g., where the Employee or the recipient is repeatedly being taken to meals, sporting events or other leisure activities is prohibited. Although excessive entertainment clearly depends upon the facts and circumstances, a pattern of entertainment, even if consistent with industry standards, may raise issues in hindsight. |
Violations of the Gifts and Entertainment Policy
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If an Employee fails to get approval, exceeds the guidelines, or otherwise fails to comply with the Gifts and Entertainment policy, the Firm may take appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to, returning gifts, not reimbursing out-of-pocket expenses or other remedial action against the offending Employee.
6. | Outside Business Activities |
Management and employees are expected to devote their ability to the Firm’s interests during regular working hours and such additional time as may be properly required. Any outside business activities, including other employment, which could interfere with your responsibilities, must be disclosed to the Chief Compliance Officer. As becoming a Director of another company has additional implications, you must seek approval to serve in such capacity or similar capacity from the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Compliance Officer.
Employees are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization by the Chief Compliance Officer. The consideration of prior authorization will be based upon a determination that the board service will be consistent with the interests of clients. In the event that board service is authorized, Employees serving as directors will be isolated from other Employees making investment decisions with respect to the securities of the company in question. It is important to note that becoming a director of a public company can trigger reporting obligations under Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act should the funds transact in the security of such company. Accordingly, prior to providing approval to become a director of a public company, the Firm will need to consider carefully how it will monitor fund transactions to ensure compliance with federal securities laws.
7. | Compliance Procedures |
Employee Disclosure
Initial Holdings Report – Within ten (10) days of commencement of employment with BSAM, each Employee must certify that he or she has read and understands this Code and recognizes that he or she is subject to it, and must disclose the following information as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person became an Employee: a) the title, type, CUSIP or ticker symbol, number of shares and principal amount of each Security in which the Employee has a Beneficial Interest when the person became an Employee, b) the name of any broker/dealer with whom the Employee maintained an account when the person became an Employee, and c) the date the report is submitted. This information may be provided via electronic or hard copy brokerage statements. (see Exhibit 3 - New Employee Securities Report or a substantially similar form developed by the CCO form time to time)
Annual Holdings Report – Annually, each Employee must certify that he or she has read and understands this Code and any amendment, and recognizes that he or she is subject to it, that he or she has complied with the requirements of this Code and has disclosed or reported all personal Securities Transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of this Code. In addition, each Employee shall annually provide the following information (as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted): a) the title, type, CUSIP or ticker symbol, number of shares and principal amount of each Security in which the Employee had any Beneficial
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Interest, b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Employee maintains an account in which any Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Employee, and c) the date the report is submitted. This information may be provided via electronic or hard copy brokerage statements. (see Exhibit 1 – Annual Employee Securities Report or a substantially similar form developed by the CCO form time to time)
Quarterly Transaction Reports – All Employees must provide copies of all periodic broker account statements to the Chief Compliance Officer. Each Employee must report, no later than 30 days after the close of each calendar quarter, on the Securities Transaction Report form provided by BSAM, all transactions in which the Employee acquired or sold any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest in a Security, including Exempt Transactions, and certify that he or she has reported all transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to the requirements of this Code. The Report may, however, exclude transaction effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan. The report will also identify any trading account, in which the Employee has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest, established during the quarter with a broker, dealer, or bank. This information may be provided via electronic or hard copy brokerage statements. (see Exhibit 2 – Quarterly Securities Transactions Report or a substantially similar form developed by the CCO form time to time)
The Chief Compliance Officer will, on a quarterly basis, check the trading account statements provided by brokers to verify that the Employee has not violated the Code. The Chief Compliance Officer shall identify all Employees, inform those persons of their reporting obligations, and maintain a record of all current and former access persons. The Chief Executive Officer will review the Chief Compliance Officer’s personal trading activity.
If an Employee violates this Code, the Chief Compliance Officer will report the violation to the Board of the Fund for appropriate remedial action which, in addition to the actions specifically delineated in other sections of this Code, may include a reprimand of the Employee, or suspension or termination of the Employee’s relationship with the Fund or BSAM.
8. | Insider Trading |
BSAM forbids any of its Members or employees from (i) buying and selling securities while in possession of material non-public information, (ii) communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law, or (iii) assisting someone in these activities This prohibition applies whether you are transacting on your own account or on account of BSAM’ clients.
Under U.S. federal securities laws, “inside information” is material, nonpublic information about the securities, activities or financial condition of a corporation, public entity or other issuer of securities. Material, nonpublic information concerning market developments may also be construed to be inside information. For example, information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper or magazine article that is expected to affect the price of a security should be considered material. Likewise, information concerning significant transactions which BSAM intends to execute on behalf of its clients is material information on which you may not transact for your own benefit.
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Information is considered to be from an “insider” if it comes from an officer, director, employee or controlling shareholder. In addition, persons who have a confidential relationship with a company may be deemed “insiders” for the purpose of the rule. Such persons typically include attorneys, accountants and financial advisers/investment bankers. Note, the prohibitions on ‘insider trading” includes the prohibition on trading in securities by a non-insider while in possession of material non-public information where the information was either (i) disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider’s duty to keep it confidential or (ii) misappropriated.
Information is “material” if it is likely that a reasonable investor would consider the information important in deciding whether to purchase or sell securities. Information which is likely to have an impact on market price is material. Examples of material information include changes in dividend policies, earnings estimates, changes in previously released earnings or estimates, manufacturing issues, a pending (unannounced) merger or acquisition, major litigation, cancellation of a major contract or the introduction of a new product. Information on the pending release of an analyst report or newspaper article may also be considered material, even though such information may not come from a company insider.
Information is “nonpublic” if it has not been disseminated in a manner that makes the information available to investors generally. This would include information that is disclosed in a report filed with the SEC or publication in the newspaper, a wire service or on the internet. Information that is disseminated to traders by brokers and institutional analyst is also generally considered public unless there is a reason to believe such information is confidential, selective disclosed to only a few analysts or came from an insider.
Information which BSAM has derived from public information through its own analysis may be used for the benefit of the Adviser’s clients even though such information would not otherwise be public. Such information, however, is proprietary. Members and employees are strictly prohibited from trading on such information for the benefit of their own account and, without the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, must not disclose it to anyone inside or outside BSAM who does not need the information in the course of the Firm’s business.
“Tipping” is the disclosure of material, nonpublic information about a company or its securities to a third party, when such disclosure is not make strictly for corporate purposes. The disclosure may be made by an insider of the company, one who has misappropriated the information from the company or from another person, or by anyone who received the information traceable to an insider or one who has misappropriated the information. Trading on the basis of tipped information is subject to the same laws prohibiting insider trading.
“Misappropriation” is a basis for insider trading liability that is established when trading occurs on the basis of material, nonpublic information that was stolen or misappropriated from another person. This theory may be used in cases where the source of the information was not a company insider.
If you receive material nonpublic information that comes directly or indirectly from any insider or which you believe may have been misappropriated, do not trade in the underlying Company’s securities for any of the Adviser’s clients’ accounts or your own accounts. Further do not discuss
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the information with any other person without first consulting the Chief Compliance Officer who may contact BSAM’ legal counsel before determining how to proceed.
Penalties for trading, or merely communicating, material non-public information are severe, both for the individuals involved and BSAM and include substantial fines, damaged up to three times the profit gained or loss, being suspended or barred from employment in a securities related industry and jail sentences.
If you have any questions regarding whether information is material or non-public, you should consult the Chief Compliance Officer.
9. | Political Contributions |
It is BSAM’s policy to comply with all federal and state election campaign laws. Moreover, while BSAM does not intend to provide advisory service, directly or indirectly, to state or local plans or to any other government entities, BSAM wishes to ensure its policies and procedures are sufficient to meet the restrictions set by Rule 206(4)-5. While Employees have the right to participate in the political process by making personal contributions from personal funds, Employees cannot be reimbursed or otherwise compensated by BSAM for any such contribution. Moreover, it is the Employee’s responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable legal limits. Finally, in order to ensure BSAM is able to comply with the Rule 206(4)-5, in the event BSAM wishes to engage in business which would fall within the scope of Rule 206(4)-5, BSAM may (1) request a list of all contributions made by Management or employees for any prior 2 year period as well as (2) restrict the level of contributions Employees may make to a candidate. 1
10. | Review of Other Conflicts of Interests |
The Chief Compliance Officer will review the Firm’s business periodically to ensure that issues related to conflicts of interests between the Firm and its clients and investors are properly handled and adequate disclosure has been provided to its clients and investors. In addition, Management and employees are required to act in a manner which does not conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Firm and its clients and investors. If faced with in a situation involving a potential conflict, you must disclose the issue immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer.
11. | Exceptions |
The Chief Compliance Officer will review and consider any proper request by Management or Employee for relief or exemption from any restriction or limitation contained in this Code of Ethics which may cause a hardship, involve unforeseen or involuntary situations, or other special circumstances where no abuse is involved and does not convey the appearance of impropriety. Any such approval shall be appropriately documented and maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer.
__________________________
1 Rule 206(4)-5 (more commonly known as the “Pay to Play” Rule) prohibits receiving compensation for advisory services to a government entity (including state and local plans) for a two-year period after an adviser or a covered associate makes a political contribution to an official in a position to influence the award of advisory business. The rule applies to direct advisory services as well as investment by a state or local plan into a fund managed by the advisor. There is a de minimis exception for contributions of (i) $350 per candidate per election, if you are entitled to vote on the candidate or (ii) $150 per candidate per election if you are not entitled vote.
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12. | Reporting of Violations |
Any violation of the Code must be promptly reported to the Chief Compliance Officer, or if unavailable, to the Chief Executive Officer who will contact the Chief Compliance Officer. Any such reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly and, if appropriate, brought to the attention of Management. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, a warning or reprimand, suspension or dismissal.
13. | Recordkeeping |
In addition to the records required elsewhere in this Code, BSAM is required to maintain the following records with respect to the Code:
· | A copy of each Code in effect at any time for the past five years; |
· | A record of any violation of the Code and any resulting action taken for five years from the date the violation occurred; |
· | A record of all written acknowledgments of receipt of the Code and any amendments made thereto by Management and employees; |
· | A record of any exemption or waiver from the provisions of the Code; |
· | A record of the annual review of the Code to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation; |
· | A record of the names of persons who are currently or within the past 5 years that were access persons; |
· | A record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition of securities by access persons for at least 5 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval was granted; and |
· | A record of each report made by an access person, including any information provided in lieu of such reports. |
The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining the documentation outlined above.
14. | Annual Compliance Certification |
The Firm will require all Management and employees to certify annually that (i) they have received, read and understand the terms of this Code of Ethics (as they may be amended) and recognize the responsibilities and obligations incurred by their being subject to this Code and (ii) they are in compliance with the requirements of this Code, including but not limited to, the personal trading policy contained in the Code.
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EXHIBIT 1
ANNUAL EMPLOYEE SECURITIES REPORT
This information is current as of (must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the Report is submitted).
Please list all Securities in which you have a Beneficial Interest, as defined in the Code of Ethics. You may attach brokerage statements in lieu of completed the chart below.
Security (name, type, CUSIP, or ticker symbol) |
# of Shares and Principal Amount |
Date Acquired |
Please list all brokers, dealers, and banks that maintain a brokerage account in which you have a Beneficial Interest, as defined in the Code of Ethics. You may attach brokerage statements in lieu of completed the chart below.
Name of Broker, Dealer, or Bank | Account Name |
I certify that I have read and understand the Code of Ethics and recognize that I am subject to it. I certify that this is a complete list of all Securities in which I have a Beneficial Interest, and that I have complied with the requirements of the Code of Ethics including disclosure of all Securities Transactions for which the Code of Ethics requires disclosure.
Printed Name: | Signature: |
Date: |
EXHIBIT 2
QUARTERLY SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS REPORT
Calendar Quarter/Year:
Persons subject to the Code of Ethics must report ALL securities transactions (including exempt transactions and transactions involving affiliated mutual funds) as defined in the Code of Ethics, executed during the reporting period. You may attach brokerage statements in lieu of completed the charts below. The report must be returned to the Chief Compliance Officer, regardless of whether any securities transactions occurred, before the 30th day after the close of the calendar quarter. Please note that this Report covers all securities in which you have a Beneficial Interest.
o I have executed no securities transactions during the quarter.
o The following is a complete list of my securities transactions:
Security* |
Transaction Date |
Purchase, Sale, or Other |
# of Shares & Principal Amount of Security |
Price | Executing Broker |
*Provide interest rate, maturity date, ticker symbol, or CUSIP, if applicable
o | I have not opened a brokerage account during the quarter. |
o | The following is a complete list of all brokerage accounts I opened during the quarter: |
Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank: | Account Name: | Date Established: |
I certify that I have read and understand the Code of Ethics and that I have complied with the requirements of the Code of Ethics, including disclosure of all Securities Transactions that require disclosure.
Printed Name: | Signature: |
Filing Date: |
THIS REPORT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION THAT THE REPORTING PERSON HAS ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP IN ANY SECURITY TO WHICH THIS REPORT RELATES.
EXHIBIT 3
NEW EMPLOYEE SECURITIES REPORT
This information is current as of _______________ (must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before your commencing employment). Return to Chief Compliance Officer within 10 days of your commencing employment.
Please list all Securities in which you have a Beneficial Interest, as defined in the Code of Ethics. You may attach brokerage statements in lieu of completed the chart below.
Security (name, type, CUSIP, or ticker symbol) |
# of Shares or Principal Amount |
Date Acquired |
Please list all brokers, dealers, and banks that maintain a brokerage account in which you have a Beneficial Interest, as defined in the Code of Ethics. You may attach brokerage statements in lieu of completed the chart below.
Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank | Account Name |
I certify that I have read and understand the Code of Ethics and recognize that I am subject to it. I certify that this is a complete list of all Securities in which I have a Beneficial Interest, and that I have complied with the requirements of the Code of Ethics including disclosure of all Securities Transactions for which the Code of Ethics requires disclosure.
Printed Name: | Signature: |
Filing Date: |
THIS REPORT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION THAT THE REPORTING PERSON HAS ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP IN ANY SECURITY TO WHICH THIS REPORT RELATES.