Securities Act Registration No. 333-178833

Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22655

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26, 2017

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ý

¨ Pre-Effective Amendment No.
ý Post-Effective Amendment No. 298

 

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý

ý Amendment No. 301

 

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130

(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, Esq.

Thompson Hine LLP

41 South High Street, Suite 1700

Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-469-3265 (phone)

614-469-3361 (fax)

Brian Curley

Gemini Fund Services, LLC

80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110

Hauppauge, New York 11788

(631) 470-2600

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

Title of Securities Being Registered: Class A, Class C, and Class I

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

¨ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

ý On August 1, 2017 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.

 
 

 

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

 

 

 

Class A Shares (PTAFX)

Class C Shares (PTCFX)

Class I Shares (PTIFX)

 

 

PROSPECTUS

August 1, 2017

 

 

 

 

Adviser:

Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC

620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104

Springfield, MO 65807

 

 

www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com                                                                               1-888-985-9830

 

 

 

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.

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FUND SUMMARY 1
Investment Objective 1
Fees and Expenses of the Fund 1
Principal Investment Strategies 2
Principal Investment Risks 2
Performance 4
Investment Adviser 5
Portfolio Managers 5
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 5
Tax Information 5
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries 5

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT

STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

 

5

          Investment Objective 5
          Principal Investment Strategies 5
          Principal Investment Risks 7
          Temporary Investments 10
          Portfolio Holdings Disclosure 11
          Cybersecurity 11
MANAGEMENT 11
          Investment Adviser 11
          Portfolio Managers 11
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED 12
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES 13
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES 17
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES 19
TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS 20
DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES 21
         Distributor 21
         Distribution Fees 21
         Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries 21
          Householding 21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 22
PRIVACY NOTICE 25
 
 

FUND SUMMARY

 

Investment Objective: The Fund seeks high total return with reasonable risk.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page 13 of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Fees

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Class

A

Class

C

Class

I

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of purchase price) None (1) None (1) None

Redemption Fee

(as a % of amount redeemed if held less than 60 days)

1.00% 1.00% 1.00%

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses 0.73% 0.73% 0.73%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (2) 0.38% 0.38% 0.38%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.36% 3.11% 2.11%
Fee Waiver (3) (0.49)% (0.49)% (0.49)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver 1.87% 2.62% 1.62%
(1) Class A shares and Class C shares purchased prior to February 1, 2017 that are redeemed during the first 18 months and 12 months, respectively, may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge in the amount of the commissions paid on the shares redeemed.
(2) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the estimated indirect costs of investing in other investment companies and do not include the cost of investing in underlying funds, like commodity pools, that are not investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund’s financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund.
(3) The Fund’s adviser, Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, has contractually agreed to waive management fees and to make payments to limit Fund expenses, until July 31, 2018 so that the total annual operating expenses (but does not include any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes; and 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)) of the Fund do not exceed 1.49%, 2.24% and 1.24% of average daily net assets attributable to Class A, C and I shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved, within the foregoing expense limits or within the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment, whichever is lower. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser.

 

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:

 

Class 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
A $754 $1,225 $1,721 $3,081
C $265 $914 $1,588 $3,386
I $165 $614 $1,089 $2,403

 

Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 422% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

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Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund intends to operate as a fund of funds and seeks to meet its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that may invest in all major asset classes including, but not limited to, foreign and domestic (i) equity securities of all market capitalizations, (ii) fixed income securities of any credit quality, (iii) commodities (e.g. gold and securities of mining companies), (iv) derivatives and (v) cash. The Fund intends to generally invest in a mix of asset classes with an emphasis on equity and fixed income securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund’s assets in commodity-based ETFs. There is no limit on the amount of fund assets that may be invested in the other asset classes. The equity ETFS in which the Fund invests may include inverse ETFs. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents directly. The foreign securities held by the underlying ETFs may include those in emerging markets.

 

The Fund’s adviser uses signals that come from models developed by W.E. Sherman & Co. to determine the Fund’s allocations. The process for each model is similar: (1) the expected market trend or indicator for specific securities over a period is examined; (2) if a particular asset class is determined to be in a positive trend based on rankings and/or model signals, the assets allocated to a particular model are invested in that asset class; and (3) if a particular asset class is determined to be in a negative trend based on rankings and/or model signals, the assets allocated to a particular model are invested in another asset class as dictated by the applicable model. The Fund’s assets are allocated equally among the five models. After the models determine the asset classes for allocation, the Adviser picks the ETFs in that asset class in which to invest based on several factors including, but not limited to, relative strength rankings, fundamental analysis of the ETF methodology, fiduciary score analysis. The Fund actively trades its portfolio investments.

 

Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance corporation or any other government agency.

 

· Commodity Risk: Commodities markets may subject to greater volatility than 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.
· Credit Risk: Issuers may not make interest or principal payments on securities, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. These risks are more pronounced for securities with lower credit quality, such as those rated below BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or another credit rating agency.
· Derivatives Risk: The use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities including leverage risk and counterparty default risk.
· Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid.
· Equity Risk: The net asset value of the Fund will fluctuate based on changes in the value of the equity securities held by the underlying ETFs that invest in U.S. and/or foreign equity securities. Equity prices can fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, or to changing economic, political or market conditions.
· ETF Risk: ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in securities. Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on its investments.

Fixed Income Risk: Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities. The value of fixed income securities typically falls when an issuer’s credit quality declines and may even become worthless if an issuer defaults. Recently, interest rates have been historically low. Current conditions

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may result in a rise in interest rates, which in turn may result in a decline in the value of the bond investments held by the Fund. As a result, for the present, interest rate risk may be heightened.

 

Foreign Currency Risk: Currency trading risks include market risk, credit risk and country risk. Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates in the currencies the Fund is long or short. Credit risk results because a currency-trade counterparty may default. Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency.

 

· Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing (including through ADRs, EDRs and GDRs) involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards. Investing in emerging markets imposes different or greater risks than those associated with foreign developed countries.
· Gold Risk: The price of gold may be volatile, and gold-related ETFs may be highly sensitive to the price of gold. The price of gold can be significantly affected by international monetary and political developments such as currency devaluation or revaluation, central bank movements, economic and social conditions within a country, transactional or trade imbalances, or trade or currency restrictions between countries.
· High Yield (Junk) Bond Risk: Lower-quality fixed income securities, 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.
o Defaulted Securities Risk: Repayment of defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers (including insolvent issuers or issuers in payment or covenant default, in workout or restructuring or in bankruptcy or in solvency proceedings) is subject to significant uncertainties. Investments in defaulted securities and obligations of distressed issuers are considered speculative.
· Inverse ETF Risk: Investments in inverse ETFs will prevent the Fund from participating in market-wide or sector-wide gains and may not prove to be an effective hedge. During periods of increased volatility, inverse ETFs may not perform in the manner they are designed.
· Issuer-Specific Risk: The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than those of larger issuers. The value of certain types of securities can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments.
· Management Risk: The Adviser’s judgment about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes and securities in which the Fund invests (long or short) may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.
· Market Risk: Overall securities and derivatives market risks may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests. Factors such as domestic and foreign economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities and derivatives markets. When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.
· Portfolio Turnover Risk: A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs.
· Small and Medium Capitalization Risk: The value of small or medium capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
· Sovereign Debt Risk: The issuer of the foreign debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. The market prices of sovereign debt, and the Fund’s net asset value, may be more volatile than prices of U.S. debt obligations and certain emerging markets may encounter difficulties in servicing their debt obligations.
· U.S. Government Obligations Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not
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be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Fund may be subject to such risk to the extent it invests in securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises.

 

Performance: The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s Class A shares for each full calendar year since the Fund’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based market index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Although Class C and Class I shares would have similar returns to Class A shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for Class C and Class I shares would be different from Class A shares because Class C and Class I shares have different expenses than Class A shares. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com or by calling 1-888-985-9830.

 

Class A Performance Bar Chart For Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

 

 

 

Best Quarter: 6/30/2014 3.42%
Worst Quarter: 9/30/2015 (6.55)%

 

The year-to-date total return of the Fund’s Class A shares as of June 30, 2017, was 2.85%.

 

 

Performance Table

Average Annual Total Returns

(For periods ended December 31, 2016)

 

 

One

Year

Since Inception

(6-3-13)

Class A shares    
Return before taxes (1.10)% 0.03%
Return after taxes on distributions (1.12)% (0.49)%
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares (0.61)% (0.20)%
Class C shares    
Return before taxes 4.09% 1.01%
Class I shares    
Return before taxes 5.10% 1.92%
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Dow Jones Moderate Portfolio Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

7.67% 5.44%

Morningstar Global Flexible Allocation AW

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

5.90% 2.77%

 

After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Adviser: Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”).

 

Portfolio Managers: R. Sean McCurry is the Managing Member and President of the Adviser and Paul Carroll is the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Each has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since it commenced operations in 2013.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,000 for investors in Class A and Class C shares of the Fund. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000,000 for investors in Class I shares of the Fund. The minimum subsequent investment is $500 for Class A and Class C shares of the Fund. The minimum subsequent investment is $5,000 for Class I shares of the Fund.

 

Tax Information: Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash, are taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates unless you are investing through a tax-deferred plan such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. However, these dividend and capital gain distributions may be taxable upon their eventual withdrawal from tax-deferred plans.

 

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.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

 

Investment Objective:

 

The Fund seeks high total return with reasonable risk. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Trust’s Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.

 

Principal Investment Strategies:

 

The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, in ETFs that may invest in all major asset classes including, but not limited to, foreign and domestic (i) equity securities of all market capitalizations, (ii) fixed income securities of any credit quality, (iii) commodities, (iv) derivatives and (v) cash. The Fund intends to generally invest in a mix of asset classes with an emphasis on equity and fixed income securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of the Fund’s assets in commodity-based ETFs. There is no limit on the amount of fund assets that may be invested in the other asset classes. The equity ETFS in which the Fund invests may include inverse ETFs. The Fund may also invest in cash and cash equivalents directly. The foreign securities held by the underlying ETFs may include those in emerging markets.

 

The Fund’s adviser uses signals that come from models developed by W.E. Sherman & Co. to determine the Fund’s allocations. The process for each model is described in more detail below. The Fund’s assets are allocated equally among the five models.

 

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Bull/Calendar: On a daily basis, the expected market trend for domestic equities is examined using the Bull/Bear Indicator. The Bull-Bear Indicator is constructed from measurements of market analytics, and is intended to reveal the relationship of supply and demand for a longer-term timeframe of typically 6 months or more under normal market conditions. The Bull-Bear Indicator uses market analytics such as: up/down volume ratio (ratio of how much of an equity security’s trading volume for the day was during periods when the securities price was up versus when it was down); ratio of new 52 week highs to new 52 week lows; and advance/decline ratio (ratio all equity securities that increased in value for the day to those that decreased in value).

 

If the Bull/Bear Indicator is in Bull status (domestic equities are trending upward), then assets allocated to this model are invested in equities. If the Bull/Bear Indicator is in Bear status (domestic equities are trending downward), then assets allocated to this model are invested in cash and/or cash equivalents except during periods that have historically shown a high probability of profit when invested in domestic equities based on closing price of S&P 500 over the history of the S&P 500, which are typically at the beginning and end of calendar months and shortly before holidays.

 

Risk Managed Gold: On a weekly basis, the Gold Trend Strength Indicator is calculated. The Gold Trend Strength Indicator is calculated based on an algorithm that examines the stability of the trend in the price of gold. The Gold Trend Strength Indicator is either positive (stability is improving) or negative (stability is weakening). When the value is positive, assets allocated to this model are invested in gold based ETFs. When the value is negative, assets allocated to this model are invested in either domestic equity securities or fixed income securities.

 

When the value of the Gold Trend Strength Indicator is negative, the Adviser determines whether to invest in equity securities or fixed income securities by using the quarterly trend indicator, which analyzes the closing prices of foreign and domestic equity securities to determine the trend in equity securities. If the quarterly trend indicates that foreign or domestic equities are trending upward, the assets allocated to this model are invested in equities. If the quarterly trend indicates that foreign and domestic equities are trending downward, the assets allocated to this model are invested in fixed income securities.

 

Policy Portfolio Level 5: The assets allocated to this model are equally divided among four subcategories of equity securities (domestic equities, foreign equities, real estate such as REITs, and companies in resources & materials industries (e.g. chemicals, metals, mining, construction materials)). On a daily basis, the expected market trend for the four subcategories of equity securities is examined using the Bull/Bear Indicator. Each asset class has its own Bull/Bear Trend Indicator. The Bull/Bear Trend Indicator is constructed as described above. If the Bull/Bear Indicator is in Bull Status for a given asset class (asset class is trending upward), then the assets allocated to that asset class within this model will be invested in that asset class. If the Bull/Bear Indicator is in Bear Status for a given asset class (asset class is trending downward), then the assets allocated to that asset class within this model will be invested in cash and/or cash alternatives until the Bull/Bear Indicator changes back to Bull.

 

Sector Long Short: On a daily basis, the expected market trend for domestic equities is examined using the Short-Term Indicator. The Short-Term Indicator is constructed by examining sector analytics within 36 sub-sectors of the US market, and is intended to reveal the relationship of supply and demand for a short-term timeframe of typically 6 weeks to 6 months under normal market conditions. The Short-Term Indicator examines sector analytics, which includes looking at the number of sectors experiencing an uptrend in value versus those experiencing a downtrend in value as compared to the same ratio during the prior period.

 

If the Short-Term Indictor is positive (domestic equities are trending upward), then assets allocated to this model are invested in equity securities. The sector component half of this model may be invested in fixed income sectors even when the Short-Term Indicator is positive if the quarterly trend indicator is negative. If the Short-Term Indicator is negative (domestic equities are trending downward), the assets allocated to this model are invested in an ETF that is the inverse of the S&P 500.

 

Multi-Sector Bond: On a quarterly basis, 18 bond sectors are ranked using the Multi-Sector Bond ranking methodology. The Multi-Sector Bond ranking methodology measures a variety of performance characteristics and then ranks bond sectors accordingly. The performance characteristics measured include, but are not limited to, performance over four timeframes, performance on “market-up” days vs. performance on “market-down” days, and nearness to 52 week highs. Assets allocated to this model are invested equally in each of the 2 nd , 3 rd ,

6  
 

and 4 th ranked bond sectors. The top ranked bond sector is bypassed to avoid the tendency for it to be overbought in the short term, which is frequently experienced by the top ranked bond sector.

 

After the models determine the asset classes for allocation, the Adviser picks the ETFs in that asset class in which to invest based on several factors including, but not limited to, relative strength rankings, fundamental analysis of the ETF methodology, fiduciary score analysis.

 

Principal Investment Risks:

 

Unless otherwise noted, the following risks may apply to the Fund’s indirect investments investing in ETFs. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance corporation or any other government agency.

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relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the underlying ETF. The use of leverage may also cause the underlying ETF 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 underlying ETF’s potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on share price. Because option premiums paid or received are small in relation to the market value of the investments underlying the options, buying and selling put and call options can be more speculative than investing directly in securities.

· Equity Risk: The net asset value of the Fund will fluctuate based on changes in the value of the equity securities held by the Fund or Underlying Funds that invest in U.S. and/or foreign equity securities. Equity prices can fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, or to changing economic, political or market conditions.
· ETF Risk: ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. ETFs are listed on national stock exchanges and are traded like stocks listed on an exchange. ETF shares may trade at a discount or a premium in market price if there is a limited market in such shares. ETFs are also subject to brokerage and other trading costs, which could result in greater expenses to the Fund. ETFs may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the value of the ETFs. Finally, because the value of ETF shares depends on the demand in the market, the Adviser may not be able to liquidate the Fund’s holdings at the most optimal time, adversely affecting performance.

You will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the ETFs in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Additional risks of investing in ETFs are described below:

o Strategy Risk: Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETF. These risks could include liquidity risk, sector risk as well as risks associated with fixed-income securities.
o Net Asset Value and Market Price Risk: The market value of the ETF shares may differ from their net asset value. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF share trades at a premium or discount to its net asset value.
o Net Asset Value and Value of Underlying Securities Risk: The market price of the ETF shares may also deviate from the value of their underlying holdings particularly during times of market stress, so, as a result, investors in the ETF may receive significantly more or significantly less than the value of its underlying securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF share trades at a premium or discount to its net asset value. An active trading market for shares of an ETF may not develop or be maintained, and, at times, of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders. This could, in turn, lead to variances between the market price of the ETF shares and the value of its underlying securities. Where all or a part of an ETF’s underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market is which the ETF shares are listed and traded is open, there may be changes between the last quote from its closed foreign market and the value of such securities during the ETF’s domestic trading day. Please note that this could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF shares and the value of the underlying securities.
o Tracking Risk: Investment in a Fund should be made with the understanding that the ETFs in which a Fund invests will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, the ETFs in which a Fund invests will incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising the indices tracked by the ETFs, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede the ability to
8  
 

track the applicable indices.

· High Yield (Junk) Bond Risk: Lower-quality fixed income securities, 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.
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· Inverse ETF Risk: Investing in inverse ETFs may result in increased volatility due to the fund’s possible use of short sales of securities and derivatives such as options and futures. The use of leverage by an ETF increases risk to the Fund. The more a fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. During periods of increased volatility, inverse ETFs may not perform in the manner they are designed.
· Issuer-Specific Risk: The value of a specific security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than those of larger issuers. The value of certain types of securities can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments.
· U.S. Government Obligations Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Fund may be subject to such risk to the extent it invests in securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises.

 

Temporary Investments: To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because shareholders will pay the fees and expenses of the Fund and, indirectly, the fees and expenses of the underlying money market funds. The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.

 

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure: A description of the Fund’s policies regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

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Cybersecurity: The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Fund and its 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 Fund and its service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. The 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 the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of the 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 Fund invests; counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the 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: Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, 620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104, Springfield, MO 65807, serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Subject to the authority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for management of the Fund’s investment portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for assuring that investments are made according to the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Adviser was established in 2007 for the purpose of advising individuals and institutions. As of March 31, 2017, the Adviser had approximately $245 million in assets under management.

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and to make payments to limit Fund expenses, at least until July 31, 2018, so that the total annual operating expenses (but not including any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes; and 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)) of the Fund do not exceed 1.49% of average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, 2.24% of average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares and 1.24% of average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits or within the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment, whichever is lower. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. A discussion regarding the basis for the Trust’s Board of Trustees’ approval of the advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s September 30, 2016 semi-annual report to shareholders. For the most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Fund incurred advisory fees totaling of 0.51% of its average net assets, after waiver.

 

Portfolio Managers: The Fund is managed on a day to day basis by R. Sean McCurry and Paul Carroll. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in the Fund.

 

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R. Sean McCurry has been the Managing Member and President of the Adviser since 2008. Mr. McCurry also previously served as a Financial Adviser and Branch Manager for Raymond James Financial Services from January 1999 to December 2007.

 

Paul Carroll has been the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Compliance officer of the Adviser since 2008. Mr. Carroll also served as a Financial Adviser for Raymond James Financial Services from December 2005 to November 2008.

 

HOW SHARES ARE PRICED

 

The net asset value (“NAV”) and offering price (NAV plus any applicable sales charges) of the Fund’s shares is determined at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. NAV is computed by determining the aggregate market value of all assets of the 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 the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for a share class 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, the 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 in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used. In these cases, the Fund’s NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair value rather than their market price. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is 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 the 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 Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which 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 the 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 Fund values foreign securities held by the 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 the Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before the 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 the Fund calculates its NAV, the Adviser may need to price the security using the Fund’s 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 the 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 the Fund’s

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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 the Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, the 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.

 

 

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

 

Share Classes

 

This Prospectus describes three classes of shares offered by the Fund: Class A, Class C and Class I. The Fund offers these three classes of shares so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. Refer to the information below so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. The main differences between each class are sales charges, ongoing fees and minimum investment. For information on ongoing distribution fees, see Distribution Fees on page 21 of this Prospectus. Each class of shares in the Fund represents interest in the same portfolio of investments within the Fund. There is no investment minimum on reinvested distributions and the Fund may change investment minimums at any time. The Fund reserves the right to waive sales charges, as described below. The Fund and the Adviser may each waive investment minimums at their individual discretion. Not all share classes may be available for purchase in all states.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Share Class

 

When deciding which class of shares of the Fund to purchase, you should consider your investment goals, present and future amounts you may invest in the Fund, and the length of time you intend to hold your shares. To help you make a determination as to which class of shares to buy, please refer back to the examples of the Fund’s expenses over time in the Fees and Expenses of the Fund section for the Fund in this Prospectus. You also may wish to consult with your financial adviser for advice with regard to which share class would be most appropriate for you.

 

Class A Shares

 

Class A shares are offered at their public offering price, which is NAV plus the applicable sales charge and is subject to 12b-1 distribution fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A shares. The minimum initial investment in Class A shares of the Fund is $2,000 for all accounts. The minimum subsequent investment in Class A shares of the Fund is $500 for all accounts. A 5.75% sales charge applies to your purchase of Class A shares of the Fund. There are no sales charges on reinvested distributions.

 

Amount Invested Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price Sales Charge as a % of Amount Invested

Dealer

Reallowance

Under $25,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$25,000 to $49,999 5.00% 5.26% 4.25%
$50,000 to $99,999 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$100,000 to $249,999 3.75% 3.83% 3.25%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and above 1.00% 1.01% 1.00%

 

How to Reduce Your Sales Charge - You may be eligible to purchase Class A shares at a reduced sales charge. To qualify for these reductions, you must notify the Fund's distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the "distributor"), in writing and supply your account number at the time of purchase. You may combine your

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purchase with those of your "immediate family" (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) for purposes of determining eligibility. If applicable, you will need to provide the account numbers of your spouse and your minor children as well as the ages of your minor children.

 

Rights of Accumulation - To qualify for the lower sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases of Class A shares, you may combine your new purchases of Class A shares with Class A shares of the Fund that you already own. The applicable initial sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current value of all other Class A shares that you own. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases and must be requested in writing when you buy your shares.

 

Shares of the Fund held as follows cannot be combined with your current purchase for purposes of reduced sales charges:

 

· Shares held indirectly through financial intermediaries other than your current purchase broker-dealer (for example, a different broker-dealer, a bank, a separate insurance company account or an investment adviser);
· Shares held through an administrator or trustee/custodian of an Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (for example, a 401(k) plan) other than employer-sponsored IRAs; and
· Shares held directly in the Fund account on which the broker-dealer (financial adviser) of record is different than your current purchase broker-dealer.

Letters of Intent - Under a Letter of Intent ("LOI"), you commit to purchase a specified dollar amount of Class A shares of the Fund, with a minimum of $25,000, during a 13-month period. The 13-month period begins upon the date of the LOI. At your written request, Class A shares purchases made during the 90 days prior to LOI may be included. The amount you agree to purchase determines the initial sales charge you pay. If the full-face amount of the LOI is not invested by the end of the 13-month period, your account will be adjusted to the higher initial sales charge level for the amount actually invested. You are not legally bound by the terms of your LOI to purchase the amount of your shares stated in the LOI. The LOI does, however, authorize the Fund to hold in escrow 5% of the total amount you intend to purchase. If you do not complete the total intended purchase at the end of the 13-month period, the Fund's transfer agent will redeem the necessary portion of the escrowed shares to make up the difference between the reduced rate sales charge (based on the amount you intended to purchase) and the sales charge that would normally apply (based on the actual amount you purchased).

 

Repurchase of Class A Shares - If you have redeemed Class A shares of the Fund within the past 120 days, you may repurchase an equivalent amount of Class A shares of the Fund at NAV, without the normal front-end sales charge. In effect, this allows you to reacquire shares that you may have had to redeem, without repaying the front-end sales charge. You may exercise this privilege only once and must notify the Fund that you intend to do so in writing. The Fund must receive your purchase order within 120 days of your redemption. Note that if you reacquire shares through separate installments (e.g., through monthly or quarterly repurchases), the sales charge waiver will only apply to those portions of your repurchase order received within 120 days of your redemption. The redemption and repurchase of Fund shares may still result in a tax liability for federal income tax purposes.

 

Sales Charge Waivers

 

The sales charge on purchases of Class A shares is waived for certain types of investors, including:

· Current and retired directors and officers of the Fund sponsored by the adviser or any of its subsidiaries, their families ( e.g. , spouse, children, mother or father) and any purchases referred through the adviser.
· Employees of the adviser and their families, or any full-time employee or registered representative of the distributor or of broker-dealers having dealer agreements with the distributor (a “Selling Broker”) and their immediate families (or any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons).
· Any full-time employee of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other financial institution that utilizes a Selling Broker to clear purchases of the fund’s shares and their immediate families.
· Participants in certain “wrap-fee” or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored
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by broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the distributor.

· Clients of financial intermediaries that have entered into arrangements with the distributor providing for the shares to be used in particular investment products made available to such clients and for which such registered investment advisers may charge a separate fee.
· Institutional investors (which may include bank trust departments and registered investment advisers).
· Any accounts established on behalf of registered investment advisers or their clients by broker-dealers that charge a transaction fee and that have entered into agreements with the distributor.
· Separate accounts used to fund certain unregistered variable annuity contracts or Section 403(b) or 401(a) or (k) accounts.
· Employer-sponsored retirement or benefit plans with total plan assets in excess of $5 million where the plan’s investments in the Fund are part of an omnibus account. A minimum initial investment of $1 million in the Fund is required. The distributor in its sole discretion may waive these minimum dollar requirements.
· Individuals reinvesting proceeds from the sale of shares of affiliated where those shares were subject to a front-end sales charge (sometimes called an “NAV transfer”).

 

The Fund does not waive sales charges for the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of shares of an unaffiliated fund where those shares were subject to a front-end sales charge.

 

Class C Shares

 

Class C shares of the Funds are offered at their NAV without an initial sales charge. This means that 100% of your initial investment is placed into shares of the Fund. Class C shares pay 1.00% on an annualized basis of their average daily net assets as reimbursement or compensation for service and distribution related activities with respect to the Fund and/or shareholder services (also known as “12b-1 fees”). Over time, fees paid under this distribution and service plan will increase the cost of a Class C shareholder’s investment and may cost more than other types of sales charges.

 

Class I Shares

 

Class I shares of the Fund are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge and are not subject to 12b-1 distribution fees. This means that 100% of your initial investment is placed into shares of the Fund. Class I shares require a minimum initial investment of $1,000,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $5,000.

 

You may purchase shares of the Fund by sending a completed application form to the following address:

 

Regular Mail

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

PO Box 541150

Omaha, Nebraska 68154

 

Express/Overnight Mail

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska 68130

 

The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions, including the Fund, to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money-laundering activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new accounts. As requested on the Application, you should supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing a P.O. Box will not be accepted. This information will assist the Fund in verifying your identity. Until such verification is made, the Fund may temporarily limit additional share purchases. In addition, the Fund may limit additional share purchases or close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder’s identity. As required by law, the Fund may employ various procedures, such as comparing the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct.

 

Purchase through Brokers: You may invest in the Fund through brokers or agents who have entered into selling agreements with the Fund’s distributor. The brokers and agents are authorized to receive purchase and

15  
 

redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a brokers authorized designee receives the order. The broker or agent may set their own initial and subsequent investment minimums. You may be charged a fee if you use a broker or agent to buy or redeem shares of the Fund. Finally, various servicing agents use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund. You should carefully read the program materials provided to you by your servicing agent.

 

Purchase by Wire: If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Fund, please call the Fund at
1-888-985-9830 for wiring instructions and to notify the Fund that a wire transfer is coming. Any commercial bank can transfer same-day funds via wire. The Fund will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by the Fund’s designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds.

 

Transactions through www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com: You may purchase the Fund’s shares and redeem the Fund’s shares through the website www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com. To establish Internet transaction privileges you must enroll through the website. You automatically have the ability to establish Internet transaction privileges unless you decline the privileges on your New Account Application or IRA Application. You will be required to enter into a user’s agreement through the website in order to enroll in these privileges. In order to conduct Internet transactions, you must have telephone transaction privileges. To purchase shares through the website you must also have ACH instructions on your account.

 

Redemption proceeds may be sent to you by check to the address of record, or if your account has existing bank information, by wire or ACH. Only bank accounts held at domestic financial institutions that are ACH members can be used for transactions through the website. Transactions through the website are subject to the same minimums as other transaction methods.

 

You should be aware that the Internet is an unsecured, unstable, unregulated and unpredictable environment. Your ability to use the website for transactions is dependent upon the Internet and equipment, software, systems, data and services provided by various vendors and third parties. While the Fund and its service providers have established certain security procedures, the Fund, its distributor and its transfer agent cannot assure you that trading information will be completely secure.

 

There may also be delays, malfunctions, or other inconveniences generally associated with this medium. There also may be times when the website is unavailable for Fund transactions or other purposes. Should this happen, you should consider purchasing or redeeming shares by another method. Neither the Fund nor its transfer agent, distributor nor adviser will be liable for any such delays or malfunctions or unauthorized interception or access to communications or account information.

 

Automatic Investment Plan: You may participate in the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money from your bank account and invests it in the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers or automatic bank drafts. You may elect to make subsequent investments by transfers of a minimum of $50 on specified days of each month into your established Fund account. Please contact the Fund at 1-888-985-9830 for more information about the Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan.

 

The Fund, however, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any application to purchase shares. Applications will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a check drawn on a U.S. bank, thrift institutions, or credit union in U.S. funds for the full amount of the shares to be purchased. After you open an account, you may purchase additional shares by internet or by sending a check together with written instructions stating the name(s) on the account and the account number, to the above address. Make all checks payable to “Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund.” The Fund will not accept payment in cash, including cashier’s checks or money orders. Also, to prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, U.S. Treasury checks, credit cards, including credit card checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Note: Gemini Fund Services, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any check returned to the transfer agent for insufficient funds.

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When Order is Processed: All shares will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after the Fund receives your application or request in good order. All requests received in good order by the Fund before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be processed on that same day. Requests received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed on the next business day.

 

Good Order: When making a purchase request, make sure your request is in good order. “Good order” means your purchase request includes:

  • the name of the Fund and share class;
  • the dollar amount of shares to be purchased;
  • a completed purchase application or investment stub; and

·          check payable to the “Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund.”

 

Retirement Plans: You may purchase shares of the Fund for your individual retirement plans. Please call the Fund at 1-888-985-9830 for the most current listing and appropriate disclosure documentation on how to open a retirement account.

 

 

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

 

Redeeming Shares: You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to:

 

Regular Mail

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

PO Box 541150

Omaha, Nebraska 68154

 

Express/Overnight Mail

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska 68130

 

The Fund typically expects to pay redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, and then from the sale of portfolio securities. These redemption payment methods will be used in regular and stressed market conditions.

 

Redemptions by Telephone: The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts except retirement accounts. If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the Fund and instruct it to remove this privilege from your account.

 

The proceeds will be sent by mail to the address designated on your account or wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated on your application. To redeem by telephone, call 1-888-985-9830. The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of your telephone instructions. IRA accounts are not redeemable by telephone.

 

The Fund reserves the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days. Neither the Fund, the transfer agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any loss, damage, cost or expenses in acting on such telephone instructions and you will be required to bear the risk of any such loss. The Fund or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If the Fund and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions and/or tape recording telephone instructions.

 

Redemptions through Broker: If shares of the Fund are held by a broker-dealer, financial institution or other servicing agent, you must contact that servicing agent to redeem shares of the Fund. The servicing agent may charge a fee for this service.

 

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Redemptions by Wire: You may request that your redemption proceeds be wired directly to your bank account. The Fund’s transfer agent imposes a $15 fee for each wire redemption and deducts the fee directly from your account. Your bank may also impose a fee for the incoming wire.

 

Automatic Withdrawal Plan: If your individual accounts, IRA or other qualified plan account have a current account value of at least $10,000, you may participate in the Fund’s Automatic Withdrawal Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money to your bank account from the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers. You may elect to make subsequent withdrawals by transfers of a minimum of $50 on specified days of each month into your established bank account. Please contact the Fund at 1-888-985-9830 for more information about the Fund’s Automatic Withdrawal Plan.

 

Redemptions in Kind: The Fund reserves the right to honor requests for redemption or repurchase orders by making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities (“redemption in kind”) if the amount is greater than the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s assets. The securities will be chosen by the Fund and valued under the Fund’s net asset value procedures. A shareholder will be exposed to market risk until these securities are converted to cash and may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash.

 

When Redemptions are Sent: Once the Fund receives your redemption request in “good order” as described below, it will issue a check based on the next determined NAV following your redemption request. The redemption proceeds normally will be sent by mail or by wire within three business days after receipt of a request in “good order.” If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, your redemption proceeds will not be sent until the check used for your purchase has cleared your bank.

 

Good Order: Your redemption request will be processed if it is in “good order.” To be in good order, the following conditions must be satisfied:

·          The request should be in writing, unless redeeming by telephone, indicating the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed;

·          The request must identify your account number;

·          The request should be signed by you and any other person listed on the account, exactly as the shares are registered; and

·          If you request that the redemption proceeds be sent to a person, bank or an address other than that of record or paid to someone other than the record owner(s), or if the address was changed within the last 30 days, or if the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000, the signature(s) on the request must be medallion signature guaranteed by an eligible signature guarantor.

 

Redemption Fee: The Fund will deduct a 1.00% redemption fee on your redemption amount if you sell your shares within 60 days of purchase. Shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last. Shares held for 60 days or more are not subject to the 1.00% fee. Redemption fees are paid to the Fund directly and are designed to offset costs associated with fluctuations in Fund asset levels and cash flow caused by short-term shareholder trading.

 

Waivers of Redemption Fees: The Fund has elected not to impose the redemption fee for:

· redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions;
· certain types of redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares owned through participant-directed retirement plans;
· redemptions or exchanges in discretionary asset allocation, fee based or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor/financial adviser as part of a periodic rebalancing;
· redemptions or exchanges in a fee based or wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan;
· involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Fund, or to pay shareholder fees; or
· other types of redemptions as the Adviser or the Trust may determine in special situations and approved by the Fund’s or the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer.

 

18  
 

When You Need Medallion Signature Guarantees: If you wish to change the bank or brokerage account that you have designated on your account, you may do so at any time by writing to the Fund with your signature guaranteed. A medallion signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine and protects you from unauthorized account transfers. You will need your signature guaranteed if:

· you request a redemption to be made payable to a person not on record with the Fund;
· you request that a redemption be mailed to an address other than that on record with the Fund;
· the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000;
· any redemption is transmitted by federal wire transfer to a bank other than the bank of record; or
· your address was changed within 30 days of your redemption request.

 

Signatures may be guaranteed by any eligible guarantor institution (including banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations). Further documentation will be required to change the designated account if shares are held by a corporation, fiduciary or other organization. A notary public cannot guarantee signatures.

 

Retirement Plans: If you own an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption request whether the Fund should withhold federal income tax. Unless you elect in your redemption request that you do not want to have federal tax withheld, the redemption will be subject to withholding.

 

Low Balances: If at any time your account balance in the Fund falls below $250, the Fund may notify you that, unless the account is brought up to at least $250 within 60 days of the notice; your account could be closed. After the notice period, the Fund may redeem all of your shares and close your account by sending you a check to the address of record. Your account will not be closed if the account balance drops below $250 due to a decline in NAV.

 

 

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

 

The Fund discourages and does not accommodate market timing. Frequent trading into and out of the Fund can harm all Fund shareholders by disrupting the Fund’s investment strategies, increasing Fund expenses, decreasing tax efficiency and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Fund is designed for long-term investors and is not intended for market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Accordingly, the Trust’s Board has approved policies that seek to curb these disruptive activities while recognizing that shareholders may have a legitimate need to adjust their Fund investments as their financial needs or circumstances change. The Fund currently uses several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include, but are not limited to:

· Committing staff to review, on a continuing basis, recent trading activity in order to identify trading activity that may be contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy; and
· Assessing a 1% redemption fee for shares held less than 60 days after purchase.

 

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Fund seeks to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

Based on the frequency of redemptions in your account, the Adviser or transfer agent may in its sole discretion determine that your trading activity is detrimental to the Fund as described in the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy and elect to (i) reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future purchases into the Fund and/or (ii) reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future exchanges or redemptions out of the Fund.

 

The Fund reserves the right to reject or restrict purchase requests for any reason, particularly when the shareholder’s trading activity suggests that the shareholder may be engaged in market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable for any losses resulting from rejected purchase orders. The Adviser may also bar an investor who has violated these policies (and the investor’s financial adviser) from opening new accounts with the Fund.

 

Although the Fund attempts to limit disruptive trading activities, some investors use a variety of strategies to hide their identities and their trading practices. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will be able to identify or limit these

19  
 

activities. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Fund. While the Fund will encourage financial intermediaries to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers who invest indirectly in the Fund, the Fund is limited in its ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy with respect to customers of financial intermediaries. For example, should it occur, the Fund may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the omnibus accounts used by those intermediaries for aggregated purchases, exchanges and redemptions on behalf of all their customers. More specifically, unless the financial intermediaries have the ability to apply the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing, the Fund may not be able to determine whether trading by customers of financial intermediaries is contrary to the Fund’s Market Timing Trading Policy. Brokers maintaining omnibus accounts with the Fund have agreed to provide shareholder transaction information to the extent known to the broker to the Fund upon request. If the Fund or its transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent suspects there is market timing activity in the account, the Fund will seek full cooperation from the service provider maintaining the account to identify the underlying participant. At the request of the Adviser, the service providers may take immediate action to stop any further short-term trading by such participants.

 

 

TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Any sale or exchange of the Fund’s shares may generate tax liability (unless you are a tax-exempt investor or your investment is in a qualified retirement account). When you redeem your shares you may realize a taxable gain or loss. This is measured by the difference between the proceeds of the sale and the tax basis for the shares you sold. (To aid in computing your tax basis, you generally should retain your account statements for the period that you hold shares in the Fund.)

 

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains annually in December. Both distributions will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive cash. Dividends from net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of your holding period for the shares. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash. Certain dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December will be taxed to shareholders as if received in December if they are paid during the following January. Each year the Fund will inform you of the amount and type of your distributions. IRAs and other qualified retirement plans are exempt from federal income taxation until retirement proceeds are paid out to the participant.

 

Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the amount you receive when you sell them.

 

On the account application, you will be asked to certify that your social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the IRS. If you are subject to backup withholding or you did not certify your taxpayer identification number, the IRS requires the Fund to withhold a percentage of any dividend, redemption or exchange proceeds. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application that does not include a certified social security or taxpayer identification number. If you do not have a social security number, you should indicate on the purchase form that your application to obtain a number is pending. The Fund is required to withhold taxes if a number is not delivered to the Fund within seven days.

 

This summary is not intended to be and should not be construed to be legal or tax advice. You should consult your own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences of owning the Fund’s shares.

 

 

20  
 

 

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES

 

Distributor: Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund. Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis.

 

Distribution Fees: The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan for Class A shares and Class C shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (each a “Plan” and collectively, the “Plans”), pursuant to which the Fund pays the Fund’s distributor an annual fee for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares and 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares. Class I shares do not have a Plan. 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.

 

The Fund’s distributor and other entities are paid under the Plan for services provided and the expenses borne by the distributor and others in the distribution of Fund shares, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares and incentive compensation to and expenses of dealers and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of the Fund’s shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the distributor or other entities may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan to compensate dealers or other entities for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any un-reimbursed expenses.

 

Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries: The Fund’s distributor, its affiliates, and the Fund’s adviser and its affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets including their legitimate profits from Fund-related activities, provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund or assist in the marketing of the Fund. Financial intermediaries include brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others. These payments may be in addition to the Rule 12b-1 fees and any sales charges that are disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus. These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support. Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs. These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders. The distributor may, from time to time, provide promotional incentives to certain investment firms. Such incentives may, at the distributor’s discretion, be limited to investment firms who allow their individual selling representatives to participate in such additional compensation.

 

Householding: To reduce expenses, the Fund mails only one copy of a 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 Fund at 1-888-985-9830 on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. The Fund will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

21  
 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been derived from the financial statements audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd., whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s March 31, 2017 annual report, which is available at no charge upon request.

 

 

PINNACLE SHERMAN TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND

 

Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Period Ended  
Class A   March 31, 2017     March 31, 2016     March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014 (1)  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 9.96     $ 10.78     $ 10.81     $ 10.00  
                           
Activity from investment operations:                                
Net investment income (loss) (2)     0.04       0.02       0.04       (0.02 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     0.32       (0.66 )     0.08       0.96  
Total from investment operations     0.36       (0.64 )     0.12       0.94  
                           
Less distributions from:                                
Net investment income     (0.01 )           (0.03 )     (0.01 )
Net realized gains           (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.12 )
Total distributions     (0.01 )     (0.18 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )
Paid-in-Capital From Redemption Fees     0.00  (8)           0.00  (8)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.31     $ 9.96     $ 10.78     $ 10.81  
                           
Total return (3)     3.59 %     (5.87 )%     1.06 %     9.37 % (7)
                           
Net assets, at end of period (000s)   $ 19,051     $ 4,916     $ 5,411     $ 4,154  
                           
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4)(6)     1.98 %     2.90 %     2.71 %     4.36 % (5)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (6)     1.49 %     1.49 %     1.49 %     1.49 % (5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (6)     0.36 %     0.22 %     0.34 %     (0.21 )% (5)
Portfolio Turnover Rate     422 %     611 %     704 %     372 % (7)
                                                           

 

 

  (1) The Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund’s Class A shares commenced operations on June 3, 2013.
  (2) Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.
  (3) Total returns shown are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, and exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees. Had the Adviser not waived a portion of its expenses, total returns would have been lower.
  (4) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
  (5) Annualized.
  (6) Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests.
  (7) Not annualized.
  (8) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

22  
 

PINNACLE SHERMAN TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND

 

Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Period Ended  
Class C   March 31, 2017     March 31, 2016     March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014 (1)  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 9.80     $ 10.69     $ 10.78     $ 10.00  
                           
Activity from investment operations:                                
Net investment loss (2)     (0.03 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.07 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     0.31       (0.65 )     0.08       0.97  
Total from investment operations     0.28       (0.71 )     0.03       0.90  
                           
Less distributions from:                                
Net investment income     (0.00 ) (8)                  
Net realized gains           (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.12 )
Total distributions     (0.00 )     (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.12 )
Paid-in-Capital From Redemption Fees     0.00   (8)     0.00  (8)     0.00  (8)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.08     $ 9.80     $ 10.69     $ 10.78  
                           
Total return (3)     2.87 %     (6.58 )%     0.28 %     8.97 % (7)
                           
Net assets, at end of period (000s)   $ 4,747     $ 646     $ 711     $ 3,068  
                           
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4)(6)     2.73 %     3.65 %     3.46 %     5.11 % (5)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (6)     2.24 %     2.24 %     2.24 %     2.24 % (5)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (6)     (0.32 )%     (0.55 )%     (0.43 )%     (0.83 )% (5)
Portfolio Turnover Rate     422 %     611 %     704 %     372 % (7)

 

 

  (1) The Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund’s Class C shares commenced operations on June 3, 2013.
  (2) Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.
  (3) Total returns shown are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, and exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees. Had the Adviser not waived a portion of its expenses, total returns would have been lower.
  (4) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
  (5) Annualized.
  (6) Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests.
  (7) Not annualized.
  (8) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

23  
 

PINNACLE SHERMAN TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND

 

Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period

 

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Period Ended  
Class I     March 31, 2017     March 31, 2016     March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014 (1)  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 9.99     $ 10.80     $ 10.82     $ 10.00  
                         
Activity from investment operations:                                
Net investment income (2)     0.06       0.05       0.06       0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     0.33       (0.68 )     0.09       0.95  
Total from investment operations     0.39       (0.63 )     0.15       0.96  
                         
Less distributions from:                                
Net investment income     (0.02 )     (0.00 ) (8)     (0.05 )     (0.02 )
Net realized gains           (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.12 )
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (0.18 )     (0.17 )     (0.14 )
Paid-in-Capital From Redemption Fees     0.00  (8)     0.00  (8)     0.00  (8)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.36     $ 9.99     $ 10.80     $ 10.82  
                         
Total return (3)     3.86 %     (5.74 )%     1.36 %     9.58 % (7)
                         
Net assets, at end of period (000s)   $ 11,505     $ 5,742     $ 4,002     $ 4,444  
                         
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4)(6)     1.73 %     2.65 %     2.46 %     4.11 % (5)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (6)     1.24 %     1.24 %     1.24 %     1.24 % (5)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (6)     0.57 %     0.48 %     0.57 %     0.10 % (5)
Portfolio Turnover Rate     422 %     611 %     704 %     372 % (7)
                                                     

 

 

  (1) The Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund’s Class I shares commenced operations on June 3, 2013.
  (2) Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.
  (3) Total returns shown are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, and exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees. Had the Adviser not waived a portion of its expenses, total returns would have been lower.
  (4) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
  (5) Annualized.
  (6) Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests.
  (7) Not annualized.
  (8) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

24  
 

Rev. February 2014


PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS

WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III 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 depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:   § Social Security number § Purchase History § Assets § Account Balances § Retirement Assets § Account Transactions § Transaction History § Wire Transfer Instructions § Checking Account Information     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 III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
       
Reasons we can share your personal information Does Northern Lights Fund Trust III share? 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 experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
   
Questions? Call (402) 493-4603
         
25  
 

 

 


 Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

 

What we do
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III 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 III collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

§   Open an account

§   Provide account information

§   Give us your contact information

§   Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

§   Make a wire transfer

§   Tell us where to send the money

§   Tells us who receives the money

§   Show your government-issued ID

§   Show your driver’s license

 

We also collect your personal information from 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 III does not share with our affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies

§   Northern Lights Fund Trust III 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 III doesn’t jointly market.

26  
 

PINNACLE SHERMAN TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND

Adviser

Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC

620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104

Springfield, MO 65807

Distributor

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC

17605 Wright Street

Omaha, NE 68130

Independent Registered Public Accountant

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

1350 Euclid Ave, Suite 800

Cleveland, OH 44115

Legal Counsel

Thompson Hine LLP

41 S. High Street, Suite 1700

Columbus, OH 43215

Custodian

MUFG Union Bank, N. A.

400 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94104

Transfer Agent

Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, NE 68130

 

Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information dated August 1, 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 Fund’s policies and management. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is also available in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its 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 Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call 1-888-985-9830 or visit www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com. You may also write to:

 

PINNACLE SHERMAN TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND

c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska 68130

 

You may review and obtain copies of the Fund’s 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 Fund 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. 20549-1520.

 

Investment Company Act File # 811-22655

 
 

 

Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund

a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III

 

Class A Shares PTAFX
Class C Shares PTCFX
Class I Shares PTIFX

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

August 1, 2017

 

 

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund (the "Fund") dated August 1, 2017, which is incorporated by reference into this SAI (i.e., legally made a part of this SAI). Copies may be obtained without charge by contacting the Fund's Transfer Agent, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68130 or by calling 1-888-985-9830. You may also obtain a prospectus by visiting the Fund's website at www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com.

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FUND 1
INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 2
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 23
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS 23
INVESTMENT ADVISER 25
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 26
ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE 27
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 28
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS 29
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 31
LEGAL COUNSEL 32
DISTRIBUTOR 32
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES 34
CODE OF ETHICS 34
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 35
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES 35
TAX STATUS 38
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM 43
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 44
MANAGEMENT 45
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 50
APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 51

 

 
 

THE FUND


 

The Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund is a diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust organized on December 5, 2011 (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 Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges. Each share of the Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each share of the Fund is entitled to participate equally with other shares, on a class-specific basis, (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable 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.

 

Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund's investment objectives, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.

 

The Fund offers three classes of shares: Class A shares, Class C shares, and Class I shares. Each share class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund, has the same rights and is identical in all material respects except that (i) each class of shares may be subject to different (or no) sales loads; (ii) each class of shares may bear different (or no) distribution fees; (iii) each class of shares may have different shareholder features, such as minimum investment amounts; (iv) certain other class-specific expenses will be borne solely by the class to which such expenses are attributable, including transfer agent fees attributable to a specific class of shares, printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials to current shareholders of a specific class, registration fees paid by a specific class of shares, the expenses of administrative personnel and services required to support the shareholders of a specific class, litigation or other legal expenses relating to a class of shares, Trustees' fees or expenses paid as a result of issues relating to a specific class of shares and accounting fees and expenses relating to a specific class of shares and (v) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its own distribution arrangements. The Trust’s Board of Trustees may classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund into additional classes of shares at a future date.

 

Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal. Shareholders can remove a Trustee to the extent provided by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders. As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of shareholders will be held unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act.

 

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INVESTMENTS AND RISKS


 

The investment objective of the Fund and the descriptions of the Fund's principal investment strategies are set forth under "Investment Objective, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks" in the Prospectus. The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.

 

The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which the Fund may invest, strategies the Adviser may employ in pursuit of the Fund's investment objective and a summary of related risks.

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities in which the Fund invests 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 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

 

The Fund may invest in preferred stock with no minimum credit rating. 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.

 

The 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.

 

Fixed Income/Debt/Bond Securities

 

Yields on fixed income securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and other fixed income securities markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. An investment in the Fund will be

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subjected to risk even if all fixed income securities in the Fund's portfolio are paid in full at maturity. All fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates or the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or ability to meet its obligations.

 

There is normally an inverse relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, an increase in interest rates produces a decrease in market value. The longer the remaining maturity (and duration) of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of fixed income securities (including municipal securities) are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obligations of municipal issuers may become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. The possibility exists, therefore, that, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.

 

The corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest include corporate bonds and notes and short-term investments such as commercial paper and variable rate demand notes. Commercial paper (short-term promissory notes) is issued by companies to finance their or their affiliate's current obligations and is frequently unsecured. Variable and floating rate demand notes are unsecured obligations typically redeemable upon not more than 30 days' notice. These obligations include master demand notes that permit investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. The issuer of these obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice. These obligations generally are not traded, nor generally is there an established secondary market for these obligations. To the extent a demand note does not have a 7-day or shorter demand feature and there is no readily available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.

 

The Fund may invest in debt securities, including non-investment grade debt securities. The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:

 

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

 

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Credit Risk. Fixed income securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

 

Extension Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e., interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

 

Prepayment Risk. Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.

 

Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund.

 

At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will cause the Fund to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

 

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.

 

The Fund may invest in 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. The Fund may purchase bank obligations that are 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.

 

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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.

 

Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes

 

The Fund may invest in fixed time deposits, whether or not subject to withdrawal penalties. The commercial paper obligations, which the Fund may buy are unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between the Fund as Lender, and the issuer, as borrower. It permits daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The Fund 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 lending arrangements between the 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 Fund's 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 the Fund's investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer on demand within seven days.

 

Commercial Paper

 

The Fund may purchase 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 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.

 

 

 

 

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Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as the 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 the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to the Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to the 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 the 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, the 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 the 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.

 

High Yield Securities

 

The Fund may invest in high yield securities. High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Ba1 or lower by Moody's). Other terms used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "non-investment grade bonds," "below investment grade bonds," and "junk bonds." These securities are considered to be high-risk investments. The risks include the following:

 

Greater Risk of Loss. These securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed, or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, the Fund would experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments.

 

Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes. The income and market value of lower-rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Although non-investment grade securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment grade securities, non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower-rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn. For example, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the default rate for high yield securities was significantly higher than in the prior or subsequent years.

 

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Valuation Difficulties. It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer's financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, the lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on judgment than is the case with higher rated securities.

 

Liquidity. There may be no established secondary or public market for investments in lower rated securities. Such securities are frequently traded in markets that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower-rated securities at times. As a result, the Fund may be required to sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely when an issuer's financial condition is deteriorating.

 

Credit Quality. Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.

 

New Legislation. Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980's, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on the Fund's investments in lower rated securities.

 

High yield, high risk investments may include the following:

 

Straight fixed-income debt securities. These include bonds and other debt obligations that bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date. The particular terms of such securities vary and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.

 

Zero-coupon debt securities. These bear no interest obligation but are issued at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.

 

Zero-fixed-coupon debt securities. These are zero-coupon debt securities that convert on a specified date to interest-bearing debt securities.

 

Pay-in-kind bonds. These are bonds which allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. These are bonds sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), usually to a relatively small number of institutional investors.

 

Convertible Securities. These are bonds or preferred stock that may be converted to common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. These are stocks that generally pay a dividend at a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation.

 

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Loan Participations and Assignments. These are participations in, or assignments of all or a portion of loans to corporations or to governments, including governments of less developed countries ("LDCs").

 

Securities issued in connection with Reorganizations and Corporate Restructurings. In connection with reorganizing or restructuring of an issuer, an issuer may issue common stock or other securities to holders of its debt securities. The Fund may hold such common stock and other securities even if it does not invest in such securities.

 

Municipal Government Obligations

 

In general, municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Certain types of municipal obligations are issued in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or projects. Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, industrial development bonds, notes and municipal lease obligations. Municipal obligations also include additional obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, which may become available in the future as long as the Board of the Fund determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. Municipal obligations may be fully or partially backed by local government, the credit of a private issuer, current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance.

 

Bonds and Notes. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source. Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of state, regional and local governments. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes and similar instruments.

 

Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment and other capital assets. The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds that purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations (See "Participation Interests" section). States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds because they usually contain a "non-appropriation" clause, which provides that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. Municipal leases may be secured by the underlying capital asset and it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.

 

 

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Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

 

The Fund may invest in ETNs, which are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy, minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) during normal trading hours; however, investors also can hold ETNs until they mature. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day‘s market benchmark or strategy factor. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, including the credit risk of the issuer, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer‘s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer‘s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When the Fund invests in ETNs, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A decision by the Fund to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.

 

ETNs also are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes.

 

An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, and thus they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. The market value of ETNs may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.

 

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. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation. The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent. If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise. However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.

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United States Government Agency Obligations

 

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 ("GNMA"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of 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 ("FHLMC"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), 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., GNMA mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., FNMA Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association). On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that FNMA and FHLMC 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 FNMA and FHLMC 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 FNMA and FHLMC.

 

Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA 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 FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

 

FHLMC 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. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates ("PC's"), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC 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.

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Securities of Other Investment Companies

 

The Fund's investments in Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds and closed-end funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund. Generally, the Fund will not purchase securities of another investment company if, as a result: (i) more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of other investment companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any such investment company being held by the Fund, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in any one such investment company. However, many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF’s shares beyond the above statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the particular ETF and the investing fund. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs. In the alternative, the Fund intends to rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs 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 FINRA for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, the Fund may invest in other investment companies such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded closed-end funds, within the limitations described above.

 

Closed-End Investment Companies

 

The 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 American Stock Exchange, and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as “NASDAQ” and, 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 the Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.

 

The Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. The Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. The 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 the 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.

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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.

 

The 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 the Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and the 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 the Fund's shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by the 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 the 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. The 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.

 

Open-end Investment Companies

 

The 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, the 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 the Fund when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies will be obligated to redeem shares held by the Fund only in an amount up to 1% of the underlying fund's outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Therefore, shares held by the Fund when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies under the 1940 Act in excess of 1% of an underlying fund's outstanding securities will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.

 

Under certain circumstances, an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the 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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In such cases, the 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 the Fund and its 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 the Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.

 

 

 

 

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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 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). 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

 

General . The Fund may invest in foreign securities and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and other investment companies that hold a portfolio of 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund's currency exchange transactions do not fully protect the Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the 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 the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).

 

Securities Options

The 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 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.

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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 AMEX 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, the American Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

The 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 the Fund's execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series ( i.e. , same underlying 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 the 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 the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by the Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

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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 the 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 the Fund. Inasmuch as the Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, the 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 the Fund's securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by the 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 the 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 the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is 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.

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Cover for Options Positions .

Transactions using options (other than options that the Fund has purchased) expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The 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. The 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 the Fund's custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, the Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which the 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 the Fund's assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

Options on Futures Contracts

 

The 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

 

The Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While the Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the 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 the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund originally wrote the option. While the 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 the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the 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, the Fund may be unable to

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liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, because the Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the 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 the 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. The Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the 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, the Fund will treat dealer options as subject to the Fund's limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, the Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.

 

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 the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts, the 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 the 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." The Fund expects to earn interest income on its 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

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underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.

 

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.

 

Swap Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to equity, debt, commodities or other asset markets without actually purchasing those assets, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.

 

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently, the Fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term.

 

Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, if a swap is entered into on a net basis, if the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any.

 

The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap agreement entered into on a net basis will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or liquid asset having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the Custodian. The Fund will also establish and maintain such accounts with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be "senior securities" for purposes of the Fund's investment restriction concerning senior securities.

 

Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund's illiquid investment limitations. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser believes that the other party to the

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transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counter-party.

 

The Fund may enter into a swap agreement in circumstances where the Adviser believes that it may be more cost effective or practical than buying the securities represented by such index or a futures contract or an option on such index. The counter-party to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks represented in the index, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are traded in the OTC market.

 

Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator

The Trust, on behalf of the 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 (“CEA”), and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Fund's operations.  Accordingly, the Fund is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator. 

The Fund will only enter into futures contracts or futures options that are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange or board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system, or where quoted prices are generally available in the over-the-counter market.

When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements

The 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, the 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 the Fund's commitment. It may be expected that the 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.

 

The Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because the Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, the Fund's liquidity and the ability of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event the Fund's forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.

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The 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, the 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 the Fund on the settlement date. In these cases, the Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the 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 the 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 the Fund starting on the day the Fund agrees to purchase the securities. The 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

 

The 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 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. The 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. The 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 the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA").

Under guidelines adopted by the Trust's Board, the 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

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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 Nationally Recognized 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 the Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

 

Lending Portfolio Securities

 

For the purpose of achieving income, the 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) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) the 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 the Fund.

 

Short Sales

 

Short Sales Against The Box. The Fund may engage in short sales against the box. In a short sale, the Fund sells a borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the identical security. The seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. The Fund may engage in a short sale if at the time of the short sale the Fund owns or has the right to obtain without additional cost an equal amount of the security being sold short. This investment technique is known as a short sale “against the box.” It may be entered into by the Fund to, for example, lock in a sale price for a security the Fund does not wish to sell immediately. If the Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral for the short position will be segregated in an account with the Fund’s custodian or qualified sub-custodian. No more than 10% of the Fund’s net assets (taken at current value) may be held as collateral for short sales against the box at any one time.

 

The Fund may make a short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a security convertible or exchangeable for such security). In such case, any future losses in the Fund’s long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain

21  
 

additional transaction costs associated with short sales against the box, but the Fund will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment of the cash proceeds of short sales.

 

If the Fund effects a short sale of securities at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the securities, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the securities (as a “constructive sale”) on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the Fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale and if certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the Fund may effect short sales.

 

Short Sales (excluding Short Sales “Against the Box”). The Fund may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities.

 

To deliver the securities to the buyer, the Fund must arrange through a broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Fund becomes obligated to replace the securities borrowed at their market price at the time of replacement, whatever that price may be. The Fund will make a profit or incur a loss as a result of a short sale depending on whether the price of the securities decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed securities that have been sold. The amount of any loss would be increased (and any gain decreased) by any premium or interest the Fund is required to pay in connection with a short sale.

 

The Fund’s obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be secured by cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker. In addition, the Fund will place in a segregated account with its custodian or a qualified sub-custodian an amount of cash or liquid securities equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the market value of the securities sold at the time they were sold short and (ii) any cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds of the short sale). Until it replaces the borrowed securities, the Fund will maintain the segregated account daily at a level so that (a) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker (not including the proceeds from the short sale) will equal the current market value of the securities sold short and (b) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker (not including the proceeds from the short sale) will not be less than the market value of the securities at the time they were sold short.

 

Underlying Funds

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in corporations (including foreign corporations), limited partnerships and other pooled investment vehicles ("Underlying Funds"). Each Underlying Fund, or share class of the Underlying Fund, is managed by its own manager or trading adviser, pursuant to a proprietary strategy. The Underlying Funds may use a form of leverage often referred to as "notional funding" - that is the nominal trading level for an Underlying Fund will exceed the cash deposited in its trading accounts. For example, if the Underlying Fund manager wants the Underlying Fund to trade a $200,000,000 portfolio (the "nominal trading level") the Underlying Fund's margin requirement may be $10,000,000. The Underlying Fund can either deposit $200,000,000 to "fully fund" the account or can deposit only a portion of the $200,000,000, provided that the amount deposited meets the account's ongoing minimum margin requirements. The difference between the amount of cash deposited in the account and the nominal trading level of the account is referred to as notional funding. The use of notional funding (i.e., leverage) will increase the volatility of the Underlying Funds.

22  
 

In addition, the leverage may make the Underlying Funds subject to more frequent margin calls. Being forced to raise cash at inopportune times to meet margin calls may prevent the Underlying Fund manager from making investments it considers optimal. As currently structured, the cash deposited in the trading account for each Underlying Fund will be available to meet the margin requirements of any share class of the Underlying Fund. However, additional funds to meet margin calls are available only to the extent of the Underlying Fund's assets and not from the Subsidiary or the Fund. Underlying Fund management fees are based on the nominal trading level and not the cash deposited in the trading account. For illustration purposes only, assume an Underlying Fund has assets of $50 million. The Underlying Fund is notionally funded and uses a nominal trading level of $200 million. The Underlying Fund pays its manager an annual management fee of 1% of the nominal account size, or $2,000,000. While the management fee represents 1% of the nominal account size ($200 million), the management fee represents 4% of the cash deposited ($50 million) in the Underlying Fund's trading account. The Underlying Funds are typically offered privately and no public market for such securities will exist.

 

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER


 

The Fund may sell a portfolio investment soon after its acquisition if the Adviser believes that such a disposition is consistent with attaining the investment objective of the Fund. Portfolio investments may be sold for a variety of reasons, such as a more favorable investment opportunity or other circumstances bearing on the desirability of continuing to hold such investments. A high rate of portfolio turnover (over 100%) may involve correspondingly greater transaction costs, which must be borne directly by the Fund and ultimately by its shareholders. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of substantial net capital gains. To the extent short-term capital gains are realized, distributions attributable to such gains will be deemed ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 611%. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 422%. The fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 included trading under the Fund’s previous investment strategy, which changed to the current strategy September 1, 2015, and had a higher portfolio turnover rate than the current strategy.

 

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS


 

The 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. The Fund may not:

 

1. Issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund's engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff;

 

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
23  
 

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 of 1933, 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 25% or more of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (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 through commodity forward contracts, futures contracts or options), except that the Fund may purchase and sell forward and 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 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 (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan, and (c) by loaning portfolio securities.

 

The Fund observes the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Fund may not:

 

1. Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or management;

 

2. Invest in securities of other investment companies except as permitted under the 1940 Act;

 

3. Invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets, measured at time of purchase, in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities, which are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity; or

 

4. Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund except as may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (2) above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation.

 

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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, or change in average duration 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.

 

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER


 

The Adviser . Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, 620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104, Springfield, MO 65807, serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Subject to the authority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for management of the Fund's investment portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for selecting the Fund's investments according to the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Adviser was established in 2008 for the purpose of advising individuals and institutions. As of March 31, 2017, it had approximately $245 million in assets under management. The Adviser is deemed to be controlled by R. Sean McCurry, by virtue of his position as Managing Member of the Adviser and by virtue of his ownership of greater than 25% of the voting membership interests of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equivalent to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Advisory Agreement continued 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 no more than 60 days’ written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of that Trust's outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, at least until July 31, 2018 to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement (but does not include any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes; and 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)) will not exceed 1.49%, 2.24%, and 1.24% of average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C, and Class I shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits or within the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment, whichever is lower. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease a Fund's expenses and boost its performance. The table below provides information about the advisory fee paid to the Adviser by the Fund for the periods shown:

 

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  Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2015 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2016 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2017
Management Fee 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Fees Earned by the Adviser $119,162 $97,263 $231,560
Advisory Fees Waived $119,162 $97,263 $113,295
Net Fees Earned by the Adviser $0 $0 $118,265
Expense Reimbursed $24,571 $40,029 none

 

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS


 

Portfolio Manager . As described in the Prospectus, the Portfolio Managers listed below are responsible for the management of the Fund and, as of March 31, 2017, the other accounts set forth in the following tables.

 

     

Other Registered

Investment Companies

  

Other Pooled

Investment Vehicles

   Other Accounts
Portfolio Manager    Number   

Total

Assets

   Number    Total Assets    Number   

Total

Assets

R. Sean McCurry    1    $116,637,352    1    $725,000    None    $0
Paul Carroll   1    $116,637,352    None    $0    238    $39,616,094

 

Of the accounts above, the following are subject to performance-based fees.

 

 

 

      Other Registered Investment Companies    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles    Other Accounts
Portfolio Manager    Number   

Total

Assets

   Number    Total Assets    Number   

Total

Assets

R. Sean McCurry    None   $0    None    $0    None    $0
Paul Carroll   None    $0    None    $0    None    $0

 

Conflicts of Interest.

 

In general, when a Portfolio Manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it could receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. The procedures to address conflicts of interest, if any, are described below.

 

The Adviser attempts to avoid conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the management of multiple client accounts. From time to time, the Adviser may recommend or cause a client to invest in a security in which another client of the Adviser has an ownership position. The Adviser has adopted certain procedures intended to treat all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. To the extent that the Adviser seeks to purchase or sell the same security for multiple client accounts, the Adviser may aggregate, or bunch, these orders where it deems this to be appropriate and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. When a bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating client account will participate at the average share prices for the bunched order. When a bunched order is only partially filled, the securities purchased will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to each account participating in the bunched order based upon the initial amount requested for the account,

26  
 

subject to certain exceptions. Each participating account will receive the average share price for the bunched order on the same business day. In the event a single block transaction cannot be affected across all custodial platforms, a trade rotation policy shall be implemented to ensure fairness of execution. The trade rotation policy sequences each directed client that was not aggregated into the block order onto a rotating list defining the timing of order releases. The list is made up of all such directed accounts along with the block order. For purposes of speed, all directed clients who share a particular broker are assumed to be a single block on the trade rotation schedule. The execution of trades is rotated among the block order and the directed clients. If a trade for a particular rotation is not completed during the trading day, any remaining portion of the trade will be completed on the following day(s) before any trade in the same security may be initiated for the next rotation. After the trades have been completed, the schedule is moved up in order and the next broker is put first on the list for the next implementation of trades.

Compensation .

 

For services as Portfolio Manager to the Fund, Mr. McCurry and Mr. Carroll are each compensated through a combination of base salary and discretionary bonus. Mr. McCurry is also compensated through his equity participation in the Adviser.

 

Ownership of Securities .

 

As of March 31, 2017, the Portfolio Managers beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund:

 

Portfolio Manager Dollar Range of Shares Beneficially Owned
R. Sean McCurry $1-$10,000
Paul Carroll $0

 

 

ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE


 

Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by the Portfolio Managers who are employees of the Adviser. Generally, the Adviser is authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by it 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 generally take the following into consideration:

  • the best net price available;
  • the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer;
  • the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and
  • the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis.

 

Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the

27  
 

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 Fund. 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 Fund. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $40,633. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $23,656. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $39,806.

 

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS


 

The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders.

 

It is the Trust's policy to: (1) ensure that any disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interest of Trust shareholders; (2) protect the confidentiality of portfolio holdings information; (3) have procedures in place to guard against personal trading based on the information; and (4) ensure that the disclosure of portfolio holdings information does not create conflicts between the interests of the Trust's shareholders and those of the Trust's affiliates.

 

The Fund’s top 10 portfolio holdings as of the end of the prior calendar month are also posted on the Fund’s website, www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com within five days after the month-end. This posted information generally remains accessible for thirty days, until the Fund posts the information for the next calendar month to the Fund’s website. 

 

The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings by mailing the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders approximately two months after the end of the fiscal year and semi-annual period. In addition, the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings reports on Forms N-CSR and Form N-Q two months after the end of each quarter/semi-annual period.

 

Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q. In each case, a determination has been made that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential.

 

Adviser. Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing the Fund's portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide management, administrative, and investment services to the Fund. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, 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.

 

28  
 

Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the transfer agent, fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

 

Cohen & Company, Ltd . Cohen & Company, Ltd. is the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of the Fund's annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

 

MUFG Union Bank, N.A. MUFG Union Bank, N.A. is custodian for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

 

Counsel to the Trust and Counsel to the Independent Trustees. Counsel to the Trust and Counsel to the Independent Trustees, together with their respective personnel, have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with the review of the Fund's annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings..

 

Additions to List of Approved Recipients

 

The Fund's Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Fund's 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 Fund, the Adviser, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.

 

Compliance With Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures

 

The Fund's Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Fund's 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 Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.

 

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS


 

Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services

Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, New York 11788, serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Fund pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust and subject to the supervision of the Board. GFS is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. GFS is an affiliate of the Distributor. GFS may also

29  
 

provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of GFS or its affiliates.

 

The Agreement became effective on February 23, 2012, and will remain in effect for two years from the applicable effective date for the Fund, and will continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board.  The Agreement is terminable by the Board or GFS on 90 days’ written notice and may be assigned by either party, provided that the Trust may not assign this agreement without the prior written consent of GFS. The Agreement provides that GFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the Agreement.

 

Under the Agreement, GFS performs administrative services, including:  (1) monitor the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Trust by others service providers; (2) monitor Fund holdings and operations for post-trade compliance with the Fund’s registration statement and applicable laws and rules; (3) prepare and coordinate the printing of semi-annual and annual financial statements; (4) prepare selected management reports for performance and compliance analyses; (5) prepare and disseminate materials for and attend and participate in meetings of the Board; (6) determine income and capital gains available for distribution and calculate distributions required to meet regulatory, income, and excise tax requirements; (7) review the Trust's federal, state, and local tax returns as prepared and signed by the Trust's independent public accountants; (8) prepare and maintain the Trust's operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to the Fund to calculate its daily net asset value; (9) assist in and monitor the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, periodic reports to the Trustees, shareholders and the SEC, notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, proxy materials and reports to the SEC on Forms N-SAR, N-CSR, N-Q and N-PX; (10) coordinate the Trust's audits and examinations by assisting the Fund’s independent public accountants; (11) determine, in consultation with others, the jurisdictions in which shares of the Trust shall be registered or qualified for sale and facilitate such registration or qualification; (12) monitor sales of shares and ensure that the shares are properly and duly registered with the SEC; (13) monitor the calculation of performance data for the Fund; (14) prepare, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports; (15) prepare authorization for the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust assets, all bills of the Trust; (16) provide information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; (17) upon request, assist the Fund in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers, EDGAR providers and proxy solicitors (such parties may be affiliates of GFS); and (18) perform other services, recordkeeping and assistance relating to the affairs of the Trust as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.

 

GFS 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.

 

GFS also acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to the Agreement. Under the Agreement, GFS is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

 

30  
 

For the services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement the Fund pays GFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal years or periods ended March 31, the Fund paid the following fees to GFS:

 

Service 2017 2016 2015
Administrative $20,330 $22,777 $32,000
Fund Accounting $20,134 $24,905 $26,003
Transfer Agency $23,279 $28,919 $34,609

 

Custodian

 

MUFG Union Bank, N.A., (the "Custodian"), located at 400 California Street, San Francisco, California 94104, serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement (the "Custody 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 Custody 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 Services

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), located at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) 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 Fund, the Fund pays NLCS a one-time fee of $3,000, plus an annual fee, based on Fund assets, ranging from $13,500 (net assets of $50 million or less) to $31,500 (net assets over $1 billion).  The Fund also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, the Fund incurred $14,001 of compliance service fees in total. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, the Fund incurred $14,882 of compliance service fees in total. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Fund incurred $8,619 of compliance service fees in total.

 

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


 

The Fund has selected Cohen & Company, Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Ave, Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115, as its independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

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LEGAL COUNSEL


 

Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215 serves as the Trust's legal counsel.

 

 

DISTRIBUTOR


 

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130 (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Trust 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 FINRA. The offering of the Fund's shares are continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund. The Underwriting Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

 

The following table sets forth the total compensation received by the Distributor from the Fund during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

Fiscal Years Ended March 31 Net Underwriting Discounts and Commissions Compensation on Redemptions and Repurchases Brokerage Commissions Other Compensation
2017 $3,781 $0 $0 $0
2016 $712 $0 $0 $0
2015 $841 $0 $0 $0

 

* The Distributor received $2,121 from the Adviser as compensation for its distribution services to the Fund.

The Distributor also receives 12b-1 fees from the Fund as described under the following section entitled “Rule 12b-1 Plan”.

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Rule 12b-1 Plan

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan for Class A and Class C shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each a “Plan”, and collectively the "Plans") pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans, a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% for Class A and up to 1.00% for Class C shares of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the relevant class. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Fund's average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Fund may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Trust’s 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 Fund will bear its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Fund may make other payments, such as contingent deferred sales charges imposed on certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments made pursuant to the Plans.

 

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 Fund; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Fund's investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Fund as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, 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 Fund.

 

The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Trust’s Board of Trustees of the Trust, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plans 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 Plans may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by the 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Plan. 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 the Plans will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the applicable Fund at any time upon sixty days' written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Fund; (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

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annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.

 

During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Fund paid $2,459 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan.  For the fiscal year indicated below, the Fund incurred the following allocated distribution expenses:  

 

 

 

Actual 12b-1 Expenditures Paid by
Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund Shares
During the Fiscal Period Ended March 31, 2017
  Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund Class A Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund Class C
Advertising/Marketing None None
Printing/Postage None None
Payment to distributor $944 $1,515
Payment to dealers $19,775 $5,511
Compensation to sales personnel None None
Other $8,798 $25,261
Total $29,517 $32,287

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS


 

The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics 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 code of ethics adopted by the Trust (the "Code"), the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Fund.

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In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics, 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 a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Fund; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the 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 Fund 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 Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.

 

Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and the 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 proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free, 1-888-985-9830, by accessing the Fund's website at www.pinnacletacticalfunds.com and by accessing the information on proxy voting filed by the Fund on Form N-PX on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . In addition, a copy of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 1-888-985-9830 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

 

 

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES


 

Calculation of Share Price

 

As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "Net Asset Value," the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

 

For purposes of calculating the NAV, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are available are stated at market value. Market value is generally determined on the basis of

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last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or pricing services. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP"). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices. Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Short-term debt securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less may be amortized to maturity, provided such valuations represent par value. Exchange traded options, futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction.

 

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Fund's shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.

 

Fund shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) (the "NYSE Close") on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally uses pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and do not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

 

In unusual circumstances, instead of valuing securities in the usual manner, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or their designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.

 

The Trust expects that the holidays upon which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") will be closed are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

 

Purchase of Shares

 

Orders for shares received by the Fund in good order prior to the close of business on the NYSE on each day during such periods that the NYSE is open for trading are priced at the public offering price, which is NAV plus any sales charge, or at NAV per share (if no sales charges apply) computed as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE. Orders received in good order after the close of the NYSE, or on a day it is not open for trading, are priced at the close of such NYSE on the next day on which it is open for trading at the next determined net asset value per share plus sales charges, if any.

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Redemption of Shares

 

The Fund will redeem all or any portion of a shareholder's shares of the Fund when requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in the "Redemptions" section of the Prospectus. Under the 1940 Act, a shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times:

 

(a) when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) when trading on that exchange is restricted for any reason; (c) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of net assets, provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any succeeding governmental authority) will govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist; or (d) when the Securities and Exchange Commission by order permits a suspension of the right to redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on redemption.

 

In case of suspension of the right of redemption, payment of a redemption request will be made based on the net asset value next determined after the termination of the suspension.

 

Supporting documents in addition to those listed under "Redemptions" in the Prospectus will be required from executors, administrators, trustees, or if redemption is requested by someone other than the shareholder of record. Such documents include, but are not restricted to, stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor, and certificates of corporate authority and waiver of tax required in some states when settling estates.

 

 

 

Redemption Fees

 

A redemption fee of 1% of the amount redeemed is assessed on shares that have been redeemed within 60 days of purchase.

 

Waivers of Redemption Fees: The Fund has elected not to impose the redemption fee for:

 

  • redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions;
  • certain types of redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares owned through participant-directed retirement plans;
  • redemptions or exchanges in discretionary asset allocation, fee based or wrap programs ("wrap programs") that are initiated by the sponsor/financial adviser as part of a periodic rebalancing;
  • redemptions or exchanges in a fee based or wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan including the Fund's systematic withdrawal plan;
  • involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder's failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Fund, or to pay shareholder fees; or
  • other types of redemptions as the Adviser or the Trust may determine in special situations and approved by the Fund's or the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer.
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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 adviser regarding their investment in the Fund.

 

The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund. The Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Under previously enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains only for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital losses, irrespective of the character of the original loss. Capital loss carryforwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

The 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 will be made after the end of each fiscal year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.

 

To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the 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 holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the 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 the market value of the 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 which the Fund controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

 

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If the 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 the 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 the Fund.

 

The 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 the 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 the Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the 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 generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, unless such distributions are attributable to “qualified dividend income” eligible for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

 

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 Fund have been held by such shareholders.

 

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be 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 advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

A 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. The gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and if not held for such period, as short-term capital gain or loss. 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 shares or cash. 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, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of 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 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 the 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.

 

Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by a Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

 

Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements

 

To the extent such investments are permissible for the 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.

 

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To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund's book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regular investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

 

 

Passive Foreign Investment Companies

 

Investment by the 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 cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF election"), 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 they receives any distribution from the company.

 

The 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 the 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 the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the 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 the Fund's total return.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The 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.

 

Other Regulated Investment Companies

 

Generally, the character of the income or capital gains that the Fund receives from another investment company will pass through to the Fund’s shareholders as long as the Fund and the other investment company each qualify as a regulated investment company. However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a regulated investment company realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as an ordinary deduction. In particular, the Fund will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of other investment companies against its ordinary income. As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Fund will be required

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to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Fund (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.

 

Foreign Taxation

 

Income received by the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to the 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 the Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on 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 the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally

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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 the 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. The 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 the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the 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. The 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.

 

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount, which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the 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 the 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. After the end of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.

 

Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.

 

 

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

43  
 

independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust's CCO serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.

 

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund's Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and 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.

 

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES


 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of 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 shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of a Fund's outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder's vote could have more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholder's meeting than votes of other shareholders.

 

As of July 5, 2017, the following shareholder(s) of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund:

 

Class A Shares        
Name & Address   Shares   Percentage of Fund
                 
                 
TD Ameritrade Inc.     193,978.6460       10.36%  
P.O. Box 2226                
Omaha, NE 68103                
                 
                 
Class I Shares                
Name & Address     Shares       Percentage of Fund  
                 
Oreilly Trust                
1898 N Monet Rd.     104,958.2610       9.04%  
Nixa, MO 65714-7327                
                 
                 
Digital Monitoring Products Inc.     275,693.0280       23.73%  
2500 N Partnership Blvd                
Springfield, MO 65803                
                 
TD Ameritrade Inc.     69,835.0330       6.01%  
P.O. Box 2226                
Omaha, NE 68103                

 

44  
 
NFS     113,033.4930       9.73%  
705 Dixie Street                
Carrollton, GA 30117                

 

Management Ownership Information.   As of July 5, 2017, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

 

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 SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of five individuals, all of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Adviser ("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 Board is led by John V. Palancia, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since May 2014. The Board has not appointed a Lead Independent Trustee because all Trustees are Independent Trustees. 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, and (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. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by our shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Trust’s Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its Funds and each shareholder.

 

 

Board Risk Oversight . The Trust’s Board of Trustees is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees with an Audit Committee with a separate chair. 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 the 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 Fund believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.

 

45  
 

James Jensen has over 40 years of business experience in a wide range of industries including the financial services industry. His experience includes over 25 years of mutual fund board experience with service as chairman of the Audit Committee, chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and, for the past eight years and currently, as Chairman of the Board of Wasatch Funds. Since April 2008, Mr. Jensen has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Law & Governance Group, where he devotes full time to corporate law practice, board governance consulting for operating companies and private investing. In May 2014, Mr. Jensen and his firm conducted the eleventh Green River Conference on Corporate Governance for lawyers, accountants, directors and service providers. From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Jensen co-founded and was Chairman of the Board for Intelisum, Inc., a company pursuing computer and measurement technology and products. From 1986 to 2004, Mr. Jensen held key positions with NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as Vice President, Corporate Development, Legal Affairs and General Counsel and Secretary. In addition to his business experience, Mr. Jensen was Chairman of the Board of Agricon Global Corporation, formerly BayHill Capital Corporation from 2008 to 2014 and has been a Director of the University of Utah Research Foundation from 2001 and currently. Mr. Jensen was the founder and first President of the MountainWest Venture Group (now "MountainWest Capital Network") in 1983. Mr. Jensen is a member of the National Association of Corporate Governance ("NACD"). Mr. Jensen graduated with a BA degree from the University of Utah in 1967 and received degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in 1971.

 

Patricia Luscombe, CFA, has more than 25 years in financial advisory and valuation services. She has delivered a broad range of corporate finance advice including fairness opinions and valuations. At her current position at Lincoln International, she assists regulated investment funds, business development companies, private equity funds and hedge funds in the valuation of illiquid securities for fair value accounting purposes. Ms. Luscombe's clients have ranged from closely-held businesses to large publicly traded companies. Ms. Luscombe joined Lincoln International in 2007 as a Managing Director and co-head of Lincoln's Valuations & Opinions Group. Previously, Ms. Luscombe spent 16 years with Duff & Phelps Corporation, as a Managing Director in the firm's valuation and financial advisory business. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps Corporation, Ms. Luscombe was an Associate at Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Capital Markets, Inc., where she managed a variety of financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and equity and debt financings. Ms. Luscombe is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Chicago and former president of the Chicago Finance Exchange. Ms. Luscombe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Stanford University, a Master's degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition, Ms. Luscombe is licensed under the Series 24, 79 and 63 of FINRA.

 

John V. Palancia has over 36 years of business experience in financial services industry including serving as the Director of Global Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. Mr. Palancia also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Mr. Palancia possesses an in depth understanding of broker-dealer operations from having served in various management capacities and has held industry registrations in both securities and futures. He also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis, compliance and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate based on service to Merrill Lynch. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his service as a member of three other mutual fund boards. This practical and extensive experience in the securities industry provides valuable insight into fund operations and enhances his ability to effectively serve as chairman of the Trust.

46  
 

 

Mark H. Taylor has over two decades of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing areas which makes him particularly qualified to serve as the Trust audit committee chair. He has a PhD in Accounting and holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Accounting as well and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Taylor is the Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing and Chair of the Department of Accountancy at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. From 2012 to 2015, he served a 3-year term on the Executive Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association as Vice-President, President, and Past President, respectively. He serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards within the Northern Lights Fund Complex, and completed a fellowship in the Professional Practice Group of the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission. He also served a three-year term on the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (2008-2011). Recently he received a research grant from the Center for Audit Quality to study how auditors manage the process of auditing fair value measurements in financial statements. He teaches corporate governance and accounting policy and auditing, and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate.

 

Jeff D. Young has 38 years of business management experience in the transportation industry including operations and information technologies. Until he retired in 2014, he served as Assistant Vice President of Transportation System at Union Pacific Railroad Company, where he was responsible for development and implementation of large scale command and control systems that support railroad operations and safety. At this position, Mr. Young was heavily involved in the regulatory compliance of safety and mission critical systems. Mr. Young also served as Chairman of the Association of American Railroads Policy Committee and represented both Union Pacific Railroad and the railroad industry in safety and regulatory hearings with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, DC. Mr. Young was a member of the Board of Directors of PS Technologies, a Union Pacific affiliate serving as a technology supplier to the railroad industry. His practical business experience and understanding of regulatory compliance provides a different perspective that will bring diversity to Board deliberations.

 

Trustees and Officers . The Trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years and other information, are shown below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.

 

 

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth Position(s) Held with Registrant Length of Service and Term Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years Number of Funds Overseen In The Fund Complex* Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years**

James U.

Jensen

1944

Trustee Since February 2012, Indefinite Chief Executive Officer, ClearWater Law & Governance Group, LLC (an operating board governance consulting company) (since 2004). 2 Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2012); Wasatch Funds Trust, (since 1986); University of Utah research Foundation (since April 2000); Agricon Global Corporation, formerly Bayhill Capital Corporation (large scale farming in Ghana, West Africa) (since October 2009 to June 2014).

Patricia

Trustee Since Managing Director of the 2 Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for
47  
 

 

Luscombe

1961

January 2015, Indefinite Valuations and Opinions Group, Lincoln International LLC (since August 2007). series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); Monetta Mutual Funds (since November 2015).

John V.

Palancia

1954

Trustee,

Chairman

Trustee, since February 2012, Indefinite; Chairman of the Board since May 2014. Retired (since 2011); Formerly, Director of Global Futures Operations Control, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (Since September 1975 to September 2011). 2 Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2011); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2011); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2012); Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (February 2012 to April 2012).

Mark H.

Taylor

1964

Trustee,

Chairman of the Audit Committee

Since February 2012, Indefinite Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (since 2009); John P. Begley Endowed Chair in Accounting, Creighton University (2002-2009); President, Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association (2012-2015); Member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, AICPA ( 2008-2011). 2 Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2007); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007); Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2010); Lifetime Achievement Fund, Inc. (February 2007 to April 2012.

Jeffery D. Young

1956

Trustee Since January 2015, Indefinite Retired (since 2014); Asst. Vice President - Transportation Systems, Union Pacific Railroad Company (June 1976 to April 2014); President, Celeritas Rail Consulting (since June 2014). 2 Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); PS Technology, Inc. (2010-2013).

 

 

 

* As of June 30, 2017, the Trust was comprised of 35 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, and only shares the same investment adviser with Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund, another series of the Trust.

** Only includes directorships held within the past 5 years in a company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any company registered as an Investment Company under the 1940 Act.

 

Officers of the Trust

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth Position(s) Held with Registrant Length of Service and Term Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

 

Brian Curley*

80 Arkay Drive,

Hauppauge, NY 11788

1970

President**/ Treasurer February 2017 and 2013, respectively, indefinite Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015), Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012 - 2014); Senior Controller of Fund Treasury, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (2008 - 2012); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Morgan Stanley (1999 - 2008).

Eric Kane

80 Arkay Drive,

Hauppauge, NY 11788

1981

Secretary November 2013, indefinite Vice President and Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2017), Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2014 - 2017), Staff Attorney, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2013 - 2014), Law Clerk, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2009 - 2013), Legal Intern, NASDAQ OMX (January 2011 to September 2011), Hedge Fund Administrator, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (January 2008 to August 2008), Mutual Fund Accountant/Corporate Action Specialist, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006 - 2008).
48  
 

 

William Kimme

17605 Wright Street,

Omaha, NE 68130

1962

Chief Compliance Officer February 2012, indefinite Senior Compliance Officer of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2011); Due Diligence and Compliance Consultant, Mick & Associates (2009 - 2011); Assistant Director, FINRA (2000 - 2009).

 

 

*Mr. Curley was elected President of the Trust, effective February 24, 2017.

**James Ash resigned from his position as President of the Trust effective February 24, 2017

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee that consists solely of 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. Mr. Taylor is Chairman of the Audit Committee. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held five meetings.

 

Compensation of Directors .

 

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 $20,000, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $16,000 for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. Effective January 1, 2017, in addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $5,000, and the Audit Committee Chairmen receive a quarterly fee of $3,750.

 

Additionally, in the event 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 $2,500 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 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 received from the Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.  The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.

 

49  
 

 

Name and Position Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement Total Compensation From Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees
James U. Jensen $1,461 None None $3,148
Patricia Luscombe $1,461 None None $3,148
John V. Palancia $1,948 None None $4,197
Mark H. Taylor $1,786 None None $3,847
Jeffery D. Young $1,461 None None $3,148

 

* There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Fund, and to the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the aggregate independent Trustees’ fees paid by the entire Trust were $369,000.

 

Trustees' Ownership of Shares in the Fund . As of March 31, 2017, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund:

 

Name of Trustee Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies*
James U. Jensen None None
Patricia Luscombe None $10,001-$50,000
John V. Palancia None $10,001-$50,000
Mark H. Taylor None $10,001-$50,000
Jeffery D. Young None None

 

* The "Family of Investment Companies" includes the following registered management investment companies in addition to the Trust: Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, and Northern Lights Variable Trust.

 

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 

The financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the Annual Report for the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. You can obtain a copy of the financial statements contained in the Fund's Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 1-888-985-9830.

50  
 

APPENDIX A

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

PINNACLE FAMILY ADVISORS, LLC

 

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

In accordance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act, it is the policy of PFA to vote all proxies in respect of securities in client accounts ("Client Securities") over which the Company has voting discretion in a manner consistent with best interests of the Company’s clients.

The CCO is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Company’s Proxy Voting Policy.

 

General Intent

 

PFA, as a general rule, will vote proxies along the advice given by the board of directors of each company. The reasoning here is consistent with our overarching investment philosophy, which is stated under the Portfolio Management section of this document. We do NOT adhere to modern portfolio theory. Rather, we believe in technical analysis and that fundamental analysts will not, on a consistent basis, be able to uncover information that is not already being reflected in the price of the stock. Therefore, it is our belief, that it is best to follow the recommendation of the current board as they should know what is best for the company. Ultimately, the market price of the stock will indicate whether the company is making wise decisions or not. Instead of focusing our efforts on trying to obtain as much information as the current board, which we believe can’t be done consistently, we will focus our efforts on monitoring the price action and technical indicators (moving averages, return, volatility, etc.) of the investments we follow and monitor.

 

When PFA does NOT vote in accordance with the board of directors, PFA will document the reasons for this decision and this documentation will be kept with the documentation on how the proxy was voted.

 

Proposals Specific to Mutual Funds

 

PFA serves as investment adviser to certain investment companies under the Northern Lights Fund Trust. These funds invest in other investment companies that are not affiliated (“Underlying Funds”) and are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. Notwithstanding the guidelines provided in these procedures, it is the policy of PFA to vote all proxies received from the Underlying Funds in the same proportion that all shares of the Underlying Funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act. After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer for future reference.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Conflicts of interest between the Company or a principal of the Company and the Company’s clients in respect of a proxy issue conceivably may arise, for example, from personal or professional relationships with a company or with the directors, candidates for director, or senior executives of a company that is the issuer of Client Securities.

 

If the Compliance Officer determines that a material conflict of interest exists, the following procedures shall be followed:

 

51  
 
· The Company may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the client(s) owning the Client Securities, and seek directions on how to vote the proxies;

 

· The Company may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests (for example, where client accounts hold different Client Securities in a competitive merger situation); or
· The Company may follow the recommendations of an independent proxy voting service in voting the proxies.

 

Disclosure to Clients

 

A summary of PFA’s Proxy Voting Policy will be included in the Company’s Part II. The full text of PFA’s Proxy Voting Policy will be provided to clients upon request.

 

Recordkeeping Requirements

 

The Company shall maintain the following records relating to this Policy:

 

· A copy of the Policy as it may be amended from time to time.

 

· A copy of each proxy statement received by the Company in respect of Client Securities. This requirement may be satisfied by relying on a third party to make and retain, on the Company’s behalf, a copy of a proxy statement (provided that the Company has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the proxy statement promptly upon request), or the Company may rely on obtaining a copy of a proxy statement from the SEC's EDGAR system.

 

· A record of each vote cast by the Company on behalf of a client. This requirement may be satisfied by relying on a third party to make and retain, on the Company’s behalf, a record of the vote cast (if the Company has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the record promptly upon request).

 

· A copy of any document created by the Company that was material to making a decision about how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision.

 

· A copy of each written client request for information about how the Company voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by the Company to any such (written or oral) client request.

 

All of the foregoing records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in the offices of the Company.

52  
 

PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits.

 

(a) Articles of Incorporation.

 

(i) Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference.

 

(ii) Certificate of Trust, which was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference.

 

(b) By-Laws. Registrant's By-Laws as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby 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) Investment Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., and Registrant with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund as previously filed on January 24, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 88, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii)(a) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., and Registrant with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP, and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iii)(a) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Caerus Global Investors, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(v) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Weatherbie Capital, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  (vi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and Infinitas Capital, LLC with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on June 2, 2015 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 171, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core US Fund as previously filed on December 26, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vii)(a) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Core US Fund as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(viii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Gratus Capital, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LP and ISF Management, LLC, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  

(x) Investment Advisory Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xi) Investment Advisory Agreement between Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Covered Bridge Fund as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Global View Capital Management, Ltd. and Registrant, with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund as previously filed on September 6, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 67, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xiii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund as previously filed on September 23, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xiv) Investment Advisory Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 86, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xv) Investment Advisory Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 85, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xv)(a) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on February 26, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 236, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xvi) Investment Advisory Agreement between Horizon Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Issachar Fund as previously filed on February 10, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 93, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xvii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Cane Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Cane Alternative Strategies Fund as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xviii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund as previously filed on April 25, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 107, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xix) Investment Advisory Agreement between Cozad Asset Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Cozad Small Cap Value Fund as previously filed on April 29, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 108, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xx) Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Currency Strategy Fund as previously filed on May 29, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 114, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xx)(a) First Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Currency Strategy Fund as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xx)(b) Second Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Currency Strategy Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 294, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxi) Investment Advisory Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc., and the Registrant with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxi)(a) First Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc., and the Registrant with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 294, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 113, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxiii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund as previously filed on September 3, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 130, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxiv) Investment Advisory Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund as previously filed on September 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Stamen in Post-Effective Amendment No. 203, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  (xxv) Investment Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on December 3, 2014 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 143, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxv)(a) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxvi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc., and Swan Global Management, LLC, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxvi)(a) Amendment to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc., and Swan Global Management, LLC, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund and Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxvii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc., and Swan Global Management, LLC, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxviii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Ascendant Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund, as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxix) Investment Advisory Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, as previously filed on March 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxx) Investment Advisory Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund, as previously filed on June 2, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 171, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxx)(a) First Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 294, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxi) Investment Advisory Agreement between Good Harbor Financial LLC and Registrant with respect to the Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund and Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund as previously filed on September 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Stamen in Post-Effective Amendment No. 203, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  

(xxxii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund as previously filed on September 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 202, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxiii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Absolute Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund as previously filed on October 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 207, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxxiv) Investment Advisory Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund is filed as previously filed on October 19, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxv) Investment Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund is filed as previously filed on October 27, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 210, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  

(xxxvi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Swan Capital Management, LLC, and Swan Global Management, LLC, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund is filed as previously filed on October 27, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 210, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxvii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Boyd Watterson Short Duration Enhanced Income Fund as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxviii) Investment Advisory Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc., and the Registrant with respect to the HCM Income Plus Fund as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxix) Investment Advisory Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(e) Underwriting Contracts.

 

(i) Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors LLC as previously filed on June 2, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, is incorporated by reference.

 

(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.

 

(g) Custodial Agreement.

 

(i) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Huntington National Bank as previously filed on August 28, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Union Bank, N.A. as previously filed on August 28, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  (iii) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. as previously filed on February 10, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 93, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  (iii)(a) Amendment to Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. as previously filed on May 15, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 113, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and First National Bank of Omaha as previously filed on October 14, 2014 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 139, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(v) Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Fifth Third Bank as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(h) Other Material Contracts.

 

(i) Fund Services Agreement as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., and Registrant, with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund as previously filed on November 13, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LLC, and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv)(a) Amendment to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Persimmon Capital Management, LLC, and Registrant, with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(v) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund as previously filed on December 26, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, and hereby incorporated by reference.  

 

(vi) Expense Limitation Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and Registrant, with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vii)(a) Amendment to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and Registrant, with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective No. 163, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(viii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Global View Capital Management, Ltd. and Registrant, with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund as previously filed on September 6, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 67, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (viii)(a) Amendment to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Global View Capital Management, Ltd. and Registrant, with respect to Tactical Asset Allocation Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective No. 163, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (ix) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund as previously filed on September 23, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(x) Expense Limitation Agreement between First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to The Teberg Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 86, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xi) Expense Limitation Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on December 13, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 85, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Horizon Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Issachar Fund is as previously filed on February 27, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 98, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xiii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Cane Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Cane Alternative Strategies Fund is as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xiv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund as previously filed on April 25, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 107, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Cozad Asset Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Cozad Small Cap Value Fund is as previously filed on April 29, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 108, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xvi) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Currency Strategy Fund is as previously filed on May 29, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 114, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xvii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund as previously filed on May 15, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 113, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xviii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund as previously filed on September 3, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 130, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xix) Expense Limitation Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc., and Registrant, with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xx) Expense Limitation Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund is as previously filed on September 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 203, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxi) Expense Limitation Agreement between RESQ Investment Partners, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Class C shares of RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and the Class C Shares of RESQ Absolute Income Fund as previously filed on September 3, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 129, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Swan Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund as previously filed on December 3, 2014 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 143, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxiii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Ascendant Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxiv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc. and Registrant, with respect to HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund as previously filed on March 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Newfound Research LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund as previously filed on June 2, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxvi) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund as previously filed on July 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 177, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxvii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund as previously filed on July 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 177, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxviii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund previously filed on September 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 202, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxix) Expense Limitation Agreement between Absolute Capital Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund as previously filed on October 13, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 207, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxx) Expense Limitation Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund as previously filed on October 19, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xxxi) Consulting Services Agreement between Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, as previously filed on July 24, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 177, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Swan Capital Management, LLC and Registrant with respect of the Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund is filed as previously filed on October 27, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 210, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxiii) Expense Limitation Agreement between Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Boyd Watterson Short Duration Enhanced Income Fund as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxiii)(a) First Amendment to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Boyd Watterson Short Duration Enhanced Income Fund as previously filed on April 28, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 294, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxiv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Howard Capital Management, Inc., and Registrant, with respect to the HCM Income Plus Fund as previously filed on January 23, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 270, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxxv) Expense Limitation Agreement between Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC and Registrant, with respect to the Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(i) (i) Legal Opinion and Consent as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(i) (ii) Legal Consent is filed herewith.

 

(j) Other Opinions. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.

 

(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.

 

(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.

 

(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.

 

(i) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(i)(a) Amended and Restated exhibit A to Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A Shares as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C Shares as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ii)(a) Amended and Restated exhibit A to Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C Shares as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (iii) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class N Shares as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for No-Load Shares as previously filed on August 19, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 62, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(v) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Non-Designated Class as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vi) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class R Shares as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vi)(a) Amended and Restated exhibit A to Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class R as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(vii) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A1 as previously filed on March 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(viii) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares as previously filed on March 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(viii)(a) Amended and Restated exhibit A to Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares as previously filed on April 28, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 294, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(ix) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class I Shares as previously filed on March 3, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 160, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(n)       (i) Rule 18f-3 Plan as previously filed on July 8, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 119, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(i)(a) Amended and Restated Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan as previously filed on July 14, 2017 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(o) Reserved.

 

(p) Code of Ethics.

 

(i) Code of Ethics for the Trust as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (ii) Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors as previously filed on April 9, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iii) Code of Ethics of Swan Capital Management, Inc. was filed previously filed on June 8, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Code of Ethics of Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc. as previously filed on January 22, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 221, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(v) Code of Ethics of Persimmon Capital Management LP is filed herewith.

 

 

(vi) Code of Ethics of Caerus Investors, LLC is filed herewith.

 

 

(vii) Code of Ethics of Weatherbie Capital, LLC is filed on October 25, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 261, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(viii) Code of Ethics of Good Harbor Financial, LLC is filed herewith.

 

 

(ix) Code of Ethics of Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. as previously filed on March 8, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 33, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(x) Code of Ethics of ISF Management, LLC as previously filed on December 17, 2012 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xi) Code of Ethics of Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC as previously filed on May 15, 2013 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 51, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xii) Code of Ethics of Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC is filed herewith.

 

(xiii) Code of Ethics of Global View Capital Management, Ltd. as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xiv) Code of Ethics of First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. is filed herewith.

 

  (xv) Code of Ethics of RESQ Investment Partners, LLC is filed herewith.

 

(xvi) Code of Ethics of Horizon Capital Management, Inc. as previously filed on January 22, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 221, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (xvii) Code of Ethics of Cane Capital Management, LLC as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xviii) Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC is filed herewith.

 

(xix) Code of Ethics of Cozad Asset Management, Inc. is as previously filed on April 29, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 108, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xx) Code of Ethics of Howard Capital Management, Inc.is filed herewith.

 

(xxi) Code of Ethics of Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxii) Code of Ethics of Ascendant Capital Management, LLC as previously filed on January 13, 2015 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 149, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(xxiii) Code of Ethics of Swan Global Management, LLC as previously filed on January 22, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 221, and hereby incorporated by reference.

  

(xxiv) Code of Ethics of Absolute Capital Management, LLC is filed herewith.

 

 

(xxv) Code of Ethics of Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC is filed herewith.

 

 

(q) Powers of Attorney.

 

(i) Power of Attorney for the Trust, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each executive officer, as previously filed on May 30, 2013 to the Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 53, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

  (ii) Power of Attorney for each trustee as previously filed on February 26, 2015 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 159, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iii) Power of Attorney for the CAS Fund Limited, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each director, as previously filed on April 22, 2014 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 104, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

(iv) Power of Attorney for the Trust, and a certificate with respect thereto, for Brian Curley as previously filed on June 17, 2016 to the Registrant's Registration Statement in Post-Effective Amendment No. 247, and hereby incorporated by reference.

 

Item 29. Control Persons. None.

 

Item 30. Indemnification.

 

Generally, certain of the agreements with the Trust, or related to the Trust, provide indemnification of the Trust’s Trustees, officers, the underwriter, and certain Trust affiliates.  Insurance carried by the Trust provides indemnification of the Trustees and officers.  The details of these sources of indemnification and insurance follow.

 

Article VIII, Section 2(a) of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that to the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of Trustees and officers are permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act of 2002, the officers and Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any act or omission of: any agent or employee of the Trust; any investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust; or with respect to each Trustee and officer, the act or omission of any other Trustee or officer, respectively. The Trust, out of the Trust Property, is required to indemnify and hold harmless each and every officer and Trustee from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever arising out of or related to such officer’s or Trustee’s performance of his or her duties as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a Trustee or officer of the Trust whether or not such person is a Trustee or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted. Nothing contained in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust indemnifies, holds harmless or protects any officer or Trustee from or against any liability to the Trust or any shareholder 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.

 

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 provisions of Delaware law and the Agreement and Declaration of the Registrant or the By-Laws of the Registrant, 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 the 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 Trust 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 the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement between the Trust and Northern lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), the Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold NLD, its several officers and managers, 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 managers, 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 in the Underwriting Agreement, (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 NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis, (vi) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, or (vii) reasonable actions taken by NLD resulting from NLD’s reliance on instructions received from an officer, agent or legal counsel of the Trust.

 

Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, NLD agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its several officers and Board members, and any person who controls the Trust 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 the Trust, its officers or Board members, or any such controlling person, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Trust , its officers or Board members, or such controlling person results from such claims or demands: (i) arising out of or based upon any sales literature, advertisements, information, statements or representations made by NLD and unauthorized by the Trust or any Disqualifying Conduct in connection with the offering and sale of any Shares, or (ii) arising out of or based upon any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in information furnished in writing by NLD to the Fund  specifically for use in the Trust’s  Registration Statement and used in the answers to any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding statements made in the Prospectus, or shall arise out of or be based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with such information furnished in writing by NLD to the Trust  and required to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not misleading.  

 

The Registrant maintains a mutual fund directors and officers liability policy. The policy, under certain circumstances, such as the inability of the Trust to indemnify Trustees and officers provides coverage to Trustees and officers.  Coverage under the policy would include losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or certain breaches of duty.

Generally, each management agreement or investment advisory agreement provides that 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 under the agreement 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 the 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 the agreement; PROVIDED, that nothing contained in the agreement 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 the 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.  Additionally, generally, each sub-advisory agreement provides that the subadviser shall indemnify the adviser, the Trust and each Fund, and their respective affiliates and controlling persons for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, which the adviser, the Trust and/or the Fund and their respective affiliates and controlling persons may sustain as a result of the subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws.  Generally, each sub-advisory agreement provides that adviser shall indemnify the subadviser, its affiliates and its controlling persons, for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be sustained as a result of the adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws.

 

 

 

  Item 31. Activities of Investment Advisor and Sub-Advisor.

 

Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Advisor of each series of the Trust is hereby 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 31 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:

 

Swan Capital Management, LLC the Advisor of the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund– File No. 801-76701.

 

Swan Global Management, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund – File No. 801-80552.

 

Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., the Adviser of the Footprints Discover Value Fund – File No. 801-62315.

 

Persimmon Capital Management, LP, the Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-56210.

 

Caerus Investors, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-72410.

 

Weatherbie Capital, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-50672.

 

Good Harbor Financial, LLC, the Adviser of the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core US Fund, Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund, Leland Currency Strategy Fund, Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund and Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund – File No. 801-71064.

 

Gratus Capital, LLC, the Adviser of the Marathon Value Portfolio – File No. 801-40286.

 

ISF Management, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-71827.  

 

Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC, the Adviser of the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund and Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund – File No. 801-78013.

 

Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of The Covered Bridge Fund– File No. 801-53760.

 

Global View Capital Management, Ltd., the Adviser of the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund – File No. 801-72887.

 

First Associated Investment Advisors, the Adviser of The Teberg Fund – File No. 801-60972.

 

RESQ Investment Partners, LLC, the Adviser of the RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund – File No. 801-78822.

  

Horizon Capital Management, Inc., the Adviser of the Issachar Fund – File No. 801-26038.

 

Cane Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of the Cane Alternative Strategies Fund – File No. 801-79377.

 

Newfound Research LLC the Adviser of the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund, Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund and Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund – File No. 801-73042.

 

Cozad Asset Management, Inc. the Adviser of the Cozad Small Cap Value Fund – File No. 801-18060.

 

Howard Capital Management, Inc. the Adviser of the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, and HCM Income Plus Fund – File No. 801-69763.

 

Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC the Adviser of the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund, and Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund – File No. 801-80197.

 

Ascendant Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund – File No. 801-80770.

 

Infinitas Capital, LLC a Sub-Adviser of Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-95173

 

Absolute Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund – File No. 801-61336.

 

Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC the Adviser of Boyd Watterson Short Duration Enhanced Income Fund – File No. 801-57468.

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriter.

(a) NLD is the principal underwriter for all series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III. NLD also acts as principal underwriter for the following:

AdvisorOne Funds, AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds , Arrow ETF Trust, Arrow QVM Equity Factor ETF, Arrow Investments 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 IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, PREDEX, 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.

 

(b) NLD 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 NLD is 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. NLD is an affiliate of Gemini Fund Services, LLC. To the best of Registrant's knowledge, the following are the members and officers of NLD:

 

Name Positions and Offices with Underwriter Positions and Offices with the Trust
Brian Nielsen Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary None
William Wostoupal President None
Daniel Applegarth Treasurer/ FINOP None
Mike Nielsen Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer None
Bill Strait General Counsel None

 

(c) Not applicable.

 

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.

 

Swan Capital Management, LLC 277 E. Third Avenue, Unit A Durango, CO 81301, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund.

 

Footprints Asset Management & Research, Inc., 11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 208, Omaha, NE 68154 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Footprints Discover Value Fund.

 

Persimmon Capital Management, LP, 1777 Sentry Parkway, Gwynedd Hall, Suite 102, Blue Bell, PA 19422 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.

 

Caerus Global Investors, LLC, 712 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.

 

Weatherbie Capital, LLC, 256 Franklin Street, Suite 1601, Boston, MA 02110 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.

 

Good Harbor Financial, LLC, 30 S Wacker Drive Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60606 pursuant to the Advisory Agreements with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund, Good Harbor Tactical Core US Fund, Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund, Leland Currency Strategy Fund, Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund and Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund.

 

Gratus Capital, LLC, 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1550, Atlanta, GA, 30339 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio.

 

  ISF Management, LLC, 767 Third Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10017 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.

 

Pinnacle Family Advisers, LLC, 4200 S. Quail Creek Ave., Suite A, Springfield, MO 65810 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Pinnacle Tactical Allocation Fund and Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund.

 

Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, 2550 University Avenue West, Suite 180 South, Saint Paul, MN 55114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund.

 

Global View Capital Management, Ltd., Stone Ridge Business Center III, Suite 350, Waukesha, WI 53188 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Tactical Asset Allocation Fund.

 

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Teberg Fund.

 

RESQ Investment Partners, LLC 9383 East Bahia Drive, Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to RESQ Absolute Equity Fund and RESQ Absolute Income Fund.

 

Horizon Capital Management, Inc. 106 Valerie Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Issachar Fund.

 

Cane Capital Management, LLC, 8440 Jefferson Hwy, Suite 402, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Cane Alternative Strategies Fund.

 

Newfound Research LLC, 425 Boylston Street, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02116 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund, the Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund and the Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund.

 

Cozad Asset Management, Inc., 2501 Galen Drive, Champaign, IL 61821 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Cozad Small Cap Value Fund.

Howard Capital Management, Inc., 1145 Hembree Road, Rosewell, GA 30076 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund and HCM Income Plus Fund.

 

Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC 12707 High Bluff Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92130 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund and Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund.

 

Ascendant Capital Management, LLC 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90024 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund.

 

Swan Global Management, LLC 7 Ridgetop, Palmas Del Mar, PR 19103 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Swan Capital Management, Inc., maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk, the Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, the Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund and the Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund.

 

Infinitas Capital, LLC 99 Hudson Street, 5 th Floor, New York, NY 10013 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Persimmon Capital Management, LP, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.

 

Absolute Capital Management, LLC 101 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Pittsburg, PA 15228 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund.

 

Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC 1801 East 9 th Street, Suite 1400, Cleveland, OH 44114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all record required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Boyd Watterson Short Duration Enhanced Income Fund.

 

Item 34. Management Services. Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings. The Registrant undertakes that each Subsidiary and each Director of each Subsidiary hereby consents to service of process within the United States, and to examination of its books and records.

 
 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant 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, and State of New York, on the 26 th day of July, 2017.

 

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

 

By: /s/ Brian Curley

Brian Curley, President

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the dates indicated.

 

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

Name Title
/s/ Brian Curley President
Brian Curley* Treasurer
James U. Jensen* Independent Trustee
Patricia Luscombe* Independent Trustee
John V. Palancia* Independent Trustee
Mark H. Taylor* Independent Trustee
Jeffery D. Young* Independent Trustee

 

*By: Date:

/s/ Eric D. Kane. July 26, 2017

Eric D. Kane, Esq.

 

*Attorney-in-Fact – Pursuant to Powers of Attorney as previously filed February 26, 2015 and June 17, 2016.

 
 

 

Exhibit Index

 

 

Exhibit Exhibit No.
Legal Consent (i)(ii)
Other Opinions.  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (j)
Code of Ethics of Persimmon Capital Management LP (p)(v)
Code of Ethics of Caerus Investors, LLC (p)(vi)
Code of Ethics of Good Harbor Financial, LLC (p)(viii)
Code of Ethics of Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC (p)(xiv)
Code of Ethics of First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. (p)(xvi)
Code of Ethics of RESQ Investment Partners, LLC (p)(xvii)
Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC (p)(xx)
Code of Ethics of Howard Capital Management, Inc. (p)(xxii)
Code of Ethics of Absolute Capital Management, LLC (p)(xxvi)
Code of Ethics of Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC (p)(xxvii)

 

 

 

 

 

CEDAR CAPITAL, LLC AND AFFILIATES

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

Adopted: January 2017

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This document covers Cedar Capital, LLC and its affiliated entities (collectively, the “Cedar Group”). As of the date of this document, affiliates include Good Harbor Financial, LLC and Broadmeadow Capital, LLC. All members of the Cedar Group are SEC-registered investment advisers.

 

Cedar Capital, LLC will be referred to throughout the document as the “Adviser” “we” or “us” and is intended to cover all principals and employees (“Access Persons” or “you”) of the Cedar Group.

 

Cedar Capital, LLC has adopted this Code of Ethics (“Code”) to provide our employees with a framework for conduct in all aspects of their employment within our firm. The goal is to provide employees with an understanding of the requirements of conduct as prescribed by 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) and Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). This Code applies to the Adviser with respect to any client of the Adviser, including any investment company for which the Adviser serves as an investment adviser. This Code formalizes the high standard of ethical behavior required of our employees.

 

We have developed this Code to promote the highest levels of ethical conduct among our principals and employees (“Access Persons” or “you”). Among the purposes of the Code are to: (1) educate Access Persons regarding the Adviser’s expectations and the laws governing their conduct; (2) remind Access Persons that they are in a position of trust and must act with complete propriety at all times; (3) protect the reputation of the Adviser; (4) guard against violation of the securities laws; (5) protect the Adviser’s clients by deterring misconduct; and (6) establish procedures for Access Persons to follow so that the Adviser can assess whether its Access Persons are complying with the Adviser’s ethical principles.

 

PART 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

The Adviser provides portfolio management services to individuals, institutions, funds registered under the Investment Company Act and funds organized as an Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (“UCITS”), (collectively, the “Clients”). The Adviser has entered into a fiduciary relationship with its Clients and owes each Client the utmost duty of loyalty, good faith, and fair dealing. The Adviser places its Clients’ interests ahead of those of its principals and employees. Therefore, each of us is likewise expected to place Client interests ahead of personal interests. The Adviser embraces the following general principles with respect to the conduct of each of its Access Persons when acting on behalf of the Adviser or in any

 

 

capacity that affects the interests of the Adviser’s Clients:

 

1. The duty at all times to place the interests of our Clients first;

 

2. The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted consistent with this Code and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of your position of trust and responsibility;

 

3. The fundamental standard that the Adviser’s personnel should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions;

 

4. The fiduciary principle that information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of Clients is confidential;

 

5. The principle that the Adviser and its personnel will exercise independent, unbiased judgment in the investment decision-making process; and

 

6. The importance of acting with honesty, integrity and professionalism in all aspects of our business.

 

These general principles govern all conduct, whether or not the conduct also is covered by more specific provisions below. We expect that all of our Access Persons will abide by this Code both in word and in spirit. Failure to comply with this Code is a serious matter that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

 

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding what the Code does and does not permit, please do not hesitate to contact the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

 

PART 2. SCOPE OF THE CODE

 

The Code addresses the personal trading and other conduct of the Adviser’s Access Persons and is an integral part of its compliance program.

 

A. Persons Covered by the Code

 

This Code applies to each of the Adviser’s employees, all of whom are deemed to be “Access Persons” for purposes of this Code. Certain provisions of this Code also apply to the “Family Members” of Access Persons. The term “Family Members” includes an Access Person’s spouse, domestic partner, minor children, and relatives by blood or marriage living in the person’s household (including an adult child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, or in-laws). The Adviser’s CCO may designate additional persons as Access Persons subject to the Code from time to time as appropriate, such as consultants, temporary employees or interns.

 

 

B. Securities Covered by the Code

 

The term “Covered Security” as used in this Code means any stock, bond, warrant, future, exchange-traded fund (“ETF”), closed end fund, investment contract or any other instrument that is considered a “security” under the Advisers Act. The term Covered Security is very broad and includes instruments and products such as: (1) options on securities, on indexes, and on currencies; (2) all kinds of limited partnerships (including those managed by the Adviser); and (3) private equity funds, hedge funds, foreign unit trusts and investment clubs.

 

The term Covered Security does NOT include: (1) direct obligations of the U.S. government; (2) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements; (3) shares issued by money market funds; (4) shares of open-end mutual funds; (excluding those managed by the Adviser) and (5) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds.

 

The Code governs any Covered Security in which you, as an Access Person, have any direct or indirect beneficial interest, including interests in a trust, partnership, or retirement plan. For purpose of this Code, you are presumed to have a “beneficial interest” in securities or accounts held by your Family Members – See definition in Part 2.A. above.

 

C. Funds Covered by the Code

 

The Code governs the Adviser’s funds organized as “UCITS” and funds registered under the Investment Company Act (“Registered Funds”) for which we serve as investment adviser.

 

PART 3. STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

 

You are required to comply with certain standards of business conduct in accordance with the Adviser’s fiduciary obligations to its Clients.

 

A. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

 

You must comply with all applicable federal securities laws. You are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale (directly or indirectly) of a security held or to be acquired by a Client of the Adviser:

 

1. To defraud the Client in any manner;

 

2. To mislead the Client, including by making a statement that omits material facts;

 

3. To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Client;

 

4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Client; or

 

5. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.

 

B. Conflicts of Interest

 

As a fiduciary, the Adviser has an affirmative duty to act in the best interest of its Clients. Integral to this duty is avoiding many types of potential conflicts of interest. The Adviser strives

 

 

to identify conflicts of interest with Clients and to fully disclose all material facts concerning any conflict that does arise with respect to any Client. As an Access Person of the Adviser, you should avoid any situation that may have the appearance of a conflict or impropriety.

 

1. Conflicts among Client Interests . You are prohibited from inappropriate favoritism of one Client over another Client that would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty.

 

2. Competing with Client Trades. You are prohibited from using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for Clients to profit personally (directly or indirectly) as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities – referred to as “front running.” Conflicts raised by personal securities transactions also are addressed more specifically below.

 

3. Disclosure of Personal Interest . Access Persons who make investment decisions for Clients or help execute and/or implement investment decisions are prohibited from recommending, implementing, or considering any securities transaction for a Client without having disclosed any material Beneficial Ownership, business or personal relationship, or other material interest in the issuer or its affiliates, to the CCO. If the CCO deems the disclosed interest to present a material conflict, the CCO will make a judgment regarding the securities of that issuer. This provision applies in addition to the Adviser’s quarterly and annual personal securities reporting requirements set forth in Section D below.

 

4. Referrals/Brokerage. You are required to act in the best interests of the Adviser’s Clients regarding execution and other costs paid by Clients for brokerage services. You must strictly adhere to the Adviser’s policies and procedures regarding brokerage (including best execution and directed brokerage, if applicable). See the Best Execution Policy for more information.

 

5. Vendors and Suppliers. You must disclose to the CCO any personal investments or other interests in vendors or suppliers with respect to which that person negotiates or makes decisions on behalf of the Adviser. If you have such an interest, it is within the CCO’s sole discretion to prohibit you from negotiating or making decisions regarding the Adviser’s business with those companies.

 

C. Insider Trading

 

You are prohibited from any trading, either personally or on behalf of others, while in possession of material, nonpublic information. You are prohibited from communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. Additionally, all Access Persons who come into contact with material nonpublic information are subject to the Adviser’s prohibitions on insider trading and any potential sanctions. See the Adviser’s Prevention of Insider Trading Policy for more information.

 

 

Insider trading is a very serious matter. Penalties for violating the Adviser’s insider trading policy may include (in addition to termination of employment) civil injunctions, permanent bars from employment in the securities industry, civil penalties up to three times the profits made or losses avoided, criminal fines, and jail sentences.

 

D. Personal Securities Transactions

 

You (and your Family Members) are required to strictly adhere to the Adviser’s policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions.

 

1. Limited or Private Offerings – Pre-Clearance . Prior written approval by the CCO (or delegate) is required before you and your Family Members purchase, sell or transfer securities in a limited offering ( e.g., private placement) including those managed by the Adviser. In addition, prior written approval is required for additional or “add-on” investments in private placements. The CCO shall consider among other factors in approving such a transaction, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for Clients, and whether the opportunity is being offered by virtue of your position with the Adviser.

 

2. Initial Public Offering – Pre-Clearance . You and your Family Members must obtain prior written approval from the CCO before purchasing any initial public offering.

 

3. Restricted List – Prohibition & Pre-clearance. You and your Family Members are prohibited from purchasing any security on the Restricted List, including options on restricted securities. If you currently own a security on the Restricted List, you may sell with pre-clearance.

 

The Restricted List is maintained and updated by the CCO (or delegate). The Restricted List is updated quarterly or more frequently as needed and is distributed to Access Persons at least quarterly. Employees should not assume they have the most recent Restricted List and should always check the current Restricted List before executing a securities transaction.

 

4. Registered Funds managed by the Adviser. Registered Funds managed by the Adviser fall under the definition of Covered Security. Therefore, all transactions in the Registered Funds are subject to the Adviser’s quarterly transaction and annual holdings requirements.

 

Authority to Exempt Transactions. The CCO has the authority to exempt personal securities transaction of an Access Person from any or all of the provisions of this Code if the CCO determines that such exemption would not be against any interests of a Client and in accordance with applicable law. The CCO will document any exemption granted, describing the circumstances and reasons for the exemption.

 

 

E. Gifts and Entertainment

 

You should not accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of material value that could influence your decision-making or suggest that you are beholden to any particular person or firm. Similarly, you should not offer gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a Client feel beholden to you or to the Adviser. These policies also apply to your Family Members.

 

1. Gifts. You may not give or receive any gift, service, or other thing in excess of $100 per person from any person or entity that does business with, or on behalf of, the Adviser.

 

Promotional items of nominal value that display the firm’s logo (e.g. umbrellas, golf balls, or shirts) valued at substantially less than $100 are excluded from this limit. However, promotional items valued at or near $100 are not considered nominal and are subject to the limit.

 

Gifts given or received under $100 need not be reported to the CCO. If an Access Person receives a gift over $100, it should be promptly reported to the CCO. If an Access Person intends on giving a gift over $100, the Access Person must seek pre-clearance from the CCO. Exceptions may be granted on a limited basis.

 

2. Business Entertainment. You may not provide or accept entertainment that could be viewed as extravagant or excessive to or from a Client, prospective Client, or any person or entity that does or s eeks to do business with, or on behalf of, the Adviser. You may provide or accept a business entertainment event of reasonable value ( i.e., an occasional meal, sporting event, theatre production, or comparable entertainment event) provided that such entertainment is neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety.

 

Expense Reports : When submitting expense reports for business meals, entertainment and any other expenses, where another advisor was present, the report must include the advisors in attendance (both individual and firm names).

 

3. Cash. You may not give or accept cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a Client,prospective Client, or any entity that does business with or on behalf of the Adviser.

 

4. Pre-Clearance. You should seek CCO prior approval when you are unsure about the value of a proposed gift or proposed entertainment. You must pre-clear with the CCO all gifts and any entertainment or other expenses involving any government, municipal or similar authority.

 

5. Referrals. You are prohibited from making referrals to Clients ( e.g., of accountants, attorneys, or the like) if you expect to benefit in any way.

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is not the intent of this Code to prohibit the everyday courtesies of business life. Therefore, the specific guidelines above shall not apply to an occasional meal or ticket to a theater, entertainment or sporting event that is social in nature, or that is an incidental part of a business meeting with a clear business purpose, or a food item received by an individual but shared with the Adviser’s other employees or principals and consumed on the Adviser’s premises.

 

F. Political Contributions

 

(Rule 206(4)-5 Pay-to-Play) An adviser is prohibited from receiving compensation for providing advisory services to a government entity for two years following any contribution, other than certain de minimis contributions, by the Adviser or its Access Persons to an official of a state or local government entity who is or will be in a position to influence the award of advisory business. In addition, an adviser is also prohibited from coordinating, or soliciting others to make, contributions for an official of a government entity to which the adviser is providing or seeking to provide advisory services.

 

Accordingly, the Adviser has adopted policies and procedures concerning political contributions and activities regarding state and local candidates, officials and political parties. These policies regarding activities and political contributions apply to the Adviser and all its Access Persons. Please see the Adviser’s Policies and Procedures Regarding Political Contributions.

 

These policies are intended solely to comply with these laws and regulations and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. These policies are not intended to otherwise interfere with an individual’s right to participate in the political process.

 

G. Charitable Contributions

 

The Adviser has established policies and procedures concerning charitable contributions. The Adviser’s policy is to limit charitable contributions that are frequent or substantial in nature which may create conflicts of interest. Access Persons are prohibited from making contributions to a charitable or non-profit organization in excess of $250 at the request of a “business contact.” A business contact is defined as an organization or individual that currently does business with or is a prospect of the Adviser. The $250 limit is per business contact, per year.

 

These policies are intended solely to comply with these laws and regulations and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. These policies are not intended to discourage personal charitable contributions or those that are considered customary or nominal in nature.

 

H. Confidentiality

 

Information concerning the identity of security holdings in Client accounts and the financial circumstances of investors in such accounts is confidential.

 

1. Adviser Duties. The Adviser must keep all information about Client accounts and investors in Client accounts in strict confidence, including identity and financial

 

 

circumstances, security holdings, and advice furnished by the Adviser unless permitted to do so in writing from such Client or investor (such as when permission is received to disclose a Client’s or investor’s name.)

 

2. Access Persons’ Duties. You are prohibited from disclosing to persons outside the Adviser any material non-public information about any Client or any investor in a Client account, the securities investments made by the Adviser on behalf of a Client, information about contemplated securities transactions, or information regarding the Adviser’s trading strategies, except as required to effectuate securities transactions on behalf of a Client. Access Persons who are involved in marketing efforts on behalf of the Adviser may disclose information regarding the Adviser’s trading strategies in the ordinary course of their duties and as permitted by federal securities laws.

 

I. Service on a Board of Directors

 

Given the increased potential for conflicts of interest and insider trading issues, you must seek prior approval from the CCO to serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company.

 

J. Other Outside Activities

 

You must disclose to the CCO any personal interests that may present a conflict of interest or harm the reputation of the Adviser. Additionally, you must obtain prior written approval by the CCO for other outside activities that may create a conflict of interest for you or the Adviser, including outside business or investment activities (such as directorships, consulting engagements, outside business affiliations, or public positions) and acting as an executor or trustee or accepting a power of attorney.

 

K. Marketing and Promotional Activities

 

Any oral or written statement you make, including those made to Clients, prospective Clients, their representatives, or the media, must be professional, accurate, balanced, and not misleading in any way. Statements made to the media should be pre-cleared by the CCO. See Section 5 – Sales and Marketing in the Adviser’s Manual for more information.

 

PART 4. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

 

A. Personal Securities Transaction Procedures and Reporting

 

1. Disclosure of Personal Accounts . The Adviser’s Access Persons must disclose to the CCO within 10 days of date of employment through the automated compliance software all Personal Accounts in which the Access Person or Family Members have a direct interest or for which the Access Person influences or controls the investment decisions. In addition, Access Persons must pre-clear any new Personal Accounts prior to opening the account. An account established for the benefit of the following will be presumed to be a Personal Account unless the Access Person and the CCO agree otherwise in writing:

 

 

(i) an Access Person; (ii) the spouse of an Access Person; (iii) any child of any Access Person under the age of 21, whether or not residing with the Access Person; (iv) any other Family Member of the Access Person residing in the same household with the Access Person or to whose financial support the Access Person makes a significant contribution; and (v) any other account in which the Access Person has a direct or indirect beneficial interest (e.g., joint accounts, trustee accounts, partnerships, investment clubs, estates or closely held corporations in which the Access Person has a beneficial interest).

 

2. Pre-clearance Procedures .

 

Pre-clearance for sales in securities on the Restricted List should be requested via the automated compliance software.

 

Approval for a trade is valid for the day on which it is granted and the immediately following business day. After that, a new request is required to be submitted to the CCO. Your trading activity is reviewed to ensure that each transaction was properly authorized.

 

PRE-CLEARANCE IS NOT REQUIRED for the following types of transactions:

 

a. Purchases or sales over which an Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control (e.g., a managed account);

 

b. Purchases or sales pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan (including a dividend reinvestment plan);

 

c. Purchases effected upon exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuers, and sales of such rights so acquired;

 

d. Acquisition of securities through stock dividends, dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs, and other similar corporate reorganizations or distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of securities;

 

e. Open end investment company shares;

 

f. Unit investment trusts; and

 

g. Assignment of options or exercise of an option at expiration.

 

3. Market Timing . Frequent trading can harm open-end fund shareholders in various ways, including reducing the returns to long-term shareholders by increasing costs to the fund and disrupting portfolio management strategies. Access Persons are required to comply with the policies of any open-end funds in which they invest regarding purchases, redemptions and exchanges, and are prohibited from engaging in frequent trading in open-end funds. To prevent disruption in the management of a fund, excessive exchange activity is limited. Generally, exchange activity is considered excessive if it exceeds parameters as set forth below:

 

A substantive exchange redemption in the same fund within 30 days of each other, in the amount of $50,000 or 1% of net assets, whichever is higher.

 

 

The Adviser has adopted these procedures in compliance with the Trust’s Compliance Manual.

 

4. Late Trading. Late trading is prohibited by law and, with respect to Registered Funds managed by the Adviser, may represent a violation of fiduciary duty. Even though this Code only requires Access Persons to report transactions in these funds, the Code prohibits Access Persons from engaging in or facilitating late trading in shares of any open-end fund.

 

5. Reporting Requirements . All reporting is submitted through the automated compliance software.

 

a. Holdings Reports . You are required to submit to the CCO a holdings report that includes: (1) information regarding all holdings in Covered Securities in which you or your Family Members have a beneficial interest. New Access Persons should submit these reports within 10 days of employment with the Adviser, and thereafter on an annual basis, by January 30 of each year. Reports should be current as of a date not more than 45 days before the report is due.

 

b. Quarterly Transaction Reports. You are required to submit to the CCO quarterly transaction reports that cover all transactions in Covered Securities and Registered Funds managed by the Adviser in which you or your Family Members have a beneficial interest no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Certain types of transactions, listed in subsection e below, are not required to be included in these reports.

 

c. Quarterly Personal Account Establishment Reports. New Personal Accounts for you or your Family Members must be pre-cleared through the compliance software and quarterly you are required to affirm that you have disclosed to the CCO all of Personal Accounts in which you or your Family Members have a beneficial interest.

 

d. Confidentiality of Reports. The Adviser will keep confidential all transactions and holdings reports, except to the extent necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of the Code or to comply with requests for information from government authorities.

 

e. Reporting Exemptions . The following reporting exemptions apply:

 

i. Any report with respect to securities held in accounts over which you and/or your Family Members have no direct or indirect influence or control; and

 

ii. Any transaction report with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan (including dividend reinvestment plans).

 

6. Monitoring of Personal Securities Transactions. The CCO (or delegate) is responsible for

 

 

periodically reviewing personal securities transactions and holdings reports. The CCO will name as a delegate a senior employee to be responsible for reviewing and monitoring the personal securities transactions of the CCO and for taking on the responsibilities of the CCO in the CCO’s absence.

 

B. Gifts and Business Entertainment Reporting. Disclosures will be submitted through automated compliance software.

 

a. You are required to disclose to the CCO, upon receipt but no less than quarterly, any gifts given or received in excess of $100 per person.

 

b. You are required to disclose to the CCO, upon receipt but no less than quarterly, any business entertainment expenses provided or received which may be deemed excess in nature.

 

C. Certifications of Compliance. All certifications will be submitted through automated compliance software.

 

1. Initial Certification. You are required to provide certification that you have:

 

(a) received a copy of the Code; (b) read and understood all provisions of the Code; and (c) agreed to comply with the terms of the Code. Such initial certification must be provided within 10 days of becoming designated as an Access Person under the Code.

 

2. Acknowledgement of Amendments. The Adviser will provide you with any amendments to the Code and you must submit an acknowledgement that you have received, read, and understood the amendments to the Code.

 

3. Annual Certification . You are required to certify on an annual basis that that you have read, understood, and complied with the Code .

 

PART 5. RECORDKEEPING

 

The Adviser maintains the following records related to the Code in a readily accessible place:

 

1. A copy of each Code that has been in effect at any time during the past five years;

 

2. A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of such violation for five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;

 

3. A record of compliance certifications for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, an Access Person;

 

4. Holdings and transactions reports made pursuant to the Code, including any brokerage account statements made in lieu of these reports;

 

5. A list of the names of persons who are currently, or within the past five years were Access Persons;

 

 

6. A record of any decision and supporting reasons for approving the acquisition of securities by Access Persons in a limited offering, initial public offering or in the Sectors; and

 

7. A record of any decision and supporting reasons for granting any Access Person a waiver from or exception to the Code.

 

PART 6. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE

 

A. Training and Education. The CCO, or delegate, shall be responsible for training and educating Access Persons regarding the Code. Such training shall be mandatory for all Access Persons and shall occur within 10 days of date of hire and on an annual basis or more frequently as determined necessary by the CCO.

 

B. Annual Review . The CCO shall review the adequacy of the Code and the effectiveness of its implementation as the CCO deems appropriate, but no less frequently than annually.

 

C. Reporting Violations. You are required to report actual or suspected violations of the Adviser’s Code promptly to the CCO, or in the case of a violation by the CCO, to senior management. The Adviser has adopted a policy of non-retaliation with respect to any person who reports matters in good faith. Please refer to the “Whistleblower” policy in the Adviser’s Compliance Manual.

 

1. Confidentiality. Any reports created to satisfy the requirements of the Code shall be treated confidentially and shall be investigated promptly as required by the particular circumstances.

 

2. Types of Reporting. You are obligated to report any: (a) noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (b) fraud or illegal acts involving any aspect of the Adviser’s business; (c) material misstatements in regulatory filings, internal books and records, Clients records or reports; (d) activity that is harmful to Clients; and (e) material deviations from required controls and procedures that safeguard Clients and the Adviser.

 

3. Guidance. You are encouraged to seek guidance from the CCO or other senior management with respect to any action or transaction that may violate the Code and to refrain from any action or transaction which might lead to the appearance of a violation.

 

D. Sanctions. As noted in Part 1 of this Code, a violation of the Code may result in any disciplinary action that the CCO or senior management deems appropriate, including but not limited to a warning, fines, disgorgement, suspension, demotion, or termination of employment. In addition to sanctions, violations may result in referral to civil or criminal authorities where appropriate.

 

E. Further Information Regarding the Code. You should contact the CCO to obtain any additional information about compliance and ethics issues.

 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

For purposes of this Code:

 

“Access Person” means any employee (i) who has access to non-public information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any client of the Adviser, or (ii) who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are non-public. Notwithstanding the above definition, the CCO has determined that all principals, officers and employees of the Adviser will be considered Access Persons under this Code unless otherwise specifically exempted by the Senior Managing Member and the CCO.

 

Additionally, a consultant, temporary employee, or other person may be considered an Access Person depending on various factors, including length of service, nature or duties and access to information about the Adviser. Such person will be notified by the CCO when he or she is considered an Access Person.

 

“Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An automatic investment plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

 

“Beneficial Ownership” means that a person, directly, or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the security. A pecuniary interest means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security. An indirect pecuniary interest includes (i) securities held by a member of a person’s immediate family sharing the same household, (ii) a person’s interest in securities held by a trust, and (iii) a person’s right to acquire securities through the exercise of a derivative security.

 

The definition of “beneficial ownership” is complex, and questions regarding whether an Employee has a beneficial interest in a security should be directed to the CCO. Any report filed under this Code may state that the report is not to be construed as an admission that the person making the report has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates. The term “beneficial ownership” is interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a person has beneficial ownership of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the 1934 Act.

  

“Covered Security” means a Security (defined herein), except that it does not include: (i) direct obligations of the government of the United States; (ii) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments (including repurchase agreements); (iii) shares issued by money market funds; (iv) shares issued by open-end mutual funds not affiliated with the Adviser; and (v) shares issued by

 

 

unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end mutual funds.

 

“Initial Public Offering (IPO)” means an offering of securities registered under the 1933 Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.

 

“Inside Information” means material non-public information (i.e., information which is not available to investors generally) that a reasonable investor would consider to be important in deciding whether to buy, sell or retain a security, including for example non-public information relating to a pending merger, acquisition, disposition, joint venture, contract award or termination, major lawsuit or claim, earnings announcement or change in dividend policy, significant product development, or the gain or loss of a significant customer or supplier. Any non-public information may be inside information regardless of whether it is developed internally or obtained from others (e.g., information received from the issuer, current or prospective customers, suppliers or business partners). Information is considered non-public until the market has had a reasonable time after public announcement to assimilate and react to the information.

  

“Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the 1933 Act pursuant to Sections 4(2) or 4(6) or Rule 504, 505 or 506. Limited Offerings are sometimes referred to as private placements of securities.

  

“Personal Account” means any securities and futures account of an Employee in which the Employee has a direct or pecuniary interest or for which such Employee influences or controls the investment decisions (other than accounts for the Adviser’s clients, except those clients who fall within the list in the next sentence). An account established for the benefit of the following will be presumed to be a Personal Account unless the Employee and the CCO agree otherwise in writing: (i) an Employee; (ii) the spouse or domestic partner of an Employee; (iii) any child of any Employee under the age of 21, whether or not residing with the Employee; (iv) any other family member of the Employee residing in the same household with the Employee or to whose financial support the Employee makes a significant contribution; and (v) any other account in which the Employee has a direct or indirect beneficial interest (e.g., joint accounts, trustee accounts, partnerships, investment clubs, estates or closely held corporations in which the Employee has a beneficial interest).

  

“Publicly Traded Security” means any equity or debt instrument traded on an exchange, through NASDAQ or through the “Pink Sheets,” any option to purchase or sell such equity or debt instrument, any index stock or bond group option that includes such equity or debt instrument, and futures contract on stock or bond groups that includes such equity or debt instrument, and any option on such futures contract. A Publicly Traded Security also means any security traded on foreign security exchanges, and publicly traded shares of registered closed-end investment companies, exchange-traded funds, unit trusts, partnership and similar interests, notes, warrants, or fixed income instruments, and bonds and debt obligations issued by foreign governments, states, or municipalities.

 

 

Exceptions to the definition of “Publicly Traded Security” include the following: securities issued by mutual funds (not affiliated with the Adviser), U.S. treasury bonds, notes and bills, U.S. savings bonds and other instruments issued by the U.S. government, debt instruments issued by a banking institution (such as bankers’ acceptances, certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high-quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements) and U.S. and foreign currency. The securities covered by this exception are referred to as “Non-covered Securities”.

  

“Purchase or sale of a security” includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security.

  

“Security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing.

 

 

 

July 26, 2017

 

 

Northern Lights Fund Trust III

17605 Wright Street, Suite 2

Omaha, Nebraska 68130

 

 

Re:        Northern Lights Fund Trust III - File Nos. 333-178833 and 811-22655

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

A legal opinion (the “Legal Opinion”) that we prepared was filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Northern Lights Fund Trust III Registration Statement. We hereby give you our consent to incorporate by reference the Legal Opinion into Post-Effective Amendment No. 298 under the Securities Act of 1933 (Amendment No. 301 under the Investment Company Act of 1940) (the “Amendment”) and consent to all references to us in the Amendment.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Thompson Hine LLP

 

THOMPSON HINE LLP

 

 

      850913.70

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated May 30, 2017, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Pinnacle Sherman Tactical Allocation Fund, a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, for the year ended March 31, 2017, and to the references to our firm under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings” in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

 

 

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

Cleveland, Ohio

July 26, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persimmon Capital Management, LP

 

 

 

 

Code of Ethics

revised April 6, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

This Code contains confidential information and is for internal use only . While this copy of the Code has been issued to you as an employee of the Company, it remains Company property and must be returned at the termination of your employment.

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. Introduction 2
II. Statement of Ethical Principles 2
III. Standards of Business Conduct 3
IV. Prohibited Activities 3
V. Exempted Transactions 5
VI. Compliance Procedures 5
VII. Review and Disclosure 7
VIII. Sanctions and Investigations 8
IX. Definitions 8
X. Employee Acknowledgement Form (Employee Copy) 11
XI. Employee Acknowledgement Form (Compliance Copy) 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i

 
 

 

I. Introduction

The purpose of Persimmon’s Code of Ethics is to set the tone for the conduct and professionalism of the Firm’s employees. The ethical culture of Persimmon (the Firm) is of critical importance and is supported at the highest levels of the organization. In order to provide as much clarity as possible, key terms are defined in Section VIII of the Code.

 

Persimmon includes all employees in its definition of “Access Person.” Therefore, it is important that everyone reads, understands, and abides by this Code of Ethics in all aspects of their employment with the Firm. Violations of the Code are taken very seriously. Sanctions including monetary fines, censure, and termination are all possible. It is your responsibility, as an employee of this Firm, to uphold the policies enumerated below.

 

Persimmon's Code of Ethics has been adopted in accordance with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Access Persons are expected to fully comply with all aspects of the Code. Management is mindful that compliance policy cannot address all potential risk management scenarios which an Access Person may encounter during his/her tenure with the Firm. To this end, Access Persons are required to observe the spirit of the Code, ever mindful of how their actions will reflect on the Firm and their personal reputations as professionals operating in the securities industry. At the commencement of employment or designation as an Access Person with Persimmon, and each time a new version of the Code is issued, employees must certify their understanding and agreement to abide by the terms of the Code.

 

Persimmon recognizes its need to respond flexibly to dynamic business needs and circumstances. Accordingly, the Firm reserves the right to revoke, modify, interpret, and apply its guidelines, policies or procedures at its sole discretion, and without prior notice. This Code is not intended to be a contract or legally binding agreement, nor does it promise specific treatment in specific situations. For more information about the Code, please consult the CCO.

 

II. Statement of Ethical Principles

These principles apply to all Persimmon employees in their management and administration of client assets. At all times, Firm employees must understand that:

 

1. They have a duty to place the interests of the clients first;
2. Personal securities transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest;
3. They must never take inappropriate advantage of their positions;
4. All information concerning the identity of clients, their security holdings, and their financial circumstances is strictly confidential; and
5. At all times, the interests of clients must be paramount.
2  
 
III. Standards of Business Conduct

Access Persons must comply with applicable Federal Securities Laws. Access Persons are not permitted, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a client:

 

1. To defraud such client in any manner;
2. To mislead such client, including by making a statement that omits material facts;
3. To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon such client;
4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such client; or
5. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.

 

IV. Prohibited Activities
1) IPO Rule: No Access Person may conduct personal securities transactions in an Initial Public Offering, except with the prior approval of the CCO. Pre-approvals do not preclude the additional requirement of reporting of transactions and holdings.

 

2) Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may conduct personal securities transactions in a Private Placement or limited offering (such as a hedge fund or private equity fund) unless the CCO has approved such purchase or sale. Pre- approvals do not preclude the additional requirement of reporting of transactions and holdings.

 

3) Disclosure or Use of Confidential Information: In the normal course of business, Access Persons may be given or may acquire information about the business of the Firm, its clients/investors, or its affiliates that is not available to the general public. This information is confidential and may include financial data, business plans and strategies, personal information about clients/investors, and information concerning specific portfolio transactions. All Access Persons are responsible for respecting and maintaining the confidential nature of such information, including taking reasonable care in how and where they discuss, document, and store the confidential information. Confidential information may be disclosed only to those individuals and unaffiliated third parties that require access to confidential information to perform their job functions. Pursuant to federal securities statutes, Access Persons are also responsible for respecting and protecting confidential information after they leave the Firm, are dismissed from the Firm, or retire from the Firm.

 

4) Insider Trading Rule: No Access Person may trade, either personally or on behalf of others, on material nonpublic information or communicate material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. No Access Person shall divulge or act upon any material, non-public information as such term is defined under relevant Federal Securities Laws.
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5) De Minimis Gifts Rule: No Access Person shall annually accept any gift or other item of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Firm.

 

6) Political and Charitable Contributions Rule: No Access Person may make any political contribution without the prior approval of the CCO. All registered employees must make prompt written reports of any political contributions, even after receiving approval. In addition, all Access Persons are prohibited from considering the Firm’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in soliciting political or charitable donations.

 

7) Outside Activities Rule: No Access Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization from the CCO of the Firm. If board service is authorized, such Access Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company. Full- time Access Persons are not permitted to accept outside employment or accept payment for services rendered to others, even though such employment or the services rendered may be permissible or desirable, without the prior consent of the CCO. In addition, Access Persons may not personally accept an appointment to act as an administrator, executor, guardian, trustee, or to act in any other fiduciary capacity, except when acting in such capacity for a person related to the Access Person by blood or marriage, without the approval of the CCO. Where such duties are accepted for a relative or approval is obtained, the Firm and the law demand the highest standards of good faith in discharging such duties. Furthermore, Firm policy requires that such accounts be reported with other personal securities accounts under this Code of Ethics.

 

8) Firm Property : While employed by or affiliated with the Firm, Access Persons will use the Firm’s resources to carry out their job responsibilities. Client/investor relationships and information pertaining to clients/investors themselves are the property of the Firm. When Access Persons leave the Firm, are dismissed by the Firm, or retire from the Firm, they may not take with them any of the work that was produced on Firm time or that utilized Firm resources; they also may not take any client/investor or other confidential information with them unless authorized in writing by Persimmon to do so.

 

9) Borrowing from Investors : You may not borrow money from a Persimmon client/investor unless such borrowing is from a bank or other financial institution made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with members of the general public and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or include other unfavorable features.

 

10) Business Transactions for the Firm: Access Persons may not personally represent or exercise authority on behalf of the Firm unilaterally in any transaction with any person, firm, company, or organization with which you have any material connection (including, but not limited to, a directorship, appointed
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office, family relationship, or significant borrowing relationship) or in which you have a material financial interest. You must report any existing or proposed business relationships with any such person, firm, company, or organization to the CCO, who will determine whether such business relationship is “material” for purposes of this prohibition.

 

11) Prohibition on the Use of Information from Your Previous Employer: You should not bring any documents, software, or other items to the Firm that may contain your previous employer’s confidential, trade secret, or proprietary information without approval from your prior employer. This would include such things as electronic files, computer disks, rolodexes, investor lists, financial reports, or other materials that belong to your previous employer. If you have such unauthorized materials in your possession, they should be returned to your former employer immediately. It is the Access Person’s responsibility to honor all legal agreements with any prior employer as to confidentiality and competitive activities, and to notify the CCO of any such agreements.

 

V. Exempted Transactions

The prohibitions of Section IV of this Code shall not apply to:

 

1) Purchases or sales that are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or clients.

 

2) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.

 

3) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.

 

4) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.

 

Important Note: Persimmon requires employees to report all managed accounts under this Code of Ethics, even if the employee or his/her household member does not exercise discretion over such accounts.

 

VI. Compliance Procedures
1) The Firm must maintain and enforce this Code. The authority is vested in the CCO.

 

2) This Code and any subsequent amendments will be provided to all Access Persons. Persimmon distributes the Code of Ethics at least annually. Written acknowledgement of the receipt of the Code and any amendments is required by all Access Persons, as instructed by the CCO .
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3) Transaction Reports: All Access Persons must submit to the CCO transaction reports covering all transactions in reportable securities in personal and beneficial ownership accounts. These reports must be received no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. A report stating “None” must be received when no activity has occurred within the quarter or when the Firm is receiving a complete set of duplicate confirmations.

 

The report must include: (i) the date of the transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each reportable security involved; (ii) the nature of the transaction (purchase or sale); (iii) the price of the security at which the transaction was effected; (iv) the name of the broker, dealer, or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and

(v) the date the report is submitted.

 

The Access Person directing their brokers to supply to the CCO, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities transaction in any reportable securities, will meet this requirement.

 

The CCO will evidence his review of such transaction reports by initialing same prior to the reports being scanned.

 

4) Holdings Reports: All Access Persons must submit to the CCO a complete report of all reportable securities holdings in personal and beneficial ownership accounts within 10 days of becoming an Access Person and annually by July 31 st thereafter. The information supplied must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the person became an Access Person or before the report is submitted in the case of annual holdings reports.

 

The report must include: (i) the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each reportable security involved; (ii) the name of the broker, dealer, or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person’s direct or beneficial ownership; and (iii) the date the report is submitted.

 

Except for the initial report, the Access Person directing their brokers to supply to the CCO, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the statement for each personal and beneficial ownership account, will meet this requirement. Copies of brokerage statements less than 45 days old will satisfy the requirement for new Access Persons.

 

Restricted Securities : Securities issued by companies about which the Firm or an Access Person may have access to material, nonpublic information may be placed on the restricted list. The Firm reserves the right to designate certain securities as “restricted” based on any changes to the investment strategies employed by the

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Firm, activities involving its affiliates, or if deemed necessary by the CCO. Persimmon shall take steps to immediately inform all Access Persons of any securities placed on the restricted list. Access Persons are prohibited from initiating transactions in a restricted security during any period it is deemed restricted without prior approval from the CCO, until such time as the security is removed from the restricted list.

 

5) Gift and Entertainment Reports: Persimmon policy stipulates that no employee will, directly or indirectly, give or permit to be given anything of value, including gratuities, in excess of $100 annually (calendar year basis) to any person, principal, proprietor, employee, agent or representative of another person where such payment or gratuity is in relation to the business of the employer of the recipient of the payment or gratuity. Examples of gifts include but are not limited to gift certificates, event tickets, gift baskets, golf shirts, etc.

 

Employees are prohibited from accepting any gift in excess of $300 annually (calendar year basis) per giver (either person or entity). Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the CCO. Questions about the receipt or offer of a gift should be referred to the CCO.

 

If an employee attends an event or dinner with any person, client, principal, proprietor, employee or agent or representative of another person, this is not considered a gift but is considered entertainment. Business entertainment is permissible only on an occasional basis and cannot be lavish, frequent or so extensive as to raise any question of propriety and cannot be preconditioned on specific performance or business targets. All giving and receipt of gifts and entertainment of any value must be reported to the CCO at the time of giving or receiving such gift or entertainment.

 

6) Violation Reports: Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he becomes aware to the CCO. Access Persons will not be subjected to any form of retaliation for reporting legitimate suspected abuses. A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of such violation shall be maintained for a period of five years. See also the Firm’s whistleblower policy, which is articulated in the Compliance Manual.

 

VII. Review and Disclosure

 

The CCO will review all Access Person reports under the Code, including personal securities transactions and holdings for compliance with the Firm’s policies, including the Insider Trading policy, regulatory requirements, and the Firm’s fiduciary duty to its investors. A senior principal of the Firm reviews all accounts, holdings and transactions submitted by the CCO, as self-review is not permissible.

Persimmon is required to retain copies of this Code and the records and reports which relate to the Code for a period of not less than five years from the end of the year in which an entry

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is made on such records. The Firm is also required to summarize this Code in Part 2A of Form ADV and, upon request, to furnish clients with a copy of the Code.

 

VIII. Sanctions and Investigations

Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Firm, in addition to any remedial action already taken by the CCO, may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate.

 

As a regulated enterprise, Persimmon has a special duty to safeguard the Firm’s proprietary and confidential information, as well as the assets and property of our clients/investors. In the event of an investigation regarding possible wrongdoing, Access Persons must cooperate fully.

 

Information relating to any investigation, including information provided by you or the fact of your participation in any investigation, is considered confidential, and may only be revealed to individuals not associated with the investigation on a need to know basis. Any request for information or subpoenas regarding federal or state agency investigations must be in writing and directed to the CCO, who will coordinate an appropriate response in collaboration with outside legal counsel, as necessary.

 

IX. Definitions
1) “CCO” means the Chief Compliance Officer or his designee. The CCO is currently Gregory S. Horn.

 

2) “Access Person” means any employee of the Firm.

 

3) “Federal Securities Laws” include, but are not limited to, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; Investment Company Act of 1940; Securities Exchange Act of 1934; Securities Act of 1933; Securities Investor Protection Act of 1940; ERISA; anti- money laundering regulations; and Regulation S-P.

 

4) “Security” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act, as amended, including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, options, derivatives, limited partnerships, foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds, private investment funds, hedge funds, and investment clubs.

 

“Security” does not include direct obligations of the United States Government; bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt obligations including repurchase agreements; shares issued by money market funds; shares of open-end mutual funds; and shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds.

 

5) “Reportable security” shall have the same meaning as “Security” except that it includes shares of open-end mutual funds that are advised by the Firm or its affiliates; and shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively
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in one or more open-end funds, any of which are funds advised by the Firm or its affiliates.

 

6) “Purchase or sale of a security” includes inter alia , the writing of an option or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into, a security that is held or to be acquired by a client.

 

7) A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the employee making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.

 

8) “Beneficial ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

According to Section 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the term beneficial owner shall mean any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the equity securities, subject to the following:

 

i) The term pecuniary interest in any class of equity securities shall mean the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the subject securities.
ii) The term indirect pecuniary interest in any class of equity securities shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Securities held by members of a person’s immediate family sharing the same household; provided, however, that the presumption of such beneficial ownership may be rebutted; see also Rule 16a-1(a)(4);
b. A general partner’s proportionate interest in the portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership. The general partner’s proportionate interest, as evidenced by the partnership agreement in effect at the time of

the transaction and the partnership’s most recent financial statements, shall be the greater of:

i. The general partner’s share of the partnership’s profits, including profits attributed to any limited partnership interests held by the general partner and any other interests in profits that arise from the purchase and sale of the partnership’s portfolio securities; or
ii. The general partner’s share of the partnership capital account, including the share attributable to any limited partnership interest held by the general partner.
c. A performance-related fee, other than an asset-based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment adviser, investment manager, trustee or person or entity performing a similar function; provided, however, that no pecuniary interest shall be
9  
 

present where:

i. The performance-related fee, regardless of when payable, is calculated based upon net capital gains and/or net capital appreciation generated from the portfolio or from the fiduciary’s overall performance over a period of one year or more; and
ii. Equity securities of the issuer do not account for more than ten percent of the market value of the portfolio. A right to a nonperformance-related fee alone shall not represent a pecuniary interest in the securities;
d. A person’s right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities. Otherwise, a right to dividends alone shall not represent a pecuniary interest in the securities;
e. A person’s interest in securities held by a trust, as specified in Rule 16a- 8(b); and
f. A person’s right to acquire equity securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable.
iii) A shareholder shall not be deemed to have a pecuniary interest in the portfolio securities held by a corporation or similar entity in which the person owns securities if the shareholder is not a controlling shareholder of the entity and does not have or share investment control over the entity’s portfolio.

 

9) “Personal securities transaction” means the purchase or sale of a security in a personal securities account or in an account in which the Access Person has direct or indirect influence, control, or beneficial ownership.

 

10) “Initial Public Offering” means a public sale of an issue not previously offered to the public.

 

11) “Private Placement” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 4(2) of the Securities Exchange Act.

 

12) “Control” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act, as amended.
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X. Employee Acknowledgement Form (Employee Copy)

The Code of Ethics describes important information about Persimmon, and I understand that I should consult the Chief Compliance Officer regarding any questions not answered in the Code.

 

Since the information, policies and procedures described herein are subject to change at any time, I acknowledge that revisions to the Code may occur. All such changes will be communicated through official notices, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify or eliminate existing policies. Only the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Compliance Officer of Persimmon have the authority to adopt any revisions to the policies in this Code.

 

Furthermore, I acknowledge that I have received the Code, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies and procedures contained herein and any revisions made to them.

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE   DATE
     
     
     
     
EMPLOYEE NAME (PRINT)    

 

Sign this page and keep it with the Code for your reference.

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XI. Employee Acknowledgement Form (Compliance Copy)

The Code of Ethics describes important information about Persimmon, and I understand that I should consult the Chief Compliance Officer regarding any questions not answered in the Code.

 

Since the information, policies and procedures described herein are subject to change at any time, I acknowledge that revisions to the Code may occur. All such changes will be communicated through official notices, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify or eliminate existing policies. Only the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Compliance Officer of Persimmon have the authority to adopt any revisions to the policies in this Code.

 

Furthermore, I acknowledge that I have received the Code, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies and procedures contained herein and any revisions made to them.

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE   DATE
     
     
     
     
EMPLOYEE NAME (PRINT)    

 

Sign this page and return it to Compliance.

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Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC

Investment Adviser

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Copyright 2011, National Regulatory Services. All rights reserved.

 
 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

1 - Statement of General Policy

 

2 - Definitions

 

3 - Standards of Business Conduct

 

4 - Prohibition Against Insider Trading

 

5 - Personal Securities Transactions

 

6 - Gifts and Entertainment

 

7 - Protecting the Confidentiality of Client Information

 

8 - Service as an Officer or Director

 

9 - Compliance Procedures

 

10 - Certification

 

11 - Records

 

12 - Reporting Violations and Sanctions

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Statement of General Policy

 

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) has been adopted by Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC ("Stonebridge") and is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”).

 

This Code establishes rules of conduct for all employees of Stonebridge and is designed to, among other things, govern personal securities trading activities in the accounts of employees, immediate family/household accounts and accounts in which an employee has a beneficial interest. The Code is based

upon the principle that Stonebridge and its employees owe a fiduciary duty to Stonebridge clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their

own personal interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the firm and

(iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.

 

The Code is designed to ensure that the high ethical standards long maintained by Stonebridge continue to be applied. The purpose of the Code is to preclude activities which may lead to or give the appearance of conflicts of interest, insider trading and other forms of prohibited or unethical business conduct. The excellent name and reputation of our firm continues to be a direct reflection of the conduct of each employee.

 

Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, both Stonebridge and its employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance with this section involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means that Stonebridge has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of its clients.

 

Stonebridge and its employees are subject to the following specific fiduciary obligations when dealing with clients:

 

The duty to have a reasonable, independent basis for the investment advice provided;

The duty to obtain best execution for a client’s transactions where the firm is in a position to direct brokerage transactions for the client;

The duty to ensure that investment advice is suitable to meeting the client’s individual objectives, needs and circumstances; and

The duty to be loyal to clients.

 

In meeting its fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Stonebridge expects every employee to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct for continued employment with the firm. Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic condition of employment. Stonebridge's reputation for fair and honest dealing with its clients has taken considerable time to build. This standing could be seriously damaged as the result of even a single securities transaction being considered questionable in light of the fiduciary duty owed to our clients. Employees are urged to seek the advice of

the Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") for any questions about the Code or the application of the Code to their individual circumstances. Employees should also understand that a material breach of the provisions of the Code may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, termination of employment with Stonebridge.

 

 

The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for employees of Stonebridge in their conduct. In those situations where an employee may be uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, he/she is advised to consult with the CCO. The CCO may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in the Code only in those situations when it is clear beyond dispute that the interests of our clients will not be adversely affected or compromised. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the client even at the expense of the interests of employees.

 

The CCO will periodically report to the Board of Directors of Stonebridge to document compliance with this Code.

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Definitions

 

For the purposes of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:

 

“Access person” means any supervised person who: has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any reportable fund that Stonebridge or its control affiliates manage or have access to such recommendations; or is involved in making securities recommendations to clients that are nonpublic.

 

“Account” means accounts of any employee and includes accounts of the employee’s immediate family members (any relative by blood or marriage living in the employee’s household), anyone living in

the employee's household, and any account in which he or she has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts or other accounts in which the employee has a beneficial interest, controls or exercises investment discretion.

 

“Beneficial ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of such Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

'Fund' means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act.

 

'Reportable fund' means any registered investment company, i.e., mutual fund, for which our Firm, or a control affiliate, acts as investment adviser, as defined in section 2(a) (20) of the Investment Company Act, or principal underwriter.

 

“Reportable security” means any security as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it does not include: (i) Transactions and holdings in direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) Shares issued by money market funds; (iv) Transactions and holdings in shares of other types of open-end registered mutual funds, unless Stonebridge or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund; and (v) Transactions in units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in mutual funds, unless Stonebridge or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund.

 

“Supervised person” means directors, officers and partners of Stonebridge (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); employees of Stonebridge; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of Stonebridge and is subject to Stonebridge's supervision and control.

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Standards of Business Conduct

 

Stonebridge places the highest priority on maintaining its reputation for integrity and professionalism. That reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in our firm and its employees by our clients is something we value and endeavor to protect. The following Standards of Business Conduct set forth policies and procedures to achieve these goals. This Code is intended to comply with the various provisions of the Advisers Act and also requires that all supervised persons comply with the various applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as

amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by investment advisers. Such policies and procedures are contained in this Code. The Code also contains policies and procedures with respect to personal securities transactions of all Stonebridge supervised persons as defined herein. These procedures cover transactions in a reportable security in which a supervised person has a beneficial interest in or accounts over which the supervised person exercises control as well as transactions by members of

the supervised person’s immediate family.

 

Section 206 of the Advisers Act makes it unlawful for Stonebridge or its agents or employees to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client or prospective client, or to engage in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative practices. This Code contains provisions that prohibit these and other enumerated activities and that are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the Code, the Advisers Act and rules thereunder.

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Prohibition Against Insider Trading

 

Introduction

 

Trading securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information, or improperly communicating that information to others may expose supervised persons and Stonebridge to stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The SEC can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through the illegal trading, impose a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall, and/or issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. Finally, supervised persons and Stonebridge may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations.

 

The rules contained in this Code apply to securities trading and information handling by supervised persons of Stonebridge and their immediate family members.

 

The law of insider trading is unsettled and continuously developing. An individual legitimately may be uncertain about the application of the rules contained in this Code in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can avoid disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You must notify the CCO immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of this Code has occurred or is about to occur.

 

General Policy

 

No supervised person may trade, either personally or on behalf of others (such as investment funds and private accounts managed by Stonebridge), while in the possession of material, nonpublic information, nor may any personnel of Stonebridge communicate material, nonpublic information to others in violation of the law.

 

1. What is Material Information?

 

Information is material where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this includes any information the disclosure of which will have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities. No simple test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact- specific inquiry. For this reason, you should direct any questions about whether information is material to the CCO.

 

Material information often relates to a company’s results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.

 

Material information also may relate to the market for a company’s securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell securities may, in some contexts, be material. Prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be material. For example, the United States Supreme Court upheld the criminal convictions of insider trading defendants who capitalized on prepublication information about The Wall Street Journal’s “Heard on the Street” column.

 

You should also be aware of the SEC’s position that the term “material nonpublic information” relates not only to issuers but also to Stonebridge securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions.

 

2. What is Nonpublic Information?

 

Information is “public” when it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through the

Internet, a public filing with the SEC or some other government agency, the Dow Jones “tape” or The Wall Street Journal or some other publication of general circulation, and after sufficient time has passed so that the information has been disseminated widely.

 

3. Identifying Inside Information

 

Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including investment funds or private accounts managed by Stonebridge (“Client Accounts”), you must determine whether you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material, nonpublic information, you should take the following steps:

 

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Report the information and proposed trade immediately to the CCO.

Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including investment funds or private accounts managed by the firm.

Do not communicate the information inside or outside the firm, other than to the CCO.

After the CCO has reviewed the issue, the firm will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action the firm will take.

 

You should consult with the CCO before taking any action. This level of caution will protect you, our clients, and the firm.

 

4. Contacts with Public Companies

 

Contacts with public companies may represent an important part of our research efforts. The firm may make investment decisions on the basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, a supervised person of Stonebridge or other person subject to this Code becomes aware of material, nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if a company’s Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst, or an investor relations representative makes selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, Stonebridge must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, our clients and the firm, you should contact the CCO immediately if you believe that you may have received material, nonpublic

information.

 

5. Tender Offers

 

Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons: First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company’s securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and “tipping” while in the possession of material, nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Supervised persons of Stonebridge and others subject to this Code should exercise extreme caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer.

 

6. Restricted/Watch Lists

 

Although Stonebridge does not typically receive confidential information from portfolio companies, it may, if it receives such information take appropriate measures to establish restricted or watch lists in certain securities.

 

The CCO may place certain securities on a “restricted list.” Supervised persons are prohibited from personally, or on behalf of an advisory account, purchasing or selling securities during any period they are listed. Securities issued by companies about which a number of supervised persons are expected to regularly have material, nonpublic information should generally be placed on the restricted list. The CCO shall take steps to immediately inform all supervised persons of the securities listed on the restricted list.

 

The CCO may place certain securities on a “watch list.” Securities issued by companies about which a limited number of supervised persons possess material, nonpublic information should generally be placed on the watch list. The list will be disclosed only to the CCO and a limited number of other persons who are deemed necessary recipients of the list because of their roles in compliance.

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Personal Securities Transactions

 

 

Stonebridge has adopted the following principles governing personal investment activities by Stonebridge supervised persons:

 

The interests of client accounts will at all times be placed first;

All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such a manner as to avoid any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and

Supervised persons must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in IPOs

 

No supervised person shall acquire any beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering for his/her account, as defined herein, without the prior written approval of the CCO who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did

not arise by virtue of the supervised person’s activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.

 

 

Pre-Clearance Required for Private or Limited Offerings

 

No supervised person shall acquire beneficial ownership of any securities in a limited offering or private placement without the prior written approval of the CCO who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the supervised person’s activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.

 

Blackout Periods

 

No supervised person shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any security on a day during which any client has a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security until that order is executed or withdrawn. No supervised person shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any security in which he/she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial interest within seven (7) calendar days after any client trades in that security unless all of the transactions contemplated by the client in that security have been completed prior to such transaction. If a securities transaction is executed by a client within seven (7) calendar days after an access person executed a transaction in the same security, the CCO will review the supervised person’s and the client’s transactions to determine whether the supervised person did not meet his or her fiduciary duties to the client in violation of this Code.

 

Interested Transactions

 

No supervised person shall recommend any securities transactions for a client without having disclosed his/her interest, if any, in such securities or the issuer thereof, including without limitation:

 

any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any securities of such issuer;

any contemplated transaction by such person in such securities;

any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and

any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such person has a significant interest.

 

Short-Term Trading Profits

 

No supervised person shall profit from the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same securities of which such person has beneficial ownership within 60 calendar days [and which are held in client accounts]. Any prohibited short-term profits are subject to cancellation with the supervised person being responsible for any short-term profit.

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Gifts and Entertainment

 

Giving, receiving or soliciting gifts in a business setting may create an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential conflict of interest. Stonebridge has adopted the policies set forth below to guide supervised persons in this area.

 

General Policy

 

Stonebridge's policy with respect to gifts and entertainment is as follows:

 

Giving, receiving or soliciting gifts in a business may give rise to an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential conflict of interest;

Supervised persons should not accept or provide any gifts or favors that might influence the decisions you or the recipient must make in business transactions involving Stonebridge, or that others might reasonably believe would influence those decisions;

Modest gifts and favors, which would not be regarded by others as improper, may be accepted or given on an occasional basis. Entertainment that satisfies these requirements and conforms to generally accepted business practices also is permissible;

Where there is a law or rule that applies to the conduct of a particular business or the acceptance of gifts of even nominal value, the law or rule must be followed.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Any supervised person who accepts, directly or indirectly, anything of value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of Stonebridge, including gifts and gratuities with value in excess of

$300 per year

, must obtain consent from the CCO before accepting such gift.

This reporting requirement does not apply to bona fide dining or bona fide entertainment if, during such dining or entertainment, you are accompanied by the person or representative of the entity that does business with Stonebridge.

This gift reporting requirement is for the purpose of helping Stonebridge monitor the activities of its employees. However, the reporting of a gift does not relieve any supervised person from the obligations and policies set forth in this Section or anywhere else in this Code. If you have any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of any gift, please consult the CCO.

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Protecting the Confidentiality of Client Information

 

Confidential Client Information

 

In the course of investment advisory activities of Stonebridge the firm gains access to non-public information about its clients. Such information may include a person's status as a client, personal financial and account information, the allocation of assets in a client portfolio, the composition of investments in any client portfolio, information relating to services performed for or transactions entered into on behalf of clients, advice provided by Stonebridge to clients, and data or analyses derived from such non-public personal information (collectively referred to as 'Confidential Client Information'). All Confidential Client Information, whether relating to Stonebridge current or former clients, is subject to the Code's policies and procedures. Any doubts about the confidentiality of information must be resolved in favor of confidentiality.

 

Non-Disclosure of Confidential Client Information

 

All information regarding Stonebridge clients is confidential. Information may only be disclosed when the disclosure is consistent with the firm's policy and the client's direction. Stonebridge does not share Confidential Client Information with any third parties, except in the following circumstances:

 

As necessary to provide service that the client requested or authorized, or to maintain and service the client's account. Stonebridge will require that any financial intermediary, agent or other service

provider utilized by the firm (such as broker-dealers or sub-advisers) comply with substantially similar standards for non-disclosure and protection of Confidential Client Information and use the information provided by Stonebridge only for the performance of the specific service requested by Stonebridge;

As required by regulatory authorities or law enforcement officials who have jurisdiction over Stonebridge, or as otherwise required by any applicable law. In the event Stonebridge is compelled to disclose Confidential Client Information, the firm shall provide prompt notice to the clients affected, so that the clients may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy. If no protective order or other appropriate remedy is obtained, Stonebridge shall disclose only such information, and only in such detail, as is legally required;

To the extent reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions or liability.

 

Employee Responsibilities

 

All supervised persons are prohibited, either during or after the termination of their employment with Stonebridge, from disclosing Confidential Client Information to any person or entity outside the firm, including family members, except under the circumstances described above. A supervised person is permitted to disclose Confidential Client Information only to such other supervised persons who need to have access to such information to deliver the firms services to the client.

 

Supervised persons are also prohibited from making unauthorized copies of any documents or files containing Confidential Client Information and, upon termination of their employment with Stonebridge, must return all such documents or files to the firm.

 

Any supervised person who violates the non-disclosure policy described above will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination, whether or not he or she benefited from the disclosed information.

 

Security Of Confidential Client Information

 

Stonebridge enforces the following policies and procedures to protect the security of Confidential Client

Information:

 

The firm restricts access to Confidential Client Information to those supervised persons who need to know such information to provide services to our clients;

Any supervised person who is authorized to have access to Confidential Client Information in connection with the performance of such person's duties and responsibilities is required to keep such information in a secure compartment, file or receptacle on a daily basis as of the close of each business day;

All electronic or computer files containing any Confidential Client Information shall be password secured and firewall protected from access by unauthorized persons;

Any conversations involving Confidential Client Information, if appropriate at all, must be conducted

by supervised persons in private, and care must be taken to avoid any unauthorized persons overhearing or intercepting such conversations.

 

 

 

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Privacy Policy

 

As a registered investment adviser, Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC and all supervised persons, must comply with SEC Regulation S-P, which requires investment advisers to adopt policies and procedures to protect the 'nonpublic personal information' of natural person clients. 'Nonpublic personal information,' under Regulation S-P, includes personally identifiable financial information and any list, description, or grouping that is derived from personally identifiable financial information. Personally identifiable financial information is defined to include information supplied by individual clients, information resulting from transactions, any information obtained in providing products or services. Pursuant to Regulation S-P, Stonebridge has adopted policies and procedures to safeguard the information of natural person clients.

 

 

Enforcement and Review of Confidentiality and Privacy Policies

 

Robert A Kincade, CCO is responsible for reviewing, maintaining and enforcing the firm’s confidentiality and privacy policies and is also responsible for conducting appropriate employee training to ensure adherence to these policies. Any exceptions to this policy require the written approval of the CCO.

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Service as an Officer or Director

 

No supervised person shall serve as an officer or on the board of directors of any publicly or privately traded company without prior authorization by the CCO or a designated supervisory person based upon a determination that any such board service or officer position would be consistent with the interest of Stonebridge's clients. Where board service or an officer position is approved, Stonebridge shall implement a “Chinese Wall” or other appropriate procedure, to isolate such person from making decisions relating to the company’s securities.

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Compliance Procedures

 

Pre-clearance

 

A supervised person may, directly or indirectly, acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership of a reportable security only if: (i) such purchase or sale has been approved by a supervisory person designated by Stonebridge; (ii) the approved transaction is completed by the close of business on the second trading day after approval is received; and (iii) the designated supervisory person has not rescinded such approval prior to execution of the transaction. Post-approval is not permitted.

 

Clearance must be obtained by completing and signing the Pre-clearance Form provided for that purpose by the CCO. The CCO monitors all transactions by all access persons in order to ascertain any pattern of conduct which may evidence conflicts or potential conflicts with the principles and objectives of this Code, including a pattern of front running.

 

Advance trade clearance in no way waives or absolves any supervised person of the obligation to abide by the provisions, principles and objectives of this Code.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Every supervised person shall provide initial and annual holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports to the CCO which must contain the information described below. It is the policy of Stonebridge that each supervised person must arrange for their brokerage firm(s) to send automatic duplicate brokerage account statements and trade confirmations of all securities transactions to the CCO.

 

1. Initial Holdings Report

 

Every supervised person shall, no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes a supervised person, file an initial holdings report containing the following information:

 

The title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount (if applicable) of each reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial interest ownership when the person became a supervised person;

The name of any broker, dealer or bank, account name, number and location with whom the supervised person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the supervised person; and

The date that the report is submitted by the supervised person.

 

The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the person became a supervised person.

 

2. Annual Holdings Report

 

Every supervised person shall, no later than January 31 each year, file an annual holdings report containing the same information required in the initial holdings report as described above. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the annual report is submitted.

 

3. Quarterly Transaction Reports

 

Every supervised person must, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, file a quarterly transaction report containing the following information with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a reportable security in which the supervised persons had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

 

The date of the transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each covered security;

The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

The price of the reportable security at which the transaction was effected;

The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and

The date the report is submitted by the supervised person.

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4. Exempt Transactions

 

A supervised person need not submit a report with respect to:

 

Transactions effected for, securities held in, any account over which the person has no direct or indirect influence or control;

Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan, e.g. a dividend retirement plan;

A quarterly transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in securities transaction confirmations or brokerage account statements that Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC holds in its records so long as the firm receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.

 

5. Monitoring and Review of Personal Securities Transactions

 

The CCO or a designee will monitor and review all reports required under the Code for compliance with the firm’s policies regarding personal securities transactions and applicable SEC rules and regulations. The CCO may also initiate inquiries of supervised persons regarding personal securities trading. Supervised persons are required to cooperate with such inquiries and any monitoring or review procedures employed by Stonebridge. Any transactions for any accounts of the CCO will be reviewed and approved by the another designated supervisory person. The CCO shall at least annually identify all supervised persons who are required to file reports pursuant to the Code and will inform such supervised persons of their reporting obligations.

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Certification

 

Initial Certification

 

All supervised persons will be provided with a copy of the Code and must initially certify in writing to the CCO that they have: (i) received a copy of the Code; (ii) read and understand all provisions of the Code; (iii) agreed to abide by the Code; and (iv) reported all account holdings as required by the Code.

 

Acknowledgement of Amendments

 

All supervised persons shall receive any amendments to the Code and must certify to the CCO in writing that they have: (i) received a copy of the amendment; (ii) read and understood the amendment; (iii) and agreed to abide by the Code as amended.

 

Annual Certification

 

All supervised persons must annually certify in writing to the CCO that they have: (i) read and understood all provisions of the Code; (ii) complied with all requirements of the Code; and (iii) submitted all holdings and transaction reports as required by the Code.

 

Further Information

 

Supervised persons should contact the CCO regarding any inquiries pertaining to the Code or the policies established herein.

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Records

 

Robert A Kincade, CCO shall maintain and cause to be maintained in a readily accessible place the following records:

 

A copy of any Code of Ethics adopted by the Firm pursuant to Advisers Act Rule 204A-1 which is or has been in effect during the past five years;

A record of any violation of Stonebridge's Code and any action that was taken as a result of such violation for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;

A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments thereto for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a supervised person which shall be retained for five years after the individual ceases to be a supervised person of Stonebridge;

A copy of each report made pursuant to Advisers Act Rule 204A-1, including any brokerage confirmations and account statements made in lieu of these reports;

A list of all persons who are, or within the preceding five years have been, access persons;

A record of any decision and reasons supporting such decision to approve a supervised persons' acquisition of securities in IPOs and limited offerings within the past five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such approval is granted.

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Reporting Violations and Sanctions

 

All supervised persons shall promptly report to the CCO or an alternate designee all apparent violations of the

Code. Any retaliation for the reporting of a violation under this Code will constitute a violation of the Code.

 

Robert A Kincade, CCO shall promptly report to the Board of Directors all apparent material violations of the Code. When the CCO finds that a violation otherwise reportable to the Board could not be reasonably found to have resulted in fraud, deceit, or a manipulative practice in violation of Section 206 of the Advisers Act, he or she may, in his or her discretion, submit a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore to a reporting file created for this purpose in lieu of reporting the matter to the Board.

 

The Board of Directors shall consider reports made to it hereunder and shall determine whether or not the Code has been violated and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. Possible sanctions may include reprimands, monetary fine or assessment, or suspension or termination of the supervised person’s employment with the firm.

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First Associated

Investment Advisors, Inc.

 

First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc. (FAIA)

Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy

 

 

 
 

 

I. Overview

 

The purpose of this Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy (Code) is to set forth standards of conduct and personal trading guidelines that are intended to comply with Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (Advisers Act), and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act). FAIA expects each of its Access Persons to follow the guidelines and requirements herein.

 

Every Access Person will be required to certify annually that:

 

· S/he has received this Code and any amendments to this Code;
· S/he has read and understood this Code and recognizes s/he is subject to its provisions; and
· S/he has complied with the applicable provisions of this Code and has reported all personal securities transactions and holdings required to be reported under Section IV of this policy.

Please see Glossary of Terms for definitions of italicized terms used throughout this Code. Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of FAIA.

 

II. Standards of Conduct

 

The Advisers Act imposes a fiduciary duty on all investment advisers, including FAIA. As a fiduciary, FAIA has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each of its Clients , including The Teberg Fund (Fund), a registered investment company managed by FAIA. In meeting this fiduciary duty, FAIA and its Access Persons must strive to avoid and/or if appropriate, manage and/or disclose identified potential or actual conflicts of interest. Clients entrust the firm to prudently manage their assets, which in turn places a high standard on the conduct and integrity of Access Persons . This fiduciary duty compels all Access Persons to act with the utmost integrity in all dealings. This fiduciary duty is the core principle underlying this Code and represents the expected basis of all dealings with FAIA’s Clients and the Fund’s shareholders.

 

In connection with these expectations and in an attempt to manage conflicts of interest, FAIA and the Fund have established the following core principles of conduct. While the following principles are not all-encompassing, they are consistent with FAIA’s and the Fund’s cultures of trust, honesty, integrity, and openness which are evident throughout FAIA.

 

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A. Core Principles
1. Access Persons are expected to comply with the Federal Securities Laws . Strict adherence to FAIA’s compliance policy manual and guidance provided by the CCO will assist Access Persons in complying with this important requirement;
2. The interests of Clients and the Fund’s shareholders should be placed ahead of those of all others;
3. Access Persons should not take inappropriate advantage of their position with FAIA or the Fund (as applicable);
4. Access Persons should avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest with any Client ;
5. Personal securities transactions should be conducted in a manner consistent with this policy, and should not adversely impact a Client’s account; and
6. FAIA and the Fund will strive to foster a healthy culture of compliance.
B. General Prohibitions

The Advisers Act prohibits fraudulent activities by Access Persons . Specifically, these persons may not:

 

1. Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Client ;
2. Make any untrue statement of a material fact to a Client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to a Client , in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
3. Engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as fraud or deceit on a Client ; or
4. Engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client .
C. Personal Conduct

1.                   Acceptance of Gifts and Receipt of Business Entertainment

 

a.                   Acceptance of Gifts

 

Access Persons are prohibited from receiving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than de minimis value (less than $100) during a calendar year excluding de minimis perishable items, from any person or entity doing business with FAIA. All gifts, with the exception of de minimis perishable items, must be reported to the CCO. The CCO will

3  
 

keep a log of all gifts reported and periodically review gifts received for reasonableness, propriety and consistency with this policy.

 

b. Receipt of Business Entertainment

 

This policy does not impose a dollar limit on the receipt of business entertainment, items or events where the Access Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose, for example, business entertainment such as a dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value. However, no Access Person may accept entertainment deemed to be excessive. A representative of the entity providing the entertainment must be present at the event to be considered legitimate business entertainment. If a representative is not at the event, then the entertainment is considered a gift subject to the limitations described in this policy. All entertainment received where the value is expected to be greater than $250 must be reported to the CCO. The CCO will keep a log of all business entertainment reported.

 

2.                   Giving of Gifts and Business Entertainment

 

a. Giving of Gifts

 

Access Persons are prohibited from giving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than a de minimis value (less than $100) to any person or entity doing business with FAIA during a calendar year. All gifts, with the exception of de minimis perishable items, provided shall be reported to the CCO. The CCO will maintain a log of such items. The CCO shall periodically review gifts provided for reasonableness, propriety and consistency with this policy.

 

b. Giving of Business Entertainment

 

The limits on providing gifts described above does not include providing business entertainment – items or events where the Access Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose, for example, business entertainment such as golf, a dinner or a sporting event, of reasonable value. As a general rule, an Access Person of FAIA is expected to attend any concert or sporting event where the ticket is provided by FAIA. If an FAIA Access Person is unable to attend, the tickets used by the recipient shall be considered a gift, subject to the limitations outlined at 10.3(C)(2)(a) above. No Access Person may provide business entertainment deemed to be excessive. FAIA shall track all business entertainment expenses in the firm’s corporate accounting records. Additionally, the CCO shall periodically review business entertainment hosted by FAIA.

 

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3.                   Charitable Contributions

Access Persons are prohibited from making charitable contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with organizations. In addition, Access Persons are prohibited from considering FAIA or the Fund’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in making charitable contributions.

 

4.                   Political Contributions

Access Persons may only make political contributions as permitted in FAIA’s Political Contributions Policy. Access Persons are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts. In addition, Access Persons are prohibited from considering FAIA or the Fund’s current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in making political contributions.

 

5.                   Service as Director for an Outside Company

Any Access Person wishing to serve as director for an outside public company or private company (for profit or not-for-profit) must first seek the approval of the CCO. The CCO, in reviewing the request, will determine whether such service is consistent with the interests of FAIA, the Fund, Clients and the Fund’s shareholders.

 

6.                   Outside Business Activities

Access Persons wishing to engage in outside business activities must seek approval from the CCO and, if requested, provide periodic reports to the CCO, or her designee, summarizing those outside business activities.

 

D. Protection of Non-Public Information
1. Access Persons are expected to exercise diligence and care in maintaining and protecting Client and Fund shareholder non-public information as outlined in FAIA’s Privacy Policy.
2. Access Persons are also expected to not divulge information regarding FAIA’s securities recommendations or Client securities holdings to any individual outside of the firm, except as approved by the CCO.
3. Access Persons are expected to adhere to the Fund’s policy on the disclosure of mutual fund holdings.
III. Personal Trading Policy

 

A. Prohibited Transactions

Unless specifically permitted within this Code and excluding all personal securities transactions exempt from pre-clearance in Section III(B)(3), no Access Person shall execute a transaction in a Security when FAIA (on behalf of its Clients ):

5  
 

 

1. Has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same Security ;
2. Has purchased or sold that same Security within 2 days (before or after); or
3. Is considering purchasing or selling that same Security . See the Glossary of Terms for the definition of a Security being considered for purchase or sale .”
B. Personal Trading Restrictions
1. Initial Public Offerings

Access Persons are not permitted to acquire securities in an IPO .

 

2. Private Placements

Access Persons are permitted to acquire Private Placements after requesting and obtaining pre-approval of the transaction. See Section III(A)(3) below for pre-clearance requirements.

 

3. Pre-Clearance of Personal Securities Transactions

Pre-clearance is required for all personal securities transactions with the exception of those outlined below:

 

a. Shares of registered open-end investment companies, excluding the Fund;
b. Direct obligations of the United States Government;
c. Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
d. Shares issued by any money market fund;
e. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-ended investment companies, including the Fund;
f. Transactions in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
g. Securities acquired through stock dividends, automatic dividend reinvestments, stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs or other similar corporate reorganizations or distributions generally applicable to all holders of the same class of Securities; and
h. Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan .
6  
 

Pre-clearance requests should be submitted to the CCO, or her designee, and such requests should be made on the form maintained by the CCO. The pre-clearance authorization is effective until the close of business on the day the pre-clearance request is approved, unless extended or revoked at the discretion of the CCO. The CCO, or her designee, may disapprove such request for any reason she deems appropriate. All pre-clearance requests of the CCO shall be submitted to FAIA’s President for review and approval.

 

IV. Reporting Requirements

 

A. Quarterly Transaction Report
1. Timing of Report

Access Persons must submit a Quarterly Transaction Report to the CCO, or her designee, within 30 calendar days following the end of each calendar quarter, certifying whether the Access Person had any transactions during the previous quarter.

2. Content of Report
a. Each Quarterly Transaction Report must include the following information about the securities in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership :
i. Date of Transaction
ii. Name of Security
iii. Ticker Symbol or CUSIP Number, as applicable
iv. Interest Rate and Maturity Date, as applicable
v. Number of Shares or Par
vi. Principal Amount
vii. Nature of Transaction (i.e., Purchase or Sale)
viii. Price of Security
ix. Name of Broker
x. Date of the Report

 

b. Transactions in the following securities are not required to be reported:
1. Shares of open-end mutual funds that are not the Fund;
2. Direct obligations of the United States Government;
3. Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;
4. Shares issued by any money market fund;
5. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-ended investment company, none of which are held in the Fund.
6. Transactions in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control; and
7. Transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan .
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c. Access Persons must also indicate on the Quarterly Transaction Report whether they established any new accounts during the previous quarter,
d. Access Persons may provide investment statements with the report if they contain all the required information described above. Either a hard copy or an electronic version is acceptable.
e. Regardless of the method of communication of transactions to FAIA, all Access Persons must sign and submit a Quarterly Transaction Report.

 

B. Initial and Annual Holdings Report
1. Timing of Report
a. Access Persons are required to submit an Initial and Annual Portfolio Holdings Report to the CCO, or her designee, indicating all personal securities holdings within 10 calendar days upon becoming an Access Person of FAIA and on an annual basis thereafter, within 30 days of calendar year end.
2. Content of Report
a. Each Holdings Report must be current as of a date not more than 45 calendar days prior to submission and include the following information about the securities in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership :

i.             Name and Type of Security

ii.             Ticker Symbol or CUSIP number

iii.             Number of Shares or Par

iv.             Principal Amount

v.             Broker or Bank Name

vi. Date of the Report
b. Access Persons do not have to include the following securities on their Holdings Report:

i.             Direct obligations of the United States government;

ii.             Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

iii.             Shares issued by any money market fund;

iv.             Shares of registered open-end investment companies, except the Fund, which is included(ETFs are not considered open-end investment companies for purposes of this Code, and therefore must be reported);

v. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-ended investment companies, none of which are the Fund; and
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vi. Holdings in accounts not managed by FAIA, in which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
c. Investment statements may by submitted in lieu of the Holdings Report as long as all required information is included on the statements.

 

C. Review of Personal Securities Reports

The CCO shall generally consider the following factors when reviewing reportable security holdings and transactions reports as well as pre-clearance requests:

 

1. Whether the investment opportunity should have been directed to a Client’s account;
2. Whether the amount or nature of the transaction affected the price or market for the security;

3.       Whether the pre-clearance procedures were followed;

4. Whether the Access Person benefited from purchases or sales being made for Clients ;
5. Whether the transaction was consistent with the letter and the spirit of the Code;
6. Whether the transaction harmed any Client ; and
7. Whether the transaction has the appearance of impropriety.

The President will review the CCO’s personal securities reports. In no case should an Access Person review his/her own report.

 

V. Reporting to the Fund’s CCO and Board of Trustees

 

The Adviser’s CCO shall provide a quarterly report to the Fund’s CCO which shall identify any violations which required remedial action during the past quarter.

 

At least annually, the Adviser’s CCO shall prepare a written report to the Fund’s CCO that:

A. Describes any issues arising under the Code or procedures since the last report to the Fund’s Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
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B. Certifies that FAIA and the Fund have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code and any material changes to the Advisers policies or Code.
VI. Reporting of Violations

 

All Access Persons shall report promptly any violation or suspected violation of this Code (including the discovery of any violation committed by another Access Person ) to the CCO. Examples of items that should be reported include (but are not limited to): non-compliance with Federal Securities Laws ; conduct that is harmful to Clients ; and purchasing securities contrary to the Personal Trading Policy. The CCO and President of FAIA will determine whether such violations should be reported to the Fund’s CCO.

 

Such persons are encouraged to report any violations or perceived violations as such good faith reports will not be viewed negatively by FAIA or the Fund’s management, even if the reportable event, upon investigation, is determined not to be a violation and the CCO determines the Access Person reported such apparent violation in good faith.

 

VII. Sanctions

 

Upon discovering a violation of the Code, the CCO and President or the Fund may impose such sanctions as they deem appropriate, including, among other sanctions, a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment of the violator.

 

VIII. Record Keeping Requirements

 

The following records will be kept in accordance with this Code:

 

A. Current and historic copies of this Code;
B. Access Persons’ written acknowledgement of receipt of Code;
C. Historic listings of all Access Persons subject to this Code;
D. Violations of the Code, and records of action taken as a result of the violations;
E. All personal securities transactions and holdings reports made by Access Persons and/or copies of investment account confirmations and statements;
F. All pre-clearance requests and approvals/disapprovals of personal security trading by Access Persons , including documentation of the reasons for the approval/disapproval; and
G. Any reports made to the Fund’s CCO or Board of Trustees.

Approved: August 14, 2013, Revised: August 1, 2016

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5. Protection of Non-Public Information

 

5.1 Code of Ethics – Adoption and Review

 

I. Statement of General Principles

 

This Code of Ethics has been adopted by ResQ Investment Partners, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the purpose of instructing all employees, officers, and directors of the Adviser in their ethical obligations and to provide rules for their personal securities transactions. All such persons owe a fiduciary duty to the Adviser’s clients. A fiduciary duty means a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards the clients, 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:

 

Act with integrity, honesty, competence, diligence, respect, professionalism, and in an ethical manner with the public, existing or prospective clients, and with other supervised persons of the Adviser;

 

The duty at all times to place the interests of clients first;

 

The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics 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 the Adviser 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.

 

All personal securities transactions must also comply with the Adviser’s Insider Trading Policy and Procedures. 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 Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Regulation S-P, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities & Exchange Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Securities & Exchange Commission 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 Compliance Officer.

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II. Definitions

 

For purposes of this Code of Ethics:

 

A.        Advisory Employees : any employee, officer, or director of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, participates in or makes recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities; and any natural person who controls the Adviser and who obtains information about recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities. The Compliance Officer will maintain a current list of all Advisory Employees.

 

B.        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.

 

C.        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.

 

D.        Compliance Officer : the Compliance Officer is Shelli Burton.

 

E.        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.

 

F.        Employees : (also referred to as Supervised Persons) the employees, officers and directors of the Adviser, including Advisory Employees. The Compliance Officer will maintain a current list of all Employees.

 

G.        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, and 6) closing transactions no more than five business days prior to the expiration of a related put or call option.

 

H.        Funds : any series of any investment company to which the Adviser provides investment advice.

 

I.        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.

 

J.        Securities : any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-

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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; 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, and 5) high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements.

 

K. 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 the Adviser for the benefit of unaffiliated persons, such as investment advisory and brokerage clients.

 

III. Personal Investment Guidelines and Standards of Conduct

 

A. Personal Accounts

 

1.       The Personal Investment Guidelines in this Section III 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.

 

2.       Any Securities Transactions in a private placement must be authorized by the Compliance Officer, in writing, prior to the transaction. The Pre Clearance Request Form for Limited Offerings and Initial Public Offerings should be completed. In connection with a private placement acquisition, the 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 the Adviser. If the private placement acquisition is authorized, the 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. In such circumstances, the determination to purchase Securities of that issuer on behalf of a client will be subject to an independent review by personnel of the Adviser with no personal interest in the issuer.

 

In addition, Employees are prohibited from acquiring any Securities in an initial public offering without the prior written approval of the Compliance Officer. The Pre-Clearance Request Form for Limited Offerings and Initial Public Offerings should be completed. This restriction is imposed in order to preclude any possibility of an Employee profiting improperly from the Employee’s position with the Adviser. If the initial public offering is authorized, the Compliance Officer shall retain a record of the authorization and the rationale supporting the authorization.

 

3.       Effective on the revision date of this manual and Code of Ethics, Employees are required to request clearance for trades in their personal accounts by completing the RESQ Investment Partners Personal Trading Clearance Request form. The purpose of this Clearance form is to confirm that no conflict of interest exists between the Employee’s personal securities

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transactions and transactions under consideration, pending for or unsettled in either the RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund or the RESQ Strategic Income Fund (the Funds). Because the Funds may trade any security without limitation rendering a static “Holdings List” potentially incomplete, all Non-Exempt Transactions in Employee personal accounts must be cleared, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, ETFs and closed-end mutual funds. To Note: Clearance of Employee personal account trades in either Fund is required. However, the clearance requirement is waived for automatic investment plan trades in either Fund for participants in the ResQ Investment Partners 401(k) Plan, as well as for trades pursuant to a dollar cost averaging plan through a custodian, due to the status of both as automatic investment plans.

 

Employees may effect transactions for themselves at the same time as clients as part of a block trade.

 

B. Gifts, Gratuities and Entertainment

 

No Advisory Employee shall, directly or indirectly, give or permit to be given anything of value (including gratuities) in excess of $100 per individual per year where such payment or gratuity is in relation to the business of the Adviser. This limitation does not include customary business entertainment, such as dinners or sporting events, where the Advisory 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 $100 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.

 

Annually, in January, all supervised persons must complete and submit a Gift & Entertainment Reporting Form to the CCO for the prior calendar year for any gifts and expenses that are not already reported on expense reports. Supervised persons should maintain a current and accurate log of all gifts given or received and all entertainment given or received that exceeds $50 that are not already reported on expense reports to ensure accurate reporting in January. The CCO is responsible for reviewing all Gift & Entertainment Reporting Forms and taking appropriate actions.

 

C. Outside Business Activities and Disciplinary Action

 

Supervised persons are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization by the 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, supervised persons serving as directors will be isolated from other supervised persons making investment decisions with respect to the securities of the company in question. No outside employment or business activity will be approved which might pose or create the appearance of a conflict of interest, or might otherwise interfere with the supervised person’s regular duties or working effectiveness.

 

As a supervised person of a registered investment adviser, you may be barred or otherwise disqualified from working for or associating with the Adviser depending on your current or past involvement in certain types of regulatory or legal proceedings. Consequently, all supervised persons

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are required to promptly notify the CCO of any criminal and other legal proceedings or investigations in which he/she may have been involved or may currently be involved or subject to.

 

In addition, supervised persons (including partners) are required to complete and submit an Outside Business Activity and Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form to the CCO on an annual basis.

 

D. Insider Trading Prohibition

 

In accordance with Section 204A of the Advisers Act, The Adviser strictly prohibits its from trading personally or on behalf of others, directly or indirectly, based on material, non-public, or confidential information. The Adviser additionally prohibits the communication of material non-public information to others in violation of the law. If you become aware of the misuse of material nonpublic information by an employee of The Adviser, you are required to report such to the Compliance Officer promptly.

 

The SEC defines material by saying that “Information is material if ‘there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important’ in making an investment decision.” Information is nonpublic if it has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally.

 

If you come into possession of material non-public information, you must report such to the Compliance Officer, refrain from disclosing such information to anyone else at The Adviser or outside of the firm, and refrain from disclosing or issuing a recommendation that is based in whole or in part on that material non-public information. Please keep in mind that The Adviser’s policy with respect to Insider Trading applies to all situations where material, non-public information is received by a supervised person of The Adviser regardless of the source of that information (i.e., it does not matter whether the tipper is an “Insider” or if you obtained the information by overhearing a conversation to which you were not a party).

 

Upon notification, the Compliance Officer will determine an appropriate course of action to take based on the facts and circumstances of the situation, which may include a firm-wide prohibition on trading securities of, or related to, the issuer for client or personal accounts, a Restricted List, or heightened monitoring of internal and external communications. Any further dissemination of material non-public information may only be made to a party with a valid business reason for their need to know such information and only after obtaining approval from the Compliance Officer.

 

Additionally, it is the SEC’s position that the term “material nonpublic information” relates not only to information about issuers but also to an investment adviser’s securities recommendations to its clients and to clients’ securities holdings and transactions. This type of material nonpublic information does not need to be reported to the Compliance Officer, however, you should always treat such information as material and nonpublic, the dissemination of which or taking inappropriate advantage of would most likely cause substantial harm to clients.

 

E. Misleading Rumors

 

No person associated with the Adviser shall originate, or circulate in any manner outside the Adviser, a rumor concerning any security that such person knows or has reasonable grounds for believing is false or misleading and is likely to influence the market price of such security. A

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statement will not be considered a “rumor” if it is an expression of an individual or firm’s opinion, such as an analyst’s view of the prospects of a company.

 

F. Political Contributions and Other Payments (“Pay to Play Rule” that applies to Contributions made by the Firm or a Firm Employee)

 

Employees are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities. Furthermore, in no event may payment of anything of value be offered, promised or made to any government, government entity, government official, candidate for political office, political party or official of a political party (including any possible intermediary for any of the above) for the purposes of receiving favorable treatment or influencing any act or decision by any such person, organization or government for the benefit of the Adviser.

 

G. Other Ethical Matters

 

In addition to the General Principles, all supervised persons of the Adviser are expressly prohibited from:

 

“Front running” a client trade in their personal account or in an account belonging to the Adviser;

 

“Piggy backing” a trade placed by a client in their advisory account in other advisory clients’ accounts, without having a separate reasonable basis for recommending such a transaction;

 

Placing a client trade order based on rumors or engaging in rumormongering;

 

Making a claim about an investment product unless that claim can be substantiated;

 

Guaranteeing profit or protection from loss to any third-party;

 

Representing the Adviser or taking any action on behalf of the Adviser in any transaction where you have a material connection or financial interest unless pre-approved by the Compliance Officer, including, but not limited to, the recommendation or implementation of a securities transaction for an advisory client;

 

Without prior approval of the Compliance Officer, serving as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, custodian, or in any other fiduciary capacity, whether for a fee or not, except for persons related to you by blood or marriage; and

 

Borrowing money from an advisory client of the Adviser unless such borrowing is from a bank or other financial institution made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with members of the general public and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or include other unfavorable features.

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IV. Compliance Procedures

 

A. Employee Disclosure

 

1. Within ten (10) days of commencement of employment with the Adviser, 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.

 

2.       Annually or when amended, 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 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.

 

B. Compliance

 

1.       All Employees must request and authorize their broker, dealer, mutual fund, and bank custodians to send duplicate account statements and trade confirmations for all securities accounts, over which they have any direct or indirect influence or control and which hold securities for their direct or indirect benefit, to the Adviser. All access persons are also responsible for ensuring that their broker, dealer, mutual fund or bank has appropriate directions on file to ensure that the Adviser receives duplicate trade confirmations and account statements. Transactions in securities that are not effected in such accounts (e.g., private placements) must be manually reported on a Quarterly Transaction Report Form. The CCO will notify access persons if duplicate trade confirmations and/or statements are not being received or are no longer being received. All Employees must certify that he or she has reported all transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to the requirements of this Code. 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.

 

2.       The 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 Compliance Officer shall identify all Employees, inform those persons of their reporting obligations, and maintain a record of all current and former access persons.

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3.       If an Employee violates this Code, the Compliance Officer will report the violation to the Board of each 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 and/or the Adviser.

 

4.       All new employees, officers, directors, and supervised persons of the Adviser are required to read this manual as part of the Adviser’s orientation procedures and are required to comply with all provisions contained within. Periodically, the CCO will distribute copies of amendments to the manual that all employees are also required to read and abide by. All employees are required to certify their review and understanding of the contents of this manual and their agreement to abide by it by signing the Initial/Annual Compliance Program Certification Form. The certification will be required upon initial hiring, any time material amendments are made to the policies and procedures, and annually thereafter.

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IX. Code of Ethics
A. Responsibility. It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that HCM conducts its business with the highest level of ethical standards and to fulfill its fiduciary duties to its clients. A full copy of the HCM Code of Ethics is included in the Supplemental section of this manual.
B. Duty to Clients. HCM has a duty to exercise its authority and responsibility for the benefit of its clients, to place the interests of its clients first, and to refrain from having outside interests that conflict with the interests of its clients. HCM must avoid any circumstances that might adversely affect or appear to affect its duty of loyalty to its clients.
C. Privacy of Client Financial Information. A copy of HCM’s Privacy Principles is included in the Supplemental Section of this manual.
D. Prohibited Acts
1. Employing any device, scheme or artifice to defraud;
2. Making any untrue statement of a material fact;
3. Omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make a statement, in light of the circumstances under which it is made, not misleading;
4. Engaging in any fraudulent or deceitful act, practice, or course of business; or,
5. Engaging in any manipulative practices.
E. Conflicts of Interest. HCM has a duty to disclose potential and actual conflicts of interest to their clients. All IARs and solicitors have a duty to report potential and actual conflicts of interest to HCM. Gifts (other than de minimis gifts, valued under $200.00) should not be accepted from persons or entities doing business with HCM.
F. Use of Disclaimers. HCM shall not attempt to limit liability for willful misconduct or gross negligence through the use of disclaimers.
G. Duty to Supervise. Advisers Act Section 203(e)(5) The CCO is responsible for ensuring adequate supervision over the activities of all persons who act on HCM’s behalf. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Establish procedures reasonably expected to prevent and detect violations by its employees;
2. Analyze its operations and create a system of controls to ensure compliance with applicable securities laws;
3. Ensure that all employees fully understand HCM's policies and procedures; and,
4. Establish an annual review process designed to provide reasonable assurance that HCM's policies and procedures are effective and are being followed.
H. Personal Trading Policy. HCM's procedures governing personal trading are covered in Section XI of this manual and the Code of Ethics in the Supplemental section of this manual.
I. Insider Trading. HCM’s procedures governing insider trading are covered in Section XII of this manual.

 

 

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amended and Restated December 2016.

 

 

 
 

Statement of General Policy

This Code of Ethics ("Code") has been adopted by Newfound Research LLC and is designed to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Advisers Act").

 

This Code establishes rules of conduct for all employees of Newfound Research LLC and is designed to, among other things, govern personal securities trading activities in the accounts of employees, immediate family/household accounts and accounts in which an employee has a beneficial interest. The Code is based upon the principle that Newfound Research LLC and its employees owe a fiduciary duty to Newfound Research LLC's clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the firm and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.

 

The purpose of the Code is to preclude activities which may lead to or give the appearance of conflicts of interest, insider trading and other forms of prohibited or unethical business conduct.

 

Pursuant to Section 206 of the Advisers Act, both Newfound Research LLC and its employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. Compliance with this section involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means that Newfound Research LLC has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of its clients.

 

Newfound Research LLC and its employees are subject to the following specific fiduciary obligations when dealing with clients (where applicable):

 

The duty to have a reasonable, independent basis for the investment advice provided;
The duty to obtain best execution for a client's transactions where the Firm is in a position to direct brokerage transactions for the client;
The duty to ensure that investment advice is suitable to meeting the client's individual objectives, needs and circumstances; and
A duty to be loyal to clients.

 

In meeting its fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Newfound Research LLC expects every employee to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct for continued employment with Newfound Research LLC. Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic condition of employment with Newfound Research LLC. Newfound Research LLC's reputation for fair and honest dealing with its clients could be seriously damaged as the result of even a single securities transaction being considered questionable in light of the fiduciary duty owed to our clients. Employees are urged to seek the advice of Newfound Research LLC’s Chief Compliance Officer, for any questions about the Code or the application of the Code to their individual circumstances. Employees should also understand that a material breach of the provisions of the Code may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of employment with Newfound Research LLC.

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The provisions of the Code are not all-inclusive. Rather, they are intended as a guide for employees of Newfound Research LLC in their conduct. In those situations where an employee may be uncertain as to the intent or purpose of the Code, he/she is advised to consult with the Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in the Code only in those situations when it is clear beyond dispute that the interests of our clients will not be adversely affected or compromised. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the client even at the expense of the interests of employees.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Code or in any other document, nothing in this Code or in any policy or agreement shall prohibit a supervised person from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Supervised persons do not need the prior authorization of the Chief Compliance Officer, the legal department or any other party to make any such reports or disclosures and no supervised person is required to notify Newfound Research LLC that it has made such reports or disclosures.

The Chief Compliance Officer will periodically report to senior management and/or the Board of Managers of Newfound Research LLC to document compliance with this Code.

 

Definitions

 

For the purposes of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:

 

"Access person" means any supervised person who: has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients' purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable fund our firm or its control affiliates manage or has access to such recommendations; or is involved in making securities recommendations to clients that are nonpublic.

 

"Account" means accounts of any employee and includes accounts of the employee’s immediate family members (any relative by blood or marriage living in the employee's household), and any account in which he or she has direct or indirect beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts or other accounts in which the employee has a beneficial interest, controls or exercises investment discretion.

 

“Automatic investment” (including “pre-approved automatic 401(k) and other investments”) means 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.

 

"Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of such Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
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“Federal securities laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and any rules adopted by the Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers and any rules adopted thereunder by the Commission or the Department of the Treasury.

 

"Fund" means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act.

 

“Initial Public Offering” or “IPO” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which immediately before registration was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

“Limited Offering” means an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933

 

"Reportable fund" means any registered investment company, i.e., mutual fund, for which our Firm, or a control affiliate, acts as investment adviser, as defined in section 2(a) (20) of the Investment Company Act, or principal underwriter.

 

"Reportable security" means any security as defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it does not include: (i) Transactions and holdings in direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) Shares issued by money market funds; and (iv) Transactions in units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in mutual funds, unless Newfound Research LLC or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser, sub-adviser or principal underwriter for the fund (in which case such security shall be deemed a “reportable security”).

 

"Supervised person" means directors, officers and partners of Newfound Research LLC (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); employees of Newfound Research LLC, including temporary employees, interns and individual consultants and contractors who provide services similar to those services provided by employees; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of Newfound Research LLC and is subject to Newfound Research LLC's supervision and control.

 

Standards of Business Conduct

 

Newfound Research LLC places the highest priority on maintaining its reputation for integrity and professionalism. That reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in our firm and its employees by our clients is something we value and endeavor to protect. The following Standards of Business Conduct set forth policies and procedures to achieve these goals. This Code is intended to comply with applicable federal and state laws, including the

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various provisions of the Advisers Act and also requires that all supervised persons comply with the various applicable provisions of applicable federal and state laws, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

 

Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by investment advisers. Such policies and procedures are contained in this Code. The Code also contains policies and procedures with respect to personal securities transactions of all “supervised persons” of Newfound Research LLC. These procedures cover transactions in a reportable security in which a supervised person has a beneficial interest in or accounts over which the supervised person exercises control as well as transactions by members of the supervised person's immediate family.

 

Section 206 of the Advisers Act makes it unlawful for Newfound Research LLC or its agents or employees to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client or prospective client, or to engage in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative practices. This Code contains provisions that prohibit these and other enumerated activities and that are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the Code, the Advisers Act and rules thereunder.

 

Prohibition Against Insider Trading

 

Introduction

 

Trading securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information, or improperly communicating that information to others may expose supervised persons and Newfound Research LLC to stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The SEC can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through the illegal trading, impose a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall, and/or issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. Finally, supervised persons and Newfound Research LLC may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations.

 

The rules contained in this Code apply to reportable securities trading and information handling by supervised persons of Newfound Research LLC and their immediate family members.

 

The law of insider trading is continuously developing. An individual legitimately may be uncertain about the application of the rules contained in this Code in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can avoid disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You are encouraged to notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of this Code has occurred or is about to occur.

 

General Policy

 

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No supervised person may trade, either personally or on behalf of others (such as investment funds and private accounts managed by Newfound Research LLC), while in the possession of material, nonpublic information, nor may any personnel of Newfound Research LLC communicate material, nonpublic information to others in violation of the law.

 

1. What is Material Information?

 

Information is material where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this includes any information the disclosure of which will have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. No simple test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. For this reason, you should direct any questions about whether information is material to the Chief Compliance Officer. While the Chief Compliance Officer is available to assist you with any questions regarding the law and this Code, the responsibility ultimately rests with each individual to comply with the law and this Code, and to uphold the reputation of Newfound Research LLC.

 

Material information often relates to a company's results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.

 

Material information also may relate to the market for a company's securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell securities may, in some contexts, be material. Prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be material. For example, the United States Supreme Court upheld the criminal convictions of insider trading defendants who capitalized on prepublication information about The Wall Street Journal's "Heard on the Street" column.

 

You should also be aware of the SEC's position that the term "material nonpublic information" relates not only to issuers but also to Newfound Research LLC's securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions.

 

2. What is Nonpublic Information?

 

Information is "public" when it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through the Internet, a public filing with the SEC or some other government agency, the Dow Jones "tape" or The Wall Street Journal or some other publication of general circulation, and after sufficient time has passed so that the information has been disseminated widely. Newfound Research LLC believes that information is “nonpublic” until a reasonable time has passed after the information has become available to the general public (i.e., after a period of time necessary for the information to be absorbed by the public, and not necessarily immediately upon it becoming available).

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3. Identifying Inside Information

 

Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including investment funds or private accounts managed by Newfound Research LLC, if any ("Client Accounts"), you must determine whether you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material, nonpublic information, you should take the following steps:

 

Report the information and proposed trade immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including investment funds or private accounts managed by the firm.
Do not communicate the information inside or outside the firm, other than to the Chief Compliance Officer.
After the Chief Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue, the firm will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action the firm will take.

 

You are encouraged to consult with the Chief Compliance Officer before taking any action. This high degree of caution will protect you, our clients, and the firm.

 

4. Contacts with Public Companies

 

Contacts with public companies may represent an important part of our research efforts. The firm may make investment decisions on the basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, a supervised person of Newfound Research LLC or other person subject to this Code becomes aware of material, nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if a company's Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst, or an investor relations representative makes selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, Newfound Research LLC must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, your clients and the firm, you should contact the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if you believe that you may have received material, nonpublic information.

 

5. Tender Offers

 

Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons: First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company's securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and "tipping" while in the possession of material, nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Supervised

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persons of Newfound Research LLC and others subject to this Code should exercise extreme caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer.

 

6. Restricted/Watch Lists

 

Although Newfound Research LLC does not typically receive confidential information from companies other than its clients, it may, if it receives such information, take appropriate procedures to establish restricted or watch lists in certain securities.

 

The Chief Compliance Officer may place certain securities on a "restricted list." Supervised persons are generally prohibited from personally, or on behalf of an advisory account, purchasing or selling securities during any period they are listed. Securities issued by companies about which a number of supervised persons are expected to regularly have material, nonpublic information should generally be placed on the restricted list. The Chief Compliance Officer shall take steps to immediately inform all supervised persons of the securities listed on the restricted list.

 

The Chief Compliance Officer may place certain securities on a "watch list." Securities issued by companies about which a limited number of supervised persons possess material, nonpublic information should generally be placed on the watch list. The list will be disclosed only to the Chief Compliance Officer and a limited number of other persons who are deemed necessary recipients of the list because of their roles in compliance.

 

 

Personal Securities Transactions

 

General Policy

 

Newfound Research LLC has adopted the following principles governing personal investment activities by Newfound Research LLC's supervised persons:

 

The interests of client accounts will at all times be placed first;
All personal securities transactions will be conducted in such manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual's position of trust and responsibility; and
Supervised persons must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

Newfound Research LLC’s general policy is that all personal securities transactions involving reportable securities require the prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, subject to those exceptions listed in this Code of Ethics. Pre-cleared transactions involving reportable securities may be placed and completed prior to the end of the second trading day after approval, unless a shorter or longer time period is approved by the Chief Compliance Officer (i.e., once a transaction involving a reportable security is approved by the Chief Compliance Officer the

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supervised person has until the second market close after such approval to complete the transaction). Pre-clearance expirations are based on U.S. market hours. This means that if a pre-clearance is approved during market hours, it will expire at the market on the next trading day. If a pre-clearance is approved before or after trading hours, the employee will have the entirety of the next two trading days to execute the trade.

 

For the avoidance of doubt regarding the types of transactions that require prior approval, the following is Newfound Research LLC’s policy regarding participation in IPOs, private or limited offerings and registered funds:

 

Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in IPOs

 

No supervised person shall acquire any beneficial ownership in any securities in

an Initial Public Offering for his or her account, as defined herein, without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the supervised person's activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.

 

Pre-Clearance Required for Private or Limited Offerings

 

No supervised person shall acquire beneficial ownership of any securities in a limited offering or private placement without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the supervised person's activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.

 

Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in Shares of Certain Registered Funds

 

No supervised person shall acquire or divest any beneficial interest or otherwise transact in any securities in an open-end registered mutual fund or exchange traded fund for which Newfound Research LLC or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser, sub-adviser or principal underwriter for such fund for his or her account, as defined herein, without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the supervised person's activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts. Automatic reinvestment of dividends or other distributions from such a fund shall not require additional approval of the Chief Compliance Officer. See Exhibit F.

 

Exceptions to General Policy Regarding Securities Transactions

 

The following transactions shall not require the prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer; however, all such transactions and holdings shall be reported to the firm through the general securities reporting system:

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· Transactions in a managed account where the employee has no discretion;
· Dividend and capital gains automatic reinvestment;
· Pre-approved automatic 401(k) and other investments after the initial selections by the account holder (although the initial selection requires pre-clearance);
· Non-volitional transactions, such as stock splits, stock dividends, cash dividends, corporate actions, etc.;
· Transactions involving direct obligations of the government of the United States or other sovereign government or supra-national agency, high quality short-term debt investments, brokers acceptances, certificate of deposit, commercial paper and repurchase agreements;
· Purchases or sales of variable and fixed insurance products;
· Exercised rights, warrants or tender offers;
· Securities received via gift or inheritance; and
· Securities received or transferred to a spouse as part of a divorce or material dissolution proceeding or related settlement.

 

Interested Transactions

 

No supervised person shall recommend any securities transactions for a client without having disclosed his or her interest, if any, in such securities or the issuer thereof, including without limitation:

 

any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of any securities of such issuer;
any contemplated transaction by such person in such securities;
any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and
any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such person has a significant interest.

 

Holdings Period Rule

 

Access persons must hold reportable securities for no less than 60 days. Generally, a first-in first-out accounting method will be applied to determine compliance with this holding rule. This holding period rule does not apply to reportable securities acquired via automatic dividend reinvestment.

 

Gifts and Entertainment

 

Giving, receiving or soliciting gifts in a business setting may create an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential conflict of interest. Newfound Research LLC has adopted the policies set forth below to guide supervised persons in this area.

 

General Policy

 

Newfound Research LLC's policy with respect to gifts and entertainment is as follows:

 

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No gifts shall be given or received without the prior written consent of the Chief Compliance Officer.
Giving, receiving or soliciting gifts in a business may give rise to an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential or actual conflict of interest.
Supervised persons should not accept or provide any gifts or favors that might influence the decisions you or the recipient must make in business transactions involving Newfound Research LLC, or that others might reasonably believe would influence those decisions.
Modest gifts and favors, which would not be regarded by others as improper, may be accepted or given on an occasional basis, subject to pre-approval requirements. Dining or entertainment that satisfies these requirements and conforms to generally accepted business practices also is permissible, if, during such dining or entertainment, you are accompanied by the person or representative of the entity that does, or proposes to do, business with Newfound Research LLC.
Supervised persons shall use their reasonable judgment with respect to all gifts and entertainment, and shall consider the differences between:
o Attending a Red Sox game in May versus attending the World Series;
o Taking a prospective client for a routine lunch versus dinner at a steakhouse; and
o Accepting tickets from a third-party to a sporting event versus accompanying a third-party to the same sporting event (the former being a gift and the latter likely being entertainment).
No supervised person shall ever give or receive inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations or other things of material value that could influence decision-making or make them feel beholden to the firm or the person.
It is never appropriate or permissible to give or receive gifts of cash, cash equivalents, lottery tickets, gift cards, stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other securities if the gift involves a client, prospective client or other party Newfound Research LLC does or may do business with; unless, in the case of a gift card (for example, a Starbucks gift card) prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer is obtained.
Any gifts given or received must be gratuitous, with donative intent, and not as compensation and never with an expectation of receiving anything in return.
Where there is a law or rule that applies to the conduct of a particular business or the acceptance of gifts of even nominal value, the law or rule must be followed.
Promotional gifts, such as those that bear the logo of a company’s name or that are routinely made available to the general public are generally acceptable business gifts that do not require pre-approval or reporting and are not considered “gifts” for purposes of this policy, provided that the value of the promotional gift does not exceed $100.00.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

All gifts and entertainment given or received to or from anyone who does business, or may do business, with Newfound Research LLC shall be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer. Nominal gifts and entertainment, such as business lunches, are required to be reported to the Chief Compliance Officer but occasional failures of a supervised person to report lunches the supervised person provides or receives for less than $50 shall not be deemed to be a breach of this Code of Ethics.

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· This gift/entertaining-reporting requirement is for the purpose of helping Newfound Research LLC monitor the activities of its employees, including potential or actual conflicts of interest. However, the reporting of a gift does not relieve any supervised person from the obligations and policies set forth in this Section or anywhere else in this Code. If you have any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of any gift or entertainment, please consult the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Political Contributions

 

No political contributions shall be made by Newfound Research LLC or any of its supervised persons without the written consent of the Chief Compliance Officer. In connection with any such approval by the Chief Compliance Officer, the contributing party shall provide the Chief Compliance Officer with all information required by the firm’s “Political Contributions” policy in its manual and all such other information as may be required by the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

 

Protecting the Confidentiality of Client Information

 

Confidential Client Information

 

In the course of investment advisory activities of Newfound Research LLC, the firm may gain access to non-public information about its clients. Such information may include a person's status as a client, personal financial and account information, the allocation of assets in a client portfolio, the composition of investments in any client portfolio, information relating to services performed for or transactions entered into on behalf of clients (if any), advice provided by Newfound Research LLC to clients, and data or analyses derived from such non-public personal information (collectively referred to as “Confidential Client Information”). All Confidential Client Information, whether relating to Newfound Research LLC's current or former clients, is subject to the Code's policies and procedures. Any doubts about the confidentiality of information must be resolved in favor of confidentiality.

 

Non-Disclosure of Confidential Client Information

 

All information regarding Newfound Research LLC's clients is confidential. Information may only be disclosed when the disclosure is consistent with the firm's policy and the client's direction. Newfound Research LLC does not share Confidential Client Information with any third parties, except in the following circumstances:

 

· As necessary to provide service that the client requested or authorized, or to maintain and service the client's account. Newfound Research LLC will require that any financial intermediary, agent or other service provider utilized by Newfound Research LLC (such as broker-dealers or sub-advisers) comply with substantially similar standards for non-disclosure and protection of Confidential Client Information and use the information provided by Newfound Research LLC only for the performance of the specific service requested by Newfound Research LLC;
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· As required by regulatory authorities or law enforcement officials who have jurisdiction over Newfound Research LLC, or as otherwise required by any applicable law. In the event Newfound Research LLC is compelled to disclose Confidential Client Information, the firm shall provide prompt notice to the clients affected, so that the clients may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy. If no protective order or other appropriate remedy is obtained, Newfound Research LLC shall disclose only such information, and only in such detail, as is legally required; and
· To the extent reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions or liability.

 

 

Employee Responsibilities

 

All supervised persons are prohibited, either during or after the termination of their employment with Newfound Research LLC, from disclosing Confidential Client Information to any person or entity outside the firm, including family members, except under the circumstances described above. A supervised person is permitted to disclose Confidential Client Information only to such other supervised persons who need to have access to such information to deliver the services of Newfound Research LLC to the client.

 

Supervised persons are also prohibited from making unauthorized copies of any documents or files containing Confidential Client Information and, upon termination of their employment with Newfound Research LLC, must return all such documents to Newfound Research LLC.

 

Any supervised person who violates the non-disclosure policy described above will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination, whether or not he or she benefited from the disclosed information.

 

Security of Confidential Personal Information

 

Newfound Research LLC enforces the following policies and procedures to protect the security of Confidential Client Information:

 

The Firm restricts access to Confidential Client Information to those supervised persons who need to know such information to provide the services of Newfound Research LLC to clients;
Any supervised person who is authorized to have access to Confidential Client Information in connection with the performance of such person's duties and responsibilities is required to keep such information in a secure compartment, file or receptacle on a daily basis as of the close of each business day;
All electronic or computer files containing any Confidential Client Information shall be password secured and firewall protected from access by unauthorized persons; and
Any conversations involving Confidential Client Information, if appropriate at all, must be conducted by supervised persons in private, and care must be taken to avoid any unauthorized persons overhearing or intercepting such conversations.

 

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Privacy Policy

 

Newfound Research LLC and all supervised persons, must comply with SEC Regulation S-P, which requires investment advisers to adopt policies and procedures to protect the “nonpublic personal information” of natural person clients. “Nonpublic information,” under Regulation S-P, includes personally identifiable financial information and any list, description, or grouping that is derived from personally identifiable financial information. Personally identifiable financial information is defined to include information supplied by individual clients, information resulting from transactions, any information obtained in providing products or services. Pursuant to Regulation S-P, Newfound Research LLC has adopted policies and procedures to safeguard the information of natural person clients.

 

Enforcement and Review of Confidentiality and Privacy Policies

 

The Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for reviewing, maintaining and enforcing Newfound Research LLC's confidentiality and privacy policies and is also responsible for conducting appropriate employee training to ensure adherence to these policies. Any exception to this policy requires the written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Service as an Officer or Director

 

No supervised person shall serve as an officer or on the board of directors of any publicly or privately traded company without prior authorization by the Chief Compliance Officer or a designated supervisory person based upon a determination that any such board service or officer position would be consistent with the interest of Newfound Research LLC's clients. Where board service or an officer position is approved, Newfound Research LLC shall implement a "Chinese Wall" or other appropriate procedure, to isolate such person from making decisions relating to the company's securities.

 

Pre-Clearance Required for all Financial Services Related Outside Business Activities

 

No supervised person shall, directly or indirectly, serve as an officer or on the board of directors or trustees or otherwise perform any services for or be active or involved with any business activities for any company other than Newfound Research LLC if such other company is in the financial services business without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer who has been provided with full details of the proposed activities, duties or roles and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts. Any supervised person who receives approval of the Chief Compliance Officer shall promptly resign from such outside business activities if requested by Newfound Research LLC or the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Compliance Procedures

 

Reporting Requirements

 

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Every supervised person shall provide initial and annual holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports to the Chief Compliance Officer which must contain the information described below (forms of which are attached to the end of this Code). It is the policy of Newfound Research LLC that each supervised person must arrange for their brokerage firm(s) to send automatic duplicate brokerage account statements and trade confirmations of all securities transactions to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

1. Initial Holdings Report

 

Every supervised person shall, no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes a supervised person, file an initial holdings report containing the following information:

 

The title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount (if applicable) of each reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial interest ownership when the person becomes a supervised person;
The name of any broker, dealer or bank, account name, number and location with whom the supervised person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the supervised person; and
The date that the report is submitted by the supervised person.

 

The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the person became a supervised person. See Exhibit C.

 

2. Annual Holdings Report

 

Every supervised person shall, no later than January 31 each year, file an annual holdings report containing the same information required in the initial holdings report as described above. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the annual report is submitted. See Exhibit D.

 

3. Quarterly Transaction Reports

 

Every supervised person must, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, file a quarterly transaction report containing the following information:

 

With respect to any transaction during the quarter in a reportable security in which the supervised persons had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:

 

The date of the transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each covered security;
The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
The price of the reportable security at which the transaction was effected;
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The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
The date the report is submitted by the supervised person.

 

See Exhibit E.

 

4. Exempt Transactions

 

A supervised person need not submit a report with respect to:

 

Transactions effected for, securities held in, any account over which the person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan, e.g. a dividend reinvestment plan;
A quarterly transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in securities transaction confirmations or brokerage account statements that Newfound Research LLC holds in its records so long as the firm receives the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter; and
Any transaction or holding report if Newfound Research LLC has only one supervised person, so long as the firm maintains records of the information otherwise required to be reported.

 

5. Monitoring and Review of Personal Securities Transactions

 

The Chief Compliance Officer, or a designee, will monitor and review all reports required under the Code for compliance with Newfound Research LLC's policies regarding personal securities transactions and applicable SEC rules and regulations. The Chief Compliance Officer may also initiate inquiries of supervised persons regarding personal securities trading. Supervised persons are required to cooperate with such inquiries and any monitoring or review procedures employed Newfound Research LLC. Any transactions for any accounts of the Chief Compliance Officer will be reviewed and approved by the Chief Investment Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer shall at least annually identify all supervised persons who are required to file reports pursuant to the Code and will inform such supervised persons of their reporting obligations.

 

Certification

 

Initial Certification

 

All supervised persons will be provided with a copy of the Code and must initially certify in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer that they have: (i) received a copy of the Code; (ii) read and understand all provisions of the Code; (iii) agreed to abide by the Code; and (iv) reported all account holdings as required by the Code. The form of annual certification is attached to this Code. See Exhibit A.

 

Acknowledgement of Amendments

 

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All supervised persons shall receive any amendments to the Code and must certify to the Chief Compliance Officer in writing that they have: (i) received a copy of the amendment; (ii) read and understood the amendment; and (iii) agreed to abide by the Code as amended.

 

Annual Certification

 

All supervised persons must annually certify in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer that they have: (i) read and understood all provisions of the Code; and (ii) complied with all requirements of the Code. The form of annual certification is attached to this Code. See Exhibit B.

 

Further Information

 

Supervised persons should contact the Chief Compliance Officer regarding any inquiries pertaining to the Code or the policies established herein.

 

Records

 

The Chief Compliance Officer shall maintain and cause to be maintained in a readily accessible place the following records:

 

A copy of any Code of Ethics adopted by the Firm pursuant to Advisers Act Rule 204A-1 which is or has been in effect during the past five years;
A record of any violation of the Code and any action that was taken as a result of such violation for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred;
A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments thereto for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a supervised person which shall be retained for five years after the individual ceases to be a supervised person of Newfound Research LLC;
A copy of each report made pursuant to Advisers Act Rule 204A-1, including any brokerage confirmations and account statements made in lieu of these reports;
A list of all persons who are, or within the preceding five years have been, access persons; and
A record of any decision to approve a supervised persons' acquisition of securities in IPOs and limited offerings within the past five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such approval is granted.

 

Reporting Violations and Sanctions

 

All supervised persons are encouraged to promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer or an alternate designee all apparent violations of the Code. Any retaliation for the reporting of a violation under this Code will constitute a violation of the Code and may be a violation of law.

 

The Chief Compliance Officer shall promptly report to senior management all apparent material violations of the Code. When the Chief Compliance Officer finds that a violation otherwise reportable to senior management could not be reasonably found to have resulted in a fraud,

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deceit, or a manipulative practice in violation of Section 206 of the Advisers Act, he or she may, in his or her discretion, submit a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore to a reporting file created for this purpose in lieu of reporting the matter to senior management.

 

Senior management shall consider reports made to it hereunder and shall determine whether or not the Code has been violated and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. Possible sanctions may include reprimands, monetary fine or assessment, or suspension or termination of the employee's employment with the firm.

 

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Exhibit A

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

Initial Certification*

 

 

I, ______________________________ do hereby certify that:

(Print Name Above)

1.         I have received a copy of the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.

2. I have read and understand all provisions of the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.

3.         I agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.

4. I have reported all account holdings as required by the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.

 

 

Date: __________________________            __________________________________

 (Signature)

 

 

___________________________________

Chief Compliance Officer (Signature)

 

Date: _______________

 

 

 

 

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

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Exhibit B

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

Annual Certification*

 

 

I, ______________________________ do hereby certify that:

(Print Name Above)

1. I have read and understand all provisions of the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.
2. I have complied with all requirements of the Code of Ethics of Newfound Research LLC.

 

 

Date: __________________________            __________________________________

 (Signature)

 

 

___________________________________

Chief Compliance Officer (Signature)

 

Date: _______________

 

 

 

 

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

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Exhibit C

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT*

An initial holdings report must be filed by every supervised person no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes a supervised person. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the person became a supervised person.

 

Name of Reporting Person: _________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

 

  1. Please provide the following for each reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial interest ownership when the person becomes a supervised person:
Title and Exchange Ticker Symbol or CUSIP Type of Security Number of Shares

Principal Amount

(if applicable)

       
       
       
       
       
       

 

  1. Please provide the following information specifying with whom the supervised person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the supervised person:
Name of any Broker, Dealer or Bank Account Name Account Number Location
       
       
       
       
       
       

 

  _____________________________   __________________
  Signature of Reporting Person   Date Submitted
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_______________________________        _____________

Signature of CCO                                              Date

 

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

 

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Exhibit D

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORT*

An annual holdings report must be filed by every supervised person no later than January 31 each year. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the annual report is submitted.

 

Name of Reporting Person: _________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

  1. Please provide the following for each reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial interest ownership:
Title and Exchange Ticker Symbol or CUSIP Type of Security Number of Shares

Principal Amount

(if applicable)

       
       
       
       
       
       

 

  1. Please provide the following information specifying with whom the supervised person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the supervised person:
Name of any Broker, Dealer or Bank Account Name Account Number Location
       
       
       
       
       
       

 

  _____________________________   __________________
  Signature of Reporting Person   Date Submitted
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Received and reviewed:

 

_______________________________                    _____________

Signature of CCO                                                              Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

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Exhibit E

Newfound Research LLC

Code of Ethics

QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORT*

A quarterly transaction report must be filed by every supervised person no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter.

 

Name of Reporting Person: ____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

 

With respect to any transaction during the quarter in a reportable security in which the supervised person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, please provide the following for each covered security:

Date of Transaction Title and Exchange Ticker Symbol or CUSIP Interest Rate

Maturity Date

(if applicable)

Number

of

Shares

Principal Amount

(if applicable)

Nature of Transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition) Price of the reportable security at which the transaction was effected Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

 

  _____________________________   __________________
  Signature of Reporting Person   Date Submitted

_____________________________ __________________

Received and reviewed:

_______________________________                     ________________

Signature of CCO                                                             Date

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

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Exhibit F


Newfound Research LLC

 

Code of Ethics

 

 

Request for Pre-Clearance Form*

 

To:­ The Chief Compliance Officer

From:                                                 

 

Date of Pre-Clearance Request:                      

Time of Pre-Clearance Request:                       am/pm

 

Ticker Buy/Sell Name of Security Proposed Transaction Date No. of Shares Approved Denied
             
             
             
             
             
             

 

By signing below, I hereby request approval to complete the transaction(s) contemplated above. I acknowledge and agree that clearance of a transaction is valid only until the end of the trading day after approval. If the transaction if NOT placed and completed within such period, clearance of that transaction must be re-requested.

 

Date:                                      

 

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Signature:                                                                     

 

Print Name:                                                                  

 

 

 

Received by:                                                                      Date:                               

Compliance Officer

 

Approved by:                                                                      Date:                               

Compliance Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Note that Newfound Research LLC may utilize its automated compliance system in lieu of this form.

 

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Absolute Capital Management, LLC

Code of Ethics

______________________________________________________________________________

Preamble

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) is being adopted for Absolute Capital Management LLC (“ACM”). This Code is designed to comply with Rule 17j-l of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) and Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 apply because ACM serves as investment adviser to registered investment companies (collectively referred to as the “Fund(s)”), as well as other individual and institutional customers. This Code seeks to serve and safeguard ACM’s clients by setting forth provisions reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with applicable federal securities laws.

Issue

The Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that ACM owes a fiduciary duty to its clients. Accordingly, ACM’s employees must avoid activities, interests and relationships that run contrary (or appear to run contrary) to the best interests of clients. At all times, ACM must:

Any questions with respect to ACM’s Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO and/or a Managing Director. As discussed in greater detail below, employees must promptly report any violations of the Code of Ethics to the CCO. All reported Code of Ethics violations will be treated as being made on an anonymous basis.

With regard to ACM’s service as investment adviser to the Funds, Rule 17j-1 imposes additional duties. 2 Under Rule 17j-1, it is unlawful for certain persons, including any officer, director or trustee of the

____________________________ 

1 “Federal Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Commission or the Department of the Treasury.

 

2 Rule 17j-1 requires that the Adviser adopt a written code of ethics (a separate document), which must be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund(s). Prior to approval, ACM’s CCO submitted a certification to the Board of Trustees that ACM has adopted the procedures contained herein which are reasonably designed to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code of Ethics. Any material change to this Code of Ethics must be approved by the Board of Trustees within 6 months of the adoption of the change.

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Adviser, in connection with the purchase or sale by such person of a security “held or to be acquired” by the Funds: 3

(1) To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Funds;
(2) To make any untrue statement of a material fact to the Funds or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the Funds, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(3) To engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Funds; or

(4) To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Funds.

Any questions with respect to ACM’s Code of Ethics should be directed to the CCO and/or a Managing Director. As discussed in greater detail below, employees must promptly report any violations of the Code of Ethics to the CCO. All reported Code of Ethics violations will be treated as being made on an anonymous basis.

Risks

In developing these policy and procedures, ACM considered the material risks associated with administering the Code of Ethics. This analysis includes risks such as:

ACM has established the following guidelines to effectuate and monitor ACM’s Code of Ethics.

Guiding Principles & Standards of Conduct

All employees, directors, officers and partners of ACM, and consultants closely associated with the firm, will act with competence, dignity and integrity, in an ethical manner, when dealing with clients, the public, prospects, third-party service providers and fellow employees.

 

____________________________ 

3 A security “Held or to be Acquired” by the Funds means any security which, if within the most recent fifteen (15) days (i) is or has been held by the Funds or any other client; (ii) is being or has been considered by the Funds or ACM for purchase by the Funds or any other client; and (iii) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for such a security.

 

4 “Access Person” means any Supervised Person (i) who has access to nonpublic information regarding any client’s purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding portfolio holdings, or (ii) who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic. “Supervised Person” means any of the adviser’s officers, partners, directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), or employees or any other person who provides investment advice on the adviser’s behalf and is subject to the adviser’s supervision or control.

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The following set of principles frame the professional and ethical conduct that ACM expects from its employees and consultants:

Policies and Procedures

ACM’s CCO shall notify each Access Person (defined above) that he or she is subject to the provisions of this Code, and shall deliver a copy of this Code to each Access Person, and each such Access Person shall provide written acknowledgement of the Code’s receipt on an as hired, as amended and annual basis.

1.       Personal Securities Transaction Policy

Employees may not purchase or sell any security in which the employee has a beneficial ownership unless the transaction occurs in an exempted security or the employee has complied with the Personal Security Transaction Policy set forth below.

Pre-Clearance Procedures

ACM’s employees must have written clearance for all personal securities transactions in an initial public offerings and any other limited offering 5 before completing the transactions. ACM reserves the right to disapprove any proposed transaction that may have the appearance of improper conduct. For transactions that require pre-clearance employees shall complete ACM’s Pre-Clearance Form (See Attachment A ) or may request pre-clearance via email. All pre-clearance requests must be submitted to ACM’s CCO or someone so designated by the CCO with the CCO’s oversight. Once pre-clearance is granted to an employee, such employee may only transact in that security for the remainder of the day. If the employee wishes to transact in that security on the following or any other day, they must again obtain pre-clearance

____________________________ 

5 “Limited Offering” is defined as an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) or pursuant to Rules 504,505, or 506 of Regulation D. “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

3  
 

from the CCO or his designee. Unless otherwise noted, no pre-clearance is required for securities transactions that do not involve private placements or initial public offerings.

Securities and Instruments that are not Securities

ACM will regard the following as securities for purposes of complying with this policy: any note, stock, treasury security, bond, closed-end mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any options, or in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security. Futures and options on any group or index of securities shall be considered securities.

Exempt Securities

ACM requires Access Persons to provide quarterly transaction reports (See Reporting .) regarding transactions and holdings in any security , as that term is defined in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act (“Reportable Security”). However, as noted in Rule 204A-1 and Rule 17j-1, the term Reportable Security does not include:

Beneficial Ownership

Employees are considered to have beneficial ownership of securities if they have or share a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities. Employees have a pecuniary interest in securities if they have the ability to directly or indirectly profit from a securities transaction. The following are examples of indirect pecuniary interests in securities:

Employees do not have an indirect pecuniary interest in securities held by entities in which they hold an equity interest unless they are a controlling equity holder or they share investment control over the securities held by the entity.

The following circumstances constitute beneficial ownership by employees of securities held by a trust:

____________________________ 

6 “Reportable Fund” means (a) any fund for which ACM serves as the investment adviser as defined in section 2(a)(20) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. (ACM must be approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees (as noted above)); or (b) any fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls ACM, is controlled by ACM, or is under common control with ACM. Currently, the Neiman Tactical Income Fund, Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund are considered to be Reportable Funds.

Exempt Transactions

The following transactions are considered exempt transactions:

In addition, from time to time, the CCO may exempt certain transactions on a trade-by-trade basis.

Reporting

In order to provide ACM with information to enable it to determine with reasonable assurance any indications of scalping, front-running or the appearance of a conflict of interest with the management of ACM clients, each employee of ACM shall submit the following reports in the forms attached hereto to the CCO showing all transactions in Reportable Securities in which the person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership except for exempt transactions. (See Exemptions .)

Quarterly Transaction Reports

Employees shall be required to submit to ACM a Quarterly Personal Securities Transaction Report (See Attachment B .) no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter. Employees may submit a copy of their account statements in lieu of filling out the table in the report. The quarterly transaction reports (and/or brokerage statements) shall contain at least the following information for each transaction in a Reportable Security in which the employee had, or as a result of the transaction acquired, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership 8 : (a) the date of the transaction, the title, and as applicable the

____________________________ 

7 “Automatic Investment Plan” means 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.

 

8 “Beneficial Ownership,” as set forth under Rule 16a-1(a)(2), determines whether a person is subject to the provision of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations thereunder, which generally encompasses those situations in which the beneficial owner has the right to enjoy some direct or indirect “pecuniary interest” (i.e., some economic benefit) from the ownership of a security. This may also include securities held by members of an employee’s immediate family sharing the same household; provided however, this presumption may be rebutted. The term immediate family means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law and includes adoptive relationships. Any report of beneficial ownership required thereunder shall not be construed as an admission that the person making the report has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Securities to which the report relates.

5  
 

exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each Reportable Security involved; (b) the nature of the transaction ( i.e. , purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); (c) the price of the Reportable Security at which the transaction was effected; (d) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and (e) the date that the report is submitted.

Initial and Annual Holdings Reports

New ACM employees are required to report all of their personal securities holdings (note that the Initial and Annual Holdings Reports must include a listing of all Reportable Security holdings, as well as the names of all accounts containing any securities) not later than 10 days after the commencement of their employment. They may do so by completing the Initial Holdings Report. (See Attachment C .) Employees may provide a copy of the most recent quarter’s brokerage statement as well as any new purchases / sales as of the commencement of employment in lieu of filling out the table in the report. The Initial Holdings Report must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an employee.

Existing employees are required to provide ACM with a complete list of securities holdings on an annual basis. They may do so by completing the Annual Holdings Report. (See Attachment D .) Employees may provide a copy of the year-end brokerage statement. The report shall be current as of December 31st, which is a date no more than 45 days from the final date the report is due to be submitted.

Each Initial and Annual Holdings Report must contain, at a minimum: (a) the title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; (b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person's direct or indirect benefit; and (c) the date the Access Person submits the report.

Interim Reports

With respect to any personal securities holdings established by an Access Person during any quarter, in which Reportable Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person, the Access Person much report the following information, at a minimum to the CCO: (a) the date that the account of investment was established; (b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains the account; and (c) the date that the report is submitted;.

Exceptions from Reporting Requirements

Employees are not required to submit: (a) a transaction or Initial and Annual Holdings Report with respect to securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control, and (b) a transaction report with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan.

 

Trading and Review

ACM strictly forbids “front-running” client accounts, which is a practice generally understood to be employees personally trading ahead of client accounts. The CCO will closely monitor employees’ investment patterns to detect these abuses. The CCO shall conduct post trade reviews of ACM employee’s personal trading by reviewing Quarterly Transaction Reports.

Reporting Violations and Remedial Actions

6  
 

ACM takes the potential for conflicts of interest caused by personal investing very seriously. As such, ACM requires its employees to promptly report any violations of the Code of Ethics to the CCO. ACM’s management is aware of the potential matters that may arise as a result of this requirement, and shall take action against any employee that seeks retaliation against another for reporting violations of the Code of Ethics. ACM has zero tolerance for retaliatory actions and therefore may subject offenders to more severe action than set forth below. In order to minimize the potential for such behavior, all reports of Code of Ethics violations will be treated as being made on an anonymous basis.

ACM has implemented remedial actions that are designed to discourage its employees from violating the Personal Securities Transaction Policy. Employees should be aware that ACM reserves the right to impose varied sanctions on policy violators depending on the severity of the policy violation.

The CCO shall promptly report to the Board of Trustees of the Funds all apparent violations of this Code and the reporting requirements thereunder. When the CCO finds that a transaction otherwise reportable to the Board of Trustees could not reasonably be found to have resulted in a fraud, deceit or manipulative practice in violation of Rule 17j-l(b), the CCO may, in his discretion, lodge a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore with the reports made pursuant to this Code, in lieu of reporting the transaction to the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

Annual Reporting to the Board of Trustees

ACM shall each prepare an annual written report relating to this Code to the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Such annual report shall:

· summarize existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year;
· describe any issues arising under this Code or procedures since the last report to the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer including, but not limited to, information about material violations of this Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations.
· identify any recommended changes in the existing restrictions or procedures based upon the experience of ACM under this Code, evolving industry practices or developments in applicable laws or regulations; and
· certify that ACM has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this Code.

Disclosure

ACM shall describe its Codes of Ethics to clients in Form ADV Part 2 and, upon request, furnish clients with a copy of the Code of Ethics. All client requests for ACM’s Code of Ethics shall be directed to the CCO.

Recordkeeping

ACM shall maintain records in the manner and to the extent set forth below, which records shall be available for appropriate examination by representatives of the SEC or ACM’s management.

2.       Insider Trading Policy

Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the nature of such investment adviser's business, to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information by such investment adviser or any person associated with such investment adviser. In accordance with Section 204A, ACM has instituted procedures to prevent the misuse of nonpublic information. The CCO will provide training to all employees regarding ACM’s Insider Trading Policy as hired, annually or as amended.

Although “insider trading” is not defined in securities laws, it is generally thought to be described as trading either personally or on behalf of others on the basis of material nonpublic information or communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. In the past, securities laws have been interpreted to prohibit the following activities:

Whom Does the Policy Cover?

At the time that each individual is hired, ACM’s Managing Director and CCO will determine the scope of access to be provided to such individual and whether that individual will be considered an Access Person of the firm. ACM’s personal trading policies apply to all Access Persons as well as any transactions in any securities participated in by family members, trusts or corporations directly or

8  
 

indirectly controlled by such persons. In addition, the policy applies to transactions engaged in by corporations in which the Access Person is an officer, director or 10% or greater stockholder and a partnership of which the Access Person is a partner unless the Access Person has no direct or indirect control over the partnership. .

What Information is Material?

Individuals may not be held liable for trading on inside information unless the information is material. “Material information” is generally defined as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that an investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities. Advance knowledge of the following types of information is generally regarded as “material”:

Information provided by a company could be material because of its expected effect on a particular class of a company’s securities, all of the company’s securities, the securities of another company, or the securities of several companies. The misuse of material nonpublic information applies to all types of securities, including equity, debt, commercial paper, government securities and options.

Material information does not have to relate to a company’s business. For example, material information about the contents of an upcoming newspaper column may effect the price of a security, and therefore be considered material.

 

What Information is Nonpublic?

In order for issues concerning insider trading to arise, information must not only be material, but also non-public. “Nonpublic” information generally means information that has not been available to the investing public.

Once material nonpublic information has been effectively distributed to the investing public, it is no longer classified as material nonpublic information. However, the distribution of nonpublic information must occur through commonly recognized channels for the classification to change. In addition, the information must not only be publicly disclosed, there must be adequate time for the public to receive and

9  
 

digest the information. Lastly, nonpublic information does not change to public information solely by selective dissemination.

ACM’s employees must be aware that even where there is no expectation of confidentiality, a person may become an insider upon receiving material nonpublic information. Whether the “tip” made to the employee makes him/her a “tippee” depends on whether the corporate insider expects to benefit personally, either directly or indirectly, from the disclosure. The “benefit” is not limited to a present or future monetary gain; it could be a reputational benefit or an expectation of a quid pro quo from the recipient by a gift of the information. Employees may also become insiders or tippees if they obtain material nonpublic information by happenstance, at social gatherings, by overhearing conversations, etc.

Penalties for Trading on Insider Information

Severe penalties exist for firms and individuals that engage in the act of insider trading, including civil injunctions, treble damages, disgorgement of profits and jail sentences. Further, fines for individuals and firms found guilty of insider trading are levied in amounts up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, and up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the profit gained or loss avoided, respectively.

Procedures to follow if an Employee Believes that he/she Possesses Material Nonpublic Information

If an employee has questions as to whether they are in possession of material nonpublic information, they must inform the CCO and a Managing Director as soon as possible. From this point, the employee, CCO and the Managing Director will conduct research to determine if the information is likely to be considered important to investors in making investment decisions, and whether the information has been publicly disseminated. In addition, on an as hired and annual basis, all employees are required to complete ACM’s Conflicts of interest Questionnaire which is designed to provide a reminder to employees regarding their disclosure responsibilities with respect to any actual or perceived conflict of interest (including the receipt of material nonpublic information) to the CCO and Managing Director.

Given the severe penalties imposed on individuals and firms engaging in insider trading, employees:

3. Outside Business Activities Policy

Employees may, under certain circumstances, be granted permission to serve as directors, trustees or officers of outside organizations. These organizations can include public or private corporations, partnerships, charitable foundations and other not-for-profit institutions. Employees may also receive compensation for such activities.

At certain times, ACM may determine that it is in its clients’ best interests for an employee(s) to serve as officers or on the board of directors of outside organizations. For example, a company held in clients’

10  
 

portfolios may be undergoing a reorganization that may affect the value of the company’s outstanding securities and the future direction of the company. Service with organizations outside of ACM can, however, raise serious regulatory issues and concerns, including conflicts of interests and may result in access to material nonpublic information.

As an outside board member or officer, an employee may come into possession of material nonpublic information about the outside company, or other public companies. It is critical that a proper information barrier be in place between ACM and the outside organization, and that the employee does not communicate such information to other ACM employees in violation of the information barrier.

Similarly, ACM may have a business relationship with the outside organization or may seek a relationship in the future. In those circumstances, the employee must not be involved in the decision to retain or hire ACM.

ACM employees are prohibited from engaging in outside business activities without the prior approval from the CCO. Approval will be granted on a case by case basis, subject to proper resolution of potential conflicts of interest. Outside activities will be approved only if any conflict of interest issues can be satisfactorily resolved and all of the necessary disclosures are made in Form ADV Part 2. In addition, employees must confirm their outside business activities via the annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire. This annual disclosure will help ensure that the CCO has an accurate record of all requests for approval.

4.       Gifts Policy

Employees may not accept investment opportunities, gifts or other gratuities from individuals seeking to conduct business with ACM, or on behalf of an advisory client. However, employees may accept gifts from a single giver in aggregate amounts not exceeding $100, and may attend business meals, sporting events and other entertainment events at the expense of a giver, as long as the expense is reasonable and both the giver(s) and the employee(s) are present. Employees must report their acceptance of any reportable gift (i.e., exceeding $100) to the CCO immediately upon receipt.

ACM and its employees are prohibited from giving gifts that may be deemed as excessive, and must obtain approval from the CCO prior to giving any gift in excess of $100 to any client, prospective client or any individual that ACM is seeking to do business with. However, employees may attend business meals, sporting events and other entertainment events with these individuals at the expense of ACM, as long as the expense is reasonable and both the client, prospective client or any individual(s) that ACM is seeking to do business with and the employee(s) are present.

Employees are reminded that notwithstanding this policy, any gratuity provided by ACM to labor unions or union representatives that have an “interest” in the Taft-Hartley fund (including the members covered by the Taft-Hartley fund) in excess of $250 per fiscal year are required to be reported additionally to the Department Labor via Form LM-10 within 90 days following the end of ACM’s fiscal year.

The Department of Labor has issued further guidance on the filing of Form LM-10 through its website (www.dol.gov).

The CCO shall track all reportable entertainment and gifts as part of ACM’s Gift Log in the Compliance Program. In addition, employees must provide the CCO with a list of all reportable gifts given and/or received via the annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire. This annual disclosure will help ensure that the CCO has an accurate record of all requests for approval.

5.       Political Contributions & Pay to Play Policy

Pay to Play is the practice of making campaign contributions and related payments to elected officials in order to influence the awarding of lucrative contracts for the management of public pension plan assets and similar government investment accounts. The SEC has adopted new measures to curtail Pay to Play practices by registered investment advisers. Currently, ACM does not provide investment management

11  
 

services to any government related or public pension plan clients, however, ACM’s prohibitions with respect to political contributions and pay to play practices are as follows:

1. Employees are prohibited from asking another person or political action committee to make a contribution to an elected official (or candidate) that may influence the selection of an investment adviser.
2. Employees are prohibited from making payment to a political party of a state or locality where ACM is seeking to provide investment advisory services to a government related entity.
3. Employees are prohibited from directing or funding contributions through third parties such as spouses, lawyers, or other entities if that conduct would violate the rule if the employee were to do it directly. This provision prevents employees from circumventing the rule by directing or funding contributions through third parties.
4. ACM is prohibited from paying a third party to solicit a government client unless that third party is an SEC registered investment adviser or broker-dealer that is subject to similar pay to play restrictions.

Employees must obtain pre-approval from the CCO prior to making any political contribution. Pursuant to the SEC’s de minimus provision, an employee may make contributions of up to $350 per election per candidate if the employee is entitled to vote for the candidate and up to $150 per election per candidate if the employee is not entitled to vote for the candidate.

In addition, employees must provide the CCO with a list of their political contributions via the annual Conflicts of Interest Questionnaire. This annual disclosure will help ensure that the CCO has an accurate record of all requests for approval. The reporting of a political contribution does not relieve any employee from the obligations and policies set forth in this Manual. If an employee has any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of any political contribution, they are instructed to consult the CCO or Managing Director.

Responsibility

The CCO will be responsible for administering the Code of Ethics. All questions regarding this policy should be directed to the CCO or the Managing Directors.

12  
 

 

2  CODE OF ETHICS

 

2.1 OVERVIEW

 

Boyd has many important assets, but the most valuable is our established and unquestioned reputation for integrity. As professionals, we are judged by our conduct, and we must act in a manner that merits the trust and confidence of our customers and the public in general. Because of the nature of the investment advisory business, many people hold us to a higher standard than the general business world. Boyd has adopted this Code of Ethics (“Code”) to help ensure that it retains its integrity and continues to merit trust and confidence. Additionally, Boyd’s employees that are CFA Institute members are also expected to comply with CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

 

Boyd and its employees owe an undivided duty of loyalty to Boyd’s clients and must place client interests first at all times. Employees will, in varying degrees, participate in or be aware of fiduciary and investment services provided to registered investment companies, institutional investment clients, employee benefit trusts and other types of investment advisory clients. Our fiduciary relationship mandates adherence to the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

 

Accordingly, employees acting in a fiduciary capacity must carry out their duties for the exclusive benefit of client accounts. Employees must avoid any activity that might create an actual or potential conflict of interest and should never take unfair advantage of their positions with Boyd. Employees may not cause a client to take action (or fail to take action) for the employee’s personal benefit, rather than for the benefit of the client.

 

2.2 DEFINITIONS

 

The following terms are used commonly throughout this Code. There are several other technical definitions that may apply to the requirements set forth in the Code, and you are encouraged to consult with Compliance for clarification, if needed.

 

1. An “Access Person” of Boyd is any employee that:

 

Has access to non-public information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or non-public information regarding the portfolio holdings of any mutual fund that Boyd advises; or

 

Is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are non-public.

 

2. An “Advised Fund” is a registered investment company for which Boyd serves as adviser or sub-adviser.

Confidential

Page 10 of 68

 

3. An “ARM” is an account relationship manager.

 

4. The “Risk Assessment” is the written Assessment of Compliance Risks and Conflicts of Interest maintained by Boyd to assess the risks of compliance deficiencies and conflicts of interests.

 

2.3 GENERAL GUIDANCE

 

In most situations, our personal values and integrity will guide us to the right decision. However, we must always keep in mind how our actions affect the credibility of Boyd. For this reason, our business ethics must reflect the highest values and standards of conduct outlined in this Code. We encourage each employee to ask questions, seek guidance and express any concerns they may have. When in doubt, directors, officers and employees should ask themselves the following questions:

 

Is my action legal? If so, is it also ethical?

 

Are my actions honest in every respect?

 

Would I be proud to read about my action in the newspaper?

 

Can I defend my action with a clear conscience?

 

Would it be helpful to ask for guidance before taking any action?

 

If your answers to these questions are troubling in any respect, it may be that whatever you are considering is not the correct or appropriate course of action and you should contact Compliance or Executive Management with any questions.

 

2.4 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

A major component of carrying out our fiduciary duties to our clients involves the awareness and disclosure of actual and potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when the best interests of Boyd and/or its employees are contrary to the interests of our clients. A conflict situation can arise if you have a personal financial or other interest that may make it difficult to perform your duties objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if you or a family member or another organization in which you have an interest receives a personal benefit as a result of your position with Boyd.

 

All Access Persons must disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest to Compliance, so that they may be adequately disclosed and mitigated.

 

2.5 COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS

 

You must conduct yourself in a manner which is in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), as well as with all of Boyd’s other policies and procedures. Activity or behavior which would be criminally or civilly actionable

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is deemed not to be in compliance. Boyd’s Chief Compliance Officer has an “open door” policy and all employees may feel free to seek guidance whenever a regulatory matter comes into question.

 

2.6 PERSONAL SECURITIES HOLDINGS AND TRANSACTIONS

 

The following provisions apply to all securities accounts in which Access Persons have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest, generally including all household accounts. If there is any question as to whether a particular account is subject to these requirements, Compliance should be consulted for guidance.

 

2.6.1 TRADING RESTRICTIONS

 

Diversion of Investment Opportunity

 

Access Persons should not acquire a security that would be suitable for a client account without first considering whether to recommend or purchase that security to or for the client’s account.

 

Prohibition of Front Running

 

“Front running” is generally considered to be the practice of effecting a securities transaction with advance knowledge of another transaction in the same or related security for client accounts, typically a block transaction, in order to personally benefit from the effect of the block transaction upon the price of the security or related security. Front running is a prohibited practice and Access Persons’ personal securities transactions will be reviewed periodically by Compliance for evidence of front running.

 

Blackout Periods

 

Pending Trades

 

Access Persons may not purchase or sell a security in an account under the Access Person’s control on a day during which any client account, including any Advised Fund, has a pending order in the same security. This restriction applies until the client’s order has been executed or cancelled.

 

Securities Under Consideration

 

Access Persons may not purchase or sell a security if the Access Person knows that a transaction in the same security is being considered for a client account, including any Advised Fund(s), or that a decision has been made to effect such a transaction.

 

Frequent Trading

 

Frequent trading by Access Persons is discouraged. While there is no objective measure of excess frequency, Compliance and Executive Management will use their best judgment to

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determine if an Access Person is spending too much time trading for his or her own account and limits may be set accordingly on a case-by-case basis.

 

2.6.2 PRE-CLEARANCE OF SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

Access Persons must pre-clear all personal transactions in non-exempt securities. Access Persons are personally responsible for ensuring that the proposed transaction does not violate Boyd’s policies or applicable securities laws and regulations.

 

Access Persons shall submit a pre-clearance request for review by Portfolio Management, Trading and/or Compliance. Once reviewed, the Access Person will receive notification as to whether the transaction has been approved or denied. A record of the pre-clearance request and its review will be maintained in accordance with Boyd’s books and records obligations.

 

An approval is only valid until the close of business on the same day it is granted. If the order is not placed during that period or is placed but not executed, a new approval must be obtained.

 

The following types of transactions are exempt from pre-clearance:

 

1. Securities purchased or sold in fully discretionary accounts managed by a third party

 

2. Open-end U.S. mutual fund shares, other than transactions in Advised Fund(s) not made through a 401(k) plan or other automatic investment plan

 

3. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)

 

4. Reorganizations (e.g., tender offers)

 

5. Futures and options on indices

 

6. Option exercises

 

2.6.3 IPOS AND PRIVATE PLACEMENTS

 

Prior to effecting a transaction in a limited offering, Access Persons must obtain the approval of Compliance and/or Executive Management. In evaluating such requests, the reviewer should consider all relevant factors, including:

 

1. Whether the investment opportunity is being made available to the Access Person due to the Access Person’s position with Boyd;

 

2. Whether the investment opportunity creates a conflict of interest relating to the Access Person’s fiduciary responsibilities at Boyd; and

 

3. Whether the investment opportunity is suitable for and should be reserved for Boyd’s clients.

 

If the reviewer approves the Access Person’s request to participate in a limited offering, the reviewer must sign the form and must indicate the reasons for his or her decision.

 

If an Access Person has acquired securities in a limited offering, he or she must disclose that interest to Compliance before the Access Person may play a material role in a decision to

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recommend or cause an Advised Fund to invest in securities of the same issuer. This disclosure is required even if the Access Person has complied with the preclearance and reporting requirements of the Code.

 

2.6.4 SECURITIES HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE AND TRANSACTION REPORTING

 

Access Persons must disclose all securities and applicable accounts (including fully discretionary accounts.) To ensure compliance with this requirement, Access Persons must instruct any bank, broker or other financial institution that maintains such accounts to send duplicate copies of all trade confirmations and account statements promptly to the attention of Compliance.

 

In order to comply with applicable requirements, Boyd must receive account statements no later than 30 days after the end of any calendar month or quarter (depending on account activity.)

 

Holdings Reports

 

Within ten (10) days of becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter, each Access Person must submit a holdings report to Compliance. The information in the holdings report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted.

 

Quarterly Transaction Reports

 

Within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar quarter, all Access Persons must review, report and certify all trading activity for the quarter. All Access Persons must also report any new Accounts opened during the calendar quarter. All purchases or sales of an Advised Fund must be reported quarterly.

 

Securities that are exempt from these reporting requirements are:

 

1. Direct obligations of the U.S. government;

 

2. Bankers’ acceptances, CDs, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements;

 

3. Shares issued by money market funds;

 

4. Shares issued by open-end funds other than Advised Funds; and

 

5. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are Advised Funds.

 

2.6.5 REVIEW OF PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS

 

Compliance is responsible for monitoring personal securities trading for compliance with the Code. On a periodic basis (but at least quarterly,) Compliance will review the statements and reports submitted pursuant to the Code. Any unusual trading activity, patterns of transactions, or indications of violations of this Code will be addressed as necessary.

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2.7 INSIDER TRADING AND CONFIDENTIALITY

 

2.7.1 POLICY STATEMENT

 

Boyd strictly prohibits employees from effecting securities transactions while in possession of material, non-public information. Employees are also prohibited from disclosing such information to others. The prohibition against insider trading applies not only to the security to which the inside information directly relates, but also to related securities, such as options.

 

No employee who has material non-public information regarding any company may buy or sell securities of that company or a related company, directly or indirectly, or engage in any other action to take personal advantage of that information, or disclose such information to others, such as family, relatives, and business or social acquaintances.

 

2.7.2 MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION

 

For purposes of this Policy, “material” information is any information that a reasonable investor would likely consider important in a decision to buy, hold or sell securities. “Non-public” information is any information which has not been disclosed generally to the marketplace.

 

Remember: if your securities transactions become the subject of scrutiny, they will be viewed after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. As a result, before engaging in any transaction, you should carefully consider how regulators and others might view your transaction in hindsight.

 

Any employee who believes that they may have come into possession of material non-public information should discuss the matter with Compliance or Executive Management immediately. Further, if any employees have personal relationships that may result in the employee obtaining such information (e.g., a spouse who holds a high level position in a publicly traded company, a friend who works in investment banking and deals with public companies, etc.), Compliance should also be notified.

 

2.7.3 EXAMPLES

 

While there are various legal nuances regarding the true definition of insider trading, insider trading generally includes the following scenarios:

 

1. Classical Scenario : Trading by an insider who owes a duty to the issuer of the security traded;

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2. Misappropriation Scenario : Trading based on material nonpublic information in breach of a duty owed to someone other than the issuer;

 

3. Tipping Scenario : The tippee assumes the same liability as the tipper if the tippee knows or should have known that the tipper is breaching a duty by transmitting the information.

 

2.7.4 CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Another source of potential material non-public information may include confidential Boyd information regarding investment recommendations and client account holdings and transactions. Employees should:

 

Not discuss confidential information, except as necessary to perform their duties to Boyd

 

Not store confidential information in plain view in public areas of the office

 

Not discuss confidential information in public areas, including airports, elevators, etc.

 

Not share confidential information outside Boyd, including with spouses, friends, etc.

 

2.7.5 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

 

Upon determination that the information may represent material inside information, Compliance and Executive Management will take the following actions, as deemed appropriate:

 

1. Consider a halt to all firm trading activity in the security;

 

2. Consider a halt to all recommendations of the security;

 

3. Consider requesting the issuer or other appropriate parties to disseminate the information promptly to the public if the information is valid and nonpublic;

 

4. Take steps to ensure all files containing material, nonpublic information are sealed and access to computer files containing material, nonpublic information are restricted;

 

5. Consult with other senior members of the firm; and

 

6. Notify legal counsel and request advice as to what further steps should be taken before transactions or recommendations in the securities are resumed.

 

In addition, Compliance and Executive Management will confidentially document the firm’s actions in addressing the material inside information.

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2.7.6 LIABILITY

 

The sanctions for violations of The Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 are severe and may include criminal and civil penalties of $1,000,000 or more. There are also very substantial criminal and civil penalties (including imprisonment) for improper insider trading or tipping. Litigation and investigations of insider trading cases are extremely burdensome, expensive, frequently publicized, and can be based on appearance alone.

 

If material non-public information is inadvertently disclosed, no matter what the circumstances, by any employee, the person making or discovering such disclosure should immediately report the facts to Compliance.

 

2.8 GIFT POLICY

 

Federal law makes it a criminal offense (1) to solicit for yourself or Boyd, anything of value from anyone in return for any business, service or confidential information about Boyd or its clients, or (2) to accept anything of value (other than authorized compensation) from anyone in connection with Boyd’s business, either before or after a transaction is discussed or consummated. Any gift or gratuity from present or former clients or suppliers should be declined to avoid any appearance of impropriety or undue influence, with the following exceptions: ordinary business meals; modest holiday gifts; occasional tickets to athletic and cultural events; gifts based upon a family relationship or close personal relationship pre-dating your involvement with Boyd; acceptance of loans from banks or financial institutions on terms generally available to the public at large; or acceptance of discounts or rebates on merchandise or services on terms generally available to the public at large or on terms generally available to Boyd employees.

 

2.8.1 GIFTS RECEIVED BY EMPLOYEES

 

Employees are prohibited from receiving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than de minimis value (less than $250) from any person or entity doing business with Boyd.

 

Permissible gifts or gratuities should only be accepted when it is clear that the donor is not trying to exert any influence over an employee in connection with a transaction involving Boyd or its affiliates, and the gift or gratuity is unsolicited.

 

2.8.2 GIFTS GIVEN BY EMPLOYEES

 

Employees are prohibited from giving any gift, gratuity, hospitality or other offering of more than a de minimis value (less than $250) to any person or entity doing business with Boyd, with the exception of accounts subject to Department of Labor (“DOL”) oversight (such as ERISA qualified

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accounts), whereby Boyd will limit the value of any gift, gratuity, hospitality, or other offering to the value determined by Boyd’s understanding of current DOL accepted standards.

 

Commercial business entertainment which is reasonable in nature, frequency and cost is permitted. Reasonable business entertainment would cover, for example, a lunch, dinner, or occasional athletic or cultural event, or gifts of nominal value. If an employee has any questions as to whether any proposed or contemplated business entertainment activity meets this standard, please contact Compliance.

 

2.8.3 BEQUESTS

 

If an employee becomes aware that he or she is a beneficiary of a gift or bequest under a will or trust agreement of a customer, former customer, or supplier (other than someone related by blood or marriage), the employee should promptly report it to Compliance. Depending on the circumstances, the employee may be required to take all reasonable steps to have the will or trust instrument amended to remove himself or herself as a beneficiary. In certain circumstances, if the employee is not removed as a beneficiary, the employee may be terminated in order to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest or improper influence. Likewise, an employee may not accept a bequest or devise from a customer, former customer, or supplier without prior approval of Compliance.

 

2.8.4 GIFT LOG

 

Procedural Summary
Who:   All employees
What:   Notify Compliance of gifts received
When:   On an ongoing basis
Evidence:   Compliance will retain a Gift Log

 

When an employee receives a gift, it is their responsibility to report it to Compliance for tracking on Boyd’s Gift Log. Gifts of nominal value do not need to be reported, nor do typical holiday gifts, such as food, fruit baskets, etc.

 

2.9 REPORTING VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE

 

2.9.1 YOUR DUTY TO REPORT

 

You have a duty to adhere to this Code and all other existing company policies and to report any suspected violations by yourself or any other employee, officer or director of Boyd. You should

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report violations of this Code by contacting Compliance. Your report will be dealt with anonymously and confidentially.

 

2.9.2 INVESTIGATIONS

 

The responsibility for administering the Code, investigating alleged violations and determining corrective and disciplinary action rests with various groups within Boyd. Compliance is responsible for maintaining and updating the Code. Compliance may work together with other relevant parties in order to promptly handle investigations and recommend corrective and disciplinary actions. Depending on the circumstances, in some cases senior managers and other officers will be involved to consider and determine the appropriate corrective or disciplinary action. Compliance will periodically report Code violations and the corrective actions taken to Boyd’s Board of Directors. In some cases, the full Board of Directors will be responsible for conducting the investigation and determining the actions to be taken.

 

2.9.3 PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES WHO REPORT

 

Our commitment to promoting the highest ethical standards includes a responsibility to foster an environment that allows our employees to report violations without the fear of retaliation or retribution. You will not be disciplined, lose your job, or be retaliated against in any other way for asking questions or voicing concerns about our legal or ethical obligations, as long as you are acting in good faith. “Good faith” does not mean that you have to be right, but it does mean that you believe that you are providing truthful information. The important thing is that you bring your question or concern to Boyd’s attention through one of the available channels.

 

Our employees must never be discouraged from using any available channel within the organization. Even simple questioning of a person reporting a violation can lead to unintentional retaliation, as it may make that person feel that he or she did something wrong by choosing one method over another. Persons reporting a violation under this Code must be able to choose whichever method they are most comfortable with to communicate their concern.

 

Any employee who retaliates against another employee for reporting known or suspected violations of our legal or ethical obligations will be in violation of the Code and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Retaliation also may be a violation of the law and, as such, could subject both the individual offender and Boyd to legal liability.

 

2.10 DISTRIBUTION OF CODE

 

Compliance is responsible for providing new Access Persons with a copy of the most recent version of the Code upon employment and providing any amendments to the Code to all Access Persons thereafter. Any time an access person is provided with the Code, a signed acknowledgement of receipt and understanding will be required.

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2.11 SANCTIONS

 

If an Employee has violated the Code, Boyd may take whatever remedial action it deems appropriate. Sanctions will vary but may include censure, limitation or prohibition of personal trading, unwinding the transaction, profit disgorgement, and suspension or termination of employment.

 

The following sanctions will generally be imposed (although Compliance and Management may impose different or additional sanctions in their discretion) for material Code violations:

 

1st violation: A written warning, a 30 day suspension from any trading. However, as noted above, more stringent penalties may be applied, including disgorgement of profit and a possible monetary fine of $100.

 

2nd violation: A written warning, a 30 day suspension from any trading and a monetary fine of $100. More stringent penalties may be applied if Compliance or Executive Management deems appropriate, including disgorgement of profit.

 

3rd violation: A written warning, a 30 day suspension from any trading and a monetary fine of $500. More stringent penalties may be applied if Compliance or Executive Management deems appropriate, including disgorgement of profit.

 

All monetary fines or sanctions imposed shall be made payable anonymously to a charity that Boyd supports.

 

Advised Fund Board Reporting

 

Compliance will prepare, or supervise the preparation of, a written report that describes any issues arising under the Code during each calendar quarter as may be required by Advised Funds. Such reports may address any material violation of these policies and procedures and any sanctions imposed in response. In addition, Boyd may be required to certify that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of its Code.

 

2.12 WAIVERS

 

Under certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for a provision of the Code to be waived for a particular employee. Any employee seeking a waiver should confer with Executive Management and/or Compliance regarding the circumstances surrounding the waiver request. Approval for waiver requests will be granted in writing.

 

2.13 RECORD-KEEPING

 

Compliance will maintain records in a manner and to the extent set forth below, which records shall be available for examination by representatives of the appropriate regulatory authority.

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1. A copy of this Code and any other code, which is or at any time within the past five (5) years has been in effect, shall be preserved in an easily accessible place.

 

2. A record of any violation of this Code and of any action taken as a result of such violation shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five (5) years following the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs.

 

3. A copy of each quarterly and annual report, including any brokerage statements, made by an Access Person pursuant to this Code shall be preserved for a period of not less than five (5) years following the end of the fiscal year in which the reports occur, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place.

 

4. A copy of each preclearance or similar request, and the reasons supporting the approval of such request, if applicable, shall be preserved for a period of not less than five (5) years following the end of the fiscal year in which the reports occur, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place.

 

5. A list of all Access Persons who are, or within the past (5) years have been, required to make reports pursuant to this Code shall be maintained and preserved for a period of not less than five (5) years following the end of the fiscal year in which the reports occur, the first two (2) years in an easily accessible place.

 

6. All written documents acknowledging receipt of the Code or any amendments to the Code by all current Access Persons or those who were Access Persons within the past five (5) years.

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