Securities Act Registration No. 333-178833
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22655
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2021
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. 507 |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý
ý | Amendment No. 510 |
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (631) 490-4300
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) |
Richard Malinowski 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.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
¨ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
ý On May 1, 2021 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.
CP High Yield Trend ETF
HYTR |
PROSPECTUS
May 1, 2021
Adviser:
COUNTERPOINT MUTUAL FUNDS LLC
12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 2800
San Diego, CA 92130
www.cpetfs.com | 1-844-509-2775 |
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 (“SEC”) nor has the SEC passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”).
As of January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the SEC, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports are no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are made available on the Fund’s website www.cpetfs.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you are not affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by following the instructions included with paper Fund documents that have been mailed to you. You may also elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FUND SUMMARY | 1 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS | 5 |
Investment Objective | 5 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 5 |
Principal Investment Risks | 5 |
Temporary Investments | 7 |
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 8 |
Cybersecurity | 8 |
MANAGEMENT | 8 |
Investment Adviser | 8 |
Portfolio Managers | 8 |
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED | 9 |
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES | 9 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES | 10 |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN | 10 |
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES | 10 |
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS | 11 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 12 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 13 |
PRIVACY NOTICE | 14 |
FUND SUMMARY – CP HIGH YIELD TREND ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide investment results that track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the CP High Yield Trend Index (the “Index”).
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.50% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
Other Expenses | 1.41% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(1) | 0.34% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 2.25% |
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) | (1.31%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
0.94% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other 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, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. |
(2) | Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, until at least April 30, 2022 to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (excluding (i) of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))) will not exceed 0.60% of the Fund’s net assets. This fee waiver and expense reimbursement are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed, if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits in place at the time of recapture. 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:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$96 | $577 | $1,085 | $2,483 |
Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. For the fiscal period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 561% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in securities included in the Index. The rules-based index is comprised of a blend of allocations to two asset classes: U.S. high yield corporate bond exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and U.S. 3-7 year Treasury ETFs.
The Adviser sponsors and creates the Index using an active trading strategy and Solactive, A.G., who has contracted with the Adviser, calculates and publishes the Index. The Index’s three components are weighted using quantitative models to determine allocations to the two asset classes when the Index is rebalanced, which can occur daily. The Index is composed, in 20% increments, of U.S. high yield corporate bonds (“junk bonds”) with the remainder in U.S. Treasury ETFs.
The first model determines a recommended allocation to U.S. high yield corporate bonds by evaluating the current market price against the dividend-adjusted moving average price data of the Index’s corporate bond component and the historical momentum returns of that component for the same periods. The model gives 75% weight to the moving average price signals and 25% weight to the historical momentum signals to determine the recommended allocation to high yield corporate bonds.
The second model adjusts the first model’s recommended
allocation by rounding the allocation to the nearest 20% increment, but only allows the final allocation to U.S. high yield corporate
bonds to move by a 20% increment day-over-day. The final allocation remains unchanged if the rounded allocation from the second
model varies by more than 5% from the recommended allocation of the first model.
1 |
Principal Investment Risks: The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in ETFs (“Underlying Funds”). As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in other funds. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Allocation Risk: The risk that if the Fund’s strategy for allocating assets among different assets classes does not work as intended, the Fund may not achieve its objective or may underperform other funds with the same or similar investment strategy.
Authorized Participant Risk: Only an Authorized Participant (“AP”) may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as APs on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that APs exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and possibly face trading halts or delisting. AP concentration risk may be heightened for ETFs that invest in non-U.S. securities or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes.
Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security and other instrument is not able to make principal and interest payments when due.
Equity Securities Risk: Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund causes the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
o | Common Stock Risks: Common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock is subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. |
o | Preferred Stock Risks: Generally, preferred stockholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, preferred stock is subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments of an issuer, and could be subject to interest rate risk like fixed income securities, as described below. |
ETF Structure Risks: The Fund is structured as an ETF and is subject to the special risks, including:
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of the Shares generally fluctuates with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the Shares generally fluctuates in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether the Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include ETFs with foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The stocks of such companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general.
Income Risk: The Fund’s income may decline when yields fall. This decline can occur because the Fund or the Underlying Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding bonds as bonds in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, bonds in the Underlying Fund’s index are substituted, or the Fund or the Underlying Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional bonds.
2 |
Index Provider Risk: The Fund seeks to achieve returns that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Index, as published by its Index Provider. There is no assurance that the Index Provider will compile the Index accurately, or that the Index will be determined, composed or calculated accurately. While the Index Provider gives descriptions of what the Index is designed to achieve, the Index Provider does not provide any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of data in the Index, and does not guarantee that the Index will be in line with its methodology.
Interest Rate Risk: An increase in interest rates may cause the value of securities held by the Fund or the Underlying Fund to decline, may lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and may adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments. The historically low interest rate environment, together with recent modest rate increases, heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates. The Fund takes positions in ETFs that invest in US Treasuries and other futures and interest rate swaps. As a result, when interest rates decline, the Fund will underperform funds with long-only investments in the same investment grade bonds as the Fund. There is no guarantee that the Fund or Underlying Fund will have positive performance even in environments of sharply rising interest rates. There is no guarantee that the Fund or Underlying Fund will be able to successfully mitigate interest rate risk.
Junk Bonds Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell its bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the share price.
Limited History of Operations Risk: The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Market and Geopolitical Risk: The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment.
Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund often buys and sells investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the amount of capital gains (in particular, short term gains) realized by the Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital gains.
Securities Market Risk: The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.
Tracking Error Risk: Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, difference in timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses while the Index does not.
Underlying Funds Risk: ETFs in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which are indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund is higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds.
US Treasury 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. Changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of U.S. Treasury obligations to decline.
Performance: Because the Fund has only recently commenced investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.cpetfs.com or by calling 844-509-2775.
Investment Adviser: Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC.
Portfolio Managers: Each of Joseph Engelberg, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer of the Adviser, and Michael Krause, CFA, co-founder of the Adviser, has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since it commenced operations.
3 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Individual Shares of the Fund may be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through a broker dealer or at market price. Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the second market (the “bid-ask spread”). Information on the Fund’s net asset value, market price, premiums and discounts and bid-ask spreads is available at www.cpetfs.com. Because the Fund has not had a full fiscal year of investment operations, no information on the median bid-ask spread is available at this time.
Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial
Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund
and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create
a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another
investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
4 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: The Fund seeks to provide investment results that track, before fees and expenses, the performance of the CP High Yield Trend Index (the “Index”).
The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.
Principal Investment Strategies:
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, including borrowings for investment purposes but exclusive of collateral held from securities lending, in securities included in the Index. The rules-based index is comprised of a blend of allocations to U.S. high yield corporate bond exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and U.S. 3-7 year Treasury ETFs. The Index seeks to provide improved risk-adjusted exposure to the U.S. high yield corporate bond market while reducing risk in times of market turbulence. It uses a blend of trend-following and historic momentum methodologies with a wide range of parameters to reduce model risk. This process seeks to provide a robust method of allocating to U.S. high yield corporate ETFs while attempting to reduce unnecessary portfolio turnover.
The adviser sponsors and creates the Index using an active trading strategy and Solactive, A.G., who has contracted with the adviser, calculates and publishes the Index. The Index’s three components are weighted using quantitative models to determine allocations to the two asset classes when the Index is rebalanced, which can occur daily. The Index is composed, in 20% increments (e.g., 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100%), of U.S. high yield corporate bond ETFs with the remainder in U.S. Treasury ETFs.
The first model determines a recommended allocation to U.S. high yield corporate bonds by evaluating the current market price against the dividend-adjusted moving average price data for the entire range of 100-200 day periods of the Index’s corporate bond component and the historical momentum returns of that component for the same periods. The model gives 75% weight to the moving average price signals and 25% weight to the historical momentum signals to determine the recommended allocation to high yield corporate bonds. The model recommends increasing the allocation to U.S. high yield corporate bonds if the current price is above the moving average price and the historical momentum score is above zero.
The second model adjusts the first model’s recommended allocation by rounding the allocation to the nearest 20% increment, but only allows the final allocation to U.S. high yield corporate bonds to move by a 20% increment day-over-day. The final allocation remains unchanged if the rounded allocation from the second model varies by more than 5% from the recommended allocation of the first model.
Principal Investment Risks
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds (“Underlying Funds”). As with all funds, there is a risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
Allocation Risk: The risk that if the Fund’s strategy for allocating assets among different assets classes does not work as intended, the Fund may not achieve its objective or may underperform other funds with the same or similar investment strategy.
Authorized Participant Risk: Only an Authorized Participant (“AP”) may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as APs on an agency basis (i.e., on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that APs exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and possibly face trading halts or delisting. AP concentration risk may be heightened for ETFs that invest in non-U.S. securities or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes.
Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security and other instrument is not able to make principal and interest payments when due.
Equity Securities Risk: Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund causes the NAV of the Fund to fluctuate.
o | Common Stock Risks. Common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock is subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes. |
o | Preferred Stock Risks. Generally, preferred stockholders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, preferred stock is subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments of an issuer, and could be subject to interest rate risk like fixed income securities, as described below. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on preferred stock at any time. There is also a risk that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default and fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the preferred stock held by the Fund. |
ETF Structure Risk: The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
5 |
§ | In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | To the extent APs exit the business or are unable to process creations or redemptions and no other AP can step in to do so, there may be a significantly reduced trading market in the Shares, which can lead to differences between the market value of Shares and a Fund’s NAV. |
§ | The market price for Shares may deviate from the Fund’s NAV, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Shares or in the closing price. |
§ | When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from a Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | In stressed market conditions, the market for Shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of a Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of Shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of the Shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of a Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the Shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether the Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of a Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per Share.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include ETFs with foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The stocks of such companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general.
Income Risk: The Fund’s income may decline when yields fall. This decline can occur because the Fund or the Underlying Fund may subsequently invest in lower-yielding bonds as bonds in its portfolio mature, are near maturity or are called, bonds in the Underlying Fund’s index are substituted, or the Fund or the Underlying Fund otherwise needs to purchase additional bonds.
Index Provider Risk: The Fund seeks to achieve returns that generally correspond, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the Index, as published by its Index Provider. There is no assurance that the Index Provider will compile the Index accurately, or that the Index will be determined, composed or calculated accurately. While the Index Provider gives descriptions of what the Index is designed to achieve, the Index Provider does not provide any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the quality, accuracy or completeness of data in the Index, and does not guarantee that the Index will be in line with its methodology.
Interest Rate Risk: An increase in interest
rates may cause the value of securities held by the Fund or the Underlying Fund to decline, may lead to heightened volatility in
the fixed-income markets and may adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments. The historically low interest
rate environment, together with recent modest rate increases, heightens the risks associated with rising interest rates. The Fund
takes positions in ETFs that invest in U.S. Treasuries and other futures and interest rate swaps. As a result, when interest rates
decline, the Fund will underperform funds with long-only investments in the same investment grade bonds as the Fund. There is no
guarantee that the Fund or Underlying Fund will have positive performance even in environments of sharply rising interest rates.
There is no guarantee that the Fund or Underlying Fund will be able to successfully mitigate interest rate risk.
6 |
Junk Bonds Risk: Lower-quality bonds, known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell its bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Share price.
Limited History of Operations Risk: The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Market and Geopolitical Risk: The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment. Therefore, the Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. In times of severe market disruptions you could lose your entire investment.
Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund often buys and sells investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the amount of capital gains (in particular, short term gains) realized by the Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital gains.
Securities Market Risk: Stock market risk is the risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously, although equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Despite gains in some markets after steep declines during certain periods, negative conditions and price declines may return unexpectedly and dramatically. In addition, the Fund could experience a loss when selling securities in order to meet unusually large or frequent redemption requests in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold. Stock prices change daily, sometimes rapidly, in response to company activity and general economic and market conditions. Certain stocks may decline in value even during periods when the prices of equity securities in general are rising, or may not perform as well as the market in general. Stock prices may also experience greater volatility during periods of challenging market conditions such as the one that the market recently experienced.
Tracking Error Risk: Tracking error is the divergence of the Fund’s performance from that of the Index. Tracking error may occur because of imperfect correlation between the Fund’s holdings of portfolio securities and those in the Index, pricing differences, the Fund’s holding of cash, difference in timing of the accrual of dividends, changes to the Index or the need to meet various regulatory requirements. This risk may be heightened during times of increased market volatility or other unusual market conditions. Tracking error also may result because the Fund incurs fees and expenses while the Index does not.
Underlying Funds Risk: Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which are indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund is higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks. The Fund is subject to the principal investments risks of the Underlying Funds by virtue of the Fund’s investment in such funds.
US Treasury 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. Changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of U.S. Treasury obligations to decline.
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 the Fund pays its pro-rata portion of such money market funds’ advisory fees and operational fees. 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.
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE: A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.
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 : Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”), located at 12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 280, San Diego, California 92130, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Adviser manages mutual funds and ETFs and had approximately $649 million in assets under management as of December 31, 2020.
Subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s investments, executing transactions and providing related administrative services and facilities under an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser.
The management fee set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement is 0.50% annually, to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to investment advisory fees, the Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and statements of additional information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, until at least April 30, 2022 to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (excluding (i) of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))) will not exceed 0.60% of the Fund’s net assets. This fee waiver and expense reimbursement are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed, if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits in place at the time of recapture. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Fund’s expenses and boost its performance. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated June 30, 2020.
Portfolio Managers
The Fund is managed on a day to day basis by Michael Krause, CFA, and Joseph Engelberg, Ph.D. Mr. Krause and Dr. Engelberg have each served as Portfolio Manager of the Fund since January 2020.
Mr. Krause co-founded the Adviser in 2014.
Dr. Engelberg has served as Chief Research Officer of the Adviser since 2015 and is also a Professor of Finance at University California San Diego, Rady School of Management.
The Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Fund shares.
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HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
The NAV and offering price (NAV plus any applicable sales charges) is determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is computed by determining 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 the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day.
Generally, 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 using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board of Trustees has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The committee 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 of Trustees 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 that hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of some of 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 may be priced using alternative market prices provided by a pricing service. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Fund calculates its NAV, alternative market prices may be used to value the security. 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 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 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 NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
Premium/Discount Information
Most investors will buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Shares will trade at market prices. The market price of Shares may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of Shares.
Information regarding how often the Shares traded at a price above (at a premium to) or below (at a discount to) the NAV of the Fund during the past four calendar quarters, when available, can be found at www.cpetfs.com.
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
Shares will be listed for trading on NYSE Arca, Inc. under the symbol HYTR. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares at their market price, and Shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good
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Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
Only APs may acquire Shares directly from the Fund, and APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per Share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 25,000 Shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, which are described in the SAI.
The Fund may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
The Board of Trustees has not adopted a policy of monitoring other frequent activity because shares of the Fund are listed for trading on a national securities exchange.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services (“Service Providers”). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Fund may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Fund, and there are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to the fund only at closing NAVs, Shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on the Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the Shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.
Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available.
Taxes
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
· | the Fund makes distributions; |
· | you sell your Shares listed on the Exchange; and |
· | you purchase or redeem Creation Units. |
Taxes on Distributions
As stated above, dividends from net investment income, if any, ordinarily are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements. Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that the Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to the Shares at the rate for net capital gain -- a maximum of 15% for taxable years
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beginning before 2013. A part of the Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.
In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional Shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the Shares.
Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the Shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce the Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
By law, the Fund is required to withhold 28% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct social security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.
Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales
Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of Shares may be limited.
Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units
An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“Service”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to Share redemptions and the Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the Service.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Shares under all applicable tax laws. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for more information.
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the Fund’s administrator and fund accountant. It has its principal office at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. It is an affiliate of the Distributor (as defined below).
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 is the Fund’s custodian and transfer agent.
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.
RSM US LLP (“RSM”), 555 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80202 serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares and sells the Shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the Shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Householding: To reduce expenses, the Fund mails only one copy of the prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by accounts that have requested paper copies of these documents. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Fund at 844-509-2775 on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution. The Fund will begin sending you individual copies 30 days after receiving your request.
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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 RSM, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s December 31, 2020 annual report, which is available at no charge upon request.
CP HIGH YIELD TREND ETF |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period |
For the | ||||
Period Ended | ||||
December 31, 2020 (1) | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 25.00 | ||
Income from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.71 | |||
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments | (0.91 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (0.20 | ) | ||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.72 | ) | ||
Return of capital | (0.01 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.73 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 24.07 | ||
Market price, end of period * | $ | 24.07 | ||
Total return (3) | (0.70 | )% (4) | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 12,635 | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (6,9) | 1.91 | % (5) | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (6) | 0.60 | % (5) | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (7) | 3.17 | % (5) | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (8) | 561 | % (4) | ||
(1) | The CP High Yield Trend ETF commenced operations on January 21, 2020. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Had the adviser not waived a portion of its fees, total returns would have been lower. |
(4) | Not annualized. |
(5) | Annualized. |
(6) | Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(7) | Recognition of investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(8) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. (Note 6) |
(9) | Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser. |
* | Market Price is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary stock exchange on which shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated. |
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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 | |||
14 |
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
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
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.
|
Nonaffiliates |
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
|
Joint marketing |
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
|
15 |
CP High Yield Trend ETF
Adviser |
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC 12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite #280 San Diego, CA 92130 |
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100 Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474 |
Custodian &
Transfer Agent |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02110 |
Legal
Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, OH 43215 |
Administrator |
Gemini Fund Services, LLC 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100 Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474 |
Independent
Registered Public
|
RSM US LLP 555 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1200 Denver, CO 80202 |
Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund’s SAI dated May 1, 2021. 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 available in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.
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 844-509-2775. Information relating to the Fund can be found on the website at www.cpetfs.com. You may also write to:
CP High Yield Trend ETF
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474
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.
Investment Company Act File # 811-22655
CP High Yield Trend ETF
HYTR |
a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May 1, 2021
Listed and traded on:
NYSE Arca, Inc.
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of CP High Yield Trend ETF (the "Fund") dated May 1, 2021. The Fund’s Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Fund’s Prospectus, annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting the Fund’s Distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 or by calling 844-509-2775. You may also obtain a Prospectus by visiting the website at www.cpetfs.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUND | 1 |
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS | 1 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 22 |
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 23 |
MANAGEMENT | 25 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS | 30 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 30 |
THE DISTRIBUTOR | 33 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS | 34 |
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE | 35 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 36 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 36 |
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES | 38 |
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM | 38 |
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES | 38 |
TAX STATUS | 68 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 72 |
LEGAL COUNSEL | 72 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 72 |
APPENDIX A - PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | A-1 |
THE FUND
The 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").
The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares (“Shares”) of beneficial interest. All Shares have equal rights and privileges. Each Share is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each Share is entitled to participate equally with other Shares (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 are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional Shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full Share.
Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC (the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Fund’s investment objective, 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 issues and redeems Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 25,000 Shares (each a “Creation Unit”). The Fund issues and redeems Creation Units principally in exchange for an in-kind deposit of a basket of designated securities (the “Deposit Securities”), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the “Cash Component”), plus a transaction fee. The Fund is expected to be approved for listing, subject to notice of issuance, on NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
The Fund reserves the right to offer creations and redemptions of Shares for cash. In addition, Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash equal to up to 115% of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees, may be imposed and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES below.
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS
The investment objective of the Fund and the description of the Fund’s principal investment strategies are set forth under “Investment Objective” and “Principal Investment Strategies” 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 directly or indirectly as a principal or non-principal investment strategy. These instruments include other investment companies and 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
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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 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.
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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 sovereign bonds. Sovereign bonds involve special risks not present in corporate bonds. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of the bonds may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its bonds. If an issuer of sovereign bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses to holders of such government’s debt.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debts.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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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 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.
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 applicable 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.
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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.
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. 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.
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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 (“Securities 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.
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.
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, that may become available in the future as long as the Board 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
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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.
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)
An MLP is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90% of its gross income from “Qualifying Income”. Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities that generate Qualifying Income. MLP interests (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. An MLP’s organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules generally eliminates federal tax at the entity level.
An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an MLP, the investor becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets or part of its business into an MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets’ full value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to an MLP, although since 1986 the tax consequences have made this an unappealing option for most corporations. Unlike the ways described above, it is also possible for a newly formed entity to commence operations as an MLP from its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP limited partner unitholders.
In the case of an MLP buying assets from its sponsor or general partner the transaction is intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help ensure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since both parties normally have a significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash flows, the terms of MLPs typically provide that the general partner receives a larger portion of the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner receives a greater interest in the incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners. Although the percentages vary among MLPs, the general partner’s marginal interest in distributions generally increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated distribution target level moving up to 25% and ultimately 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless, the aggregate amount distributed to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach higher target levels. Given
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this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.
Because the MLP itself generally does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other distributions from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for tax purposes. The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investor’s basis in his MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor’s basis in the MLP, generally as capital gain. The investor’s original basis is the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of taxable income and gain.
The partner will not incur federal income tax on distributions until: (1) he sells his MLP units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease due to prior distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the sales price and the investor’s adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
The business of certain MLPs is affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because such MLPs derive revenue and income based upon the volume of the underlying commodity produced, transported, processed, distributed, and/or marketed. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure to gas and oil price volatility because although they do not own the underlying energy commodity, the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity that the MLP delivers to its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). The costs of natural gas pipeline MLPs to perform services may exceed the negotiated rates under “negotiated rate” contracts. Specifically, processing MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to energy commodity prices, although the Adviser intends to target high quality MLPs that seek to mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices. However, the MLP industry in general could be hurt by market perception that an MLP’s performance and valuation are directly tied to commodity prices.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)
The Fund may invest in the equity securities of REITs focused on the energy industry. A REIT is a corporation or business trust that invests in real estate and derives its income from rents or sales of real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property. The market value of REITs may be affected by numerous factors, including decreases in the value of real estate, vacancies, decreases in lease rates, defaults by lessees, changes in the tax laws or by their inability to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of their income.
Energy Trust Securities
The Fund may invest in U.S. royalty trusts. U.S. royalty trusts are generally not subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation at the trust or entity level. Instead, each unitholder of the U.S. royalty trust is required to take into account its share of all items of the U.S. royalty trust’s income, gain, loss, deduction and expense. It is possible that the Fund’s share of taxable income from a U.S. royalty trust may exceed the cash actually distributed to it from the U.S. royalty trust in a given year. In such a case, the Fund will have less after-tax cash available for distribution to shareholders.
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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 a 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.
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
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(“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 (“PCs”), 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.
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 may 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to
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permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond the above statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the particular ETF and the investing fund. The 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 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 NAV 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 NAV but rather are subject to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their NAV.
The Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to NAV or at a premium to NAV. 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 NAV 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
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to exhibit more volatility in market price and NAV 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 Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (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 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 the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to the Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
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. 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 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 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.
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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.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil and Gas Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and NASDAQ OMX PHLX.
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
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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.
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, the 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
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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.
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.
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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 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 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 treats 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.
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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 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.
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 NAV 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 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.
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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 over-the-counter 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, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 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.
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 segregates 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.
The Fund purchases 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.
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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) 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 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 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.
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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 (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 purchase 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.”
Short Sales “Against the Box.” 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.
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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 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 effect 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 close 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.
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, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
2. Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions;
3. Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities;
4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);
5. Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries. This limitation does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
6. Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity
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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 that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.
If a restriction on the Fund’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments of the Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund’s total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.
With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction # 2, if the Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.
With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction # 5, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies that concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will examine its other investment company holdings to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry.
Although Fundamental Investment Restriction # 7 reserves for the Fund the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Fund and its service providers may not receive compensation or any other consideration (which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser) in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information of the Fund. The Trust’s policy is implemented and overseen by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, subject to the oversight of the Board. Periodic reports regarding these procedures will be provided to the Board. The Trust, the Adviser and the Fund’s distributor will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy.
Each business day, the Fund’s portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including APs, and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Fund in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day.
Access to information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including the Fund’s custodian, transfer agent, auditors and counsel, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Fund.
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The Fund discloses on the Adviser’s website at www.cpetfs.com at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by the Fund that will form the basis of the Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed are based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day. The Fund may also concurrently disclose this portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies on a daily basis.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule. The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-PORT. The Trust will also disclose a complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR after its second and fourth quarters.
Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR for the Fund will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR, will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 844-509-2775, by visiting www.cpetfs.com, or by writing to: CP High Yield Trend ETF, c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, New York 11788.
The Adviser. Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing the Fund’s portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide its management, administrative, and investment services to the Fund. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, as demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities, Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.
Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the fund accountant, administrator, and custody administrator for the 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.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is custodian and transfer agent 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.
RSM US LLP. RSM US LLP 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 other audit, tax and related services for the Fund.
Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Fund; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with review of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.
Additions to List of Approved Recipients
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the 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 in connection with the operation or administration of the Fund, as determined by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential and not to trade on any material non-public information. 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.
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Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures
The Trust’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.
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 four (4) individuals, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust or any investment adviser to any series of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”). Pursuant to the Governing Documents, 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 Governing Documents, 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 Board, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its Funds and each shareholder.
Board Risk Oversight
The Board 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.
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Trustee Qualifications
Generally, the Fund believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of his or her individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.
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. Ms. Luscombe joined Lincoln International in 2007 as a Managing Director and co-head of Lincoln's Valuations & Opinions Group. In this position, 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 range from closely-held businesses to large, publicly-traded companies. 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 Master 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 40 years of business experience in the financial services industry including serving as the Director of Global Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) 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. Based on his service at Merrill Lynch, he also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis, compliance and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate. 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 Board. Mr. Palancia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Mark H. Taylor has 30 years of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing fields which makes him particularly qualified to serve as the Trust’s Audit Committee chair. He holds PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Dr. Taylor is a Director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. From 2017 to 2020, Dr. Taylor has been serving a three-year term as Vice President-Finance on the Board of Directors of the American Accounting Association (AAA). From 2012 to 2015, he served a 3-year term as President of the Auditing Section of the AAA (Vice-President 2012-2013, President 2013-2014, and Past President (2014-2015). Dr. Taylor 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’s Auditing Standards Board (2010-2012). Dr. Taylor is a member of two research teams that recently received grants from the Center for Audit Quality to study how auditors manage the process of auditing fair value measurements in financial statements and how accounting firms’ tone-at-the top messaging impacts audit performance. Dr. Taylor teaches corporate governance and accounting policy as well as auditing and assurance services and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies operate.
Jeffery D. Young has over 40 years of business management experience, including in the transportation industry and operations and information technologies. He is currently Co-owner and Vice President of the Latin America Agriculture Development Corporation, an agribusiness exporting fruit to the United States and other Central
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American countries. He has served as Assistant Vice President of Transportation Systems at Union Pacific Railroad Company, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of large scale command and control systems that support railroad operations and safety. In 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. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.
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** |
Patricia Luscombe 1961 |
Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Managing Director of the Valuations & Opinions Group, Lincoln International LLC (since August 2007). | 4 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for 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. (1975-2011). | 4 | 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). |
Mark H. Taylor 1964 |
Trustee, Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since February 2012, Indefinite | Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida (since August 2019); Chair, Department of Accountancy and Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University (2009-2019); Vice President-Finance, American Accounting Association (2017-2020); President, Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association (2012-15). | 4 | 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). |
Jeffery D. Young 1956 |
Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Co-owner and Vice President, Latin America Agriculture Development Corp. (since May 2015); Formerly Asst. Vice President - Transportation Systems, Union Pacific Railroad Company (June 1976 to April 2014); President, Celeritas Rail Consulting (since June 2014). | 4 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); PS Technology, Inc. (2010-2013). |
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* As of December 31, 2020, the Trust was comprised of 31 active portfolios managed by 15 unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund and Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund and Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund. The Fund and the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund and Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
** 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 |
Richard Malinowski 1983 |
President |
Since August 2017, indefinite |
Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (since 2020); Senior Vice President Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2020), Vice President and Counsel (2015-2016) and Assistant Vice President (2012–2015), Gemini Fund Services, LLC; Vice President and Manager, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US), Inc., (2011-2012). |
Brian Curley 1970 |
Treasurer |
Since February 2013, 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 1981 |
Secretary |
Since November 2013, indefinite |
Vice President and Managing Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2020); Vice President and Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2020), 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 (2011), Hedge Fund Administrator, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2008), Mutual Fund Accountant/Corporate Action Specialist, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006-2008). |
William Kimme 1962 |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Since 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). |
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. Dr. Taylor is Chairman of the Audit Committee. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
Compensation of Directors. Effective January 1, 2021, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust receives a quarterly fee of $23,500, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From April 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, each Trustee who was not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any
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series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $21,500, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. Since 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 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 Fund and Fund Complex during the fiscal year and period ended December 31, 2020. Each Independent Trustee is expected to attend all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.
Name and Position |
CP High Yield Trend ETF
|
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Estimated Total Compensation From Funds and Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees |
James U. Jensen** |
$1,169.74
|
None | None |
$10,484.57
|
Patricia Luscombe |
$1,169.74
|
None | None |
$10,484.57
|
John V. Palancia |
$1,559.66
|
None | None |
$13,979.43
|
Mark H. Taylor |
$1,429.69
|
None | None |
$12,814.48
|
Jeffery D. Young |
$1,169.74
|
None | None |
$10,484.57
|
* There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Funds managed by the Adviser and not to any other series of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the aggregate independent Trustees’ fees paid by the entire Trust were $465,000
** Mr. Jensen retired from the Board on December 31, 2020.
Management and Trustee Ownership
As of December 31, 2020, 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* |
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 |
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control.
Although the Trust generally does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership of ‘shares nominally held by the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), the name and percentage ownership of each DTC participant that owned 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, as of April 6, 2021 is set forth below:
Name & Address | Percentage of Fund |
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105 |
42.11% |
TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. P.O. Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68130 |
26.76% |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC Harborside Financial Center Plaza 2 3rd Floor Jersey City, NJ 07311 |
10.67% |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
200 West Street
|
9.80% |
National Financial Services, LLC 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310 |
5.11% |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc. is a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Schwab Holdings, Inc. and may be deemed to control the Fund.
TD Ameritrade Cleaning Inc. is a Nebraska corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation and may be deemed to control the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC, 12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 2800, San Diego, CA 92130 serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the 1940 Act.
Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of the Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board. In general, the Adviser's duties include setting the Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.
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Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, agrees to invest the assets of the Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser acts as the investment adviser to the Fund and, as such (i) obtains and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulates a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determines from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board, provides the management and supplemental administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. These services include providing assistance supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Fund; assisting in the preparing of all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; assisting in maintaining the Fund’s records and the registration of the Shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; assisting in developing management and shareholder services for the Fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
The Fund pays an annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) of 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, until at least April 30, 2022 to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (excluding (i) of any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))) will not exceed 0.60% of the Fund’s net assets. This fee waiver and expense reimbursement are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed, if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits in place at the time of recapture.
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Fund’s distributor, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Fund and of pricing the Shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (i) the fees and expenses involved in registering and
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maintaining registration of the Fund and of shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (j) all expenses of shareholders and Board meetings (including travel expenses of Trustees and Officers of the Trust who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders and (k) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.
The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (with respect to the Fund). The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement for the Fund was approved by the Board at a meeting held on November 19-20, 2019.
The table below provides information about the advisory fees earned by the Adviser from the Fund during the fiscal period ended December 31, 2020:
Code of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser, and the Fund’s distributor have each adopted codes of ethics (each a “Code”) under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the Codes, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Fund.
In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics (the “Trust Code”), which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Trust files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Fund; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Trust Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Trust Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Trust Code.
Proxy Voting Policies
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Policies”) on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser or its designee, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser or its designee vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the 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
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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 and proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.
More information. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 844-509-2775; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 844-509-2775 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 (the “Distributor”) serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Fund pursuant to an ETF distribution agreement with the Trust (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state's securities laws and is a member of the FINRA. The offering of Shares is continuous. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Shares, will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the sale of the Shares.
The Distribution 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 Distribution 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 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 Distribution Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
Rule 12b-1 Plan
The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plans”) for Shares pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund quarterly, 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 Board 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 the Shares. The Plans were adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund’s method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Fund under the Plans, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
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The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of 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 Board 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 Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. During the term of the Plans, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of the Plans, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.
Any agreement related to the Plans will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Fund at any time upon sixty days written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the 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 annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
As described in the Prospectus, the portfolio managers listed below are responsible for the management of the Fund and, as of December 31, 2020, 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 |
Michael Krause | 4 | $636,400,000 | None | $0 | 337 | $63,640,000 |
Joseph Engelberg | 4 | $636,400,000 | None | $0 | None | $0 |
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 |
Michael Krause | None | $0 | None | $0 | None | $0 |
Joseph Engelberg | None | $0 | None | $0 | None | $0 |
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Conflicts of Interest
As a general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment of the Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts might include conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements, and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute the Fund’s portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from the Fund’s portfolio trades (for example, research, or “soft dollars”, if any). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Fund from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
Compensation
Mr. Krause shares in the profits of the Adviser due to his one-third ownership of the Adviser. Dr. Engelberg receives a percentage of the Adviser’s net profits from some of its funds.
Ownership of Securities
As of December 31, 2020, the portfolio managers beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund:
Dollar Range of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Michael Krause | $1-$10,000 |
Joseph Engelberg | None. |
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by the portfolio managers who are employees of the Adviser. The Adviser is authorized by the Board to allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of the Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Fund or the Adviser for the Fund’s use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.
In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the following into consideration:
Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Fund. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide
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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 period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund paid $6,763 in brokerage commissions.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. During the fiscal period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 561% of the average value of the portfolio.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services
Gemini Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, New York 11788, serves as administrator and fund accountant for the Fund pursuant to the ETF Services Agreement with the Trust and subject to the supervision of the Board. The Administrator is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. The Administrator is an affiliate of the Distributor. The Administrator may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of the Administrator or its affiliates.
The ETF Services Agreement is dated August 29, 2019. The ETF Services Agreement will remain in effect for two years from the effective date of the agreement, and will remain in effect subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The ETF Services Agreement is terminable by the Board or the Administrator on ninety days' written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent. This ETF Services Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Administrator shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.
Under the ETF Services Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (ii) facilitating the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others, including the Fund’s custodian; (iii) preparing, but not paying for, the periodic updating of the Fund’s Registration Statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators, and preparing reports to the Fund’s shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel, but not paying for, all filings under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of such states or countries as are designated by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of the Fund and/or the Shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses.
The Administrator also provides the Fund with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of NAV; (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
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yield and total return for the Fund; (vi) maintenance of certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciliation of account information and balances among the Fund’s Custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluation of daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of Shares.
For the services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement the Fund pays the Administrator the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset-based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays the Administrator for any out-of-pocket expenses. During the fiscal period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund paid $53,778 for administrative services.
Effective February 1, 2019, NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC, the parent company of the Administrator, the Distributor, and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (collectively, the “Gemini Companies”), sold its interest in the Gemini Companies to a third party private equity firm that contemporaneously acquired Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (an independent mutual fund administration firm) and its affiliates (collectively, the “Ultimus Companies”). As a result of these separate transactions, the Gemini Companies and the Ultimus Companies are now indirectly owned through a common parent entity, The Ultimus Group, LLC.
Transfer Agent
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund (the “Transfer Agent”) pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agency Agreement between the Transfer Agent and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. Under the Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. During the fiscal period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund paid $12,409 for transfer agency services.
Custodian
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets (the “Custodian”) 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 Officer
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, an affiliate of the Administrator and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Fund, the Fund pays NLCS a one-time fee plus an annual asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
Each Share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the Shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining Shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.
Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series or classes. Matters such as election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal, per-class, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any Shares. All Shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the 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.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
Calculation of Share Price
As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "How Shares are Priced," the NAV of the Fund’s shares, by class, 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, by class.
Generally, the Fund’s domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) 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 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 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
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available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market.
Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. 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 are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. 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 of Trustees or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.
Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund’s calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that 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 it will prevent dilution of the Fund’s NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.
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 NYSE 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 NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "NYSE Close") on each day that the NYSE is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and does 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.
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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.
When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board of Trustees if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.
The Fund may hold securities, such as private placements, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one of more officers from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The committee 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.
Fair Value Committee and Valuation Process. The fair value committee is composed of one of more officers from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the Adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Fund’s calculation of its NAV. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private placements or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the Adviser valuation based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the Adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value committee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund's holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
Standards For Fair Value Determinations. As a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to realize upon its current sale. The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). In accordance with ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure
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purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including such a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available under the circumstances.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments relating to ASC 820. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The fair value committee takes into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, which may include: (i) the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; (ii) whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; (iii) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security; (iv) the recommendation of a portfolio manager of the Fund with respect to the valuation of the security; (v) whether the same or similar securities are held by other funds managed by the Adviser or other funds and the method used to price the security in those funds; (vi) the extent to which the fair value to be determined for the security will result from the use of data or formulae produced by independent third parties and (vii) the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the security.
The Board of Trustees’ Determination. The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly to consider the valuations provided by the fair value committee and to ratify the valuations made for the applicable securities. The Board of Trustees considers the reports provided by the fair value committee, including follow up studies of subsequent market-provided prices when available, in reviewing and determining in good faith the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities.
The Trust expects that the NYSE will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Creation Units
The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 25,000 Shares. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares outstanding of the Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
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Authorized Participants
To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an authorized participant (“AP”). In order to be an AP, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant (“Participating Party”) in the Continuous Net Settlement System (“Clearing Process”) of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system (“DTC Participant”), and you must execute an agreement (“Participant Agreement”) with the Distributor that governs transactions in Creation Units.
Investors who are not APs but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of APs. An AP may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an AP and therefore must still transact through an AP may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of APs at any one time.
Orders must be transmitted by an AP by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.
Transaction Fees
A fixed fee payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the AP will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by the Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount (as defined below), applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of a Fund.
Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Fund are listed in the table below.
Fee for In-Kind and Cash Purchases | Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases* |
$200 | 2.00% |
* As a percentage of the amount invested.
The Clearing Process
Transactions by an AP that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions “through the Clearing Process.” Transactions by an AP that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions “outside the Clearing Process.” The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system (“Federal Reserve System”). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of
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securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).
Foreign Securities
Because the portfolio securities of the Fund may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Fund, or to purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.
Purchasing Creation Units
Portfolio Deposit
The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the Deposit Securities and a Cash Component. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Portfolio Deposit.” The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the NAV per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the AP will pay the Cash Component to the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the AP will receive the Cash Component from the Fund.
On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of Deposit Securities.
Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the AP purchasing a Creation Unit. The AP must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.
Custom Orders and Cash-in-Lieu
The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (“cash-in-lieu”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Deposit Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Deposit Securities when, for example, the AP or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more Deposit Securities. The Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities including that the Deposit Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Orders.”
Purchase Orders
To order a Creation Unit, an AP must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.
Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders
An AP must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order
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to receive that Business Day’s NAV (“Cut-off Time”). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” An order to create Creation Units is deemed received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the “Settlement Date,” which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date (“T+1”) for cash and the second Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities (“T+2”).
Orders Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of the AP, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the AP agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.
Orders Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to a Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day’s Portfolio Deposit. APs that submit a canceled order will be liable to the Fund for any losses incurred by the Fund in connection therewith.
Orders involving foreign Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of the Fund to maintain an account into which an AP may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu), with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering AP will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to the Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The AP must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by a Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.
Acceptance of Purchase Order
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund. The Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
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The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust, Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an AP of its rejection of the order. The Fund, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Issuance of a Creation Unit
Once the Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the AP that placed the order.
Except as provided below, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. The delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no later than T+2.
In certain cases, APs will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Deposit Securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities (or cash -in-lieu) have been delivered to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+2, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.
The Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) Deposit Securities have not been delivered, in reliance on an undertaking by the relevant AP to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such AP’s delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal to at least 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Collateral”), as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars.
While (certain) Deposit Securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser) of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing securities, and the AP will be liable to the Fund for any
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costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund. More information regarding the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.
Cash Purchase Method
When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.
Notice to Texas Shareholders
Under section 72.1021(a) of the Texas Property Code, initial investors in the Fund who are Texas residents may designate a representative to receive notices of abandoned property in connection with Shares. Texas shareholders who wish to appoint a representative should notify the Transfer Agent by writing to the address below to obtain a form for providing written notice to the Trust:
CP High Yield Trend ETF
c/o Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
50 Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Redeeming a Creation Unit
Redemption Basket
The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption Securities”) and a Cash Component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Redemption Basket.”
There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in Shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.
The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the NAV per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the AP will receive the Cash Component from the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the AP will pay the Cash Component to the Fund.
If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.
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The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares or determination of the ETF’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.
Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-Lieu
The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Redemption Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the AP or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. The Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Redemptions.”
Redemption Requests
To redeem a Creation Unit, an AP must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.
An AP submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Fund that it or, if applicable, the investor on whose behalf it is acting, (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund. The Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the AP, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by the Fund.
Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests
An AP must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.
Requests Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the AP, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the AP agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.
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Requests Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The AP must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.
Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption to the Fund’s local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming AP, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund’s accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).
Acceptance of Redemption Requests
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Delivery of Redemption Basket
Once a Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The AP, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.
The Redemption Basket will generally be delivered to the redeeming AP within T+2. Except under the circumstances described below, however, a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.
In certain cases, APs will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Listed below are the dates in calendar year 2021 in which the regular holidays in non-U.S. markets may impact Fund settlement. This list is based on information available to the Fund. The list may not be accurate or complete and is subject to change:
48 |
Market | Holiday Date | Holiday Name |
Argentina | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Argentina | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Carnival |
Argentina | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Carnival |
Argentina | Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | Memorial Day |
Argentina | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Argentina | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Argentina | Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | May Revolution's Day |
Argentina | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Martin Miguel Guemes Memorial |
Argentina | Friday, July 09, 2021 | Independence Day |
Argentina | Monday, August 16, 2021 | San Martin's Memorial Day |
Argentina | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Respect to Cultural Diversity |
Argentina | Monday, November 22, 2021 | Day of National Sovereignty |
Argentina | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Australia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Australia | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Australia Day |
Australia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Australia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Australia | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Queen's Birthday |
Australia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Australia | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day |
Australia | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Boxing Day |
Australia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Austria | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Austria | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Austria | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Austria | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Austria | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Austria | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Austria | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Austria | Tuesday, October 26, 2021 | National Day |
Austria | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Austria | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Austria | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Austria | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Bahrain | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Bahrain | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Bahrain | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Bahrain | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Bahrain | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Bahrain | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Bahrain | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Al Hijri New Year |
Bahrain | Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | Ashoora |
Bahrain | Thursday, August 19, 2021 | Ashoora |
Bahrain | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet Mohammad's Birthday |
49 |
Bahrain | Thursday, December 16, 2021 | National Day |
Bahrain | Sunday, December 19, 2021 | National Day |
Bangladesh | Sunday, February 21, 2021 | Shaheed / Martyrs Day |
Bangladesh | Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | Birthday Father of the Nation |
Bangladesh | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Bengali New Year's Day |
Bangladesh | Sunday, August 15, 2021 | National Mourning Day |
Bangladesh | Thursday, December 16, 2021 | Victory Day |
Belgium | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Belgium | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Belgium | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Bermuda | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Bermuda | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Bermuda | Friday, May 28, 2021 | Bermuda Day |
Bermuda | Monday, June 21, 2021 | National Heroes' Day |
Bermuda | Thursday, July 29, 2021 | Emancipation and Somers Day |
Bermuda | Friday, July 30, 2021 | Emancipation and Somers Day |
Bermuda | Monday, September 06, 2021 | Labour Day |
Bermuda | Thursday, November 11, 2021 | Remembrance Day |
Bermuda | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Bermuda | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Boxing Day (Observed) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Orthodox Christmas |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Thursday, January 07, 2021 | Orthodox Christmas |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Monday, March 01, 2021 | Independence Day |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday (Catholic) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Good Friday (Orthodox) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid-al-Adha/Hajj |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Statehood Day |
Botswana | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Botswana | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Botswana | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Botswana | Friday, May 21, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Botswana | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Sir Seretse Khama Day |
Botswana | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | President's Day |
Botswana | Thursday, September 30, 2021 | Independence Day |
Botswana | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Boxing Day |
Brazil | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
50 |
Brazil | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Carnival |
Brazil | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Carnival |
Brazil | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Brazil | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Tiradentes Day |
Brazil | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Brazil | Tuesday, September 07, 2021 | Independence Day |
Brazil | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | Our Lady of Aparecida |
Brazil | Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | All Souls' Day |
Bulgaria | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Bulgaria | Wednesday, March 03, 2021 | Liberation Day |
Bulgaria | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Bulgaria | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Bulgaria | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Orthodox Good Friday |
Bulgaria | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
Bulgaria | Tuesday, May 04, 2021 | Labour Day |
Bulgaria | Thursday, May 06, 2021 | Saint George's Day |
Bulgaria | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Slavic Culture Day |
Bulgaria | Monday, September 06, 2021 | Reunion Day |
Bulgaria | Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | Independence Day |
Bulgaria | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Bulgaria | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Bulgaria | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Second Christmas Day Observed |
Canada | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Canada | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Family Day |
Canada | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Canada | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Victoria Day |
Canada | Thursday, July 01, 2021 | Canada Day |
Canada | Monday, August 02, 2021 | Civic Holiday |
Canada | Monday, September 06, 2021 | Labour Day |
Canada | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Thanksgiving Day |
Canada | Thursday, November 11, 2021 | Remembrance Day |
Canada | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Boxing Day (Observed) |
Chile | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Chile | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Chile | Friday, May 21, 2021 | Navy Day |
Chile | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Saint Pedro and Saint Pablo |
Chile | Friday, July 16, 2021 | Virgin del Carmen Day |
Chile | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Columbus Day |
Chile | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Chile | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Chile | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
China | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
China | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
China | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
China | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
China | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
China | Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
51 |
China | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Qing Ming Festival |
China | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labor Day |
China | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Dragon Boat Festival |
China | Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
China | Friday, October 01, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
China | Monday, October 04, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
China | Tuesday, October 05, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
China | Wednesday, October 06, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
China | Thursday, October 07, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
Colombia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Colombia | Monday, January 11, 2021 | Epiphany |
Colombia | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Colombia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Colombia | Monday, May 17, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Colombia | Monday, June 07, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Colombia | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Sacred Heart of Jesus Day |
Colombia | Monday, July 05, 2021 | St. Peter and St. Paul Day |
Colombia | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Independence Day |
Colombia | Monday, August 16, 2021 | Assumption of the Virgin Day |
Colombia | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Columbus Day |
Colombia | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Colombia | Monday, November 15, 2021 | Independence of Cartagena |
Colombia | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Colombia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Colombia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Costa Rica | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Costa Rica | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Costa Rica | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Costa Rica | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labour Day |
Costa Rica | Monday, July 26, 2021 | Anexion of Guanacaste |
Costa Rica | Monday, August 02, 2021 | Virgen de los Angeles Day |
Costa Rica | Monday, September 13, 2021 | Independence Day |
Costa Rica | Monday, November 29, 2021 | Army Abolution |
Croatia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Croatia | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Croatia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Croatia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Croatia | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Croatia | Tuesday, June 22, 2021 | Day of Antifascist Struggle |
Croatia | Thursday, August 05, 2021 | Victory Day |
Croatia | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Croatia | Thursday, November 18, 2021 | Remembrance Day |
Croatia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Croatia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Cyprus | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Cyprus | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Cyprus | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Ash Monday |
52 |
53 |
Eswatini | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Eswatini | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Eswatini | Monday, April 19, 2021 | King's Birthday |
Eswatini | Monday, April 26, 2021 | National Flag Day |
Eswatini | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Eswatini | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | King Father's Birthday |
Eswatini | Monday, September 06, 2021 | Somhlolo Day |
Eswatini | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Boxing Day |
Eswatini | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Inwcwala Day |
Finland | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Finland | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Finland | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Finland | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Finland | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Finland | Friday, June 25, 2021 | Midsummer's Eve |
Finland | Monday, December 06, 2021 | Independence Day |
Finland | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Finland | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
France | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
France | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
France | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Germany | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Germany | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Germany | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Germany | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Germany | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Germany | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Germany | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Germany | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Ghana | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Ghana | Monday, March 08, 2021 | Independence Day |
Ghana | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Ghana | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Ghana | Monday, May 03, 2021 | May Day |
Ghana | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Ghana | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Ghana | Wednesday, August 04, 2021 | Founder Day |
Ghana | Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day |
Ghana | Friday, December 03, 2021 | Farmers' Day |
Ghana | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Greece | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Greece | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Greece | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Ash Monday |
Greece | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | Independence Day |
Greece | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday (Catholic Easter) |
Greece | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Catholic Easter Monday |
Greece | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Good Friday (Orthodox) |
54 |
Greece | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Orthodox Easter Monday |
Greece | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Greece | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | National Holiday |
Greece | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Hong Kong SAR | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Eve of Lunar New Year |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Lunar New Year's Day |
Hong Kong SAR | Monday, February 15, 2021 | 4th Day of Lunar New Year |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Hong Kong SAR | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Ching Ming Festival |
Hong Kong SAR | Tuesday, April 06, 2021 | Day After Easter Monday |
Hong Kong SAR | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | Buddha Birthday |
Hong Kong SAR | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Tuen Ng Festival |
Hong Kong SAR | Thursday, July 01, 2021 | Establishment Day |
Hong Kong SAR | Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, October 01, 2021 | National Day |
Hong Kong SAR | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Chung Yeung Festival |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Hong Kong SAR | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Hong Kong SAR | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Hungary | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Hungary | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Revolution Day |
Hungary | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Hungary | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Hungary | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Hungary | Friday, August 20, 2021 | St. Stephen's Day |
Hungary | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Hungary | Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Replacement Workday |
Hungary | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Iceland | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Iceland | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Maundy Thursday |
Iceland | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Iceland | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Iceland | Thursday, April 22, 2021 | First Day of Summer |
Iceland | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Iceland | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Iceland | Thursday, June 17, 2021 | Independence Day |
Iceland | Monday, August 02, 2021 | Commerce Day |
Iceland | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Iceland | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
India | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Republic Day |
India | Friday, February 19, 2021 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj |
India | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Annual Closing Of Accounts |
India | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Indonesia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Indonesia | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Indonesia | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Ascension Day |
55 |
Indonesia | Friday, March 12, 2021 | Mass Leave |
Indonesia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Indonesia | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Monday, May 17, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Tuesday, May 18, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | Mass Leave for Idul Fitri |
Indonesia | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Buddhist Vesak Day |
Indonesia | Tuesday, June 01, 2021 | Pancasila Day |
Indonesia | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Idul Adha |
Indonesia | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Islamic New Year |
Indonesia | Tuesday, August 17, 2021 | Independence Day |
Indonesia | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Indonesia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Mass Leave for Christmas Day |
Indonesia | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Mass Leave for Christmas Day |
Indonesia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | Stock Exchange Holiday |
Ireland | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Ireland | Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | St. Patrick's Day |
Ireland | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Ireland | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Ireland | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
Ireland | Monday, June 07, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
Ireland | Monday, August 02, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
Ireland | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
Ireland | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Israel | Sunday, May 16, 2021 | Pentecost (Shavuot) Eve |
Israel | Monday, May 17, 2021 | Shavuot (Pentecost) |
Israel | Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | Sukkot Mid Holiday |
Israel | Thursday, September 23, 2021 | Sukkot Mid Holiday |
Israel | Sunday, September 26, 2021 | Sukkot Mid Holiday |
Israel | Monday, September 27, 2021 | Rejoicing of the Law |
Israel | Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | Simchat Torah |
Italy | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Italy | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Italy | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Italy | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Italy | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Ivory Coast | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Ivory Coast | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Ivory Coast | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Aid-el-Fitr |
Ivory Coast | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Ivory Coast | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Ivory Coast | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Ivory Coast | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Ivory Coast | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Ivory Coast | Monday, November 15, 2021 | National Peace Day |
56 |
Japan | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Japan | Monday, January 11, 2021 | Coming of Age Day |
Japan | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | National Foundation Day |
Japan | Tuesday, February 23, 2021 | Emperor's Birthday |
Japan | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Showa Day |
Japan | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Constitution Memorial Day |
Japan | Tuesday, May 04, 2021 | Greenery Day |
Japan | Wednesday, May 05, 2021 | Children's Day |
Japan | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Marine Day |
Japan | Wednesday, August 11, 2021 | Mountain Day |
Japan | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Respect for the Aged Day |
Japan | Thursday, September 23, 2021 | Autumnal Equinox Day |
Japan | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Health and Sports Day |
Japan | Wednesday, November 03, 2021 | Culture Day |
Japan | Tuesday, November 23, 2021 | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
Japan | Friday, December 31, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
Jordan | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Jordan | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Jordan | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Jordan | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Jordan | Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | Independence Day |
Jordan | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Jordan | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Jordan | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Jordan | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Jordan | Monday, August 09, 2021 | Hijra New Year |
Jordan | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Kazakhstan | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Kazakhstan | Monday, January 04, 2021 | New Year's Holiday |
Kazakhstan | Thursday, January 07, 2021 | Orthodox Christmas |
Kazakhstan | Monday, March 08, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
Kazakhstan | Monday, March 22, 2021 | Nauryz Meyramy Holiday |
Kazakhstan | Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | Nauryz Meyramy Holiday |
Kazakhstan | Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | Nauryz Meyramy Holiday |
Kazakhstan | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Unity Day (Observed) |
Kazakhstan | Friday, May 07, 2021 | Motherland Defenders' Day |
Kazakhstan | Monday, May 10, 2021 | Victory Day |
Kazakhstan | Tuesday, July 06, 2021 | Day of the Capital |
Kazakhstan | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Kurban Ait |
Kazakhstan | Monday, August 30, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Kazakhstan | Wednesday, December 01, 2021 | First President Day |
Kazakhstan | Thursday, December 16, 2021 | Independence Day |
Kazakhstan | Friday, December 17, 2021 | Independence Day |
Kenya | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Kenya | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Kenya | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Kenya | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
57 |
Kenya | Tuesday, June 01, 2021 | Madaraka Day |
Kenya | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Kenya | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Utamaduni Day |
Kenya | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Mashujaa Day |
Kenya | Monday, December 13, 2021 | Jamhuri Day (Observed) |
Kuwait | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Kuwait | Thursday, February 25, 2021 | National Day |
Kuwait | Sunday, February 28, 2021 | Liberation Day |
Kuwait | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Isra and Miraj Holiday |
Kuwait | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Kuwait | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Kuwait | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Kuwait | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Kuwait | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Kuwait | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Islamic New Year |
Kuwait | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Latvia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Latvia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Latvia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Lithuania | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Lithuania | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Lithuania | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Malaysia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Malaysia | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Thaipusam |
Malaysia | Monday, February 01, 2021 | Federal Territory Day |
Malaysia | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Malaysia | Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Nuzul Al-Quran |
Malaysia | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Hari Raya Aidilfitri |
Malaysia | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Hari Raya Aidilfitri |
Malaysia | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Wesak Day |
Malaysia | Monday, June 07, 2021 | King's Birthday |
Malaysia | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Hari Raya Aidiladha |
Malaysia | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah) |
Malaysia | Tuesday, August 31, 2021 | National Day |
Malaysia | Thursday, September 16, 2021 | Malaysia Day |
Malaysia | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet Muhamad's Birthday |
Malaysia | Thursday, November 04, 2021 | Deepavali |
Mauritius | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Mauritius | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Thaipoosam Cavadee |
Mauritius | Monday, February 01, 2021 | Abolition of Slavery |
Mauritius | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese Spring Festival |
Mauritius | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Maha Shivaratree |
Mauritius | Friday, March 12, 2021 | Independence Day |
Mauritius | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Mauritius | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Ganesh Chaturthi |
Mauritius | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Mauritius | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
58 |
Mauritius | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Mexico | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Mexico | Friday, February 05, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Mexico | Monday, March 15, 2021 | Benito Juarez Day |
Mexico | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Mexico | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Mexico | Thursday, September 16, 2021 | Independence Day |
Mexico | Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | All Souls' Day |
Mexico | Monday, November 15, 2021 | Revolution Day |
Morocco | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Morocco | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Morocco | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Morocco | Friday, July 30, 2021 | Throne Day |
Morocco | Friday, August 20, 2021 | Revolution Day |
Morocco | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Eid-Al Mawlid Annabaoui |
Morocco | Thursday, November 18, 2021 | Independence Day |
Mozambique | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Mozambique | Wednesday, February 03, 2021 | Heroes' Day |
Mozambique | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Mozambique | Wednesday, April 07, 2021 | Women's Day |
Mozambique | Friday, June 25, 2021 | Independence Day |
Mozambique | Tuesday, September 07, 2021 | Lusaka Peace Agreement Day |
Mozambique | Monday, October 04, 2021 | National Reconciliation Day |
Namibia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Namibia | Monday, March 22, 2021 | Public Holiday |
Namibia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Namibia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Public Holiday |
Namibia | Tuesday, May 04, 2021 | Cassinga Day |
Namibia | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Namibia | Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | Africa Day |
Namibia | Thursday, August 26, 2021 | Heroes' Day |
Namibia | Friday, December 10, 2021 | Namibian Women's Day |
Namibia | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Family Day |
Netherlands | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Netherlands | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Netherlands | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
New Zealand | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
New Zealand | Monday, January 04, 2021 | New Year's Holiday |
New Zealand | Monday, February 08, 2021 | Waitangi Day |
New Zealand | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
New Zealand | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
New Zealand | Monday, April 26, 2021 | ANZAC Day (Observed) |
New Zealand | Monday, June 07, 2021 | Queen's Birthday |
New Zealand | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Labour Day |
New Zealand | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
New Zealand | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Boxing Day (Observed) |
Nigeria | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
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Nigeria | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Nigeria | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Nigeria | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Nigeria | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Nigeria | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Id el Kabir |
Nigeria | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Id el Kabir |
Nigeria | Friday, October 01, 2021 | National Day |
Nigeria | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Id el Maulud |
Nigeria | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Nigeria | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Norway | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Norway | Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | Holy Wednesday |
Norway | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Maundy Thursday |
Norway | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Norway | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Norway | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Norway | Monday, May 17, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Norway | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Norway | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Norway | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Oman | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Oman | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Oman | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Oman | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Oman | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Oman | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Oman | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Oman | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Pakistan | Friday, February 05, 2021 | Kashmir Day |
Peru | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Peru | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Peru | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Peru | Tuesday, June 29, 2021 | St. Peter and St. Paul Day |
Peru | Wednesday, July 28, 2021 | Independence Day |
Peru | Monday, August 30, 2021 | Santa Rosa de Lima Day |
Peru | Friday, October 08, 2021 | Battle of Angamos |
Peru | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Peru | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Philippines | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Philippines | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Philippines | Thursday, February 25, 2021 | People Power Anniversary |
Philippines | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Maundy Thursday |
Philippines | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Philippines | Friday, April 09, 2021 | The Day of Valor |
Philippines | Monday, August 30, 2021 | National Heroes' Day |
Philippines | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Philippines | Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | All Souls' Day |
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Philippines | Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | Bonifacio Day |
Philippines | Wednesday, December 08, 2021 | Immaculate Conception |
Philippines | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Philippines | Thursday, December 30, 2021 | Rizal Day |
Philippines | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Poland | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Poland | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Three Kings Day |
Poland | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Poland | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Poland | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Poland | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Corpus Christi |
Poland | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Poland | Thursday, November 11, 2021 | Independence Day |
Poland | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Poland | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Portugal | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Portugal | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Portugal | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Qatar | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Qatar | Tuesday, February 09, 2021 | Sports Day |
Qatar | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Qatar | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Qatar | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Qatar | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Qatar | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Romania | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Romania | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Holy Friday |
Romania | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
Romania | Tuesday, June 01, 2021 | Universal Children's Day |
Romania | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Pentecost (Rusalii) |
Romania | Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | St. Andrew's Day |
Romania | Wednesday, December 01, 2021 | National Day |
Russia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Russia | Monday, January 04, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Russia | Tuesday, January 05, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Russia | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Russia | Thursday, January 07, 2021 | Orthodox Christmas |
Russia | Friday, January 08, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Russia | Monday, February 22, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
Russia | Tuesday, February 23, 2021 | Motherland Defenders' Day |
Russia | Monday, March 08, 2021 | Women's Day |
Russia | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labour Day |
Russia | Monday, May 10, 2021 | Victory Day (Observed) |
Russia | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Russia Day (Observed) |
Russia | Thursday, November 04, 2021 | Unity Day |
Russia | Friday, November 05, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
Russia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
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Rwanda | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Rwanda | Monday, January 04, 2021 | New Year's Holiday |
Rwanda | Monday, February 01, 2021 | National Heroes' Day |
Rwanda | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Rwanda | Wednesday, April 07, 2021 | Tutsi Genocide Memorial Day |
Rwanda | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labor Day |
Rwanda | Thursday, July 01, 2021 | Independence Day |
Rwanda | Monday, July 05, 2021 | Liberation Day (Observed) |
Rwanda | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Rwanda | Friday, August 06, 2021 | Umuganura Day |
Rwanda | Monday, August 16, 2021 | Assumption of Mary (Observed) |
Rwanda | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Saudi Arabia | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Saudi Arabia | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Saudi Arabia | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Saudi Arabia | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Saudi Arabia | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Saudi Arabia | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
Saudi Arabia | Thursday, September 23, 2021 | National Day |
Serbia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Serbia | Thursday, January 07, 2021 | Orthodox Christmas |
Serbia | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Statehood Day |
Serbia | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Statehood Day |
Serbia | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Good Friday (Orthodox) |
Serbia | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
Serbia | Thursday, November 11, 2021 | Armistice Day |
Singapore | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Singapore | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Singapore | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Singapore | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Hari Raya Puasa |
Singapore | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Vesak Day |
Singapore | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Hari Raya Haji |
Singapore | Monday, August 09, 2021 | National Day |
Singapore | Thursday, November 04, 2021 | Deepavali |
Slovakia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Slovakia | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Slovakia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Slovakia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Slovakia | Monday, July 05, 2021 | Saint Cyril and Methodius Day |
Slovakia | Wednesday, September 01, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Slovakia | Wednesday, September 15, 2021 | Seven Sorrows Day |
Slovakia | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Slovakia | Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | Freedom and Democracy Day |
Slovakia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Slovenia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Slovenia | Monday, February 08, 2021 | Culture Day |
Slovenia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday (Catholic) |
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Slovenia | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Resistance Day |
Slovenia | Friday, June 25, 2021 | Sovereignty Day |
Slovenia | Monday, November 01, 2021 | All Saints' Day |
Slovenia | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Slovenia | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
South Africa | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
South Africa | Monday, March 22, 2021 | Human Rights Day |
South Africa | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
South Africa | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Family Day |
South Africa | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Freedom Day |
South Africa | Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | Youth Day |
South Africa | Monday, August 09, 2021 | National Women's Day |
South Africa | Friday, September 24, 2021 | Heritage Day |
South Africa | Thursday, December 16, 2021 | Day of Reconciliation |
South Africa | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Day of Goodwill Holiday |
South Africa | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
South Korea | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
South Korea | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Lunar New Year |
South Korea | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Lunar New Year |
South Korea | Monday, March 01, 2021 | Independence Movement Day |
South Korea | Wednesday, May 05, 2021 | Children's Day |
South Korea | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | Birthday of Buddha |
South Korea | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Korean Thanksgiving Day |
South Korea | Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Korean Thanksgiving Day |
South Korea | Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | Korean Thanksgiving Day |
Spain | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Spain | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Spain | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Spain | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Spain | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Sri Lanka | Friday, January 01, 2021 | CSE Customary Holiday |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Tamil Thai Pongal Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, January 28, 2021 | Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, February 04, 2021 | Independence Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, February 26, 2021 | Navam Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Mahasivarathri Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Sri Lanka | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Sinhala Tamil New Year Day |
Sri Lanka | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Sinhala Tamil New Year Day |
Sri Lanka | Monday, April 26, 2021 | Bak Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, April 30, 2021 | May Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Id-Ul-Fitr |
Sri Lanka | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, May 27, 2021 | Vesak Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Poson Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Id-Ul-Alha Hadji Festival Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, July 23, 2021 | Esala Full Moon Poya Day |
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Sri Lanka | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Binara Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Milad Un Nabi Birthday |
Sri Lanka | Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | Vap Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, November 04, 2021 | Deepavali |
Sri Lanka | Thursday, November 18, 2021 | IL Full Moon Poya Day |
Sri Lanka | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Sweden | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Sweden | Tuesday, January 05, 2021 | Eve of Epiphany |
Sweden | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Sweden | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Maundy Thursday |
Sweden | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Sweden | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Sweden | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Walpurgis Night |
Sweden | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Ascension Eve |
Sweden | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Sweden | Friday, June 25, 2021 | Midsummer's Eve |
Sweden | Friday, November 05, 2021 | Eve of All Saints' |
Sweden | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Sweden | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Switzerland | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Switzerland | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Switzerland | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Switzerland | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Ascension Day |
Switzerland | Monday, May 24, 2021 | Whit Monday |
Taiwan | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Taiwan | Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | Chinese New Year (Observed) |
Taiwan | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Taiwan | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Taiwan | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Taiwan | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Chinese New Year |
Taiwan | Monday, March 01, 2021 | Peace Memorial Day (Observed) |
Taiwan | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Tomb-Sweeping Day |
Taiwan | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Tomb-Sweeping Day |
Taiwan | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Labor Day |
Taiwan | Monday, June 14, 2021 | Dragon Boat Festival |
Taiwan | Monday, September 20, 2021 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
Taiwan | Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Mid-Autumn Festival |
Taiwan | Monday, October 11, 2021 | National Day (Observed) |
Taiwan | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year’s Day (Observed) |
Tanzania | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Tanzania | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | Zanzibar Revolution Day |
Tanzania | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Tanzania | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Tanzania | Wednesday, April 07, 2021 | Karume Day |
Tanzania | Monday, April 26, 2021 | Union Day |
Tanzania | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Tanzania | Wednesday, July 07, 2021 | Saba Saba |
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Tanzania | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Mwalimu Nyerere Day |
Tanzania | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Mawlid |
Tanzania | Thursday, December 09, 2021 | Independence Day |
Thailand | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Thailand | Friday, February 26, 2021 | Makha Bucha |
Thailand | Tuesday, April 06, 2021 | Chakri Day |
Thailand | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Songkran |
Thailand | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Songkran |
Thailand | Thursday, April 15, 2021 | Songkran |
Thailand | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labor Day |
Thailand | Tuesday, May 04, 2021 | Coronation Day |
Thailand | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Visakha Bucha |
Thailand | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Queen Suthida's Birthday |
Thailand | Monday, July 26, 2021 | Asalha Bucha (Observed) |
Thailand | Wednesday, July 28, 2021 | King Vajiralongkorn's Birthday |
Thailand | Thursday, August 12, 2021 | The Queen's Birthday |
Thailand | Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | Great Memorial Day |
Thailand | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Chulalongkorn Day (Observed) |
Thailand | Monday, December 06, 2021 | Father's Day (Observed) |
Thailand | Friday, December 10, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Thailand | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Tunisia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Tunisia | Thursday, January 14, 2021 | Revolution National Day |
Tunisia | Friday, April 09, 2021 | Martyr Day |
Tunisia | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Aid-el-Fitr |
Tunisia | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Aid-el-Fitr |
Tunisia | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Aid El Idha |
Tunisia | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Aid El Idha |
Tunisia | Monday, August 09, 2021 | Islamic New Year |
Tunisia | Friday, August 13, 2021 | Women National Day |
Tunisia | Friday, October 15, 2021 | Evacuation Day |
Tunisia | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
Turkey | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Turkey | Friday, April 23, 2021 | Children's Day |
Turkey | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Ramadan Feast Eve Holiday |
Turkey | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Religious Ramadan Holiday |
Turkey | Friday, May 14, 2021 | Religious Ramadan Holiday |
Turkey | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | Youth and Sports Day |
Turkey | Thursday, July 15, 2021 | National Unity Day |
Turkey | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Religious Holiday Eve |
Turkey | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Religious Holiday |
Turkey | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Religious Holiday |
Turkey | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Religious Holiday |
Turkey | Friday, July 23, 2021 | Religious Holiday |
Turkey | Monday, August 30, 2021 | Victory Day |
Turkey | Thursday, October 28, 2021 | Republic Day Eve Holiday |
Turkey | Friday, October 29, 2021 | Republic Day |
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Uganda | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Uganda | Tuesday, January 26, 2021 | Liberation Day |
Uganda | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Remembrance Day |
Uganda | Monday, March 08, 2021 | International Women's Day |
Uganda | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Uganda | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Uganda | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
Uganda | Thursday, June 03, 2021 | Martyr's Day |
Uganda | Wednesday, June 09, 2021 | National Heroes' Day |
Uganda | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Ukraine | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Ukraine | Thursday, January 07, 2021 | Christmas Day |
Ukraine | Friday, January 08, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
Ukraine | Saturday, January 16, 2021 | Replacement Workday |
Ukraine | Monday, March 08, 2021 | Women's Day |
Ukraine | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labour Day |
Ukraine | Tuesday, May 04, 2021 | Easter Holiday |
Ukraine | Monday, May 10, 2021 | Victory Day (Observed) |
Ukraine | Monday, June 21, 2021 | Trinity Day (Observed) |
Ukraine | Monday, June 28, 2021 | Constitution Day |
Ukraine | Monday, August 23, 2021 | Bridging Holiday |
Ukraine | Tuesday, August 24, 2021 | Independence Day |
Ukraine | Saturday, August 28, 2021 | Replacement Workday |
Ukraine | Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Day of Defender of Ukraine |
Ukraine | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
United Arab Emirates | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
United Arab Emirates | Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
United Arab Emirates | Thursday, May 13, 2021 | Eid-al-Fitr |
United Arab Emirates | Monday, July 19, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
United Arab Emirates | Tuesday, July 20, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
United Arab Emirates | Wednesday, July 21, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
United Arab Emirates | Thursday, July 22, 2021 | Eid al-Adha |
United Arab Emirates | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Islamic New Year |
United Arab Emirates | Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | Prophet's Birthday |
United Kingdom | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
United Kingdom | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
United Kingdom | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
United Kingdom | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
United Kingdom | Monday, May 31, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
United Kingdom | Monday, August 30, 2021 | Bank Holiday |
United Kingdom | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
United Kingdom | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Christmas Day (Observed) |
United Kingdom | Tuesday, December 28, 2021 | Boxing Day |
United Kingdom | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Uruguay | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Uruguay | Wednesday, January 06, 2021 | Epiphany |
Uruguay | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Carnival |
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Uruguay | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Carnival |
Uruguay | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Uruguay | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Uruguay | Monday, April 19, 2021 | Landing Day |
Uruguay | Monday, May 17, 2021 | Las Piedras Battle Day |
Uruguay | Wednesday, August 25, 2021 | Independence Day |
Uruguay | Monday, October 11, 2021 | Columbus Day |
Uruguay | Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | All Souls' Day |
Venezuela | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Venezuela | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Carnival |
Venezuela | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Carnival |
Venezuela | Thursday, April 01, 2021 | Holy Thursday |
Venezuela | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Venezuela | Monday, April 19, 2021 | Declaration of Independence |
Venezuela | Thursday, June 24, 2021 | Battle of Carabobo |
Venezuela | Monday, July 05, 2021 | Independence Day |
Venezuela | Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | Indigenous Resistance Day |
Venezuela | Friday, December 24, 2021 | Christmas Eve |
Venezuela | Friday, December 31, 2021 | New Year's Eve |
Vietnam | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Vietnam | Thursday, February 11, 2021 | Lunar New Year |
Vietnam | Friday, February 12, 2021 | Lunar New Year's Eve |
Vietnam | Monday, February 15, 2021 | Lunar New Year 3rd Day |
Vietnam | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | Lunar New Year 4th Day |
Vietnam | Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | Lunar New Year 5th Day |
Vietnam | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Hung King Day |
Vietnam | Friday, April 30, 2021 | Liberation Day |
Vietnam | Monday, May 03, 2021 | Labour Day |
Vietnam | Thursday, September 02, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
Vietnam | Friday, September 03, 2021 | National Day Holidays |
Zambia | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Zambia | Monday, March 08, 2021 | International Women's Day |
Zambia | Friday, March 12, 2021 | Youth Day |
Zambia | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Zambia | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Zambia | Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | Africa Freedom Day |
Zambia | Monday, July 05, 2021 | Heroes' Day |
Zambia | Tuesday, July 06, 2021 | Unity Day |
Zambia | Monday, August 02, 2021 | Farmers' Day |
Zambia | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Prayer Day |
Zambia | Monday, October 25, 2021 | Independence Day (Observed) |
Zimbabwe | Friday, January 01, 2021 | New Year's Day |
Zimbabwe | Monday, February 22, 2021 | National Youth Day (Observed) |
Zimbabwe | Friday, April 02, 2021 | Good Friday |
Zimbabwe | Monday, April 05, 2021 | Easter Monday |
Zimbabwe | Monday, April 19, 2021 | Independence Day (Observed) |
Zimbabwe | Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | Africa Day |
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Zimbabwe | Monday, August 09, 2021 | Heroes' Day |
Zimbabwe | Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | Defense Forces Day |
Zimbabwe | Wednesday, December 22, 2021 | Unity Day |
Zimbabwe | Monday, December 27, 2021 | Boxing Day (Observed) |
Cash Redemption Method
When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.
TAX STATUS
The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding their investment in the Fund.
The Fund has qualified and elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Tax Code”), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, 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 Tax 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. Capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.
As of December 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed | Undistributed | Post October Loss | Capital Loss | Other | Unrealized | Total | ||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | and | Carry | Book/Tax | Appreciation/ | Accumulated | ||||||||
Income | Gains | Late Year Loss | Forwards | Differences | (Depreciation) | Earnings/(Deficits) | ||||||||
$ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $(505,861) | $ | — | $233,764 | $(272,097) | ||||
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 Tax Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually no later than December 31 of each 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 Tax 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
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with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of 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 that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.
If 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 Tax Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of a Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to 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 Tax Code.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions of net capital gain (“capital gain dividends”) generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Trust have been held by such shareholders.
Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of Shares. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.
Redemption of 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 Shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of Shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of Shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each Share so received equal to the NAV of a Share on the reinvestment date.
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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 Tax Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if 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.
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.
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 regulated 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”), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.
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 a Fund to liquidate other
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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.
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 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.
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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 that 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 Shares.
A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board has selected RSM US LLP, located at 555 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1200, Denver, Colorado 80202, as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal period. The firm provides services including the annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements, and other audit, tax and related services to the Fund.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as the Trust's legal counsel.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited 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 period ended December 31, 2020. You can obtain copies of the Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 844-509-2775.
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APPENDIX A
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
November 25, 2020
Pursuant to Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act, a registered investment adviser who exercises voting authority with respect to client securities must adopt and implement written policies and procedures:
Additionally, pursuant to the rule advisers must disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and describe to clients the adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client.
These policies and procedures, which may be amended from time to time, apply to the voting of proxies by Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC (“Adviser”) for accounts over which Adviser has proxy voting authority. These policies and procedures, as dated above, supersede all previously dated versions.
SECTION 1 - PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Adviser has hired Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) to provide to Adviser through the ProxyEdge® platform, the corporate governance voting recommendations provided by Egan-Jones Proxy Service (“Egan-Jones”) to vote proxies for its clients. Adviser therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, based on those of Egan-Jones. Any questions about this document should be directed to Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer.
The fundamental guideline followed by Adviser in voting proxies is to make every effort to confirm that the manner in which shares are voted is in the best interest of clients and the value of the investment. Absent special circumstances of the types described below, it is the policy of Adviser to exercise its proxy voting discretion in accordance with the Egan-Jones Proxy Voting Principles summarized in Exhibit A (the “Proxy Voting Guidelines”). The Proxy Voting Guidelines are applicable to the voting of domestic and global proxies.
SECTION 2 - PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
Adviser has implemented the following procedures to confirm that proxies are voted in the best interest of its clients:
1. | Adviser will maintain a list of all clients for which it votes proxies. |
2. | Adviser will confirm that Egan-Jones is the designated party to receive proxy voting materials from companies or intermediaries. |
3. | Egan-Jones will receive all proxy voting materials and will be responsible for ensuring that proxies are voted and submitted in a timely manner. |
SECTION 3 - ERISA ACCOUNTS
Plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), are to be administered consistent with the terms of the governing plan documents and applicable provisions of ERISA. In cases where sole proxy voting discretion rests with Adviser, the foregoing policies and procedures will be followed, subject to the fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA. These standards generally require fiduciaries to act prudently and to discharge their duties solely in the interests of participants and beneficiaries. The Department of Labor has indicated that the voting decisions of ERISA fiduciaries must generally focus on the course that would most likely increase the value of the stock being voted.
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The documents governing ERISA individual account plans may set forth various procedures for voting “employer securities” held by the plan. Where authority over the investment of plan assets is granted to plan participants, many individual account plans provide that proxies for employer securities will be voted in accordance with directions received from plan participants as to shares allocated to their
plan accounts. In some cases, the governing plan documents may further provide that unallocated shares and/or allocated shares for which no participant directions are received will be voted in accordance with a proportional voting method in which such shares are voted proportionately in the same manner as are allocated shares for which directions from participants have been received. Consistent with Labor Department positions, it is the policy of Adviser to follow the provisions of a plan’s governing documents in the voting of employer securities, unless it determines that to do so would breach its fiduciary duties under ERISA.
SECTION 4 - CLOSED-END AND OPEN-END MUTUAL FUNDS
Proxies for securities held within closed-end and open-end registered management investment companies (the “Fund”) that we manage will be voted subject to any applicable investment restrictions of the Fund and, to the extent applicable, in accordance with any resolutions or other instructions approved by authorized persons of the Fund.
Adviser intends to comply with the safe harbor of section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Adviser will mirror vote proposals on proxies issued by underlying investment companies. Mirror voting means that the Fund votes its shares in the same proportion that all shares of the underlying funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders.
Adviser will provide such records and reports as required by the Fund for the Fund to file Form N-PX.
SECTION 5 – OBLIGATION TO MULTIPLE CLIENTS
Adviser advises two types of clients: fixed income funds and equity funds. The fixed income funds hold only other funds, and are mandated to execute mirror voting policies (see Section 4 above), therefore the Adviser does not have voting discretion in this case. For the equity funds, the Adviser advises two funds that execute an identical stock selection strategy. By design, vote recommendations will be made as described in Section 1 above, and such decisions are in the client’s best interest as the positions are uniform in character.
SECTION 6 - OTHER SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Adviser may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for certain accounts, such as: 1) where a client has informed Adviser that it wishes to retain the right to vote the proxy, Adviser will instruct the custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client, 2) where Adviser deems the cost of voting would exceed any anticipated benefit to the client, 3) where a proxy is received for a client account that has been terminated with Adviser, 4) where a proxy is received for a security that Adviser no longer manages (e.g., Adviser had previously sold the entire position), and/or 5) where the exercise of voting rights could restrict the ability of an account's portfolio manager to freely trade the security in question (as is the case, for example, in certain foreign jurisdictions known as “blocking markets”).
In addition, if any accounts over which Adviser has proxy-voting discretion participate in securities lending programs administered by the custodian or a third party, Adviser will be unable to vote any security that is out on loan to a borrower because title to loaned securities passes to the borrower. If Adviser has investment discretion over such account(s), however, it reserves the right to instruct the lending agent to terminate a loan in situations where the matter to be voted upon is deemed to be material to the investment and the benefits of voting the security are deemed to outweigh the costs of terminating the loan.
SECTION 7 – CLASS ACTIONS
Adviser has hired Broadridge to seek recovery in class action settlements. Broadridge will file class action proof of claim forms with the claims administrator. The claims administrator dispenses the money from the settlement fund to those persons or entities with valid claims. Broadridge is entitled to a contingency fee of 20% of the total reimbursement of securities class action settlements it collects of behalf of Adviser’s clients.
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SECTION 8 - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Adviser may occasionally be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. For example, Adviser and/or one of its employees may occasionally have business or personal relationships with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.
If at any time the CCO or Egan-Jones become aware of any type of potential or actual conflict of interest relating to a particular proxy proposal, such conflict will be handled in accordance with the following:
1. | Where the Egan-Jones Proxy Voting Principles outline a voting position as either “for” or “against” such proxy proposal, voting will be in accordance with Egan-Jones Proxy Voting Principles. |
2. | Where the Egan-Jones Proxy Voting Principles outline a voting position to be determined on a “case by case” basis for such proxy proposal, or such proposal is not listed in the Egan-Jones Proxy Voting Principles, then one of the two following methods will be selected by Adviser depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable law: |
3. |
A. | Voting the proxy in accordance with the voting recommendation of Egan-Jones. |
B. | Voting the proxy pursuant to client direction. |
SECTION 9 - PROXY VOTING RECORDS
Adviser will maintain the following records under these policies and procedures:
4. | A copy of all policies and procedures. |
5. | A copy of each proxy statement Adviser receives regarding client’s securities. |
6. | A record of each vote cast by Adviser on behalf of a client. |
7. | A copy of any document created by Adviser that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorialize the basis for that decision. |
8. | A copy of each written client request for information on how Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client, and a copy of any written response by Adviser to any (written or oral) client request for information on how Adviser voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client. |
The foregoing records will be retained for such period of time as is required to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Adviser may rely on one or more third parties to create and retain the records referred to in these policies.
SECTION 10 - CLIENT DISCLOSURES
A copy of these policies and procedures will be provided to clients upon request. In addition, copies of the above outlined records, as they relate to particular clients, will be provided to those clients upon request.
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EXHIBIT A
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
Adviser intends to comply with the safe harbor of section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Adviser will mirror vote proposals on proxies issued by underlying investment companies. Mirror voting means that the Fund votes its shares in the same proportion that all shares of the underlying funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders.
For any other securities, the Adviser will exercise its proxy voting discretion in accordance with the Egan-Jones Proxy Services Standard Proxy Voting Principles and Guidelines that follow.
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits.
Each of the Exhibits incorporated by reference below are found in File Nos. 811-22655, 333-178833.
(a) Articles of Incorporation.
(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.
(e) Underwriting Contracts.
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.
(g) Custodial Agreement.
(h) Other Material Contracts.
(i) Legal Consent is filed herewith.
(j) Other Opinions. Consent of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.
(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.
(ix) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for ETF Shares
(xi) Amended and Restated Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan is filed herewith.
(n) Reserved.
(o) Code of Ethics.
(iii) Code of Ethics of Swan Capital Management, Inc. is filed herewith.
(p) Powers of Attorney.
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 Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth 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 Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund – File No. 801-80552.
Persimmon Capital Management, LP, the Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-56210.
Good Harbor Financial, LLC, the Adviser of the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund – File No. 801-71064.
Gratus Capital, LLC, the Adviser of the Marathon Value Portfolio – File No. 801-40286.
Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund and Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund – File No. 801-78013.
Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of The Covered Bridge Fund– File No. 801-53760.
First Associated Investment Advisors, the Adviser of The Teberg Fund – File No. 801-60972.
RESQ Investment Partners, LLC, the Adviser of the RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund and RESQ Strategic Income Fund – File No. 801-78822.
Horizon Capital Management, Inc., the Adviser of the Issachar Fund – File No. 801-26038.
Newfound Research LLC the Adviser of the Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Growth Fund – File No. 801-73042.
Howard Capital Management, Inc. the Adviser of the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, HCM Income Plus Fund, HCM Defender 500 Index ETF and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF – File No. 801-69763.
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC the Adviser of the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund and CP High Yield Trend ETF – File No. 801-80197.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund – File No. 801-80770.
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 Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund – File No. 801-57468.
Centerstone Investors, LLC the Adviser of the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund – File No. 801-107361.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), is the principal underwriter for all series of Mutual Fund & Variable Insurance Trust. NLD also acts as principal underwriter for the following:
NLD also acts as a principal underwriter to the following investment companies: Absolute Core Strategy ETF, Advisor One Funds, Arrow ETF Trust, DWA Tactical ETF, Arrow QVM Equity Factor ETF, Arrow Reserve Capital Management ETF, Arrow Dogs of the World ETF, Arrow DWA Country Rotation ETF, Arrow ETF Trust, Ballast Small/Mid Cap ETF, Boyar Value Fund Inc., Copeland Trust, Humankind Benefit Corporation, Miller Investment Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, New Age Alpha Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, PREDEX, Princeton Private Investment Access Fund, The North Country Funds, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc., Two Roads Shared Trust, and Uncommon Investment Funds Trust.
(b) NLD is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The principal business address of NLD is 4221 North 203rd St., Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022 NLD is an affiliate of Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Both NLD and Gemini Fund Services, LLC are under common ownership of The Ultimus Fund Group, 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 Fund |
Kevin Guerette | President | None |
Stephen Preston | Chief Compliance Officer, Financial Operations Principal, and AML Compliance Officer | None |
William J. Strait | Manager, Secretary, and General Counsel | None |
David James | Manager | None |
(c) Not Applicable. No underwriting commissions are paid in connection with the sale of Registrant’s Shares.
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 1099 Main Ave., Ste. 260, 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 Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth 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 records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.
Good Harbor Financial, LLC, 215 N. Oak Ridge Road, Barrington, IL 60010, pursuant to the Advisory Agreements with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund.
Gratus Capital, LLC, 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1550, Atlanta, GA, 30339 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio.
Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, 620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104, Springfield, MO 65810 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund and Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity 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 records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund.
First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records 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 records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund and RESQ Strategic Income Fund.
Horizon Capital Management, Inc. 106 Valerie Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Issachar Fund.
Newfound Research LLC, 380 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed Global Growth Fund.
Howard Capital Management, Inc., 1145 Hembree Road, Rosewell, GA 30076 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, HCM Income Plus Fund, HCM Defender 500 Index ETF and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF.
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC 12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 280, San Diego, CA 92130 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund and CP High Yield Trend ETF.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90024 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund.
Swan Global Management, LLC 41 Shell Castle, Humacao, PR 00791 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Swan Capital Management, Inc., maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund.
Absolute Capital Management, LLC 101 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund.
Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC 1301 East 9th Street, Suite 2900, Cleveland, OH 44114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Boyd Watterson Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund.
Centerstone Investors, LLC 228 Park Avenue S, Suite 75938, New York, NY 10003 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International 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 Smithtown, and State of New York, on the 21st day of April, 2021.
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
By: /s/ Richard Malinowski
Richard Malinowski, 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/ Richard Malinowski | President |
Brian Curley* | Treasurer |
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 April 21, 2021
Eric D. Kane, Esq.
*Attorney-in-Fact – Pursuant to Powers of Attorney as previously filed February 26, 2015, June 17, 2016 and October 25, 2017.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement (No. 333-178833) on Form N-1A of CP High Yield Trend ETF of our report dated March 1, 2021, relating to our audit of the financial statements and financial highlights, which appear in the December 31, 2020 Annual Report to Shareholders, which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement.
We also consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Financial Highlights,” "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm", “Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings” and “Financial Statements” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ RSM US LLP
Denver, Colorado
April 21, 2021
April 20, 2021
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
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. 505 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. 507 under the Securities Act of 1933 (Amendment No. 510 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
Master Custodian Agreement
This Agreement is made as of March 4, 2021 (this Agreement), between each management investment company identified on Appendix A and each management investment company which becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof (in each case, a Fund), including, if applicable, each series of the Fund identified on Appendix A and each series which becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof, and STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, a Massachusetts trust company (the Custodian or State Street).
Witnesseth:
Whereas, each Fund desires for the Custodian to provide certain custodial services relating to securities and other assets of the Fund; and
Whereas, the Custodian is willing to provide the services upon the terms contained in this Agreement;
Section 1. Definitions. In addition to terms defined in Section 4.1 (Rule 17f-5 and Rule 17f-7 related definitions) or elsewhere in this Agreement, (a) terms defined in the UCC have the same meanings herein as therein and (b) the following other terms have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
1940 Act means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
Board means, in relation to a Fund, the board of directors, trustees or other governing body of the Fund.
Client Publications means the general client publications of State Street Bank and Trust Company available from time to time to clients and their investment managers.
Deposit Account Agreement means the Deposit Account Agreement and Disclosure, as may be amended from time to time, issued by the Custodian and available on the Custodians internet customer portal, my.statestreet.com.
Domestic securities means securities held within the United States.
Foreign securities means securities held primarily outside of the United States.
Held outside of the United States means not held within the United States.
Held within the United States means (a) in relation to a security or other financial asset, the security or other financial asset (i) is a certificated security registered in the name of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee or is endorsed to the Custodian or its sub- custodian, agent or nominee or in blank and the security certificate is located within the United States, (ii) is an uncertificated security or other financial asset registered in the name of the Custodian or its sub-custodian, agent or nominee at an office located in the United States, or (iii) has given rise to a security entitlement of which the Custodian or its sub- custodian, agent or nominee is the entitlement holder against a U.S. Securities System or another securities intermediary for which the securities intermediarys jurisdiction is within the United States, and (b) in relation to cash, the cash is maintained in a deposit account denominated in U.S. dollars with the
banking department of the Custodian or with another bank or trust companys office located in the United States.
Investment Advisor means, in relation to a Portfolio, the investment manager or investment advisor of the Portfolio.
On book currency means (a) U.S. dollars or (b) a foreign currency that, when credited to a deposit account of a customer maintained in the banking department of the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, the Custodian maintains on its books as an amount owing as a liability by the Custodian to the customer.
Portfolio means (a) in relation to a Fund that is a series organization, a series of the Fund and (b) in relation to a Fund that is not a series organization, the Fund itself.
Portfolio Interests means beneficial interests in a Portfolio.
Proper Instructions means instructions in accordance with Section 9 received by the Custodian from a Fund, the Funds Investment Advisor, or an individual or organization duly authorized by the Fund or the Investment Advisor. The term includes standing instructions.
SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Series organization means an organization that, pursuant to the statute under which the organization is organized, has the following characteristics: (a) the organic record of the organization provides for creation by the organization of one or more series (however denominated) with respect to specified property of the organization, and provides for records to be maintained for each series that identify the property of or associated with the series, (b) debt incurred or existing with respect to the activities of, or property of or associated with a particular series is enforceable against the property of or associated with the series only, and not against the property of or associated with the organization or of other series of the organization, and (c) debt incurred or existing with respect to the activities or property of the organization is enforceable against the property of the organization only, and not against the property of or associated with any series of the organization.
UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as in effect from time to time.
Underlying Portfolios means a group of investment companies as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.
Underlying Shares means shares or other securities, issued by a U.S. issuer, of Underlying Portfolios and other registered investment companies (as defined in Section 3(a)(1) of the 1940 Act), whether or not in the same group of investment companies (as defined in Section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the 1940 Act).
Underlying Transfer Agent means State Street Bank and Trust Company or such other organization which may from time to time be appointed by the Fund to act as a transfer agent for the Underlying Portfolios and with respect to which the Custodian is provided with Proper Instructions.
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U.S. Securities System means a securities depository or book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury or a clearing corporation as defined in Section 8-102 of the UCC.
Section 2. Employment of Custodian.
Section 2.1 General. Each Fund hereby employs the Custodian as a custodian of (a) securities and cash of each of the Portfolios and (b) other assets of each of the Portfolios that the Custodian agrees to treat as financial assets. Each Fund, on behalf of each of its Portfolios, agrees to deliver to the Custodian (i) all securities and cash of the Portfolios, (ii) all other assets of each Portfolio that the Fund desires the Custodian, and the Custodian is willing, to treat as a financial asset and (iii) all cash and other proceeds of the securities and financial assets held in custody under this Agreement. The holding of confirmation statements that identify Underlying Shares as being recorded in the Custodians name on behalf of the Portfolios will be custody for purposes of this Section 2.1. This Agreement does not require the Custodian to accept an asset for custody hereunder or to treat any asset that is not a security as a financial asset.
Section 2.2 Sub-custodians. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall on behalf of a Fund appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities located in the United States and designated in the Proper Instructions to act as a sub-custodian for the purposes of effecting such transactions as may be designated by the Fund in the Proper Instructions. The Custodian may place and maintain each Funds foreign securities with foreign banking institution sub-custodians employed by the Custodian or foreign securities depositories, all in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 4 and 5. An entity acting in the capacity of Underlying Transfer Agent is not an agent or sub-custodian of the Custodian for purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.3 Relationship. With respect to securities and other financial assets, the Custodian is a securities intermediary and the Portfolio is the entitlement holder. With respect to cash maintained in a deposit account and denominated in an on book currency, the Custodian is a bank and the Portfolio is the banks customer. If cash is maintained in a deposit account with a bank other than the Custodian and the cash is denominated in an on book currency, the Custodian is that banks customer. The Custodian agrees to treat the claim to the cash as a financial asset for the benefit of the Portfolio. The Custodian does not otherwise agree to treat cash as financial asset. The duties of the Custodian as securities intermediary and bank set forth in the UCC are varied by the terms of this Agreement to the extent that the duties may be varied by agreement under the UCC.
Section 3. Activities of the Custodian with Respect to Property Held in the United States.
Section 3.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian may deposit and maintain securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio in a U.S. Securities System in compliance with the conditions of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Portfolio and into which account or accounts may be transferred cash or securities and other financial assets, including securities and financial assets maintained in a U.S. Securities System. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for the account of each Portfolio all securities and other financial assets held by the Custodian in the United States, including all domestic securities of the Portfolio, other than (a) securities or other financial assets maintained in a U.S. Securities System and (b) Underlying Shares maintained pursuant to Section 3.6 in an account of an Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
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discretion appoint any other bank or trust company, qualified under the 1940 Act to act as a custodian, as the Custodians agent to carry out such of the provisions of this Section as the Custodian may from time to time direct. The appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its duties hereunder. The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion remove the bank or trust company as the Custodians agent.
Section 3.2 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities or other financial assets held by the Custodian and that are not bearer securities shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of a Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian, or in the name or nominee name of any agent or any sub -custodian permitted hereby. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement shall be in street name or other good delivery form. However, if a Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities or other financial assets in street name, the Custodian shall utilize reasonable efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on the securities and other financial assets and to notify the Fund of relevant issuer actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
Section 3.3 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain upon the terms of the Deposit Account Agreement a separate deposit account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Custodian shall credit to the deposit account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by the Custodian from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a deposit account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the 1940 Act. Funds held by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by the Custodian to its credit as Custodian in the banking department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that (a) every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the 1940 Act and (b) each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio of a Fund be approved by vote of a majority of the Funds Board. The funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
Section 3.4 Collection of Income. Subject to the domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States being registered as provided in Section 3.2, the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to the securities and other financial assets and to which a Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities business. The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of payment by the issuer, the securities are held by the Custodian or its agent. The Custodian shall present for payment all income items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities and other financial assets held hereunder. The Custodian shall credit income to the Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodians then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course, and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodians applicable rate for time credited.
Section 3.5 Delivery Out. The Custodian shall release and deliver out domestic securities and other financial assets of a Portfolio held in a U.S. Securities System, or in an account at the Underlying Transfer Agent, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying the domestic securities or financial assets held in the United States to be delivered out and the person or
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persons to whom delivery is to be made. The Custodian shall pay out cash of a Portfolio upon receipt of Proper Instructions on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, specifying the amount of the payment and the person or persons to whom the payment is to be made.
Section 3.6 Deposit of Fund Assets with the Underlying Transfer Agent. Underlying Shares of a Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, shall be deposited and held in an account or accounts maintained with an Underlying Transfer Agent. The Custodians only responsibilities with respect to the Underlying Shares shall be limited to the following:
1) | Upon receipt of a confirmation or statement from an Underlying Transfer Agent that the Underlying Transfer Agent is holding or maintaining Underlying Shares in the name of the Custodian (or a nominee of the Custodian) for the benefit of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall identify by book-entry that the Underlying Shares are being held by it as custodian for the benefit of the Portfolio. |
2) | Upon receipt of Proper Instructions to purchase Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall pay out cash of the Portfolio as so directed to purchase the Underlying Shares and record the payment from the account of the Portfolio on the Custodians books and records. |
3) | Upon receipt of Proper Instructions for the sale or redemption of Underlying Shares for the account of a Portfolio, the Custodian shall transfer the Underlying Shares as so directed to sell or redeem the Underlying Shares, record the transfer from the account of the Portfolio on the Custodians books and records and, upon the Custodians receipt of the proceeds of the sale or redemption, record the receipt of the proceeds for the account of such Portfolio on the Custodians books and records. |
Section 3.7 Proxies. The Custodian shall cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States of a Portfolio, if the securities or other financial assets are registered otherwise than in the name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the manner in which the proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to the securities or other financial assets.
Section 3.8 Communications. Subject to the domestic securities or other financial assets held in the United States being registered as provided in Section 3.2, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets being held for the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities and other financial assets whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party or its agent making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the applicable Fund for each Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to Portfolio securities or other financial assets issued in the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt-out notices and proof-of-claim forms. The Custodian does not support class-action participation by a Fund beyond such forwarding of written information received by the Custodian.
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Section 4. Provisions Relating to Rules 17f-5 and 17f-7.
Section 4.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
Country Risk means all factors reasonably related to the systemic risk of holding Foreign Assets in a particular country. The factors include but are not limited to risks arising from the countrys political environment, economic and financial infrastructure (including any Eligible Securities Depository operating in the country); prevailing or developing custody, tax and settlement practices; nationalization, expropriation or other government actions; currency restrictions, devaluations or fluctuations; market conditions affecting the orderly execution of securities transactions or the value of assets; the regulation of the banking and securities industries, including changes in market rules; and laws and regulations applicable to the safekeeping and recovery of Foreign Assets held in custody in that country.
Covered Foreign Country means a country listed on Schedule A, which list of countries may be amended from time to time at the request of any Fund and with the agreement of the Foreign Custody Manager.
Eligible Foreign Custodian has the meaning set forth in Section (a)(1) of Rule 17f-5.
Eligible Securities Depository has the meaning set forth in section (b)(1) of Rule 17f-7.
Foreign Assets means, in relation to a Portfolio, any of the Portfolios securities or other investments (including foreign currencies) for which the primary market is outside the United States, and any cash and cash equivalents that are reasonably necessary to effect transactions of the Portfolio in those investments.
Foreign Custody Manager has the meaning set forth in section (a)(3) of Rule 17f-5.
Foreign Securities System means an Eligible Securities Depository listed on Schedule B.
Rule 17f-5 means Rule 17f-5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
Rule 17f-7 means Rule 17f-7 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
Section 4.2. The Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager.
4.2.1 Delegation. Each Fund, by resolution adopted by its Board, hereby delegates to the Custodian, subject to Section (b) of Rule 17f-5, the responsibilities set forth in this Section 4.2 with respect to Foreign Assets of the Portfolios held outside the United States. The Custodian hereby accepts such delegation. By giving at least 30 days prior written notice to the Fund, the Foreign Custody Manager may withdraw its acceptance of the delegated responsibilities generally or with respect to a Covered Foreign Country designated in the notice. Following the withdrawal, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Fund generally or, as the case may be, with respect to the Covered Foreign Country so designated.
4.2.2 Exercise of Care as Foreign Custody Manager. The Foreign Custody Manager shall exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence such as a person having responsibility for the safekeeping of the Foreign Assets would exercise in performing the delegated responsibilities.
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4.2.3 Foreign Custody Arrangements. The Foreign Custody Manager shall be responsible for performing the delegated responsibilities only with respect to Covered Foreign Countries. The Foreign Custody Manager shall list on Schedule A for a Covered Foreign Country each Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager to maintain the Foreign Assets of the Portfolios with respect to the Covered Foreign Country. The list of Eligible Foreign Custodians may be amended from time to time upon notice in the sole discretion of the Foreign Custody Manager. This Agreement constitutes a Proper Instruction by a Fund, on behalf of each applicable Portfolio, to open an account, and to place and maintain Foreign Assets, for the Portfolio in each applicable Covered Foreign Country. The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios, shall satisfy the account opening requirements for the Covered Foreign Country, and the delegation with respect to the Portfolio for the Covered Foreign Country will not be considered to have been accepted by the Custodian until that satisfaction. If the Foreign Custody Manager receives from the Fund Proper Instructions directing the Foreign Custody Manager to close the account, the delegation shall be considered withdrawn, and the Custodian shall immediately cease to be the Foreign Custody Manager with respect to the Portfolio for the Covered Foreign Country.
4.2.4 Scope of Delegated Responsibilities: Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.2, the Foreign Custody Manager may place and maintain Foreign Assets in the care of an Eligible Foreign Custodian selected by the Foreign Custody Manager in each applicable Covered Foreign Country. The Foreign Custody Manager shall determine that (a) the Foreign Assets will be subject to reasonable care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the country in which the Foreign Assets will be held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian, after considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such assets, including, without limitation the factors specified in Rule 17f-5(c)(1) and (b) the contract between the Foreign Custody Manager and the Eligible Foreign Custodian governing the foreign custody arrangements will satisfy the requirements of Rule 17f-5(c)(2). The Foreign Custody Manager shall establish a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the Foreign Assets with the Eligible Foreign Custodian and (ii) the performance of the contract governing the custody arrangements. If the Foreign Custody Manager determines that the custody arrangements with an Eligible Foreign Custodian are no longer appropriate, the Foreign Custody Manager shall so notify the Fund.
4.2.5 Reporting Requirements. The Foreign Custody Manager shall (a) report the withdrawal of Foreign Assets from an Eligible Foreign Custodian and the placement of Foreign Assets with another Eligible Foreign Custodian by providing to the Funds Board an amended Schedule A at the end of the calendar quarter in which the action has occurred, and (b) after the occurrence of any other material change in the foreign custody arrangements of the Portfolios described in this Section 4.2, make a written report to the Board containing a notification of the change.
4.2.6 Representations. The Foreign Custody Manager represents to each Fund that it is a U.S. Bank as defined in Section (a)(7) of Rule 17f -5. Each Fund represents to the Custodian that its Board has (a) determined that it is reasonable for the Board to rely on the Custodian to perform the responsibilities delegated pursuant to this Agreement to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager of the Portfolios and (b) considered and determined to accept such Country Risk as is incurred by placing and maintaining the Foreign Assets of each Portfolio in each Covered Foreign Country.
4.2.7 Termination by a Portfolio of the Custodian as Foreign Custody Manager. By giving at least 30 days prior written notice to the Custodian, a Fund, on behalf of a Portfolio, may terminate the delegation to the Custodian as the Foreign Custody Manager for the Portfolio. Following the termination, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility in its capacity as Foreign Custody Manager to the Portfolio.
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Section 4.3 Monitoring of Eligible Securities Depositories. The Custodian shall (a) provide the Fund or its Investment Advisor with an analysis of the custody risks associated with maintaining assets with the Eligible Securities Depositories set forth on Schedule B in accordance with Section (a)(1)(i)(A) of Rule 17f-7 and (b) monitor such risks on a continuing basis and promptly notify the Fund or its Investment Advisor of any material change in such risks, in accordance with Section (a)(1)(i)(B) of Rule 17f-7.
Section 5. Activities of the Custodian with Respect to Property Held Outside the United States.
Section 5.1. Holding Securities. Foreign securities and other financial assets held outside of the United States shall be maintained in a Foreign Securities System in a Covered Foreign Country through arrangements implemented by the Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian, as applicable, in the Covered Foreign Country. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the Portfolios the foreign securities and other financial assets held by each Eligible Foreign Custodian or Foreign Securities System. The Custodian may hold foreign securities and other financial assets for all of its customers, including the Portfolios, with any Eligible Foreign Custodian in an account that is identified as the Custodians account for the benefit of its customers; provided however, that (a) the records of the Custodian with respect to foreign securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio maintained in the account shall identify those securities and other financial assets as belonging to the Portfolio and (b) to the extent permitted and customary in the market in which the account is maintained, the Custodian shall require that securities and other financial assets so held by the Eligible Foreign Custodian be held separately from any assets of the Eligible Foreign Custodian or of other customers of the Eligible Foreign Custodian.
Section 5.2. Registration of Foreign Securities. Foreign securities and other financial assets held outside of the United States maintained in the custody of an Eligible Foreign Custodian and that are not bearer securities shall be registered in the name of the applicable Portfolio or in the name of the Custodian or in the name of any Eligible Foreign Custodian or in the name of any nominee of any of the foregoing. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of the foreign securities or other financial assets. The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian reserves the right not to accept securities or other financial assets on behalf of a Portfolio under the terms of this Agreement unless the form of the securities or other financial assets and the manner in which they are delivered are in accordance with local market practice.
Section 5.3. Indemnification by Eligible Foreign Custodians. Each contract pursuant to which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall, to the extent possible, require the Eligible Foreign Custodian to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian from and against any loss, cost or expense arising out of or in connection with the Eligible Foreign Custodians performance of its obligations. At a Funds election, a Portfolio shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against an Eligible Foreign Custodian as a consequence of any such loss, cost or expense if and to the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for the loss, cost or expense. In no event shall the Custodian be obligated to bring suit in its own name or to allow suit to be brought in its name.
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Section 5.4 Bank Accounts.
5.4.1 General. The Custodian shall identify on its books as for the account of the applicable Portfolio the amount of cash (including cash denominated in foreign currencies) deposited with the Custodian. The Custodian shall maintain cash deposits in on book currencies on its balance sheet. The Custodian shall be liable for such balances. If the Custodian is unable to maintain, or market practice does not facilitate the maintenance for the Portfolio of a cash balance in a currency as an on book currency, a deposit account shall be opened and maintained by the Custodian outside the United States on behalf of the Portfolio with an Eligible Foreign Custodian. The Custodian shall not maintain the cash deposit on its balance sheet. The Eligible Foreign Custodian will be liable for such balance directly to the Portfolio. All deposit accounts referred to in this Section shall be subject only to draft or order by the Custodian or, if applicable, the Eligible Foreign Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Cash maintained in a deposit account and denominated in an on book currency will be maintained under and subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Custodian will not have any deposit liability for deposits in any currency that is not an on book currency.
5.4.2 Non-U.S. Branch and Non-U.S. Dollar Deposits. In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Custodian shall not be required to repay any deposit made at a non-U.S. branch of the Custodian or any deposit made with the Custodian and denominated in a non -U.S. dollar currency, if repayment of the deposit or the use of assets denominated in the non- U.S. dollar currency is prevented, prohibited or otherwise blocked due to (a) an act of war, insurrection or civil strife; (b) any action by a non-U.S. government or instrumentality or authority asserting governmental, military or police power of any kind, whether such authority be recognized as a de facto or a de jure government, or by any entity, political or revolutionary movement or otherwise that usurps, supervenes or otherwise materially impairs the normal operation of civil authority; or (c) the closure of a non-U.S. branch in order to prevent, in the reasonable judgment of the Custodian, harm to the employees or property of the Custodian.
Section 5.5. Collection of Income. The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and other payments with respect to the Foreign Assets held hereunder to which a Portfolio shall be entitled. If extraordinary measures are required to collect the income or payment, the Fund and the Custodian shall consult as to such measures and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian relating to such measures. The Custodian shall credit income to the applicable Portfolio as such income is received or in accordance with the Custodians then current payable date income schedule. Any credit to the Portfolio in advance of receipt may be reversed when the Custodian determines that payment will not occur in due course, and the Portfolio may be charged at the Custodians applicable rate for time credited. Income on securities or other financial assets loaned other than from the Custodians securities lending program shall be credited as received.
Section 5.6. Transactions in Foreign Custody Account.
5.6.1 Delivery Out. The Custodian or an Eligible Foreign Custodian shall release and deliver foreign securities or other financial assets held outside of the United States owned by a Portfolio and held by the Custodian or such Eligible Foreign Custodian, or in a Foreign Securities System account, only upon receipt of Proper Instructions, specifying the foreign securities to be delivered and the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made. The Custodian shall pay out, or direct the respective Eligible Foreign Custodian or the respective Foreign Securities System to pay out, cash of a Portfolio only upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying the amount of the payment and the person or persons to payment is to be made.
5.6.2 Market Conditions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, settlement and payment for Foreign Assets received for the account of the Portfolios and delivery
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of Foreign Assets maintained for the account of the Portfolios may be effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or processing practices and procedures in the country or market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivering Foreign Assets to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) with the expectation of receiving later payment for the Foreign Assets from such purchaser or dealer.
5.6.3 Settlement Practices. The Custodian shall provide to each Board the information with respect to custody and settlement practices in countries in which the Custodian employs an Eligible Foreign Custodian described on Schedule C at the time or times set forth on the Schedule. The Custodian may revise Schedule C from time to time, but no revision shall result in a Board being provided with substantively less information than had been previously provided on Schedule C.
Section 5.7 Shareholder or Bondholder Rights. The Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder and bondholder rights with respect to foreign securities and other financial assets held outside the United States, subject always to the laws, regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where the securities or other financial assets are issued. The Custodian may utilize Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. or another proxy service firm of recognized standing as its delegate to provide proxy services for the exercise of shareholder and bondholder rights. Local conditions, including lack of regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the effect of severely limiting the ability of a Fund to exercise shareholder and bondholder rights.
Section 5.8. Communications. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials received by the Custodian through Eligible Foreign Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities and other financial asset assets being held outside the United States for the account of a Portfolio. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the applicable Fund written information with respect to materials so received by the Custodian from issuers of foreign securities whose tender or exchange is sought or from the party or its agent making the tender or exchange offer. The Custodian shall also transmit promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian through Eligible Foreign Custodians from issuers of the foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside of the United States and being held for the account of the Portfolio regarding any class action or other collective litigation relating to the Portfolios foreign securities or other financial assets issued outside the United States and then held, or previously held, during the relevant class-action period during the term of this Agreement by the Custodian via an Eligible Foreign Custodian for the account of the Fund for the Portfolio, including, but not limited to, opt- out notices and proof-of -claim forms. The Custodian does not support class-action participation by a Fund beyond such forwarding of written information received by the Custodian.
Section 6. Foreign Exchange.
Section 6.1. Generally. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which for purposes of this section may also include security trade advices, the Custodian shall facilitate the processing and settlement of foreign exchange transactions. Such foreign exchange transactions do not constitute part of the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement.
Section 6.2. Fund Elections. Each Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) may elect to enter into and execute foreign exchange transactions with third parties that are not affiliated with
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the Custodian, with State Street Global Markets, which is the foreign exchange division of State Street Bank and Trust Company and its affiliated companies (SSGM), or with a sub-custodian. Where the Fund or its Investment Advisor gives Proper Instructions for the execution of a foreign exchange transaction using an indirect foreign exchange service described in the Client Publications, the Fund (or its Investment Advisor) instructs the Custodian, on behalf of the Fund, to direct the execution of such foreign exchange transaction to SSGM or, when the relevant currency is not traded by SSGM, to the applicable sub-custodian. The Custodian shall not have any agency (except as contemplated in preceding sentence), trust or fiduciary obligation to the Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other person in connection with the execution of any foreign exchange transaction. The Custodian shall have no responsibility under this Agreement for the selection of the counterparty to, or the method of execution of, any foreign exchange transaction entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) or the reasonableness of the execution rate on any such transaction.
Section 6.3. Fund Acknowledgement Each Fund acknowledges that in connection with all foreign exchange transactions entered into by the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf) with SSGM or any sub-custodian, SSGM and each such sub-custodian:
(i) | shall be acting in a principal capacity and not as broker, agent or fiduciary to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; |
(ii) | shall seek to profit from such foreign exchange transactions, and are entitled to retain and not disclose any such profit to the Fund or its Investment Advisor; and |
(iii) | shall enter into such foreign exchange transactions pursuant to the terms and conditions, including pricing or pricing methodology, (a) agreed with the Fund or its Investment Advisor from time to time or (b) in the case of an indirect foreign exchange service, (i) as established by SSGM and set forth in the Client Publications with respect to the particular foreign exchange execution services selected by the Fund or the Investment Advisor or (ii) as established by the sub-custodian from time to time. |
Section 6.4. Transactions by State Street. The Custodian or its affiliates, including SSGM, may trade based upon information that is not available to the Fund (or its Investment Advisor acting on its behalf), and may enter into transactions for its own account or the account of clients in the same or opposite direction to the transactions entered into with the Fund (or its Investment Manager), and shall have no obligation, under this Agreement, to share such information with or consider the interests of their respective counterparties, including, where applicable, the Fund or the Investment Advisor.
Section 7. Tax Services.
Section 7.1 Fund Information. Each Fund will provide documentary evidence of its tax domicile, organizational specifics and other documentation and information as may be required by the Custodian from time to time for tax purposes, including, without limitation, information relating to any special ruling or treatment to which the Fund may be entitled that is not applicable to the general nationality and category of person to which the Fund belongs under general laws and treaty obligations and documentation and information required in relation to countries where the Fund engages or proposes to engage in investment activity or where Portfolio assets are or will be held. The provision of such documentation and information shall be deemed to be a Proper Instruction, upon which the Custodian shall be entitled to rely and act. In giving such documentation and information, the Fund represents and warrants
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that it is true and correct in all material respects and that it will promptly provide the Custodian with all necessary corrections or updates upon becoming aware of any changes or inaccuracies in the documentation or information supplied.
Section 7.2 Tax Responsibility. The Fund shall be liable for all taxes (including Taxes, as defined below) relating to its investment activity, including with respect to any cash or securities held by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund or any transactions related thereto. Subject to compliance by the Fund with its obligations under Section 7.1, the Custodian shall withhold (or cause to be withheld) the amount of any Tax which is required to be withheld under applicable law in connection with the collection on behalf of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement of any dividend, interest income or other distribution with respect to any security and the proceeds or income from the sale or other transfer of any security held by the Custodian. If any Taxes become payable with respect to any prior payment made to the Fund by the Custodian or otherwise, the Custodian may apply any credit balance in the Funds deposit account to the extent necessary to satisfy such Tax obligation. The Fund shall remain liable for any tax deficiency. The Custodian is not liable for any tax obligations relating to the Portfolio or the Fund, other than those Tax services as set out specifically in this Section 7. The Fund agrees that the Custodian is not, and shall not be deemed to be, providing tax advice or tax counsel. The capitalized terms Tax or Taxes means any withholding or capital gains tax, stamp duty, levy, impost, charge, assessment, deduction or related liability, including any addition to tax, penalty or interest imposed on or in respect of (i) cash or securities, (ii) the transactions effected under this Agreement, or (iii) the Fund.
Section 7.3 Tax Relief. The Custodian will provide tax relief services in relation to designated markets as may be specified from time to time in the Client Publications. Subject to the preceding sentence and compliance by the Fund with its obligations under Section 7.1, the Custodian will apply for a reduction of withholding tax and refund of any tax paid or tax credits which apply in each applicable market in respect of income payments on securities for the benefit of the Fund. Unless otherwise informed by the Fund, the Custodian shall be entitled to apply categorical treatment of the Fund according to its nationality, particulars of its organization and other relevant details supplied by the Fund.
Section 8. Payments for Sales or Redemptions of Portfolio Interests.
Section 8.1 Payment for Portfolio Interests Issued. The Custodian shall receive from the distributor of Portfolio Interests of a Fund or from the Funds transfer agent (the Transfer Agent) and deposit into the account of the Portfolio such payments as are received for Portfolio Interests issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Transfer Agent of any receipt of the payments by the Custodian.
Section 8.2 Payment for Portfolio Interests Redeemed. Upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, the Custodian shall set aside funds of a Portfolio to the extent available for payment to holders of Portfolio Interests who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption of their Portfolio Interests. The Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the redeeming interest holders. If the Custodian furnishes a check to a holder in payment for the redemption of the holders Portfolio Interests and the check is drawn on the Custodian, the Custodian shall honor the check so long as the check is presented to the Custodian in accordance with the Deposit Account Agreement and such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
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Section 9. Proper Instructions.
Section 9. 1 Form and Security Procedures. Proper Instructions may be in writing signed by the authorized individual or individuals or may be in a tested communication or in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or may be by such other means and utilizing such intermediary systems and utilities as may be agreed to from time to time by the Custodian and the individual or organization giving the instruction, provided that the Fund has followed any security procedures agreed to from time to time by the applicable Fund and the Custodian. The Custodian may agree to accept oral instructions, and in such case oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing, but the Funds failure to do so shall not affect the Custodians authority to rely on the oral instructions.
Section 9.2 Reliance on Officers Certificate. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, each Fund shall deliver to the Custodian an officers certificate setting forth the names, titles, signatures and scope of authority of all individuals authorized to give Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund. The certificate may be accepted and conclusively relied upon by the Custodian and shall be considered to be in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of a similar certificate to the contrary and the Custodian has had a reasonable time to act thereon.
Section 9.3 Untimely Proper Instructions. If the Custodian is not provided with reasonable time to execute a Proper Instruction (including any Proper Instruction not to execute, or any other modification to, a prior Proper Instruction), the Custodian will use good faith efforts to execute the Proper Instruction but will not be responsible or liable if the Custodians efforts are not successful (including any inability to change any actions that the Custodian had taken pursuant to the prior Proper Instruction). The inclusion of a statement of purpose or intent (or any similar notation) in a Proper Instruction shall not impose any additional obligations on the Custodian or condition or qualify its authority to effect the Proper Instruction. The Custodian will not assume a duty to ensure that the stated purpose or intent is fulfilled and will have no responsibility or liability when it follows the Proper Instruction without regard to such purpose or intent.
Section 10. Actions permitted without Express Authority.
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the applicable Fund on behalf of each Portfolio:
1) | Make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling securities or other financial assets relating to its duties under this Agreement; provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio; |
2) | Surrender securities or other financial assets in temporary form for securities or other financial assets in definitive form; |
3) | Endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and |
4) | In general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the applicable Board. |
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Section 11. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income.
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to any organization appointed by the Board of a Portfolio of a Fund to keep the books of account of the Portfolio and compute the net asset value per Portfolio Interest of the outstanding Portfolio Interests or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account and compute such net asset value per Portfolio Interest. If and as so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the Funds currently effective prospectus (Prospectus ) and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its various components. Each Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to investments maintained with the Underlying Transfer Agent, the Underlying Transfer Agent is the sole source of information on the number of Portfolio Interests held by it on behalf of a Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information furnished by the Underlying Transfer Agent to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Agreement, including without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 11 and in Section 12; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to reconcile information as to purchases and sales of Underlying Shares contained in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report promptly any discrepancies to the Underlying Transfer Agent. If and as so directed, the calculations of the net asset value per Portfolio Interest and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the Prospectus.
Section 12. Records.
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Agreement in such manner as will meet the obligations of each Fund under the 1940 Act, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of the SEC. The Custodian shall, at the Funds request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations. In the event that the Custodian is requested or authorized by a Fund, or required by subpoena, administrative order, court order or other legal process, applicable law or regulation, or required in connection with any investigation, examination or inspection of the Fund by state or federal regulatory agencies, to produce the records of the Fund or the Custodians personnel as witnesses, the Fund agrees to pay the Custodian for the Custodians time and expenses, as well as the fees and expenses of the Custodians counsel, incurred in responding to such request, order or requirement.
Section 13. Funds Independent Accountants; Reports.
Section 13.1 Opinions. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as a Fund with respect to a Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Funds independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the
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Funds Form N-1A or Form N-2, as applicable, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements thereof.
Section 13.2 Reports. Upon reasonable request of a Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with a copy of the Custodians Service Organizational Control (SOC) 1 reports prepared in accordance with the requirements of AT section 801, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization (formerly Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16). The Custodian shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Fund with such reports as the Fund may reasonably request or otherwise reasonably require to fulfill its duties under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act or similar legal and regulatory requirements.
Section 14. Custodians Standard of Care; Exculpation.
14.1 Standard of Care. In carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, the Custodian shall act (i) with reasonable care and diligence and in good faith, (ii) without negligence, fraud, willful misconduct, willful omission or bad faith, and at least at the same standard of care as the Custodian provides for itself and its affiliates (Affiliates) with respect to similar services, and (iii) with the level of skill and care which would be expected from a reasonably skilled and experienced professional provider of services similar to the services provided under this Agreement. Subject to the terms of the Agreement, including any exculpatory language, the Custodian shall have no liability for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss or damage resulting from the performance or nonperformance of its duties hereunder unless and to the extent the Custodian fails to exercise such standard of care. Upon the occurrence of any event that causes or that the Custodian believes or Portfolio reasonably believes will imminently cause any loss, damage or expense to any Portfolio, the Custodian (i) shall take and (ii) shall take all reasonable steps to cause any applicable sub-custodian to take all commercially reasonable steps (to the extent consistent with the Custodians obligations pursuant to Rules 17f- 5 and 17f-7, as applicable) to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm to a Portfolio.
14.2 Reliance on Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall be entitled conclusively to rely and act upon Proper Instructions until the Custodian has received notice of any change from the Fund and has had a reasonable time to act thereon. The Custodian may act on a Proper Instruction if it reasonably believes that it contains sufficient information and may refrain from acting on any Proper Instructions until such time that it has determined, in its sole discretion, that is has received any required clarification or authentication of Proper Instructions. The Custodian may rely upon and shall be protected in acting upon any Proper Instruction or any other instruction, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the applicable Fund.
14.3 Other Reliance. The Custodian is authorized and instructed to rely upon the information that the Custodian receives from the Fund or any third party on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian shall have no responsibility to review, confirm or otherwise assume any duty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any information supplied to it by or on behalf of any Fund. The Custodian shall have no liability in respect of any loss, cost or expense incurred or sustained by the Fund arising from the performance of the Custodians duties hereunder in reliance upon records that were maintained for the Fund by any individual or organization, other than the Custodian, prior to the Custodians appointment as custodian hereunder. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the advice.
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14.4 Liability for Foreign Custodians. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of an Eligible Foreign Custodian to the same extent as if the action or omission were performed by the Custodian itself, taking into account the facts and circumstances and the established local market practices and laws prevailing in the particular jurisdiction in which the Fund elects to invest.
14.5 Insolvency and Country Risk. The Custodian will have no liability for losses, costs or expenses resulting from the insolvency or other financial default of an Eligible Foreign Custodian that is not an affiliate of the Custodian, except to the extent that such losses, costs or expenses are caused by the failure of the Custodian to exercise reasonable care, prudence and diligence in selecting and monitoring the Eligible Foreign Custodian. The Custodian will have no liability for any loss, cost or expense incurred or sustained by a Fund or Portfolio resulting from or caused by Country Risk.
14.6 Force Majeure and Third Party Actions. The Custodian shall be without responsibility or liability to any Fund or Portfolio for: (a) events or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Custodian, including, without limitation, the interruption, suspension or restriction of trading on or the closure of any currency or securities market or system, power or other mechanical or technological failures or interruptions, computer viruses or communications disruptions, work stoppages, natural disasters, acts of war, revolution, riots or terrorism or other similar force majeure events or acts; (b) errors by any Fund, its Investment Advisor or any other duly authorized person in their instructions to the Custodian; (c) the insolvency of or acts or omissions by a U.S. Securities System, Foreign Securities System, Underlying Transfer Agent or domestic sub-custodian designated pursuant to Section 2.2; (d) the failure of any Fund, its Investment Advisor, Portfolio or any duly authorized individual or organization to adhere to the Custodians operational policies and procedures; (e) any delay or failure of any broker, agent, securities intermediary or other intermediary, central bank or other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodians sub-custodian or agent securities or other financial assets purchased or in the remittance or payment made in connection with securities or other financial assets sold; (f) any delay or failure of any organization in charge of registering or transferring securities or other financial assets in the name of the Custodian, any Fund, any Portfolio, the Custodians sub-custodians, nominees or agents including non-receipt of bonus, dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; (g) delays or inability to perform its duties due to any disorder in market infrastructure with respect to any particular security, other financial asset, U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System; and (h) the effect of any provision of any law or regulation or order of the United States of America, or any state thereof, or any other country, or political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction.
14.7 Indirect /Special/Consequential Damages. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein, in no event shall the Custodian be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, lost profits) with respect to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, regardless of whether either party has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
14.8 Delivery of Property. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any securities or other assets of a Portfolio which are not received by the Custodian or which are delivered out in accordance with Proper Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of any securities or other assets or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
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14.9 No Investment Advice. The Custodian has no responsibility to monitor or oversee the investment activity undertaken by a Fund or its Investment Advisor or by an Portfolio. The Custodian has no duty to ensure or to inquire whether an Investment Advisor complies with any investment objectives or restrictions agreed upon between a Fund and the Investment Advisor or whether the Investment Advisor complies with its legal obligations under applicable securities laws or other laws, including laws intended to protect the interests of investors. The Custodian shall neither assess nor take any responsibility or liability for the suitability or appropriateness of the investments made by a Fund or a Portfolio or on its behalf.
14.10 Communications. The Custodian shall not be liable for any untimely exercise of any tender, exchange or other right or power in connection with securities or other financial assets of a Portfolio at any time held by the Custodian unless (a) the Custodian or the Eligible Foreign Custodian is in actual possession of such securities or other financial assets, (b) the Custodian receives Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of the right or power, and (c) both of the conditions referred to in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) have been satisfied at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take action to exercise the right or power.
14.11 Loaned Securities. Income due to each Portfolio on securities or other financial assets loaned shall be the responsibility of the applicable Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection with loaned securities or other financial assets, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is entitled.
14.12 Trade Counterparties. A Funds receipt of securities or other financial assets from a counterparty in connection with any of its purchase transactions and its receipt of cash from a counterparty in connection with any sale or redemption of securities or other financial assets will be at the Funds sole risk, and the Custodian shall not be obligated to make demands on the Funds behalf if the Funds counterparty defaults. If a Funds counterparty fails to deliver securities, other financial assets or cash, the Custodian will, as its sole responsibility, notify the Funds Investment Advisor of the failure within a reasonable time after the Custodian became aware of the failure.
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Section 15. Compensation and Indemnification of Custodian; Security Interest.
Section. 15.1 Compensation. The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services and expenses as agreed upon from time to time between each Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
Section 15.2 Indemnification. Each Portfolio agrees to indemnify the Custodian and to hold the Custodian harmless from and against any loss, cost or expense sustained or incurred by the Custodian in acting or omitting to act under or in respect of this Agreement in good faith and without negligence, including, without limitation, (a) the Custodians compliance with Proper Instructions and (b) in connection with the provision of services to a Fund pursuant to Section 7, any obligations, including taxes, withholding and reporting requirements, claims for exemption and refund, additions for late payment, interest, penalties and other expenses, that may be assessed against the Fund, the Portfolio or the Custodian as custodian of the assets of the Fund or the Portfolio. If a Fund on behalf of a Portfolio instructs the Custodian to take any action with respect to securities or other financial assets, and the action involves the payment of money or may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable therefor, the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to the Custodian taking the action, shall provide to the Custodian at the Custodians request such further indemnification in an amount and form satisfactory to the Custodian.
Section 15.3 Security Interest. Each Fund hereby grants to the Custodian, to secure the payment and performance of the Funds obligations under this Agreement, whether contingent or otherwise, a security interest in and right of recoupment and setoff against all cash and all securities and other financial assets at any time held for the account of a Portfolio by or through the Custodian. The obligations include, without limitation, the Funds obligations to reimburse the Custodian if the Custodian or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents advances cash or securities or other financial assets to the Fund for any purpose (including but not limited to settlements of securities or other financial assets, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement), or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may arise from its or its nominees own negligence, as well as the Funds obligation to compensate the Custodian pursuant to Section 15.1 or indemnify the Custodian pursuant to Section 15.2. Should the Fund fail to reimburse or otherwise pay the Custodian any obligation under this Agreement promptly, the Custodian shall have the rights and remedies of a secured party under this Agreement, the UCC and other applicable law, including the right to utilize available cash and to sell or otherwise dispose of the Portfolios assets to the extent necessary to obtain payment or reimbursement. The Custodian may at any time decline to follow Proper Instructions to deliver out cash, securities or other financial assets if the Custodian determines in its reasonable discretion that, after giving effect to the Proper Instructions, the cash, securities or other financial assets remaining will not have sufficient value fully to secure the Fund's payment or reimbursement obligations, whether contingent or otherwise.
Section 16. Effective Period and Termination.
Section 16.1 Term. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for an initial term ending February 5, 2024. After the expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless a written notice of non-renewal is delivered by the non-renewing party
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no later than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, as the case may be. A written notice of non-renewal may be given as to a Fund or a Portfolio.
Section 16.2 Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement as to a Fund or a Portfolio: (a) in the event of the other partys material breach of a material provision of this Agreement that the other party has either failed to cure, or failed to establish a remedial plan to cure that is reasonably acceptable to the non-breaching party, within 60 days written notice being given by the non- breaching party of the breach, (b) in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the other party, the commencement by or against the other party of a bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding, or upon the happening of a like event to the other party at the direction of an appropriate agency or court of competent jurisdiction or (c) upon one hundred twenty (120) days prior written notice to the other party. A written notice of termination may be given as to a Fund or a Portfolio.
Section 16.3 Payments Owing to the Custodian. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 16.1 or 16.2 with respect to any Fund or Portfolio, the applicable Fund shall pay to the Custodian any compensation then due and shall reimburse the Custodian for its other fees, expenses and charges to the extent the Fund is responsible for such reimbursement hereunder. Upon receipt of such payment and reimbursement, the Custodian will deliver the Funds or Portfolios cash and its securities and other financial assets as set forth in Section 17.
Section 16.4 Exclusions. No payment will be required pursuant to clause (b) of Section 16.3 in the event of any transaction consisting of (a) the liquidation or dissolution of a Fund or a Portfolio and distribution of the Funds or Portfolios assets as a result of the Boards determination in its reasonable business judgment that the Fund or Portfolio is no longer viable, (b) a merger of a Fund or Portfolio into, or the consolidation of a Fund or Portfolio with, another organization or series, or (c) the sale by a Fund or Portfolio of all or substantially all of its assets to another organization or series and, in the case of a transaction referred to in the foregoing clause (b) or (c) the Custodian is retained to continue providing services to the Fund or Portfolio (or its respective successor) on substantially the same terms as this Agreement.
Section 16.5 Effect of Termination. Termination of this Agreement with respect to any one particular Fund or Portfolio shall in no way affect the rights and duties under this Agreement with respect to any other Fund or Portfolio. Following termination with respect to a Fund or Portfolio, the Custodian shall have no further responsibility to forward information under Section 3.8 or 5.8. The provisions of Sections 7, 14, 15 and 17 of this Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement.
Section 17. Successor Custodian.
Section 17.1 Successor Appointed. If a successor custodian shall be appointed for a Portfolio by its Board, the Custodian shall, upon termination of this Agreement and receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver to the successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all cash and all securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio then held by the Custodian hereunder and shall transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio held in a U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent.
Section 17.2 No Successor Appointed. If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer the cash and the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio in accordance with the Proper Instructions.
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Section 17.3 No Successor Appointed and No Property Instructions. If no successor custodian has been appointed and no Proper Instructions have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a bank as defined in the 1940 Act, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, or New York, New York, of its own selection, all cash and all securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio then held by the Custodian hereunder, and to transfer to an account of the bank or trust company all of the securities and other financial assets of the Portfolio held in any U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System or at the Underlying Transfer Agent. The transfer will be on such terms as are contained in this Agreement or as the Custodian may otherwise reasonably negotiate with the bank or trust company. Any compensation payable to the bank or trust company, and any cost or expense incurred by the Custodian, in connection with the transfer shall be for the account of the Portfolio.
Section 17.4 Remaining Property. If any cash or any securities or other financial assets of the Portfolio held by the Custodian hereunder remain held by the Custodian after the termination of this Agreement owing to the failure of the applicable Fund to provide Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian holds the cash or the securities or other financial assets (the existing agreed-to compensation at the time of termation shall be one indicator of what is considered fair compensation). The provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties, exculpation and indemnification of the Custodian shall apply in favor of the Custodian during such period.
Section 17.5 Reserves. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 17, the Custodian may retain cash or securities or other financial assets of the Fund or Portfolio as a reserve reasonably established by the Custodian to secure the payment or performance of any obligations of the Fund or Portfolio secured by a security interest or right of recoupment or setoff in favor of the Custodian.
Section 18. Remote Access Services Addendum. The Custodian and each Fund agree to be bound by the terms of the Remote Access Services Addendum hereto.
Section 19. Loan Services Addendum. If a Fund directs the Custodian in writing to perform loan services, the Custodian and the Fund will be bound by the terms of the Loan Services Addendum attached hereto. The Fund shall reimburse Custodian for its fees and expenses related thereto as agreed upon from time to time in writing by the Fund and the Custodian.
Section 20. General.
Section 20.1 Governing Law. Any and all matters in dispute between the parties hereto, whether arising from or relating to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to any conflict of laws rules. Likewise, the law applicable to all issues in Article 2(1) of the Hague Convention on the Law Applicable to Certain Rights in respect of Securities Held with an Intermediary is the law in force in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Section 20.2 [Reserved]
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Section 20.3 Prior Agreements; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements between each Fund on behalf of each of the Funds Portfolios and the Custodian relating to the custody of the Funds assets. This Agreement may be amended at any time in writing by mutual agreement of the parties hereto.
Section 20.4 Assignment; Delegation. This Agreement may not be assigned by (a) any Fund without the written consent of the Custodian or (b) the Custodian without the written consent of each applicable Fund, except that the Custodian may assign this Agreement to a successor of all or a substantial portion of its business, or to an affiliate of the Custodian.
The Custodian shall have the right, without the consent or approval of any Fund, to employ agents, subcontractors, consultants and other third parties, whether affiliated or unaffiliated, to provide or assist it in the provision of any part of the services provided pursuant to this Agreement other than services required by applicable law to be performed by an Eligible Foreign Custodian, U.S. Securities System or Foreign Securities System (each, a Delegate and collectively, the Delegates) without the consent or approval of the Fund. The Custodian shall be responsible for the services delivered by, and the acts and omissions of, any such Delegate as if the Custodian had provided such services and committed such acts and omissions itself. Unless otherwise agreed in a written fee schedule, the Custodian shall be responsible for the compensation of its Delegates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the term Delegate include sub-custodians, Eligible Foreign Custodians, U.S. Securities Systems and Foreign Securities Systems, and the Custodian shall have no liability for their acts or omissions except as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement. The Custodian will provide the Fund with information regarding its global operating model for the delivery of the services provided hereunder on a quarterly or other periodic basis, which information shall include the identities of Delegates affiliated with the Custodian that perform or may perform parts of the services (excluding services performed by Eligible Foreign Custodians, U.S. Securities Systems and Foreign Securities Systems), and the locations from which such Delegates perform services, as well as such other information about its Delegates as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time. Nothing in this paragraph shall limit or restrict the Custodians right to use affiliates or third parties to perform or discharge, or assist it in the performance or discharge, of any obligations or duties under this Agreement other than the provision of the services.
Section 20.5 Interpretive and Additional Provisions. In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and each Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by all parties, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable laws or regulations or any provision of a Funds organic record and Prospectus. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be an amendment of this Agreement.
Section 20.6 Additional Funds and Portfolios.
20.6.1 Additional Fund. If any management investment company in addition to those listed on Appendix A desires the Custodian to render services as custodian under the terms of this Agreement, the management investment company shall so notify the Custodian in writing. If the Custodian agrees in writing to provide the services, the management investment company shall become a Fund hereunder and be bound by all terms and conditions and provisions hereof including, without limitation, the representations and warranties set forth in Section 20.7 below.
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20.6.2 Additional Portfolio. If any Fund establishes a series in addition to the Portfolios set forth on Appendix A with respect to which the Fund desires the Custodian to render services as custodian under the terms of this Agreement, the Fund shall so notify the Custodian in writing. If the Custodian agrees in writing to provide the services, the series shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
Section 20.7 The Parties; Representations and Warranties. All references in this Agreement to the Fund are to each of the management investment companies listed on Appendix A, and each management investment company made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 20.6 above, individually, as if this Agreement were between the individual Fund and the Custodian. In the case of a series organization, all references in this Agreement to the Portfolio are to the individual series of the series organization on behalf of the individual series. Any reference in this Agreement to the parties shall mean the Custodian and such other individual Fund as to which the matter pertains.
20.7.1 Fund Representations and Warranties. Each Fund hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is duly organized and validly existing in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization; (b) it has the requisite power and authority under applicable law and its organic record to enter into and perform this Agreement; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Funds ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and (e) its entering into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Fund or any law or regulation applicable to it.
20.7.2 Custodian Representations and Warranties. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants that (a) it is a trust company, duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (b) it has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; (c) all requisite proceedings have been taken to authorize it to enter into and perform this Agreement; (d) no legal or administrative proceedings have been instituted or threatened which would materially impair the Custodians ability to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement; and (e) its entering into this Agreement shall not cause a material breach or be in material conflict with any other agreement or obligation of the Custodian or any law or regulation applicable to it.
Section 20.8 Notices. Any notice, instruction or other communication required to be given hereunder will, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, be in writing and may be sent by hand, or by facsimile transmission, or overnight delivery by any recognized delivery service, to the parties at the following addresses or such other addresses as may be notified by any party from time to time.
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Section 20.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be executed in either original or electronically transmitted form (e.g., faxes or emailed portable document format (PDF) form), and the parties hereby adopt as original any signatures received in electronically transmitted form.
Section 20.10 Severability; No Waiver. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The failure of a party hereto to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion or the failure of a party hereto to exercise or any delay in exercising any right or remedy under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of any the term, right or remedy or a waiver of any other rights or remedies, and no single or partial exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement shall prevent any further exercise of the right or remedy or the exercise of any other right or remedy.
Section 20.11 Confidentiality. All information provided under this Agreement by a party (the Disclosing Party) to the other party (the Receiving Party) regarding the Disclosing Partys business and operations shall be treated as confidential. Subject to Section 20.12 below, all confidential information provided under this Agreement by Disclosing Party shall be used, including disclosure to third parties, by the Receiving Party, or its agents or service providers, solely for the purpose of performing or receiving the services and discharging the Receiving Partys other obligations under the Agreement or managing the business of the Receiving Party and its affiliates, including financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any information (a) that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes publicly available, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (b) that is independently derived by the Receiving Party without the use of any information provided by the Disclosing Party in connection with this Agreement, (c) that is disclosed to comply with any legal or regulatory proceeding, investigation, audit, examination, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other similar process, (d) that is disclosed as required by operation of law or regulation or as required to comply with the requirements of any market infrastructure that the Disclosing Party or its agents direct the Custodian or its affiliates to employ (or which is required in connection with the holding or settlement of instruments included in the assets subject to this Agreement), or (e) where the party seeking to disclose has received the prior written consent of the party providing the information, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
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Section 20.12 Use of Data.
(a) In connection with the provision of the services and the discharge of its other obligations under this Agreement, the Custodian (which term for purposes of this Section 20.12 includes each of its parent company, branches and affiliates (Affiliates)) may collect and store information regarding a Fund and share such information with its Affiliates, agents and service providers in order and to the extent reasonably necessary (i) to carry out the provision of services contemplated under this Agreement and other agreements between the Fund and the Custodian or any of its Affiliates and (ii) to carry out management of its businesses, including, but not limited to, financial and operational management and reporting, risk management, legal and regulatory compliance and client service management.
(b) Subject to paragraph (d) below, the Custodian and/or its Affiliates may use any Confidential Information of the Fund (Data) obtained by such entities in the performance of their services under this Agreement or any other agreement between the Fund and the Custodian or one of its Affiliates, including Data regarding transactions and portfolio holdings relating to the Fund to develop, publish or otherwise distribute to third parties certain investor behavior indicators or indices that represent broad trends in the flow of investment funds into various markets, sectors or investment instruments (collectively, the Indicators), but only so long as (i) the Data is combined or aggregated with (A) information of other customers of the Custodian and/or (B) information derived from other sources, in each case such that the Indicators do not allow for attribution or identification of such Data with the Fund, (ii) the Data represents less than a statistically meaningful portion of all of the data used to create the Indicators and (iii) the Custodian publishes or otherwise distributes to third parties only the Indicators and under no circumstance publishes, makes available, distributes or otherwise discloses any of the Data to any third party, whether aggregated, anonymized or otherwise, except as expressly permitted under this Agreement.
(c) The Fund acknowledges that the Custodian may seek to realize economic benefit from the publication or distribution of the Indicators.
(d) Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, nothing in this Section 20.12 shall limit the confidentiality and data-protection obligations of the Custodian and its Affiliates under this Agreement and applicable law. The Custodian shall cause any Affiliate, agent or service provider to which it has disclosed Data pursuant to this Section 20.12 to comply at all times with confidentiality and data-protection obligations as if it were a party to this Agreement.
Section 20.13 Data Privacy. The Custodian will implement and maintain a written information security program that contains appropriate security measures to safeguard the personal information of the Funds shareholders, employees, directors and officers that the Custodian receives, stores, maintains, processes or otherwise accesses in connection with the provision of services hereunder. The term, personal information, as used in this Section, means (a) an individuals name (first initial and last name or first name and last name), address or telephone number plus (i) Social Security number, (ii) drivers license number, (iii) state identification card number, (iv) debit or credit card number, (v) financial account number or (vi) personal identification number or password that would permit access to a persons account, or (b) any combination of any of the foregoing that would allow a person to log onto or access an individuals account. The term does not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
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Section 20.14 Reproduction of Documents. This Agreement and all schedules, addenda, exhibits, appendices, attachments and amendments hereto may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.
Section 20.15 Regulation GG. Each Fund represents and warrants that it does not engage in an Internet gambling business, as such term is defined in Section 233.2(r) of Federal Reserve Regulation GG (12 CFR 233) and covenants that it shall not engage in an Internet gambling business. In accordance with Regulation GG, each Fund is hereby notified that restricted transactions, as such term is defined in Section 233.2(y) of Regulation GG, are prohibited in any dealings with the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise between or among any party hereto.
Section 20.16 Shareholder Communications Election. SEC Rule 14b-2 requires banks that hold securities, as that term is used in federal securities laws, for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, as may be applicable, the Custodian needs each Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide such Funds name, address, and share position to requesting companies whose securities the Fund owns. If a Fund tells the Custodian no, the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If a Fund tells the Custodian yes or does not check either yes or no below, the Custodian is required by the rule, as applicable, to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund. For a Funds protection, the Rule, as applicable, prohibits the requesting company from using the Funds name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES o | The Custodian is authorized to release the Funds name, address, and share positions. |
NO x | The Custodian is not authorized to release the Funds name, address, and share positions. |
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Signature Page
In Witness Whereof, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative under seal as of the date first above-written.
EACH
OF THE MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND SERIES
SET FORTH ON APPENDIX A HERETO
By: |
|
Name:
Richard Malinowski
Title: President, Northern Lights Fund Trust III
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By: |
|
Name: | Michael A XXXXX |
Title: | Managing Director |
Master Custodian Agreement
APPENDIX
A
to
Master Custodian Agreement
Management Investment Companies Registered with the SEC and Portfolios thereof, If Any
Centerstone Investors Funds
Centerstone International Fund
1
[Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed.]
Exhibit A
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III CLASS A
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
Date Last Amended: November 23, 2020
Fund Name | Maximum Authorized Rate | Currently Approved Rate | Distributor |
Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Absolute Capital Defender Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Centerstone Investors Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Centerstone International Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Boyd Watterson Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
HCM Income Plus Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
HCM Tactical Growth Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Newfound Risk Managed U.S Growth Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Persimmon Long/Short Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund | 0.40% | 0.40% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
RESQ Strategic Income Fund | 0.40% | 0.40% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
1 |
Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Foreign Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
The Covered Bridge Fund | 0.25% | 0.25% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
2 |
Acknowledged and Approved by:
Northern Lights Fund Trust III:
By: /s/ Richard Malinowski
Richard Malinowski, President
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:
By: /s/ William J. Strait
William J. Strait, President
3 |
Exhibit A
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
CLASS C
MASTER DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
Date Last Amended: November 23, 2020
Fund Name | Maximum Authorized Rate | Currently Approved Rate | Distributor |
Boyd Watterson Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Centerstone Investors Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Centerstone International Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Index Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Growth Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Persimmon Long/Short Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
RESQ Strategic Income Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Foreign Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
The Covered Bridge Fund | 1.00% | 1.00% | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC |
Acknowledged and Approved by:
Northern Lights Fund Trust III:
By: /s/ Richard Malinowski
Richard Malinowski, President
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:
By: /s/ William J. Strait
William J. Strait, President
APPENDIX A
Funds and Classes as of November 23, 2020
Fund / Fund Family | Share Classes | Share Class Features(1) | Redemption Fee | ||
12b-1 Plan(2) | Front-End Sales Charge(3) | Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(3) | |||
Swan Defined Risk Fund | A | ü | ü | None | |
C | ü | ü | None | ||
I | None | ||||
T | ü | ü | None | ||
No Load | ü | None | |||
Y | None | ||||
Persimmon Long/Short Fund | I | 1.00%** | |||
Good Harbor Funds \ Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Buyout Index Fund Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund
|
A | ü | 1.00%* | ||
C | ü | ü | 1.00%* | ||
I
|
1.00%* | ||||
Pinnacle Funds Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Fund Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund |
A | ü | ü | 1.00%** | |
C | ü | ü | 1.00%** | ||
I |
1.00%** |
||||
The Covered Bridge Fund | A | ü | ü | 1.00%*** | |
I | 1.00%*** | ||||
RESQ Funds RESQ Strategic Income Fund RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund |
A | ü | ü | 2.00%* | |
C | ü | 2.00%* | |||
I |
2.00%* |
||||
Issachar fund
|
N | ü | None | ||
I |
None |
||||
Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Growth Fund | A | ü | ü | 1.00%* | |
I | 1.00%* |
1 |
HCM Tactical Growth Fund | A | ü | ü | 1.00%* | |
Investor | ü | 1.00%* | |||
I | 1.00%* | ||||
Counterpoint Funds Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund |
A | ü | ü | None | |
C |
ü |
None |
|||
I |
None |
||||
ACM Funds ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund ACM Tactical Income Fund |
A | ü | ü | ü | 1.00%* |
I |
1.00%* |
||||
Swan Funds Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund Swan Defined Risk Foreign Fund Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund |
A | ü | ü | None | |
C | ü | ü | None | ||
I | None | ||||
T | ü | ü | None | ||
Y |
None |
||||
Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund | A | ü | ü | None | |
C | ü | None | |||
I | None | ||||
Y | None | ||||
HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund | A | ü | ü | 1.00%* | |
A1 | ü | ü | 1.00%* | ||
Investor | ü | 1.00%* | |||
N | ü | 1.00%* | |||
I | 1.00%* | ||||
Absolute Funds Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund Absolute Capital Defender Fund |
A | ü | ü | None | |
Investor | ü | None | |||
Institutional | None |
2 |
(1) The features and expenses of each share class are described in further detail in the respective Fund’s Prospectus.
(2) The distribution and shareholder servicing expenses of a share class are provided for in the Fund’s respective 12b-1 Plan.
(3) The sales charges associated with a share class are described further in the respective Fund’s Prospectus.
* As a % of amount redeemed if held less than 30 days.
** As a % of amount redeemed if held less than 60 days.
*** As a % of amount redeemed, if sold within 90 days.
**** Fund has not yet commenced operation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has executed this amended Multi-Class Plan as of the 23rd day of November, 2020.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
By: _/s/ Richard Malinowski_____________
Richard Malinowski, President
3 |
I. CODE OF ETHICS
A. Introduction
1. Purpose
The Company has adopted the policies and procedures described in this section of the Manual (the “Code of Ethics” or “Code”) in an effort to maintain a policy of strict compliance with the highest standards of ethical business conduct and the provisions of applicable laws, including state and federal securities laws and regulations. Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act") requires investment advisors to mutual funds to adopt a written Code of Ethics and to report any material compliance violations. Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (collectively, the “Rules”), require the Company to adopt a code of ethics containing provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined below) from engaging in any act, practice or course of business prohibited by the Rules.
“Access Person” means (i) all management personnel (officers, directors and partners) of the Company, and (ii) any other Employee of the Company who has access to information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Company or the portfolio holdings of any of its Clients, or who is involved in making recommendations with respect to purchases or sales of securities. [To simplify operations and administration as well as enforce a more strict level of compliance, the Company chooses to treat all Employees as Access Persons for the purpose of this Code.]
This Code is predicated on the principle that the Company owes a fiduciary duty to its Clients. Every fiduciary has the duty and a responsibility to act in the utmost good faith and in the best interests of the Client and to always place the Client’s interests first and foremost. Accordingly, the Company’s Employees must avoid activities, interests and relationships that run contrary (or appear to run contrary) to the best interests of Clients.
In addition, this Code of Ethics has been adopted to ensure that Employees who have knowledge of the portfolio transactions will not be able to act thereon to the disadvantage of the Company or its Clients. It is the responsibility of each Employee to understand the various laws applicable to such Employee, and to conduct personal securities transactions in a manner that does not interfere with the transactions of the Company or its Clients, or otherwise take unfair advantage of the Company or its Clients.
The Code does not address every possible situation that may arise, consequently, every Employee is responsible for exercising good judgment, applying ethical principles, and
bringing violations or potential violations of the Code of Ethics to the attention of the CCO. Any questions regarding the Company’s Code of Ethics should be referred to the CCO.
2. | Administration of Code |
The CCO shall be responsible for all aspects of administering, and all interpretive issues arising under, this Code. The CCO is responsible for considering any requests for exceptions to, or exemptions from, the Code. Any exceptions to, or exemptions from, the Code shall be subject to such additional procedures, reviews and reporting as may be deemed appropriate by the CCO.
On an annual basis, the CCO shall prepare a written report describing any issues arising under the Code of Ethics or procedures, including information about any material violations of the Code of Ethics or its underlying procedures and any sanctions imposed due to such violations and submit the information for review by the Board; and
On an annual basis, the CCO shall certify to the Board of Trustees that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent its Access Persons from violating the Code of Ethics.
3. | Recordkeeping Requirements |
The Company shall maintain the following records at its principal place of business:
· | a copy of each Code in effect during the past five years; |
· | a record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of the violation for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs; |
· | a copy of each personal trading report required by this Code; |
· | a record of all persons required to make reports currently and during the past five years; |
· | a record of all persons who are or were responsible for reviewing these reports during the past five years; and |
· | a record of any decision and the reasons supporting that decision, to approve an person’s purchase of securities in an initial public offering or private placement, for at least five years after approval. |
Please see Section V for more information on the Company’s recordkeeping requirements.
4. | Condition of Employment or Service with the Company |
This Code of Ethics applies to each Employee of the Company. Employees shall read and understand this Code and uphold the standards in the Code in their day-to-day activities at the Company. Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of employment or continued affiliation with the Company and conduct not in accordance herewith shall constitute grounds for sanctions (including, without limitation, reprimands, restrictions on activities, disgorgement, termination of employment, or removal from office). Each Employee shall sign the acknowledgement form attached to the manual as Exhibit A indicating his or her receipt and understanding of, and agreement to comply with this Code. Such signed acknowledgement should be returned to the CCO and may be submitted electronically.
B. Standards of Conduct
1. Employee Conduct
The following general principles should guide the individual conduct of each Employee:
· | Employees will not take any action that will violate any applicable laws or regulations, including all federal securities laws. |
· | Employees will adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct. |
· | Employees will maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of employment with the Company. |
· | Employees will bring any issues reasonably believed to place the Company at risk to the attention of the CCO. |
· | Employees will not abuse or misappropriate the Company’s or any Client’s assets or use them for personal gain. |
· | Employees will disclose any activities that may create an actual or potential conflict of interest between the Employee, the Company and/or any Client. |
· | Employees will deal fairly with Clients and other Employees and will not abuse the Employee’s position of trust and responsibility with Clients or take inappropriate advantage of his or her position with the Company. |
· | Employees will comply with the Code of Ethics. |
2. | Falsification or Alteration of Records |
Falsifying or altering records or reports of the Company, preparing records or reports that do not accurately or adequately reflect the underlying transactions or activities of the Company or its Clients, or knowingly approving such conduct is prohibited. Examples of prohibited financial or accounting practices include:
· | Making false or inaccurate entries or statements in any Company or Client books, records, or reports that intentionally hide or misrepresent the true nature of a transaction or activity; |
· | Manipulating books, records, or reports for personal gain; |
· | Failing to maintain required books and records that completely, accurately, and timely reflect all business transactions; |
· | Maintaining any undisclosed or unrecorded Company or Client funds or assets; |
· | Using funds for a purpose other than the described purpose; |
· | Making a payment or approving a receipt with the understanding that the funds will be, or have been, used for a purpose other than what is described in the record of the transaction. |
3. | Competition and Fair Dealing |
The Company seeks to outperform its competition fairly and honestly. The Company seeks competitive advantages through superior performance, not through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information obtained without the owner’s consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present Employees of other companies is prohibited. Each Employee should endeavor to respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s Clients, vendors, service providers, suppliers, and competitors. No Employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional unfair dealing practice. Employees should not falsely disparage or make unfair negative comments about its competitors or their products and services. Negative public statements concerning the conduct or performance of any former Employee of the Company should also be avoided.
4. Financial Controls
As previous items have alluded to, the highest standard of conduct is expected in matters relating to Financial Controls at Swan. Swan’s CFO conducts ongoing review for any financial issues that could impact the firm’s compliance program. Documented business processes are in place to identify risks and mitigating controls, along with the process owner.
C. Prohibition Against Insider Trading
1. Company Policy
Investment advisers and their employees often have access to material information about a public company that has not been publicly disseminated. Federal and state securities laws generally make it unlawful for any person to trade in securities of a publicly-traded issuer while in possession of material, non-public information concerning such issuer or its securities. It is also unlawful to pass material, non-public information to others (a practice known as “tipping”). The persons covered by these restrictions are not only “insiders” of publicly-traded issuers, but also any other person who, under certain circumstances, learns of material, non-public information about an issuer, such as attorneys, investment banking analysts and investment managers.
Violations of these restrictions have severe consequences for both the Company and its Employees. Trading on material, non-public information or communicating such information to others is punishable by imprisonment and criminal fines. In addition, employers may be subjected to liability for insider trading or tipping by Employees. Broker-dealers and investment advisors may be held liable for failing to take measures to deter securities laws violations where such failure is found to have substantially contributed to or permitted a violation.
In light of these rules, the Company has adopted the general policy, applicable to all Employees that an Employee may not trade in any Client or personal account in the securities of any publicly-traded issuer about which the Employee possesses material, non-public information, nor “tip” others about such information.
The laws of insider trading are continuously changing. You may legitimately be uncertain about the application of the rules contained in this Manual in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can forestall disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You should notify the CCO immediately if you have any questions as to the propriety of any actions or about the policies and procedures contained herein.
2. | Explanation of Insider Trading |
The elements of insider trading and the penalties for such unlawful conduct are discussed below. If any Employee has any questions they should consult the CCO.
What is Material Information?
“Material information” is defined generally as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable 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. Information that should be considered material includes, but is not limited to:
· | business combinations (such as mergers or joint ventures), |
· | changes in financial results, |
· | changes in dividend policy, |
· | changes in earnings estimates, |
· | significant litigation exposure, |
· | new product or service announcements, |
· | private securities offerings, |
· | plans for recapitalization, |
· | repurchase of shares or other reorganization plans |
· | antitrust charges, |
· | labor disputes, |
· | pending large commercial or government contracts, |
· | significant shifts in operating or financial circumstances (such as major write-offs and strikes at major plants), and |
· | extraordinary business or management developments (such as key personnel changes). |
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 from The Wall Street Journal’s “Heard on the Street” column.
No simple test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. If you are in receipt of non-public information that you believe is not material, you should confirm such determination with the CCO.
What is Non-Public Information?
Information is non-public until it has been effectively communicated to the market place. One must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public. For example, information found in a report publicly filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered public.
If the information is not available in the general media or in a public filing, it should be treated as non-public. If you are uncertain whether or not information is non-public, you should contact the CCO.
Specific Sources of Material Non-Public Information
Below is a list of potential sources of material, non-public information that Employees of the Company may periodically access. If an Employee accesses or utilizes any of these sources of information, whether in connection with their employment duties or otherwise, they should be particularly sensitive to the possibility of receiving material non-public information about a publicly-traded company, and immediately notify the CCO if they feel that they have received material non-public information. This list is provided for general guidance and is not an exclusive list of all possible sources of material non-public information.
Contacts with Public Companies
Contacts with public companies represent an important part of the Company’s research efforts. The Company may make investment decisions on the basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly-available information.
Employees must be especially alert to the potential for access to sensitive information during such contacts. Information received from company representatives during a conference call that is open to the investment community is public. The disclosure of this type of information is covered by SEC Regulation FD.
Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of contacts with public companies, you become aware of material, non-public 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 a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, the Company must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, the Company and its Clients, you should contact the CCO immediately if you believe that you may have received material, non-public information.
All calls or meetings with any employee of a public company must be reported to the CCO prior to the meeting. To the extent that any meeting or contact is not open to the investment community, the CCO may require that an Employee issue a standard notification at the beginning of the meeting that they do not wish to receive non-public information. The CCO will maintain a list of all Company contacts with public companies.
Contacts with Research Consultants
Employees may wish to engage the services of a third party research firms (a “Consulting Service”), to assist in their research efforts. Generally, such Consulting Services provide access to experts (each a “Consultant”) across a variety of industries and disciplines. Employees must be especially alert to the potential for access to material non-public or confidential information during such contacts.
Any engagement of a new Consulting Service or Consultant must be pre-approved by the CCO. In addition, Employees must notify the CCO prior to each contact (whether a call or meeting) with any previously approved Consultant. The CCO will maintain a list of all Company contacts with Consultants.
The following guidelines apply to all Employee contacts with Consulting Services and Consultants:
· | Prior to any conversation with a Consultant, Employees must remind or inform such Consultant that (i) the Company invests in publicly-traded securities and (ii) neither the Company nor the Employee wish to receive material, non-public information or confidential information that the Consultant is under a duty, legal or otherwise, not to disclose. |
The consultant must acknowledge that he or she is unaware of any conflict with any law, regulation or duty owed to any person or entity that may arise by providing the Company or its Employees with his or her services, or inform the Employee or the Company otherwise.
· | If a Consultant inadvertently discloses material non-public information regarding any company, the Employee must contact the CCO immediately, who will determine if the company must be added to the Restricted List. |
· | The CCO or a designee may chaperone calls with Consultants. |
· | Employees may not discuss any company (public or private) with which a Consultant is affiliated, including but not limited to a director, trustee, officer, employee or any other known affiliation. |
· | Employees are reminded of their non-disclosure obligations regarding Company information contained in the Company’s Compliance Manual. |
Tender Offers
Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons: First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary volatility 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 that expressly forbids trading and “tipping” while in possession of material, non-public information regarding a tender
offer received from the tender offeror, the target company, or anyone acting on behalf of either. You should exercise particular caution any time you become aware of non-public information relating to a tender offer.
Directorships and Committee Memberships
An Employee of the Company may be a member of the Board of Directors, creditor’s committee or similar committee, group or informal organization of credit holders, or have similar status with a public issuer. Any such memberships must be reported to the CCO immediately by completing Outside Business Activities questionnaire attached hereto as Exhibit C.
Confidentiality Agreements
The Company may enter into confidentiality agreements with issuers, their representatives, or third party firms relating to the evaluation of a potential transaction in an issuer’s securities. All confidentiality agreements must be approved by the CCO prior to execution. Confidentiality agreements generally require the Company to maintain information received thereunder in confidence, but may also contain other provisions such as restrictions on trading, restrictions on use of the information or a requirement to destroy or return such information. Employees should be particularly sensitive to information they receive pursuant to a confidentiality agreement as such information is likely to be material non-public information. Employees should also be knowledgeable regarding any restrictions or representations with respect to such information contained in a confidentiality agreement so as to avoid a breach thereunder. If you are uncertain as to your rights and obligations under a confidentiality agreement, please contact the CCO.
Market Rumors
Creating or spreading a rumor that is known to be untrue with the intent of affecting the market price of a security could constitute an unlawful attempt to manipulate market prices and should be avoided at all times. In addition, making investment decisions or otherwise acting on information received as a market rumor can carry significant risk for the Company and the Employee, given the inherent lack of certainty that a market rumor is accurate and/or does not constitute material non-public information. Employees should contact the CCO prior to acting on or sharing any information received as a market rumor.
Penalties for Insider Trading
You may face severe penalties if you trade securities while in possession of material, non-public information, or if you improperly communicate non-public information to others. The consequences to you of illegal insider trading may include:
· | The Company may terminate your employment. |
· | You may be subject to criminal sanctions which may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or up to ten years imprisonment. |
· | The SEC can recover your profits gained or losses avoided through illegal trading, and a penalty of up to three times the profit from the illegal trades. |
· | The SEC may issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. |
· | You may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations. |
Insider trading laws provide for penalties for “controlling persons” of individuals who commit insider trading. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, a supervisor of an employee who is found liable for insider trading may also be subject to penalties.
The Company could be subject to the following penalties in the event an Employee is found liable for insider trading:
· | Civil penalties of up to the greater of $1 million or three times the amount of profits gained or losses avoided by an Employee; |
· | Criminal fines of up to $2.5 million per violation; and |
· | Restrictions on the Company’s ability to conduct certain of its business activities. |
3. | Compliance Procedures |
The following procedures have been established to aid Employees in addressing situations where they have access to material non-public information relating to any company. Each Employee must follow these procedures or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties.
Identifying Material Non-public Information
Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including Client accounts, you must determine whether you have access to material, non-public information. Ask yourself the following questions:
· | Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the securities if disclosed? |
· | Is the information non-public? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by appearing in publications of general circulation? Is the information already available to a significant number of other traders in the market? |
If after consideration of the foregoing you believe that the information is material and non-public, or if you have questions as to whether the information is material and non-public, you should take the following steps:
· | Report the matter immediately to the CCO. |
· | Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including any Client account. |
· | Do not communicate the information within or outside of the Company other than to the CCO and other persons who “need to know” such information in order to perform their job responsibilities at the Company. |
Upon the determination by the CCO that the information received is material and non-public, you should complete a Restricted List Addition Form in the form of Exhibit J and return it to the CCO. The CCO will promptly add the name to the Company Restricted List (defined below).
Restricted List
Receipt by the Company or an Employee of material non-public information, as well as certain transactions in which the Company may engage, may require, for either business or legal reasons, that Client accounts or personal accounts of Employees do not trade in the subject securities for specified time periods. Any such security will be designated as “restricted.” The CCO will determine which securities are restricted, will maintain a list (the “Restricted List”) of such securities and will deny permission to effect transactions in Client or Employee personal accounts in securities on the Restricted List. The CCO will periodically disseminate the Restricted List to all Employees as it is updated. No Employee may engage in any trading activity, whether for a Client account or a personal account, with respect to a security while it is on the Restricted List. Restrictions with regard to designated securities are also considered to extend to options, rights or warrants relating to those securities and any securities convertible into those securities.
The CCO or designee will be responsible for determining whether to remove a particular company from the Restricted List. The Employee requesting the removal of an issuer from
the Restricted List shall complete a Restricted List Deletion Form in the form of Exhibit K and return it to the CCO.
The Restricted List is confidential and may not be disseminated outside the Company.
Confidentiality of Material Non-Public Information
Communications
Information in your possession that you identify as material and non-public may not be communicated to anyone, including any person within the Company other than the CCO and those persons who “need to know” such information in order to perform their job responsibilities at the Company.
Information Handling
Employees should take all appropriate actions to safeguard any material, non-public information in their possession. Care should be taken that such information is secure at all times. For example, do not leave documents or papers containing material, non-public information on your desks or otherwise for people to see, access to files containing material, non-public information and computer files containing such information should be restricted, and conversations containing such information, if appropriate at all, should be conducted in private.
You may not make unauthorized copies of material, non-public information. Additionally, you must ensure the disposal of any material, non-public information in your possession is authorized (for example, material, nonpublic information obtained pursuant to a confidentiality agreement may be required to be returned in certain circumstances). Upon termination of your employment with the Company, you must return to the Company any material, non-public information (and all copies thereof in any media) in your possession or under your control.
D. Personal Securities Transactions
1. General
The Company has adopted the following general principles governing personal investment activities by Company personnel:
2. | Restrictions and Limitations on Personal Securities Transactions |
The following restrictions and limitations govern investments and personal securities transactions by all Employees. Although subject to the Swan Code of Ethics, interns and contract employees are not subject to pre-clearance/securities reporting responsibilities, as their responsibilities are typically administrative in nature and do not allow them access to any non-public portfolio information. Furthermore, this policy applies only to employee accounts, including accounts they have trading authority for (joint accounts, custodial accounts, trust accounts, etc). Family member accounts are not included.
Pre-Clearance Procedures
The Company is an asset manager that uses only ETFs, Options on ETFs and mutual funds. Publicly traded stocks are not part of the portfolio investment strategy and the company does not participate in stock analysis, stock selection or stock investing. The Company generally restricts Employees from investing in the same securities as invested in client accounts.
Employees must obtain approval from the CCO prior to executing a non-exempt securities transaction in any Reportable Brokerage Account (defined below) by submitting a pre-clearance form in the form of Exhibit L.[1] Pre-clearance of CCO transactions is performed by the Managing Director of Operations. All approved securities transactions must be executed on the same day that the pre-clearance is obtained. Post-approval of personal securities transactions is not permitted. Any employee who fails to obtain trade-preclearance as set forth in this personal trading policy will have a record of such occurrence recorded. Based on the severity and quantity of occurrences, consequences could include but are not limited to a formal write up by the CCO or termination of employment.
Actions that occur without the direction of the Employee will be exempt from these requirements (option expiration, called bond, converted security, etc.).
The securities below are exempt from the above pre-clearance requirement:
· | Money-market funds; |
· | Open-end mutual funds (other than Reportable Funds as defined in the Advisers Act); |
· | Exchange traded funds; |
· | Bankers acceptances, bank CDs, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments; |
· | Unit investment trusts; |
· | Brokerage certificates of deposit; |
· | Direct obligations of the U.S. government (U.S. Treasury securities); |
· | Transactions through an established Automatic Investment Plan; |
· | Any Security not traded in the Swan DRS strategy or owned by any Swan Client and managed by the Company. |
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 (DRIP).
Under the ICA, reportable Funds are (i) any fund for which the Company serves as an investment adviser or (ii) any fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Employee or is under common control with the Employee.
Restricted List
No Employee personal securities transactions will be permitted in any security that is currently on the Company’s Restricted List. All Employee personal securities transactions are subject to monitoring in order to ascertain any pattern of conduct which may evidence use of material non-public information obtained in the course of their employment.
Participation in IPOs and Secondary Offerings
No Employee may acquire any security in an initial public offering (IPO) or secondary public offering without the prior approval of the CCO.
Private Placements
Private placements of any kind (including, but not limited to, limited partnership investments, limited liability companies, hedge funds, private equity funds, PIPEs, real estate, oil and gas partnerships and venture capital investments) may only be acquired with pre-approval of the CCO, and, if approved, will be subject to monitoring for possible future conflicts. A request for approval of a private placement must be submitted in advance of the proposed date of investment by completing an Outside Business Activities Disclosure Form attached hereto in Exhibit C.
Prohibition Against Front Running
The Company has established a policy that its Employees shall not execute a personal transaction in a security if an order for a Client account for the same security, same way, at the same price (whether limit or market order) remains unexecuted. Such restriction shall be effective for [four] trading days before and after any such Client account.
Each Employee is prohibited from buying or selling for either a Client account or an Employee personal account (i) an option while in possession of non-public information concerning a block transaction by a Client account in the underlying stock, or (ii) an underlying security while in possession of non-public information concerning a block transaction by a Client account in an option covering that security (the “inter-market front running”). This prohibition extends to trading in stock index options and stock index futures while in possession of non-public information concerning a block transaction in a component stock of an index.
3. | Reportable Accounts |
All Employees must provide to the CCO a written or electronic disclosure in the form Exhibit D certifying all Reportable Brokerage Accounts within 10 days after first becoming an Employee and thereafter upon establishing any new Reportable Brokerage Account. For the purposes of this Manual, Reportable Brokerage Accounts include any personal brokerage account over which the Employee has control or discretionary trading authority and that has the capability to hold or trade individual securities (stocks, bonds, options etc.). The following types of accounts are NOT considered Reportable Brokerage Accounts and are not reportable:
· | Any personal brokerage account over which the Employee has no control or discretionary trading authority, including any Managed Accounts (as defined below); |
A Managed Account is a brokerage account that meets the following criteria:
· | the account is managed by a third party investment manager; and |
· | the Employee has no power to control or influence investment decisions in the account. |
A Managed Account held by an Employee will be exempted from trade pre-clearance and ongoing reporting requirements of this Code. The Employee will be required to report the account to the CCO and provide a letter signed by the investment manager on the manager’s letterhead that the above criteria will be met or alternatively, may provide a copy of the investment advisory agreement or contract.
4. | Investment Reporting |
Holdings Reports
All Employees must certify their personal securities holdings via the Initial Holdings Report in the form of Exhibit E within 10 days after first becoming an Employee. The information contained in the Initial Holdings Report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an Employee.
Additionally, Employees must submit an Annual Holdings Report in the form of Exhibit E by January 31 of each year, provided, however, that an Employee need not submit an Annual Holdings Report if the information reported therein would be duplicative of information contained in broker trade confirmations, notices or advices or account statements received by the Company. The information contained in the Annual Holdings Report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the Annual Holdings Report is submitted.
A report must be submitted even if no purchases or sales of securities were made during the period covered by the report.
Transactions Reports
Employees must file a written or electronic Quarterly Trade Report in the form of Exhibit F within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter that identifies all transaction made during the quarter, provided, however, that an Employee need not submit a Quarterly Trade Report if the information reported therein would be duplicative of information contained in broker trade confirmations, notices or advices or account statements received by the Company.
A Quarterly Trade Report must be submitted even if no purchases or sales of securities were made during the period covered by the report.
5. | Review |
The CCO shall be responsible for (i) notifying Employees of their reporting obligations under this Code and (ii) reviewing the reports submitted by each Employee under this Code. The CCO may assign the review of Employee reports to a designee, however, no person shall be allowed to review or approve his or her own reports, and reports shall be reviewed by the CCO or other officer who is senior to the person submitting the report. CCO reports shall be reviewed by the Managing Director of Operations. The CCO shall maintain records of all reports filed pursuant to these procedures.
All Employee personal securities transactions are subject to monitoring in order to ascertain any patterns of conduct which may evidence conflicts with the principles of this Manual, including patterns of front-running or other inappropriate behavior.
E. Political Contributions
1. Company Contributions
Firm funds or gifts may not be furnished, directly or indirectly, to a government official, government employee or politician for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining business on behalf of the Firm. Such conduct is illegal and may violate federal and state criminal laws. Assistance or entertainment provided to any government office should never, in form or substance, compromise the Firm’s arms-length business relationship with the government agency or official involved.
2. | Pay-to-Play |
Background
SEC Rule 206(4)-5 prohibits "pay-to-play" practices by investment advisers that seek to provide investment advisory services to government entities (i.e., any state or political subdivision of a state, including: any agency, authority or instrumentality of the state, a pool of assets sponsored or established by the state, a plan or program of a government entity; and officers, agents, or employees of the state acting in their official capacity). The rule applies to government assets managed by the Company, whether in a separate account or a pooled investment vehicle. Rule 206(4)-5 prohibits:
· | An adviser's receipt of compensation from a government entity for two years following any contribution by the adviser or certain of its personnel (“covered associates”), to certain officials (“covered official”) of a government entity; |
· | Payments by an adviser or any covered associate to third-party solicitors or placement agents for their solicitation of government entities unless the third party solicitor is a registered representative of a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser subject to pay-to-play regulations; and |
· | An adviser and its covered associates from soliciting or coordinating contributions for an official of a government entity to which the adviser is seeking to provide advisory services, or payments to a political party of a state or locality where any adviser is providing or seeking to provide advisory services to a government entity. |
The rule also prohibits acts done indirectly, which, if done directly, would result in a violation of the rule and includes increased recordkeeping requirements regarding political contributions made by its covered associates.
The look back provisions of the rule require an investment adviser to look back in time to determine whether it will be subject to any business restrictions under the rule when employing or engaging a person who would be considered a covered associate due to such
person’s triggering contribution to an official of a government entity. The two year time out is not triggered by a contribution made by a natural person more than 6 months prior to becoming a covered associate, unless he or she, after becoming a covered associate, solicits Clients. As a result, the full two year look back applies only to covered associates who solicit for the Company.
Definitions
A contribution means any gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money or anything of value made for:
· | The purpose of influencing any election for federal, state or local office; |
· | The payment of debt incurred in connection with any such election; or |
· | Transition or inaugural expenses incurred by the successful candidate for state or local office. |
This includes not only monetary contributions, but also in-kind contributions such as payment for services or use of facilities, personnel or other resources to benefit any federal, state or local candidate campaign, political party committee, or other political committee or political organization exempt from federal income taxes under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code (such as the Republican or Democratic Governors Association), or the inaugural committee or transition team of a successful candidate.
Volunteer services provided to a campaign by Employees on their own personal time are not treated as contributions.
A covered associate includes any of the following:
· | The Company’s general partners, executive officers or other individuals with a similar status or function; |
· | Any Employees who solicits government entities for the Company and any person who supervises, directly or indirectly, such Employee; and |
· | Any political action committee controlled by the investment adviser or its covered associates. |
A covered official is a person (including any election committee for the person) who was, at the time of the contribution, an incumbent, candidate or successful candidate of a government entity, if the official can (1) directly or indirectly influence the governmental entity’s selection of an investment adviser; or (2) has the authority to appoint an official with such influence. This could cover state or local officials who are running for federal office.
A government entity is defined as any state and local governments and political subdivisions thereof, including their agencies and instrumentalities and pools of assets sponsored or established by the foregoing (such as public pension funds and participant-directed investment programs for the benefit of the public (e.g., 529 college tuition savings programs) or government Employees (e.g., 403(b) and 457 retirement plans)).
Compliance Procedures
The following procedures will apply to political contributions by the Company and its Employees:
· | all contemplated contributions to a political candidate (including federal, state, local or PACs) by any Employee will require pre-clearance from the CCO by submitting a pre-clearance form in the form of [Exhibit] H ; |
· | coordination of, or solicitation by, the Company of political contributions to a government official, or payment to a political party of a state or locality, will not be permitted; |
· | newly hired or promoted Employees who will be considered covered associates will be required to disclose any political contributions made in the past two years to determine if the look back provisions will apply by completing and submitting a New Employee Political Contribution Declaration Form attached hereto as [Exhibit] I; and |
· | any new relationships with third-party solicitors will require pre-approval from the CCO. |
In addition, the CCO may require periodic certifications from Employees that they have not made any political contributions in violation of the Company’s policy.
Exemptions
De Minimis Contributions
Although all contributions by Employees must be pre-approved, contributions to any state or local candidate or official which are less than the statutory de minimis amounts will be approved. Contributions will be approved if:
· | the Employee is entitled to vote for the candidate and the contribution does not exceed $350 per election; or |
· | the Employee is not entitled to vote for the candidate and the contribution does not exceed $150 per election. |
Other Limited Exemptions
Pursuant to the “returned contribution” exception, if a covered associate of an adviser makes a contribution that triggers the two-year time-out period solely because he or she was not entitled to vote for the official at the time of the contribution, the Company can effectively undo the contribution under very narrow circumstances. To be eligible for the returned contribution exception,
· | the contribution had to be less than $350, |
· | the Company must have discovered the contribution within four months of the date of such contribution, and |
· | the Company must cause the contributor to re-collect the contribution within 60 days after the Company discovers the contribution. |
The specificity of the requirements significantly limits the availability of the exception. Further, an adviser with less than 50 employees can only rely on the returned contribution exception twice in a 12-month period (three times for advisers with more than 50 employees) and an adviser can never use the returned contribution exception for the same covered associate twice.
In addition, Rule 206(4)-5 allows an adviser to apply for an order exempting it from the two-year time-out requirement in the event of an inadvertent violation that falls outside of the exceptions set forth above when, according to the SEC, the imposition of the time-out provision is unnecessary to achieve the Rule’s intended purpose.
Record-keeping
Rule 206(4)-5 also requires the Company to keep records of contributions made by the Company and its covered associates to government officials and candidates, payments to state or political parties and PACs, a list of its covered associates and government entities that invest or have invested in the past five years with the Company or a pooled investment vehicle managed by the Company. The Company must also maintain records of the names and addresses of each regulated third party adviser or broker-dealer to whom the Company provides payment for the solicitation of a government entity.
F. Conflicts of Interest
1. General
Under Section 206 of the Advisers Act, the duty of the Company to refrain from fraudulent conduct includes an obligation to disclose material facts to its Clients whenever the failure to do so would defraud any Client or prospective client. The Company’s duty to disclose material facts is particularly pertinent whenever the Company is in a situation involving a conflict or potential conflict of interest with a Client. The type of disclosure required by the Company in such a situation will depend upon all the facts and circumstances, but as a general matter, the Company must disclose to Clients all material facts regarding the potential conflict of interest so that the Client can make an informed decision whether to enter into or continue an advisory relationship with the Company or whether to take some action to protect himself against the specific conflict of interest involved.
If any Employee is aware of a personal interest that is, or might be, in conflict with the interest of the Company or its Clients, that Employee shall disclose the situation or transaction and the nature of the conflict to the CCO for appropriate consideration.
Please see Section III for a complete discussion of the Company’s disclosure obligations on Form ADV.
2. | Investment Conflicts |
Employees who are planning to invest in or make a recommendation to invest in a security for any Client, and who have a material interest in the security or a related security, must first disclose such interest to the CCO. The CCO shall conduct an independent review of the recommendation to purchase the security for Clients and written evidence of such review shall be maintained by the CCO. Employees shall not fail to timely recommend a suitable security to, or purchase or sell of suitable security for, the Company in order to avoid an actual or apparent conflict with a personal transaction in a security.
3. | Prohibited Conduct with Clients |
It is a violation of an Employee’s duty of loyalty to the Company and its Clients for any Employee, without the prior written consent of the Compliance Officer, to:
· | rebate, directly or indirectly, to any person, firm, corporation or association, other than the Company, compensation of any nature as a bonus, commission, fee, gratuity or other consideration in connection with any transaction on behalf of the Company or a Client account; |
· | accept, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm, corporation or association, other than the Company, compensation of any nature as a bonus, commission, fee, gratuity or other consideration in connection with any transaction on behalf of the Company or a Client account; |
· | own any stock or have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in any other organization engaged in any securities, financial or related business, except for a minority stock ownership or other financial interest in any business which is publicly-owned; or |
· | borrow money from any of the Company’s suppliers or Clients; provided, however, that (i) the receipt of credit on customary terms in connection with the purchase of goods or services is not considered to be a borrowing within the foregoing prohibition and (ii) the acceptance of loans from banks or other financial institutions on customary terms to finance proper and usual activities, such as home mortgage loans, is permitted except where prohibited by law. |
4. | Outside Activities of Employees |
Policy
Employees are expected to devote their full professional time and efforts to the business of the Company and to avoid any activities that could present actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
Employees must obtain prior approval from the CCO for any outside activity that involves:
· | a time commitment that would prevent you from performing your duties for the Company; |
· | accepting a second job or part-time job of any kind or engaging in any other business outside of the Company; |
· | active participation in any business in the financial services industry or otherwise in competition with the Company; |
· | teaching assignments, lectures, public speaking, publication of articles, or radio or television appearances, or |
· | serving as a director, officer, general partner or trustee of, or as a consultant to, any business, corporation or partnership, including family owned businesses and charitable, non-profit and political organizations. |
Employees may not serve on the board of any company whose securities are publicly traded, or of any company in which the Company or any Client account owns securities, without the prior approval of the CCO. If such approval is granted, it may be subject to the implementation of appropriate procedures to isolate investment personnel serving as directors from making investment decisions for a Client account managed by the Company concerning the company in question. Executive officers who are investment professionals within an adviser or sub-adviser to a series of Listed Funds Trust shall not serve as a director or member of an advisory board of a company that is held as an investment in such series of the Trust. Further, no adviser or sub-adviser to a series of Listed Funds Trust shall invest the assets of such series in a company where an executive officer of such adviser or sub-adviser who is also an investment professional currently serves as a director or member of an advisory board of such company.
Compliance Procedures
All outside activities conducted by an Employee must be approved prior to participation by the CCO or his/her designee by completing and submitting an Outside Business Activities questionnaire attached hereto as Exhibit C.
The CCO or his/her designee may require full details concerning the outside activity including the number of hours involved and any compensation to be received. In addition, in connection with any approval of an outside activity, such approval may, at the discretion of the CCO, be subject to certain conditions deemed necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of the Company or any Client.
In addition, to the extent that the Company files a Form U-4 for an Employee seeking to engage in an outside business activity, the Form U-4 will need to be updated to reflect the activity. Please see Section III for additional policies relating to the Form U-4.
5. | Gifts and Entertainment |
Policy
The Company recognizes the value of fostering good working relationships with individuals and firms doing business or seeking to do business with the Company. Subject to the guidelines below, Employees are permitted, on occasion, to accept gifts and invitations to attend entertainment events. However, Employees should always act in the best interests of the Company and its Clients and should avoid any activity that might create an actual or perceived conflict of interest or impropriety in the course of the Company’s business relationships. Employees should not accept any gifts or entertainment invitations that have the likelihood of influencing their decisions regarding the business transactions involving the Company. Employees should contact the CCO or his/her designee to discuss any offered activity or gift that may create such a conflict. The Company reserves the right
to prohibit the acceptance or retention of a gift or offer of entertainment, regardless of value, as it may determine in its sole discretion.
Entertainment may include such events as meals, shows, concerts, theatre events, sporting events or similar types of entertainment. “Entertainment” also includes in-town and out-of-town trips and seminars where the service provider or counterparty offers to pay for items such as lodging, airfare, meals and/or event expenses. For the purposes hereof, a gift will be deemed to be of significant value if it exceeds $200.00 per gift from any person or entity doing business or seeking to do business with the Company and an entertainment event will be deemed to be of significant value if it exceeds $1,000.00 per event from any such person or entity. An entertainment event will only be deemed to be entertainment if a representative of the service provider or counterparty is also attending the event (otherwise, it will be deemed to be a gift). No gift or entertainment may be accepted or given, however, regardless of value, that has the likelihood of influencing, any business decision or relationship of the Company.
Compliance Procedures
The Company has adopted the following principles and procedures governing gifts and entertainment:
· | Any gifts or entertainment of significant value (as defined above) offered from an existing or prospective firm service provider or counterparty must be approved by the CCO via the form included in Exhibit M. |
· | Employees may not accept more than four gifts or attend more than four entertainment events per year, regardless of value, given or sponsored by the same person or entity without approval from the CCO via the form included in Exhibit M. |
· | Employees may not request or solicit gifts or particular entertainment events. |
· | No gift of cash or cash equivalents may be accepted. |
· | Items such as pens, coffee mugs or clothing items with a counterparty’s logo are excluded. |
G. Confidentiality and Privacy Policies
1. Company Information
The protection of confidential business information is vital to the interests and the success of the Company. Employees may not disclose to third parties, or use for his/her own personal benefit, any information regarding:
· | Advice by the Company to its Clients; |
· | Securities or other investment positions held by the Company or its Clients; |
· | Transactions on behalf of the Company or its Clients; |
· | The name, address or other personal identification information of Clients or investors; |
· | Personal financial information of Clients or investors, such as annual income, net worth or account information; |
· | Investment and trading systems, models, processes and techniques used by the Company; |
· | Company business records, Client files, personnel information, financial information, Client agreements, supplier agreements, leases, software, licenses, other agreements, computer files, business plans, analyses; |
· | Any other non-public information or data furnished to you by the Company or any Client or investor in connection with the business of the Company or such Client or investor; or |
· | Any other information identified as or which you may otherwise be obligated to keep confidential. |
The information described above is the property of the Company and should be kept strictly confidential. Employees may not disclose any such information to any third party without the permission of the CCO or another officer of the Company, except for a purpose properly related to the business of the Company or a Client of the Company (such as to a Client’s independent accountants or administrator) or as required by law.
2. | Client Information and Privacy Policy |
The Company is required by federal regulations to adopt certain procedures designed to protect all Client confidential and nonpublic information and to safeguard personal information contained in both paper and electronic records. The following policy (the “Privacy Policy”) is designed to meet the standards set forth in the federal regulations as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standards for Protection of Personal Information (to the extent that such standards are applicable). For purposes of this Privacy Policy, the term Client includes, where appropriate, investors in Funds managed by the Company.
Implementation
The Company is committed to (i) safekeeping personal information collected from potential, current and former Clients and (ii) safeguarding against the unauthorized
acquisition or use of unencrypted data or encrypted electronic data regarding each Client. The proper handling of personal information is one of the Company’s highest priorities.
To this end, the CCO has been designated to implement, maintain, review and revise, as necessary, a comprehensive information security program. The primary objectives for the CCO is to identify and assess any and all reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality and/or integrity of any electronic, paper or other records containing personal information, and to evaluate and improve, where necessary, the effectiveness of current safeguards for limiting such risks. To this end, the Company
· | employs ongoing Employee training, |
· | sets policy for Employees relating to the storage, access and transportation of Client records and personal information, |
· | reviews the scope of security measures at least annually, |
· | reasonably monitors its information systems, including for unauthorized use or access, and |
· | reasonably reviews and tests electronic encryption and other elements of its computer security system (including its secure user authentication protocols, secure access control measures and system security agent software). |
The CCO reviews all contractual relationships with third party service providers engaged by the Company to ensure adequate protections are in place with respect to the safeguarding of personal information.
Client Information
The Company collects and keeps only such information that is necessary for it to provide the services requested by its Clients and to administer its Clients’ business with the Company. For instance, the Company may collect nonpublic personal information (such as name, address, social security number, assets, income, net worth, copies of financial documents and other information deemed necessary to evaluate the Client’s financial needs) from Clients when they complete a subscription or other form. The Company may also collect nonpublic personal information from Clients or potential clients as a result of transactions with the Company, its affiliates, its Clients or others (such information to include information received from outside vendors to complete transactions or to effect financial goals).
Sharing Information
The Company only shares the nonpublic personal information of its Clients with unaffiliated entities or individuals (i) as permitted by law and as required to provide services to the Company’s Clients, such as with representatives within our firm, securities clearing firms, insurance companies and other services providers of the Company, or (ii) to comply with legal or regulatory requirements. The Company may also disclose nonpublic personal information to another financial services provider in connection with the transfer of an account to such financial services provider. Further, in the normal course of business, the Company may disclose information it collects about Clients to entities or individuals that contract with the Company to perform servicing functions such as recordkeeping or computer-related services. Finally, the Company may make good faith disclosure of the nonpublic personal information of its Clients to regulators who have regulatory authority over the Company.
Companies hired to provide support services to the Company are not allowed to use personal information for their own purposes and are contractually obligated to maintain strict confidentiality. When the Company provides personal information to service providers, it requires these providers to agree to safeguard such information, to use the information only for the intended purpose and to abide by applicable law.
The Company does not (x) provide personally identifiable information to mailing list vendors or solicitors for any purpose or (y) sell information relating to its Clients to any outside third parties.
Employee Access to Information
Only Employees with a valid business reason have access to Clients’ personal information. These Employees are educated on the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and security of such information and are required to abide by the Company’s information handling practices. The Company employs reasonable procedures to prevent terminated Employees from accessing records containing personal information.
Protection of Information
SEC Regulation S-P governs the treatment of non-public personal information about clients by investment advisers. S-P requires firms to notify clients concerning the collection, use and sharing of client information. The regulation limits the disclosure of client non-personal information to anyone not affiliated with the firm unless clients have been notified of how their information will be shared and clients have not directed the firm to share the information.
The Company maintains security standards to protect Clients’ information, whether written, spoken, or electronic. To that end, the Company restricts access to nonpublic personal information to Company personnel who need to know such information in order to provide services to Clients. All electronic or computer files containing such information is password secured and firewall protected from access by unauthorized persons. The Company periodically updates and checks its systems to ensure the protection and integrity of information.
The Company also maintains reasonable restrictions upon physical access to records containing personal information, and stores such records in secure facilities.
Maintaining Accurate Information
The Company’s goal is to maintain accurate, up to date Client records in accordance with industry standards. The Company has procedures in place to keep information current and complete (including the timely correction of inaccurate information).
Should a Client send the Company a question or comment via e-mail, the Company will share the Client’s correspondence only with those Employees or agents most capable of addressing the Client’s question or concern. All written communications pertaining to such question or comment will be retained by the Company until such time as the Company believes (in its good faith judgment) that it has provided the Client with a complete and satisfactory response. After that time, the Company will either discard the communication or archive it according to the requirements of applicable securities laws.
Please note that, unless expressly advised otherwise, the Company’s e-mail facilities do not provide a means for completely secure and private communications. Although every attempt will be made to keep Client information confidential, from a technical standpoint, there is still a risk. For that reason, please do not use e-mail to communicate information to the Company that is considered to be confidential. If the Client wishes, communications with the Company may be conducted via telephone or by facsimile. Additional security is available to Clients if they equip their Internet browser with 128-bit “secure socket layer” encryption, which provides more secure transmissions.
Disclosure of Privacy Policy
The Company recognizes and respects the privacy concerns of its potential, current and former Clients. The Company is committed to safeguarding this information. Per disclosure requirements under Regulation S-P, Swan provides an initial privacy notice to clients, as well as annual privacy notices. Privacy notices include all of the information required by
the Regulation including, but not limited to categories of NPI collected and disclosed, explanation of opt-out rights and the Firm’s policies and procedures concerning confidentiality. As a member of the financial services industry, the Company provides this Privacy Policy for informational purposes to Clients and Employees and will distribute and update it as required by law. The Privacy Policy is also available upon request.
Violations
The Company imposes reasonable disciplinary measures, which may include termination, for violations of its Privacy Policy.