Exhibit 99.B(8)(a)
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
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This agreement made as of this 18th day of October, 1994, between
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First Mutual Funds, a Delaware business trust with its principal place of
business located in New York, New York (hereinafter "Fund"), and UMB Bank,
N.A., a national banking association with its principal place of business
located at Kansas City, Missouri (hereinafter "Custodian").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint Custodian as its custodian for
the custody of Assets (as hereinafter defined) owned by the Fund, which Assets
are to be held in such accounts as the Fund may establish from time to time; and
WHEREAS, Custodian is willing to accept such appointment on the terms
and conditions hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Fund represents that by separate agreement between
Fund/Plan Services, Inc. ("Fund/Plan") and the Fund, Fund/Plan (a) has agreed to
perform certain administrative functions which may include the functions of
administrator, transfer agent and accounting services agent and (b) has been
appointed by the Fund to act as its agent in respect of the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Fund represents that (a) Fund/Plan has agreed to act as
Fund's agent in respect of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and
(b) the Bank is authorized and directed to rely upon and follow directions and
instructions given by Fund/Plan, the Fund's agent, in respect of transactions
contemplated in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, mutually covenant and
agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN.
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The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as custodian of
Assets belonging to the Fund which have been or may be from time to time
deposited with the Custodian. Custodian accepts such appointment as a custodian
and agrees to perform the duties and responsibilities of Custodian as set forth
herein on the conditions set forth herein.
2. DEFINITIONS.
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For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings so indicated:
(a) "Security" or "Securities" shall mean stocks, bonds, bills,
rights, scrip, warrants, interim certificates and all negotiable or
nonnegotiable paper commonly known as Securities and other instruments or
obligations.
(b) "Assets" shall mean Securities, monies and other property
held by the Custodian for the benefit of the Fund.
(c)(l) "Instructions", as used herein, shall mean: (i) a tested
telex, a written (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission)
request, direction, instruction or certification signed or initialed by or on
behalf of the Fund by an Authorized Person; (ii) a telephonic or other oral
communication from a person the Custodian reasonably believes to be an
Authorized Person; or (iii) a communication effected directly between an
electro-mechanical or electronic device or system (including, without
limitation, computers) on behalf of the Fund. Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the Fund by tested telex or in writing in
the manner set forth in clause (I) above, but the lack of such confirmation
shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such
oral Instructions prior to the Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. The
Fund authorizes the Custodian to record any and all telephonic or other oral
Instructions communicated to the Custodian.
(2) "Special Instructions", as used herein, shall mean
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Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the Treasurer or any
Assistant Treasurer of the Fund or any other person designated by the Treasurer
of the Fund in writing, which countersignature or confirmation shall be included
on the same instrument containing the Instructions or on a separate instrument
relating thereto.
(3) Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to
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the Custodian at the address and/or telephone, facsimile transmission or telex
number agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund.
(4) Where appropriate, Instructions and Special Instructions
shall be continuing instructions.
3. DELIVERY OF CORPORATE DOCUMENTS.
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Each of the parties to this Agreement represents that its execution
does not violate any of the provisions of its respective Declaration of Trust,
By-Laws, charter, articles of incorporation, or articles of association and all
required corporate action to authorize the execution and delivery of this
Agreement has been taken.
The Fund has furnished the Custodian with copies, properly certified
or authenticated, with all amendments or supplements thereto, of the following
documents:
(a) Declaration of Trust of the Fund as in effect on the date
hereof;
(b) By-Laws of the Fund as in effect on the date hereof;
(c) Resolutions of the Board of Trustees of the Fund appointing
the Custodian and approving the form of this Agreement; and
(d) The Fund's current prospectus and statement of additional
information.
The Fund shall promptly furnish the Custodian with copies of any updates,
amendments or supplements to the foregoing documents.
In addition, the Fund has delivered or will promptly deliver to the
Custodian, copies of the Resolution(s) of its Board of Directors or Trustees and
all amendments or supplements thereto, properly certified or authenticated,
designating certain officers or employees of the Fund who will have continuing
authority to certify to the Custodian: (a) the names, titles, signatures and
scope of authority of all persons authorized to give Instructions or any other
notice, request, direction, instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of
the Fund, and (b) the names, titles and signatures of those persons authorized
to countersign or confirm Special Instructions on behalf of the Fund (in both
cases collectively, the "Authorized Persons" and individually, an "Authorized
Person"). Such Resolutions and certificates may be accepted and relied upon by
the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be
considered to be in full force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a
similar Resolution or certificate to the contrary. Upon delivery of a
certificate which deletes or does not include the name(s) of a person previously
authorized to give Instructions or to countersign or confirm Special
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Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an Authorized Person
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authorized to give Instructions or to countersign or confirm Special
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Instructions. Unless the certificate specifically requires that the approval of
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anyone else will first have been obtained, the Custodian will be under no
obligation to inquire into the right of the person giving such Instructions or
Special Instructions to do so. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, no
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Instructions or Special Instructions received by the Custodian from the Fund
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will be deemed to authorize or permit any director, trustee, officer, employee,
or agent of the Fund to withdraw any of the Assets of the Fund upon the mere
receipt of such authorization, Special Instructions or Instructions from such
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director, trustee, officer, employee or agent.
4. POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN AND DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIAN.
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Except for Assets held by any Subcustodian appointed pursuant to Sections
5(b), (c), or (d) of this Agreement, the Custodian shall have and perform the
powers and duties hereinafter set forth in this Section 4. For purposes of this
Section 4 all references to powers and duties of the "Custodian" shall also
refer to any Domestic Subcustodian appointed pursuant to Section 5(a).
The Bank's performance of its duties hereunder and the day-to-day
operations of the Custody Account shall be in accordance with industry standards
which may be furnished in writing to the Fund, care of the Fund's agent,
Fund/Plan, by the Bank from time to time. Such service standards, as amended
from time to time, are incorporated herein by reference.
(a) Safekeeping.
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The Custodian will keep safely the Assets of the Fund which are
delivered to it from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for
any property of the Fund held or received by the Fund and not delivered to the
Custodian. The Bank shall supply to the Fund, addressed care of its agent,
Fund/Plan, from time to time as mutually agreed upon a written statement with
respect to all of the Assets in the Custody Account. In the event that the Fund,
acting through its agent, Fund/Plan, does not inform the Bank in writing of any
exceptions or objections within thirty (30) days after receipt of such
statement, the Fund shall be deemed to have approved such statement.
(b) Manner of Holding Securities.
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(1) The Custodian shall at all times hold Securities of the Fund
either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other
instruments representing such Securities in registered or bearer form; or (ii)
in book-entry form by a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance
with the provisions of sub-paragraph (3) below.
(2) The Custodian may hold registrable portfolio Securities which
have been delivered to it in physical form, by registering the same in the name
of the Fund or its nominee, or in the name of the Custodian or its nominee, for
whose actions the Fund and Custodian, respectively, shall be fully responsible.
Upon the receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall hold such Securities in
street certificate form, so called, with or without any indication of fiduciary
capacity. However, unless it receives Instructions to the contrary, the
Custodian will register all such portfolio Securities in the name of the
Custodian's authorized nominee. All such Securities shall be held in an account
of the Custodian containing only assets of the Fund or only assets held by the
Custodian as a fiduciary, provided that the records of the Custodian shall
indicate at all times the Fund or other customer for which such Securities are
held in such accounts and the respective interests therein.
(3) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic Securities
owned by the Fund in, and the Fund hereby approves use of: (a) The Depository
Trust Company; (b) The Participants Trust Company; and (c) any book-entry system
as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular ▇▇. ▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ 306.115, (ii)
Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series ▇▇. ▇▇-▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ 350.2, or
(iii) the book-entry regulations of federal agencies substantially in the form
of 31 CFR 306.115. Upon the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain domestic Securities owned by the Fund in any other
domestic clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may
otherwise be authorized by the SEC to serve in the capacity of depository or
clearing agent for the Securities or other assets of investment companies) which
acts as a Securities depository. Each of the foregoing shall be referred to in
this Agreement as a "Securities System", and all such Securities Systems shall
be listed on the attached Appendix A. Use of a Securities System shall be in
accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations,
if any, and subject to the following provisions:
(i) The Custodian may deposit the Securities directly or through one
or more agents or Subcustodians which are also qualified to act as custodians
for investment companies.
(ii) The Custodian shall deposit and/or maintain the Securities in a
Securities System, provided that such Securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System that includes only assets
held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers.
(iii) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times
identify those Securities belonging to the Fund which are maintained in a
Securities System.
(iv) The Custodian shall pay for Securities purchased for the account
of the Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
Securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian in accordance
with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account of
the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer Securities sold for the account of the
Fund only upon (a) receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for
such Securities has been transferred to the Account of the Custodian in
accordance with the rules of the Securities System, and (b) the making of an
entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for
the account of the Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities System
relating to transfers of Securities for the account of the Fund shall be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver to the
Fund on the next succeeding business day daily transaction reports which shall
include each day's transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Fund. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to the Fund or any agent
designated by the Fund pursuant to Instructions, by computer or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree.
(v) The Custodian shall, if requested by the Fund pursuant to
Instructions, provide the Fund with reports obtained by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding Securities deposited in the
Securities System.
(vi) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall
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terminate the use of any Securities System on behalf of the Fund as promptly as
practicable and shall take all actions reasonably practicable to safeguard the
Securities of the Fund maintained with such Securities System.
(c) Free Delivery of Assets.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and except as
provided in Section 3 hereof, the Custodian, upon receipt of Special
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Instructions, will undertake to make free delivery of Assets, provided such
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Assets are on hand and available, in connection with the Fund's transactions and
to transfer such Assets to such broker, dealer, Subcustodian, bank, agent,
Securities System or otherwise as specified in such Special Instructions.
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(d) Exchange of Securities.
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Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian will exchange portfolio
Securities held by it for the Fund for other Securities or cash paid in
connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or
conversion of convertible Securities, and will deposit any such Securities in
accordance with the terms of any reorganization or protective plan.
Without Instructions, the Custodian is authorized to exchange
Securities held by it in temporary form for Securities in definitive form, to
surrender Securities for transfer into a name or nominee name as permitted in
Section 4(b)(2), to effect an exchange of shares in a stock split or when the
par value of the stock is changed, to sell any fractional shares, and, upon
receiving payment therefor, to surrender bonds or other Securities held by it at
maturity or call.
(e) Purchases of Assets.
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(1) Securities Purchases. In accordance with Instructions, the
Custodian shall, with respect to a purchase of Securities, pay for such
Securities out of monies held for the Fund's account for which the purchase was
made, but only insofar as monies are available therein for such purpose, and
receive the portfolio Securities so purchased. Unless the Custodian has received
Special Instructions to the contrary, such payment will be made only upon
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receipt of Securities by the Custodian, a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member, or a Securities System
in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b)(3) hereof. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, upon receipt of Instructions: (I) in connection with a repurchase
agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a Securities System prior to the
receipt of advice from the Securities System that the Securities underlying such
repurchase agreement have been transferred by book-entry into the Account
maintained with such Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the
Custodian's instructions to the
Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of such
funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by book-
entry of the Securities underlying the repurchase agreement into such Account;
(ii) in the case of Interest Bearing Deposits, currency deposits, and other
deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or options, pursuant
to Sections 4(g), 4(h), 4(1), and 4(m) hereof, the Custodian may make payment
therefor before receipt of an advice of transaction; and (iii) in the case of
Securities as to which payment for the Security and receipt of the instrument
evidencing the Security are under generally accepted trade practice or the terms
of the instrument representing the Security expected to take place in different
locations or through separate parties, such as commercial paper which is indexed
to foreign currency exchange rates, derivatives and similar Securities, the
Custodian may make payment for such Securities prior to delivery thereof in
accordance with such generally accepted trade practice or the terms of the
instrument representing such Security.
(2) Other Assets Purchased. Upon receipt of Instructions and except
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as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive other
Assets for the account of the Fund as provided in Instructions.
(f) Sales of Assets.
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(1) Securities Sold. In accordance with Instructions, the Custodian
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will, with respect to a sale, deliver or cause to be delivered the Securities
thus designated as sold to the broker or other person specified in the
Instructions relating to such sale. Unless the Custodian has received Special
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Instructions to the contrary, such delivery shall be made only upon receipt of
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payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash, certified check, bank cashier's
check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b) credit to the account of the
Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which
the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the Account of the Custodian with a
Securities System, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b)(3) hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Securities held in physical form may be delivered
and paid for in accordance with n street delivery custom" to a broker or its
clearing agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such
Securities, provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to
ensure prompt collection of the payment for, or return of, such Securities by
the broker or its clearing agent, and provided further that the Custodian shall
not be responsible for the selection of or the failure or inability to perform
of such broker or its clearing agent or for any related loss arising from
delivery or custody of such Securities prior to receiving payment therefor.
(2) Other Assets Sold. Upon receipt of Instructions and except as
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otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall receive payment for and deliver
other Assets for the account of the Fund as provided in Instructions.
(g) Options.
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(1) Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the purchase of an
option or sale of a covered call option, the Custodian shall: (a) receive and
retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the purchase or
writing of the option by the Fund; (b) if the transaction involves the sale of a
covered call option, deposit and maintain in a segregated account the Securities
(either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System) subject to the
covered call option written on behalf of the Fund; and (c) pay, release and/or
transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any notices or
other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise of such
options which are furnished to the Custodian by the Options Clearing Corporation
(the "OCC"), the securities or options exchanges on which such options were
traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such
option transactions.
(2) Upon receipt of Instructions relating to the sale of a naked
option (including stock index and commodity options), the Custodian, the Fund
and the broker-dealer shall enter into an agreement to comply with the rules of
the OCC or of any registered national securities exchange or similar
organizations(s). Pursuant to that agreement and the Fund's Instructions, the
Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations or other documents, if
any, evidencing the writing of the option; (b) deposit and maintain in a
segregated account, Securities (either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System), cash and/or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or
transfer such Securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such
agreement and with any notices or other communications evidencing the
expiration, termination or exercise of such option which are furnished to the
Custodian by the OCC, the securities or options exchanges on which such options
were traded, or such other organization as may be responsible for handling such
option transactions. The Fund and the broker-dealer shall be responsible for
determining the quality and quantity of assets held in any segregated account
established in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and
the performance of other terms of any option contract.
(h) Futures Contracts.
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Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall enter into a futures
margin procedural agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and the designated
futures commission merchant (a "Procedural Agreement"). Under the Procedural
Agreement the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any,
evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a futures
contract by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account cash,
Securities and/or other Assets designated as initial, maintenance or variation
"margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's performance of its obligations
under any futures contracts purchased or sold, or any options on futures
contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the provisions of any
Procedural Agreement designed to comply with the provisions of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract market
(such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s), regarding
such margin deposits; and release Assets from and/or transfer Assets into such
margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural Agreements. The Fund
and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible for determining the
type and amount of Assets held in the segregated account or paid to the broker-
dealer in compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the
performance of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in
accordance with its terms.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
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Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain on its books a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the
Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred Assets of the Fund,
including Securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System pursuant
to Paragraph (b)(3) of this Section 4, said account or accounts to be maintained
(i) for the purposes set forth in Sections 4(g), 4(h) and 4(n) and (ii) for the
purpose of compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by the SEC
Investment Company Act Release Number 10666 or any subsequent release or
releases relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies, or (iii) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from
time to time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible
for the determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any
segregated account referred to in this paragraph, or for compliance by the Fund
with required procedures noted in (ii) above.
(j) Depositary Receipts.
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Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause
to be surrendered Securities to the depositary used for such Securities by an
issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International Depositary Receipts
(hereinafter referred to, collectively, as "ADRs"), against a written receipt
therefor adequately describing such Securities and written evidence satisfactory
to the organization surrendering the same that the depositary has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such Securities in the
name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery in accordance
with such instructions.
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender or cause
to be surrendered ADRs to the issuer thereof, against a written receipt therefor
adequately describing the ADRs surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to
the organization surrendering the same that the issuer of the ADRs has
acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to deliver the
Securities underlying such ADRs in accordance with such instructions.
(k) Corporate Actions, Put Bonds, Called Bonds, Etc.
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Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver
warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar Securities to the issuer or trustee
thereof (or to the agent of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise
or sale, provided that the new Securities, cash or other Assets, if any,
acquired as a result of such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and
(b) deposit Securities upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the
consideration for such Securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian,
or the tendered Securities are to be returned to the Custodian.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the
Custodian shall take all necessary action, unless otherwise directed to the
contrary in Instructions, to comply with the terms of all mandatory or
compulsory exchanges, calls, tenders, redemptions, or similar rights of security
ownership, and shall notify the Fund of such action in writing by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in
writing.
The Fund agrees that if it gives an Instruction for the performance of
an act on the last permissible date of a period established by any optional
offer or on the last permissible date for the performance of such act, the Fund
shall hold the Bank harmless from any adverse consequences in connection with
acting upon or failing to act upon such Instructions.
(1) Interest Bearing Deposits.
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Upon receipt of Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase
interest bearing fixed term and call deposits (hereinafter referred to,
collectively, as "Interest Bearing Deposits") for the account of the Fund, the
Custodian shall purchase such Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of the Fund
with such banks or trust companies, including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or
any subsidiary or affiliate of the Custodian (hereinafter referred to as
"Banking Institutions"), and in such amounts as the Fund may direct pursuant to
Instructions. Such Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars
or other currencies, as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to
Instructions. The responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for Interest
Bearing Deposits issued by the Custodian shall be that of a U.S. bank for a
similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing Deposits other than those
issued by the Custodian, (a) the Custodian shall be responsible for the
collection of income and the transmission of cash to and from such accounts; and
(b) the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the
Banking Institution or for the failure of such Banking Institution to pay upon
demand.
(m) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other than as Principal.
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(1) Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign
exchange contracts or options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot
and future delivery on behalf of and for the account of the Fund with such
currency brokers or Banking Institutions as the Fund may determine and direct
pursuant to Instructions. The Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of
third party foreign exchange brokers and for execution of said foreign exchange
contracts and understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all
costs and interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or
delay of its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange. The Custodian shall
have no responsibility with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions with which the Fund deals or, so long as the Custodian acts
in accordance with Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking
Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon
receipt of Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a foreign exchange
contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of U.S. Dollars or
foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of such foreign exchange
contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency completing such contract
has been delivered or received.
(n) Pledges or Loans of Securities.
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(1) Upon receipt of Instructions from the Fund, the Custodian will
release or cause to be released Securities held in custody to the pledgees
designated in such Instructions by way of pledge or hypothecation to secure
loans incurred by the Fund with various lenders including but not limited to UMB
Bank, n.a.; provided, however, that the Securities shall be released only upon
payment to the Custodian of the monies borrowed, except that in cases where
additional collateral is required to secure existing borrowings, further
Securities may be released or delivered, or caused to be released or delivered
for that purpose upon receipt of Instructions. Upon receipt of Instructions, the
Custodian will pay, but only from funds available for such purpose, any such
loan upon re-delivery to it of the Securities pledged or hypothecated therefor
and upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing such loan. In lieu of
delivering collateral to a pledgee, the Custodian, on the receipt of
Instructions, shall transfer the pledged Securities to a segregated account for
the benefit of the pledgee.
(2) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, and execution of a separate
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Securities Lending Agreement, the Custodian will release Securities held in
custody to the borrower designated in such Instructions and may, except as
otherwise provided below, deliver such Securities prior to the receipt of
collateral, if any, for such borrowing, provided that, in case of loans of
Securities held by a Securities System that are secured by cash collateral, the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System shall require that the
Securities System deliver the Securities of the Fund to the borrower thereof
only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. The Custodian shall have
no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the delivery of
Securities prior to the receipt of collateral. Upon receipt of Instructions and
the loaned Securities, the Custodian will release the collateral to the
borrower.
(o) Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.
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The Custodian shall receive and collect all stock dividends, rights,
and other items of like nature and, upon receipt of Instructions, take action
with respect to the same as directed in such Instructions.
(p) Routine Dealings.
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The Custodian will, in general, attend to all routine and mechanical
matters in accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer, or other dealings with Securities or
other property of the Fund except as may be otherwise provided in this Agreement
or directed from time to time by Instructions from the Fund. The Custodian may
also make payments to itself or others from the Assets for disbursements and
out-of-pocket expenses incidental to handling Securities or other similar items
relating to its duties under this Agreement, provided that all such payments
shall be accounted for to the Fund.
(q) Collections.
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The Custodian shall (a) promptly collect amounts due and payable to
the Fund with respect to portfolio Securities and other Assets; (b) promptly
credit to the account of the Fund all income and other payments relating to
portfolio Securities and other Assets held by the Custodian hereunder upon
Custodian's receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise agreed in writing
by the Custodian and the Fund; (c) promptly endorse and deliver any instruments
required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly execute ownership and other
certificates and affidavits for all federal, state, local and foreign tax
purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
portfolio Securities and other Assets, or in connection with the transfer of
such Securities or other Assets; provided, however, that with respect to
portfolio Securities registered in so-called street name, or physical Securities
with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its best efforts to
promptly collect amounts due and payable to the Fund. The Custodian shall notify
the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the
Fund and Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with respect to
portfolio Securities or other Assets is not received by the Custodian when due.
The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts due and
payable with respect to portfolio Securities or other Assets that are in
default.
(r) Bank Accounts.
-------------
Upon Instructions, the Custodian shall open and operate a bank account
or accounts on the books of the Custodian; provided that such bank account(s)
shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee thereof, for the account of
the Fund, and shall be subject only to draft or order of the Custodian. The
responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
(s) Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions.
-----------------------------------------
To enable the Fund to pay dividends or other distributions to
shareholders of the Fund and to make payment to shareholders who have requested
repurchase or redemption of their shares of the Fund (collectively, the
"Shares~), the Custodian shall release cash or Securities insofar as available.
In the case of cash, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Instructions,
transfer such funds by check or wire transfer to any account at any bank or
trust company designated by the Fund in such Instructions. In the case of
Securities, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, make
====================
such transfer to any entity or account designated by the Fund in such Special
=======
Instructions.
============
(t) Proceeds from Shares Sold.
-------------------------
The Custodian shall receive funds representing cash payments received
for shares issued or sold from time to time by the Fund, and shall credit such
funds to the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall notify the Fund of
Custodian's receipt of cash in payment for shares issued by the Fund by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian
shall agree. Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all
federal funds received by the Custodian in payment for shares as may be set
forth in such Instructions and at a time agreed upon between the Custodian and
the Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to the Fund as of specified times
agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian, in the amount of
checks received in payment for shares which are deposited to the accounts of the
Fund.
(u) Proxies and Notices: Compliance with the Shareholders
-----------------------------------------------------
Communication Act of 1985.
-------------------------
The Custodian shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Fund all
forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to Securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them,
and, upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and deliver, or
cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such proxies or other
authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant to Instructions,
neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee shall vote upon any such
Securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or give any consent or take
any other action with respect thereto.
The Custodian will not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer
which requests such information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act
of 1985 for the specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer
and the Fund unless the Fund directs the Custodian otherwise in writing.
(v) Books and Records.
-----------------
The Custodian shall maintain such records relating to its activities
under this Agreement as are required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇") and to preserve them for the
periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. These records shall be open
for inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents (including
independent public accountants) of the Fund during normal business hours of the
Custodian.
The Custodian shall provide accountings relating to its activities
under this Agreement as shall be agreed upon by the Fund and the Custodian.
(w) Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants.
----------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as the Fund may request
to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent
certified public accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities
hereunder and in connection with the preparation of the Fund's periodic reports
to the SEC and with respect to any other requirements of the SEC.
(x) Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants.
---------------------------------------------------
At the request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a
written report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public
accountants with respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting system,
internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, Securities and
other Assets, including cash, Securities and other Assets deposited and/or
maintained in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by
the Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
(y) Bills and Other Disbursements.
-----------------------------
Upon receipt of Instructions, the Custodian shall pay, or cause to be
paid, all bills, statements, or other obligations of the Fund.
5. SUBCUSTODIANS.
-------------
From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign
Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, or Interim Subcustodians (as each are
hereinafter defined) to act on behalf of the Fund. A Domestic Subcustodian, in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, may also appoint a Foreign
Subcustodian, Special Subcustodian, or Interim Subcustodian to act on behalf of
the Fund. For purposes of this Agreement, all Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign
Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians and Interim Subcustodians shall be referred
to collectively as "Subcustodians".
(a) Domestic Subcustodians.
----------------------
The Custodian may, at any time and from time to time, appoint any bank
as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act or any trust company or other
entity, any of which meet the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of
the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, to act for the Custodian on
behalf of the Fund as a subcustodian for purposes of holding Assets of the Fund
and performing other functions of the Custodian within the United States (a
"Domestic Subcustodian"). The Fund shall approve in writing the appointment of
the proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and the Custodian's appointment of any such
Domestic Subcustodian shall not be effective without such prior written approval
of the Fund. Each such duly approved Domestic Subcustodian shall be listed on
Appendix A attached hereto, as it may be amended, from time to time.
(b) Foreign Subcustodians.
---------------------
The Custodian may at any time appoint, or cause a Domestic Subcustodian to
appoint, any bank, trust company or other entity meeting the requirements of an
"eligible foreign custodian" under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder to act for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund as a
subcustodian or sub-subcustodian (if appointed by a Domestic Subcustodian) for
purposes of holding Assets of the Fund and performing other functions of the
Custodian in countries other than the United States of America (hereinafter
referred to as a "Foreign Subcustodian" in the context of either a subcustodian
or a sub-subcustodian); provided that the Custodian shall have obtained written
confirmation from the Fund of the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Fund
(which approval may be withheld in the sole discretion of such Board of
Trustees) with respect to (i) the identity of any proposed Foreign Subcustodian
(including branch designation), (ii) the country or countries in which, and the
securities depositories or clearing agencies (hereinafter "Securities
Depositories and Clearing Agencies"), if any, through which, the Custodian or
any proposed Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to hold Securities and other
Assets of the Fund, and (iii) the form and terms of the subcustodian agreement
to be entered into with such proposed Foreign Subcustodian. Each such duly
approved Foreign Subcustodian and the countries where and the Securities
Depositories and Clearing Agencies through which they may hold Securities and
other Assets of the Fund shall be listed on Appendix A attached hereto, as it
may be amended, from time to time. The Fund shall be responsible for informing
the Custodian sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be
held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is authorized to act, in
order that there shall be sufficient time for the Custodian, or any Domestic
Subcustodian, to effect the appropriate arrangements with a proposed Foreign
Subcustodian, including obtaining approval as provided in this Section 5(b). In
connection with the appointment of any Foreign Subcustodian, the Custodian
shall, or shall cause the Domestic Subcustodian to, enter into a subcustodian
agreement with the Foreign Subcustodian in form and substance approved by the
Fund. The Custodian shall not consent to the amendment of, and shall cause any
Domestic Subcustodian not to consent to the amendment of, any agreement entered
into with a Foreign-Subcustodian, which materially affects the Fund's rights
under such agreement, except upon prior written approval of the Fund pursuant to
Special Instructions.
====================
(c) Interim Subcustodians.
---------------------
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Fund shall invest
in an Asset to be held in a country in which no Foreign Subcustodian is
authorized to act, the Custodian shall notify the Fund in writing by facsimile
transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian shall agree in
writing of the unavailability of an approved Foreign Subcustodian in such
country; and upon the receipt of Special Instructions from the Fund, the
====================
Custodian shall, or shall cause its Domestic Subcustodian to, appoint or approve
an entity (referred to herein as an "Interim Subcustodian") designated in such
Special Instructions to hold such Security or other Asset.
====================
(d) Special Subcustodians.
---------------------
Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf
====================
of the Fund, appoint one or more banks, trust companies or other entities
designated in such Special Instructions to act for the Custodian on behalf of
======= ============
the Fund as a subcustodian for purposes of: (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities through the use of a
common custodian or subcustodian; (ii) providing depository and clearing agency
services with respect to certain variable rate demand note Securities, (iii)
providing depository and clearing agency services with respect to dollar
denominated Securities, and (iv) effecting any other transactions designated by
the Fund in such Special Instructions. Each such designated subcustodian
====================
(hereinafter referred to as a "Special Subcustodian") shall be listed on
Appendix A attached hereto, as it may be amended from time to time. In
connection with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall
enter into a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and
substance approved by the Fund in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not
=====================
amend any subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or
====================
waive any rights under such agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to
Special Instructions.
====================
(e) Termination of a Subcustodian.
-----------------------------
The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to
the Fund, terminate any Subcustodian of the Fund in accordance with the
termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement, and upon the
receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian will terminate any Subcustodian
====================
in accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian
agreement.
(f) Certification Regarding Foreign Subcustodians.
---------------------------------------------
Upon request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a
certificate stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Subcustodian then acting
on behalf of the Custodian; (ii) the countries in which and the Securities
Depositories and Clearing Agencies through which each such Foreign Subcustodian
is then holding cash, Securities and other Assets of the Fund; and (iii) such
other information as may be requested by the Fund, and as the Custodian shall be
reasonably able to obtain, to evidence compliance with rules and regulations
under the 1940 Act.
6. STANDARD OF CARE.
----------------
(a) General Standard of Care.
------------------------
The Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for all losses, damages and
reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or
incurred by the Fund resulting from the gross negligence or willful misfeasance
of the Custodian; provided, however, in no event shall the Custodian be liable
for special, indirect or consequential damages arising under or in connection
with this Agreement.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Events Beyond Custodian's
---------------------------------------------------------------
Control, Sovereign Risk, Etc.
----------------------------
In no event shall the Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian incur
liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or Securities System,
or any subcustodian, Securities System, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
utilized by the Custodian or any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the
Custodian or any Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden
or delayed from performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this
Agreement provides shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of:
(i) any provision of any present or future law or regulation or order of the
United States of America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or
political subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction (and
neither the Custodian nor any other Person shall be obligated to take any action
contrary thereto); or (ii) any event beyond the control of the Custodian or
other Person such as armed conflict, riots, strikes, lockouts, labor disputes,
equipment or transmission failures, natural disasters, or failure of the mails,
transportation, communications or power supply; or (iii) any "Sovereign Risk."
A "Sovereign Risk" shall mean nationalization, expropriation, devaluation,
revaluation, confiscation, seizure, cancellation, destruction or similar action
by any governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation,
imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency
restrictions, exchange controls, taxes, levies or other charges affecting the
Fund's Assets; or acts of armed conflict, terrorism, insurrection or revolution;
or any other act or event beyond the Custodian's or such other Person's control.
(c) Liability for Past Records.
--------------------------
Neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall have any
liability in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fund,
insofar as such loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the
Custodian or any Domestic Subcustodian in reliance upon records that were
maintained for the Fund by entities other than the Custodian or any Domestic
Subcustodian prior to the Custodian's employment hereunder.
(d) Advice of Counsel.
-----------------
The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be entitled to
receive and act upon advice of counsel of its own choosing on all matters. The
Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be without liability for any
actions taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the advice of counsel.
(e) Advice of the Fund and Others.
-----------------------------
The Custodian and any Domestic Subcustodian may rely upon the advice
of the Fund and upon statements of the Fund's accountants and other persons
believed by it in good faith to be expert in matters upon which they are
consulted, and neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be
liable for any actions taken or omitted, in good faith, pursuant to such advice
or statements.
(f) Instructions Appearing to be Genuine.
------------------------------------
The Custodian and all Domestic Subcustodians shall be fully protected
and indemnified in acting as a custodian hereunder upon any Resolutions of the
Board of Directors or Trustees, Instructions, Special Instructions, advice,
=====================
notice, request consent, certificate, instrument or paper appearing to it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed and shall, unless otherwise
specifically provided herein, be entitled to receive as conclusive proof of any
fact or matter required to be ascertained from the Fund hereunder a certificate
signed by any officer of the Fund authorized to countersign or confirm Special
=======
Instructions.
============
(g) Exceptions from Liability.
-------------------------
Without limiting the generality of any other provisions hereof,
neither the Custodian nor any Domestic Subcustodian shall be under any duty or
obligation to inquire into, nor be liable for:
(i) the validity of the issue of any Securities purchased by or for
the Fund, the legality of the purchase thereof or evidence of
ownership required to be received by the Fund, or the propriety
of the decision to purchase or amount paid therefor;
(ii) the legality of the sale of any Securities by or for the Fund,
or the propriety of the amount for which the same were sold; or
(iii) any other expenditures, encumbrances of Securities, borrowings
or similar actions with respect to the Fund's Assets; and may,
until notified to the contrary, presume that all Instructions or
Special Instructions received by it are not in conflict with or
====================
in any way contrary to any provisions of the Fund's Declaration
of Trust, Partnership Agreement, Articles of Incorporation or
By-Laws or votes or proceedings of the shareholders, trustees,
partners or directors of the Fund, or the Fund's currently
effective Registration Statement on file with the SEC.
7. LIABILITY OF THE CUSTODIAN FOR ACTIONS OF OTHERS.
------------------------------------------------
(a) Domestic Subcustodians
----------------------
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of any
Domestic Subcustodian to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were
performed by the Custodian itself.
(b) Liability for Acts and Omissions of Foreign Subcustodians.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to
the Fund caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Foreign
Subcustodian to the extent that, under the terms set forth in the subcustodian
agreement between the Custodian or a Domestic Subcustodian and such Foreign
Subcustodian, the Foreign Subcustodian has failed to perform in accordance with
the standard of conduct imposed under such subcustodian agreement and the
Custodian or Domestic Subcustodian recovers from the Foreign Subcustodian under
the applicable subcustodian agreement.
(c) Securities Systems, Interim Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies.
---------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss, damage or
expense suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from or occasioned by the
actions or omissions of a Securities System, Interim Subcustodian, Special
Subcustodian, or Securities Depository and Clearing Agency unless such loss,
damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the gross negligence or willful
misfeasance of the Custodian.
(d) Defaults or Insolvencies of Brokers, Banks, Etc.
-----------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from or occasioned by the actions,
omissions, negligence, defaults or insolvency of any broker, bank, trust company
or any other person with whom the Custodian may deal (other than any of such
entities acting as a Subcustodian, Securities System or Securities Depository
and Clearing Agency, for whose actions the liability of the Custodian is set out
elsewhere in this Agreement) unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by,
or results from, the gross negligence or willful misfeasance of the Custodian.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses.
-------------------------
The Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian for all out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by the Custodian in connection with this Agreement, but
excluding salaries and usual overhead expenses.
8. INDEMNIFICATION.
---------------
(a) Indemnification by Fund.
-----------------------
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Fund
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees from all
losses, damages and expenses (including attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by
the Custodian or its nominee caused by or arising from actions taken by the
Custodian, its employees or agents in the performance of its duties and
obligations under this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any
indemnification obligations undertaken by the Custodian under any relevant
subcustodian agreement; provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply
to the extent the Custodian is liable under Sections 6 or 7 hereof.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
Securities, which action involves the payment of money or which may, in the
opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to the
Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some other
form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
(b) Indemnification by Custodian.
----------------------------
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement and in addition
to the obligations provided in Sections 6 and 7, the Custodian agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Fund from all losses, damages and expenses
suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by the gross negligence or willful
misfeasance of the Custodian.
9. ADVANCES.
--------
In the event that, pursuant to Instructions, the Custodian or any
Subcustodian, Securities System, or Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
acting either directly or indirectly under agreement with the Custodian (each of
which for purposes of this Section 9 shall be referred to as "Custodian"), makes
any payment or transfer of funds on behalf of the Fund as to which there would
be, at the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer,
insufficient funds held by the Custodian on behalf of the Fund, the Custodian
may, in its discretion without further Instructions, provide an advance
("Advance") to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the completion of the
transaction by reason of which such payment or transfer of funds is to be made.
In addition, in the event the Custodian is directed by Instructions to make any
payment or transfer of funds on behalf of the Fund as to which it is
subsequently determined that the Fund has overdrawn its cash account with the
Custodian as of the close of business on the date of such payment or transfer,
said overdraft shall constitute an Advance. Any Advance shall be payable by the
Fund on demand by Custodian, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund and the
Custodian, and shall accrue interest from the date of the Advance to the date of
payment by the Fund to the Custodian at a rate agreed upon in writing from time
to time by the Custodian and the Fund. It is understood that any transaction in
respect of which the Custodian shall have made an Advance, including but not
limited to a foreign exchange contract or transaction in respect of which the
Custodian is not acting as a principal, is for the account of and at the risk of
the Fund, and not, by reason of such Advance, deemed to be a transaction
undertaken by the Custodian for its own account and risk. The Custodian and the
Fund acknowledge that the purpose of Advances is to finance temporarily the
purchase or sale of Securities for prompt
delivery in accordance with the settlement terms of such transactions or to meet
emergency expenses not reasonably foreseeable by the Fund. The Custodian shall
promptly notify the Fund of any Advance. Such notification shall be sent by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian may
agree.
10. SECURITY FOR OBLIGATION TO CUSTODIAN.
------------------------------------
If the Custodian or any Subcustodian, Securities System, or Securities
Depository or Clearing Agency acting under agreement with the Custodian, or any
nominee of any of the foregoing) shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Agreement (collectively "Liability"), except such as may arise from its
or its nominee's breach of the relevant standard of care set forth in this
Agreement, or if the Custodian, or any Subcustodian, Securities System, or
Securities Depository or Clearing Agency acting under agreement with the
Custodian, or any nominee of any of the foregoing) shall make any Advance to a
Fund, then in such event property equal in value to not more than 110% of such
Advance and accrued interest thereon or the anticipated amount of such Liability
shall be held as security for such Liability or for such advance and the
interest thereon.
The Fund shall reimburse the Custodian promptly for any Liability and
shall pay any Advances on demand after notice from the Custodian to the Fund of
the existence of the Advance. If, after notification, the Fund shall fail to
promptly pay such advance or interest when due or shall fail to reimburse the
Custodian promptly in respect of a Liability, the Custodian, or any
Subcustodian, Securities System, or Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
shall be entitled to utilize available cash or dispose of the Fund's Assets to
the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to obtain repayment or
reimbursement.
11. COMPENSATION.
------------
Payment for the Custodian's compensation for services rendered
hereunder shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Fund represents that by
separate agreement it has appointed Fund/Plan as its agent, and that Fund/Plan,
as agent for the Fund, has agreed to pay the compensation payable in respect of
such services promptly upon receipt of statements therefore. The Fund shall pay
to Fund/Plan fees for services (including the Custodian's custodian services) in
accordance with the terms of an agreement between Fund/Plan and the Fund. The
Fund hereby directs the Custodian to (i) send all statements for compensation to
its attention care of Fund/Plan at the following address: Fund/Plan Services,
Inc., ▇ ▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
Senior Vice President, and (ii) accept all payments made by Fund/Plan in the
Fund's name as if such payments were made directly by the Fund. The Custodian's
compensation for services rendered hereunder is set forth in an agreement
between the Custodian and Fund/Plan. Should Fund/Plan fail to pay or remit such
compensation to the Custodian, the Custodian will be entitled to debit the
Custody Account directly for such compensation. In the absence of sufficient
cash in the Custody Account to cover compensation, the Fund shall promptly pay
the bank for the unpaid compensation due hereunder. In the absence of prompt
payments for the Fund of the unpaid compensation, the Custodian shall be
entitled to exercise, in addition to all other rights existing in law or equity,
the rights set forth in Section 10 hereof.
12. POWERS OF ATTORNEY.
------------------
Upon request, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian such proxies,
powers of attorney or other instruments as may be reasonable and necessary or
desirable in connection with the performance by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this Agreement or any
applicable subcustodian agreement.
13. TERMINATION AND ASSIGNMENT.
--------------------------
The Fund or the Custodian may terminate this Agreement by notice in
writing, delivered or mailed, postage prepaid (certified mail, return receipt
requested) to the other not less than 90 days prior to the date upon which such
termination shall take effect. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Fund
shall pay to the Custodian such fees as may be due the Custodian hereunder as
well as its reimbursable disbursements, costs and expenses paid or incurred.
Upon termination of this Agreement, the Custodian shall deliver, at the
terminating party's expense, all Assets held by it hereunder to the Fund or as
otherwise designated by the Fund by Special Instructions. Upon such delivery,
====================
the Custodian shall have no further obligations or liabilities under this
Agreement except as to the final resolution of matters relating to activity
occurring prior to the effective date of termination.
This Agreement may not be assigned by the Custodian or the Fund
without the respective consent of the other, duly authorized by a resolution by
its Board of Directors or Trustees.
14. NOTICES.
-------
Notices, requests, instructions and other writings delivered to the
Fund at FIRST MUTUAL FUNDS, c/o Fund/Plan Services, Inc., ▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, postage prepaid, or to such other address as
the Fund may have designated to the Custodian in writing, shall be deemed to
have been properly delivered or given to the Fund.
The Fund shall give prior notice to the Custodian of any change in its
place of organization, mailing address, or sponsors, any significant change in
management, investment objectives, fees or redemption rights and any change to
the appointment of Fund/Plan as its agent.
Notices, requests, instructions and other writings delivered to the
Securities Administration Department of the Custodian at its office at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, or mailed postage prepaid, to the Custodian's
Securities ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇, or to such other addresses as the Custodian may have designated to the
Fund in writing, shall be deemed to have been properly delivered or given to the
Custodian hereunder; provided, however, that procedures for the delivery of
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be governed by Section 2(c) hereof.
====================
15. MISCELLANEOUS.
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(a) This Agreement is executed and delivered in the State of Missouri
and shall be governed by the laws of such state.
(b) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the respective
successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
(c) No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or
waived, in any manner except in writing, properly executed by both parties
hereto; provided, however, Appendix A may be amended from time to time as
Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, and
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies are approved or terminated
according to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only, and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their construction or effect.
(e) This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution
hereof.
(f) This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.
(g) The following terms are defined terms within the meaning of this
Agreement, and the definitions thereof are found in the following sections of
the Agreement:
Term Section
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Account 4(b)(3)(ii)
ADR's 4(j)
Advance 9
Assets 2(b)
Authorized Person 3 (d)
Banking Institution 4(1)
Domestic Subcustodian 5(a)
Foreign Subcustodian 5(b)
Instruction 2(c) (1)
Interim Subcustodian 5(c)
Interest Bearing Deposit 4(1)
OCC 4(g)(2)
Person 6(b)
Procedural Agreement 4(h)
SEC 4(b)(3)
Securities 2(a)
Securities Depositories and 5(b)
Clearing Agencies
Securities System 4(b)(3)
Shares 4(s)
Sovereign Risk 6(b)(iii)
Special Instruction 2(2)
Special Subcustodian 5(c)
Subcustodian 5
1940 4(v)
(h) If any part, term or provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, in conflict with any law or otherwise invalid by any court of competent
jurisdiction, the remaining portion or portions shall be considered severable
and shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the parties shall
be construed and enforced as if this Agreement did not contain the particular
part, term or provision held to be illegal or invalid.
(i) This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
accordingly supersedes, as of the effective date of this Agreement, any
custodian agreement heretofore in effect between the Fund and the Custodian.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Custody Agreement
to be executed by their duly respective authorized officers.
FIRST MUTUAL FUNDS UMB BANK, N.A.
By: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇ By: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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Title: President Title: Senior Vice President
APPENDIX A
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DOMESTIC SUBCUSTODIANS:
United Missouri Trust Company of New York
SECURITIES SYSTEMS:
Federal Book Entry
Depository Trust Company
Participant's Trust Company
SPECIAL SUBCUSTODIANS:
SECURITIES DEPOSITORIES
COUNTRIES FOREIGN SUBCUSTODIANS CLEARING AGENCIES
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Euroclear