DRAFT 10-6-09
CUSTODIAN SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of __________, 2009 by and between PFPC TRUST COMPANY,
a limited purpose trust company incorporated under the laws of Delaware ("PFPC
Trust"), and FIRST TRUST GLOBAL CREDIT STRATEGIES FUND (the "Fund").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as a closed-end management investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain PFPC Trust to provide custodian services, and
PFPC Trust wishes to furnish custodian services, either directly or through an
affiliate or affiliates, as more fully described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein
contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. Definitions. As Used in This Agreement:
(a) "1933 Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(c) "Authorized Person" means any officer of the Fund and any
other person authorized by the Fund to give Oral or Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund. An Authorized Person's
scope of authority may be limited by setting forth such
limitation in a written document signed by both parties
hereto.
(d) "Book-Entry System" means the Federal Reserve Treasury
book-entry system for United States and federal agency
securities, its successor or successors, and its nominee or
nominees and any book-entry system registered with the SEC
under the 1934 Act.
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(e) "Oral Instructions" mean oral instructions received by PFPC
Trust from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably
believed by PFPC Trust to be an Authorized Person. PFPC
Trust may, in its sole discretion in each separate instance,
consider and rely upon instructions it receives from an
Authorized Person via electronic mail as Oral Instructions.
(f) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(g) "Securities Laws" mean the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940
Act.
(h) "Shares" mean the shares of beneficial interest of any series
or class of the Fund.
(i) "Property" means:
(i) any and all securities and other investment items
which the Fund may from time to time deposit, or
cause to be deposited, with PFPC Trust or which PFPC
Trust may from time to time hold for the Fund;
(ii) all income in respect of any of such securities or
other investment items;
(iii) all proceeds of the sale of any of such securities or
investment items; and
(iv) all proceeds of the sale of securities issued by the
Fund, which are received by PFPC Trust from time to
time, from or on behalf of the Fund.
(j) "Written Instructions" mean (i) written instructions signed by
two Authorized Persons (or persons reasonably believed by PFPC
Trust to be Authorized Persons) and received by PFPC Trust or
(ii) trade instructions transmitted by means of an electronic
transaction reporting system which requires the use of a
password or other authorized identifier in order to gain
access. The instructions may be delivered electronically (with
respect to sub-item (ii) above) or by hand, mail or facsimile
sending device.
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2. Appointment. The Fund hereby appoints PFPC Trust to provide custodian
services to the Fund and PFPC Trust accepts such appointment and agrees
to furnish such services. PFPC Trust shall be under no duty to take any
action hereunder on behalf of the Fund except as specifically set forth
herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PFPC Trust and the Fund
in a written amendment hereto. PFPC Trust shall not bear, or otherwise
be responsible for, any fees, cost or expenses charged by any third
party service providers engaged by the Fund or by any other third party
service provider to the Fund.
3. Compliance with Laws.
PFPC Trust undertakes to comply with material applicable requirements
of the Securities Laws and material laws, rules and regulations of
governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the duties
to be performed by PFPC Trust hereunder. Except as specifically set
forth herein, PFPC Trust assumes no responsibility for such compliance
by the Fund or any other entity.
4. Instructions.
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PFPC Trust shall
act only upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.
(b) PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instruction
or Written Instruction it receives pursuant to this Agreement.
PFPC Trust may assume that any Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions received hereunder are not in any way
inconsistent with the provisions of organizational documents
of the Fund or of any vote, resolution or proceeding of the
Fund's board of directors or of the Fund's shareholders,
unless and until PFPC Trust receives Written Instructions to
the contrary.
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(c) The Fund agrees to forward to PFPC Trust Written Instructions
confirming Oral Instructions (except where such Oral
Instructions are given by PFPC Trust or its affiliates) so
that PFPC Trust receives the Written Instructions by the close
of business on the same day that such Oral Instructions are
received. The fact that such confirming Written Instructions
are not received by PFPC Trust or differ from the Oral
Instructions shall in no way invalidate the transactions or
enforceability of the transactions authorized by the Oral
Instructions or PFPC Trust's ability to rely upon such Oral
Instructions.
5. Right to Receive Advice.
(a) Advice of the Fund. If PFPC Trust is in doubt as to any action
it should or should not take, PFPC Trust may request
directions or advice, including Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, from the Fund.
(b) Advice of Counsel. If PFPC Trust shall be in doubt as to any
question of law pertaining to any action it should or should
not take, PFPC Trust may request advice from counsel of its
own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund's
investment adviser or PFPC Trust, at the option of PFPC
Trust). The Fund shall pay the reasonable cost of any counsel
retained by PFPC Trust with prior notice to the Fund.
(c) Conflicting Advice. In the event of a conflict between
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions PFPC Trust receives from the Fund, and the advice
it receives from counsel, PFPC Trust shall be entitled to rely
upon and follow the advice of counsel.
(d) Protection of PFPC Trust. PFPC Trust shall be indemnified by
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the Fund and without liability for any action PFPC Trust takes
or does not take in reliance upon directions or advice or Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions PFPC Trust receives from
or on behalf of the Fund, or from counsel and which PFPC Trust
believes, in good faith, to be consistent with those
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Nothing in this section shall be construed so as
to impose an obligation upon PFPC Trust (i) to seek such
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with such
directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions.
6. Records; Visits.
(a) The books and records pertaining to the Fund, which are in
the possession or under the control of PFPC Trust, shall be
the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be
prepared and maintained as required by the 1940 Act and
other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations
provided the Fund provides PFPC Trust with written notice of
such laws, rules and regulations, other than the 1940 Act
and The Internal Revenue Code Of 1986, as amended, that are
applicable. The Fund and Authorized Persons shall have
access to such books and records at all times during PFPC
Trust's normal business hours upon reasonable advance
notice; provided, however, the Fund's independent public
accountants shall have access to such books and records
without prior notice to PFPC Trust in order to comply with
the requirements of Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act. Upon the
reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and
records shall be provided by PFPC Trust to the Fund or to an
authorized representative of the Fund, at the Fund's
expense.
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(b) PFPC Trust shall keep the following records:
(i) all books and records as are customarily maintained
by the custodian for a registered investment company.
7. Confidentiality. Each party shall keep confidential any information
relating to the other party's business ("Confidential Information").
Confidential Information shall include (a) any data or information
that is competitively sensitive material, and not generally known to
the public, including, but not limited to, information about product
plans, marketing strategies, finances, operations, customer
relationships, customer profiles, customer lists, sales estimates,
business plans, and internal performance results relating to the past,
present or future business activities of the Fund or PFPC Trust and
their respective subsidiaries and affiliated companies; (b) any
scientific or technical information, design, process, procedure,
formula, or improvement that is commercially valuable and secret in
the sense that its confidentiality affords the Fund or PFPC Trust a
competitive advantage over its competitors; (c) all confidential or
proprietary concepts, documentation, reports, data, specifications,
computer software, source code, object code, flow charts, databases,
inventions, know-how, and trade secrets, whether or not patentable or
copyrightable; and (d) anything designated as confidential.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, information shall not be Confidential
Information and shall not be subject to such confidentiality
obligations if: (a) it is necessary for PFPC Trust to release such
information in connection with the provision of services under this
Agreement; (b) it is already known to the receiving party at the time
it is obtained; (c) it is or becomes publicly known or available
through no wrongful act of the receiving party; (d) it is rightfully
received from a third party who, to the best of the receiving party's
knowledge, is not under a duty of confidentiality; (e) it is released
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by the protected party to a third party without restriction; (f) it is
requested or required to be disclosed by the receiving party pursuant
to a court order, subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency request
or law (provided the receiving party will provide the other party
written notice of the same, to the extent such notice is permitted);
(g) it is Fund information provided by PFPC Trust in connection with
an independent third party compliance or other review; (h) it is
relevant to the defense of any claim or cause of action asserted
against the receiving party; or (i) it has been or is independently
developed or obtained by the receiving party. PFPC Trust acknowledges
and agrees that in connection with its services under this Agreement
it receives non-public confidential portfolio holdings information
("Portfolio Information") with respect to the Fund. PFPC Trust agrees
that, subject to the foregoing provisions of and the exceptions set
forth in this Section 7 (other than the exception set forth above in
this Section as Sub-item (a), which exception set forth in sub-item
(a) shall not be applicable to the Fund's Portfolio Information), PFPC
Trust will keep confidential the Fund's Portfolio Information and will
not disclose the Fund's Portfolio Information other than pursuant to a
Written Instruction (such Written Instruction may be a standing
Written Instruction).
8. Cooperation with Accountants. PFPC Trust shall cooperate with the
Fund's independent public accountants and shall take all reasonable
action to make any requested information available to such accountants
as reasonably requested by the Fund.
9. PFPC Trust System. PFPC Trust shall retain title to and ownership of
any and all data bases, computer programs, screen formats, report
formats, interactive design techniques, derivative works, inventions,
discoveries, patentable or copyrightable matters, concepts, expertise,
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patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and other related legal rights
utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with the services provided by PFPC
Trust to the Fund.
10. Disaster Recovery. PFPC Trust shall enter into and shall maintain in
effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making
reasonable provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing
equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. In the
event of equipment failures, PFPC Trust shall, at no additional expense
to the Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions.
PFPC Trust shall have no liability with respect to the loss of data or
service interruptions caused by equipment failure provided such loss or
interruption is not caused by PFPC Trust's own willful misfeasance, bad
faith, negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or obligations
under this Agreement.
11. Compensation.
(a) As compensation for custody services rendered by PFPC Trust
during the term of this Agreement, the Fund will pay to PFPC
Trust a fee or fees as may be agreed to in writing from time
to time by the Fund and PFPC Trust. The Fund acknowledges that
PFPC Trust may receive float benefits in connection with
maintaining certain accounts required to provide services
under this Agreement.
(b) The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to PFPC
Trust that (i) the terms of this Agreement, (ii) the fees and
expenses associated with this Agreement, and (iii) any
benefits accruing to PFPC Trust or to the adviser or sponsor
to the Fund in connection with this Agreement, including
but not limited to any fee waivers, conversion cost
reimbursements, up front payments, signing payments or
periodic payments made or to be made by PFPC Trust to such
adviser or sponsor or any affiliate of the Fund relating to
this Agreement have been fully disclosed to the board of
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directors of the Fund and that, if required by applicable
law, such board of directors has approved or will approve the
terms of this Agreement, any such fees and expenses, and any
such benefits.
(c) Notwithstanding the limitation of liability provisions of this
Agreement or the termination of this Agreement, the Fund shall
remain responsible for paying PFPC Trust the fees and other
amounts set forth in this Agreement and in the applicable fee
letter.
12. Indemnification.
The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless PFPC
Trust and its affiliates providing services under this Agreement,
including their respective officers, directors, agents and employees
from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements and liabilities arising under the Securities Laws and any
state and foreign securities and blue sky laws) ("Claims") arising
directly or indirectly from any action or omission to act which PFPC
Trust takes in connection with the provision of services to the Fund.
Neither PFPC Trust, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified
against any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability)
caused by PFPC Trust's or its affiliates' own willful misfeasance, bad
faith, negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of PFPC
Trust's or its affiliates' activities under this Agreement. The
provisions of this Section 12 shall survive termination of this
Agreement.
PFPC Trust agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Fund and
its officers, directors and employees harmless from any and all Claims
arising directly or indirectly from the negligence, bad faith, reckless
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disregard or willful misfeasance of PFPC Trust and its affiliates in
the performance of its duties hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Fund shall not be indemnified against any Claim caused by the
Fund's or the Fund's other service providers' willful misfeasance, bad
faith or negligence.
Indemnification Procedure.
(i) Notice of the Action. A party that seeks
indemnification under this Agreement must promptly
give the other party notice of any legal action;
provided, however, that a delay in notice does not
relieve an indemnifying party of any liability to an
indemnified party, except to the extent the
indemnifying party shows that the delay prejudiced
the defense of the action.
(ii) Participating in or Assuming the Defense. The
indemnifying party may participate in the defense at
any time or it may assume the defense by giving
notice to the other party. After assuming the
defense, the indemnifying party:
(1) must select an attorney that is satisfactory
to the other party;
(2) is not liable to the other party for any
later attorney's fees or for any other later
expenses that the other party incurs, except
for reasonable investigation costs;
(3) must not compromise or settle the action
without the other party's consent (but the
other party must not unreasonably withhold
its consent); and
(4) is not liable for any compromise or
settlement made without its consent.
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(iii) Failing to Assume the Defense. If the indemnifying
party fails to participate in or assume the defense
within 15 days after receiving notice of the action,
the indemnifying party is bound by any determination
made in the action or by any compromise or settlement
made by the other party.
13. Responsibility of PFPC Trust.
(a) PFPC Trust shall be under no duty to take any action
hereunder on behalf of the Fund except as specifically set
forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PFPC
Trust and the Fund in a written amendment hereto. PFPC Trust
shall be obligated to exercise commercially reasonable care
and diligence in the performance of its duties hereunder and
to act in good faith in performing services provided for
under this Agreement. As set forth herein, and as may be
agreed to in writing from time to time by PFPC Trust and the
Fund with regard to such matters of liability, PFPC Trust
shall be liable only for any damages arising out of PFPC
Trust's failure to perform its duties under this Agreement
to the extent such damages arise out of PFPC Trust's willful
misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard of
its duties under this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
(i) PFPC Trust shall not be liable for losses, delays,
failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring
directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its
reasonable control, including without limitation acts of
God; action or inaction of civil or military authority;
public enemy; war; terrorism; riot; fire; flood; sabotage;
epidemics; labor disputes; civil commotion; interruption,
loss or malfunction of utilities, transportation, computer
or communications capabilities; insurrection; elements of
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nature; or non-performance by a third party; failure of the
mails; or functions or malfunctions of the internet,
firewalls, encryption systems or security devices caused by
any of the above; (ii) PFPC Trust shall not be under any
duty or obligation to inquire into and shall not be liable
for the validity or invalidity, authority or lack thereof,
or truthfulness or accuracy or lack thereof, of any
instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other
information which PFPC Trust reasonably believes to be
genuine; and (iii) PFPC Trust shall not be liable for any
damages arising out of any action or omission to act by any
prior service provider of the Fund or for any failure to
discover any such errors or omissions.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
neither party to this Agreement nor their respective
affiliates shall be liable for any consequential,
incidental, exemplary, punitive, special or indirect losses
or damages, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or
damages was known by such party.
(d) Each party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which
the other party may become responsible.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary
(other than as specifically provided in Section 14(h)(ii)(B)
(4) and Section 14(h)(iii)(A) of this Agreement), the Fund
shall be responsible for all filings, tax returns and reports
on any transactions undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, or
in respect of the Property or any collections undertaken
pursuant to this Agreement, which may be requested by any
relevant authority. In addition, the Fund shall be
responsible for the payment of all taxes and similar items
(including without limitation penalties and interest related
thereto).
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(f) The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive termination of
this Agreement.
14. Description of Services.
(a) Delivery of the Property. The Fund will deliver or arrange for
delivery to PFPC Trust, all the Property owned by the Fund,
including cash received as a result of the distribution of
Shares, during the term of this Agreement. PFPC Trust will not
be responsible for any assets until actual receipt.
(b) Receipt and Disbursement of Money. PFPC Trust, acting upon
Written Instructions, shall open and maintain separate
accounts for the Fund (the "Account"). PFPC Trust shall
maintain in the Account all cash and other assets received
from or for the account of the Fund, subject to the terms of
this Agreement.
PFPC Trust shall make cash payments from or for the Account of
the Fund only for:
(i) purchases of securities in the name of the Fund, PFPC
Trust, PFPC Trust's nominee or a sub-custodian or
nominee thereof as provided in sub-section (j) and
for which PFPC Trust has received a copy of the
broker's or dealer's confirmation or payee's invoice,
as appropriate;
(ii) redemption of Shares of the Fund upon receipt of
Written Instructions;
(iii) payment of, subject to Written Instructions,
interest, taxes (provided that tax which PFPC Trust
considers is required to be deducted or withheld "at
source" will be governed by Section 14(h)(iii)(B) of
this Agreement), administration, accounting,
distribution, advisory, license and management fees
which are to be borne by the Fund;
(iv) payment to, subject to receipt of Written
Instructions, the Fund's transfer agent, as agent for
the shareholders, of an amount equal to the amount of
dividends and distributions stated in the Written
Instructions to be distributed in cash by the
transfer agent to shareholders, or, in lieu of paying
the Fund's transfer agent, PFPC Trust may arrange for
the direct payment of cash dividends and
distributions to shareholders in accordance with
procedures mutually agreed upon from time to time by
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and among the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Fund's
transfer agent;
(v) payments, upon receipt of Written Instructions, in
connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender
of securities owned or subscribed to by the Fund and
held by or delivered to PFPC Trust;
(vi) payments of the amounts of dividends received with
respect to securities sold short;
(vii) payments to PFPC Trust for its services hereunder;
(viii) payments to a sub-custodian pursuant to provisions in
sub-section (c) of this Section; and
(ix) other payments, upon Written Instructions.
PFPC Trust is hereby authorized to endorse and collect all checks,
drafts or other orders for the payment of money received as custodian
for the Account.
(c) Receipt of Securities; Subcustodians.
PFPC Trust shall hold all securities received by it
for the Account in a separate account that physically
segregates such securities from those of any other
persons, firms or corporations, except for securities
held in a Book-Entry System or through a
sub-custodian or depository. All such securities
shall be held or disposed of only upon Written
Instructions or otherwise pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall have no power or
authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise
dispose of any such securities or investment, except
upon the express terms of this Agreement or upon
Written Instructions authorizing the transaction. In
no case may any member of the Fund's board of
directors, or any officer, employee or agent of the
Fund withdraw any securities upon their mere receipt.
At PFPC Trust's own expense and for its own
convenience, PFPC Trust may enter into sub-custodian
agreements with other banks or trust companies to
perform duties described in this Agreement with
respect to domestic assets. Such bank or trust
company shall have an aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits, according to its last published
report, of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000),
if it is a subsidiary or affiliate of PFPC Trust, or
at least twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) if such
bank or trust company is not a subsidiary or
affiliate of PFPC Trust. In addition, such bank or
trust company must be qualified to act as custodian
and agree to comply with the relevant provisions of
applicable rules and regulations. Any such.
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arrangement will not be entered into without prior
written notice to the Fund (or as otherwise provided
in the 1940 Act).
In addition, PFPC Trust may enter into arrangements
with sub-custodians with respect to services
regarding foreign assets. Any such arrangement will
not be entered into without prior written notice to
the Fund (or as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act).
Sub-custodians utilized by PFPC Trust may be
subsidiaries or affiliates of PFPC Trust, and such
entities will be compensated for their services at
such rates as are agreed between the entity and PFPC
Trust. PFPC Trust shall remain responsible for the
acts and omissions of any sub-custodian chosen by
PFPC Trust under the terms of this sub-section (c) to
the same extent that PFPC Trust is responsible for
its own acts and omissions under this Agreement.
(d) Transactions Requiring Instructions. Upon receipt of Oral
Instructions or Written Instructions and not otherwise, PFPC
Trust shall:
(i) deliver any securities held for the Fund against the
receipt of payment for the sale of such securities or
otherwise in accordance with standard market
practice;
(ii) execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions, proxies, consents, authorizations, and
any other instruments received by PFPC Trust as
custodian whereby the authority of the Fund as owner
of any securities may be exercised;
(iii) deliver any securities to the issuer thereof, or its
agent, when such securities are called, redeemed,
retired or otherwise become payable at the option of
the holder; provided that, in any such case, the cash
or other consideration is to be delivered to PFPC
Trust;
(iv) deliver any securities held for the Fund against
receipt of other securities or cash issued or paid in
connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, tender offer, merger, consolidation or
recapitalization of any corporation or other entity,
or the exercise of any conversion privilege;
(v) deliver any securities held for the Fund to any
protective committee, reorganization committee or
other person in connection with the reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization
or sale of assets of any corporation or other entity,
and receive and hold under the terms of this
Agreement such certificates of deposit, interim
receipts or other instruments or documents as may be
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issued to it to evidence such delivery;
(vi) make such transfer or exchanges of the assets of the
Fund and take such other steps as shall be stated in
said Oral Instructions or Written Instructions to be
for the purpose of effectuating a duly authorized
plan of liquidation, reorganization, merger,
consolidation or recapitalization of the Fund;
(vii) release securities belonging to the Fund to any bank
or trust company for the purpose of a pledge or
hypothecation to secure any loan incurred by the
Fund; provided, however, that securities shall be
released only upon payment to PFPC Trust of the
monies borrowed, except that in cases where
additional collateral is required to secure a
borrowing already made subject to proper prior
authorization, further securities may be released for
that purpose; and repay such loan upon redelivery to
it of the securities pledged or hypothecated therefor
and upon surrender of the note or notes evidencing
the loan;
(viii) release and deliver securities owned by the Fund in
connection with any repurchase agreement entered into
by the Fund, but only on receipt of payment therefor;
and pay out monies of the Fund in connection with
such repurchase agreements, but only upon the
delivery of the securities;
(ix) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by
the Fund in connection with any conversion of such
securities, pursuant to their terms, into other
securities;
(x) release and deliver securities to a broker in
connection with the broker's custody of margin
collateral relating to futures and options
transactions;
(xi) release and deliver securities owned by the Fund for
the purpose of redeeming in kind shares of the Fund
upon delivery thereof to PFPC Trust; and
(xii) release and deliver or exchange securities owned by
the Fund for other purposes.
(e)
Use of Book-Entry System or Other Depository. PFPC Trust is
authorized and instructed, on a continuous basis, to deposit
in Book-Entry Systems and other depositories all securities
belonging to the Fund eligible for deposit therein and to
utilize Book-Entry Systems and other depositories to the
extent possible in connection with settlements of purchases
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and sales of securities by the Fund, and deliveries and
returns of securities loaned, subject to repurchase
agreements or used as collateral in connection with
borrowings. PFPC Trust shall continue to perform such duties
until it receives Written Instructions or Oral Instructions
authorizing contrary actions. Notwithstanding anything in
this Agreement to the contrary, PFPC Trust's use of a
Book-Entry System shall comply with the requirements of Rule
17f-4 under the 1940 Act.
PFPC Trust shall administer a Book-Entry System or other depository as
follows:
(i) With respect to securities of the Fund which are
maintained in a Book-Entry System or another
depository, the records of PFPC Trust shall identify
by book-entry or otherwise those securities belonging
to the Fund.
(ii) Assets of the Fund deposited in a Book-Entry System
or another depository will (to the extent consistent
with applicable law and standard practice) at all
times be segregated from any assets and cash
controlled by PFPC Trust in other than a fiduciary or
custodian capacity but may be commingled with other
assets held in such capacities.
PFPC Trust will provide the Fund with such reports on its own
system of internal control as the Fund may reasonably request
from time to time.
(f) Registration of Securities. All securities held for the Fund
which are issued or issuable only in bearer form, except
such securities held in the Book-Entry System or in another
depository, shall be held by PFPC Trust in bearer form; all
other securities held for the Fund may be registered in the
name of the Fund, PFPC Trust, a Book-Entry System, another
depository, a sub-custodian, or any duly appointed nominee
of the Fund, PFPC Trust, Book-Entry System, depository or
sub-custodian. The Fund agrees to furnish to PFPC Trust
appropriate instruments to enable PFPC Trust to hold or
deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the
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name of its nominee or in the name of the Book-Entry System
or in the name of another appropriate entity, any securities
which it may hold pursuant to this Agreement. With respect
to uncertificated securities which are registered in the
name of the Fund (or a nominee thereof), PFPC Trust will
reflect such securities on its records based upon the
holdings information provided to it by the issuer of such
securities, but notwithstanding anything in this Agreement
to the contrary PFPC Trust shall not be obligated to
safekeep such securities or to perform other duties with
respect to such securities other than to make payment for
the purchase of such securities upon receipt of Oral or
Written Instructions, accept in sale proceeds received by
PFPC Trust upon the sale of such securities of which PFPC
Trust is informed pursuant to Oral or Written Instructions,
and accept in other distributions received by PFPC Trust
with respect to such securities or reflect on its records
any reinvested distributions with respect to such securities
of which it is informed by the issuer of the securities
(g) Voting and Other Action. Neither PFPC Trust nor its nominee
shall vote any of the securities held pursuant to this
Agreement by or for the account of the Fund, except in
accordance with Written Instructions. PFPC Trust, directly or
through the use of another entity, shall execute in blank and
promptly deliver all notices, proxies and proxy soliciting
materials received by PFPC Trust as custodian of the Property
to the registered holder of such securities. If the registered
holder is not the Fund, then Written Instructions or Oral
Instructions must designate the person who owns such
securities.
(h) Transactions Not Requiring Instructions. Notwithstanding
18
DRAFT 10-6-09
anything in this Agreement requiring instructions in order to
take a particular action, in the absence of a contrary Written
Instruction PFPC Trust is authorized to take the following
actions without the need for instructions:
(i) Collection of Income and Other Payments.
(A) collect and receive for the account of the
Fund, all income, dividends, distributions,
coupons, option premiums, other payments and
similar items, included or to be included in
the Property, and, in addition, promptly
advise the Fund of such receipt and credit
such income to the Fund's custodian account;
(B) endorse and deposit for collection, in the
name of the Fund, checks, drafts, or other
orders for the payment of money;
(C) receive and hold for the account of the Fund
all securities received as a distribution on
the Fund's securities as a result of a stock
dividend, share split-up or reorganization,
recapitalization, readjustment or other
rearrangement or distribution of rights or
similar securities issued with respect to
any securities belonging to the Fund and
held by PFPC Trust hereunder;
(D) present for payment and collect the amount
payable upon all securities which may mature
or be called, redeemed, retired or otherwise
become payable (on a mandatory basis) on the
date such securities become payable; and
(E) take any action which may be necessary and
proper in connection with the collection and
receipt of the aforementioned income and
other payments and the endorsement for
collection of checks, drafts, and other
negotiable instruments.
(ii) Miscellaneous Transactions.
(A) PFPC Trust is authorized to deliver or cause
to be delivered Property against payment or
other consideration or written receipt
therefor in the following cases:
(1) for examination by a broker or
dealer selling for the account of
the Fund in accordance with street
delivery custom;
(2) for the exchange of interim receipts
19
DRAFT 10-6-09
or temporary securities for
definitive securities; and
(3) for transfer of securities into the
name of the Fund or PFPC Trust or a
sub-custodian or a nominee of one of
the foregoing, or for exchange of
securities for a different number of
bonds, certificates, or other
evidence, representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of
units bearing the same interest
rate, maturity date and call
provisions, if any; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities
are to be delivered to PFPC Trust.
(B) PFPC Trust shall:
(1) pay all income items held by it
which call for payment upon
presentation and hold the cash
received by it upon such payment for
the account of the Fund;
(2) collect interest and cash dividends
received, with notice to the Fund,
to the account of the Fund;
(3) hold for the account of the Fund all
stock dividends, rights and similar
securities issued with respect to
any securities held by PFPC Trust;
and
(4) subject to receipt of such
documentation and information as
PFPC Trust may request, execute as
agent on behalf of the Fund all
necessary ownership certificates
required by a national governmental
taxing authority or under the laws
of any U.S. state now or hereafter
in effect, inserting the Fund's name
on such certificate as the owner of
the securities covered thereby, to
the extent it may lawfully do so.
(iii) Other Matters.
(A) Subject to receipt of such documentation and
information as PFPC Trust may request, PFPC
Trust will, in such jurisdictions as PFPC
Trust may agree from time to time, seek to
reclaim or obtain a reduction with respect
to any withholdings or other taxes relating
to assets maintained hereunder (provided
that PFPC Trust will not be liable for
failure to obtain any particular relief in a
particular jurisdiction); and
(B) PFPC Trust is authorized to deduct or
withhold any sum in respect of tax which
PFPC Trust considers is required to be
20
DRAFT 10-6-09
deducted or withheld "at source" by any
relevant law or practice.
(i) Segregated Accounts.
(i) PFPC Trust shall upon receipt of Written Instructions
or Oral Instructions establish and maintain
segregated accounts on its records for and on behalf
of the Fund. Such accounts may be used to transfer
cash and securities, including securities in a
Book-Entry System or other depository:
(A) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund
with the procedures required by a securities
or option exchange, providing such
procedures comply with the 1940 Act and any
releases of the SEC relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies; and
(B) upon receipt of Written Instructions, for
other purposes.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall arrange for the establishment of ▇▇▇
custodian accounts for such shareholders holding
Shares through ▇▇▇ accounts, in accordance with the
Fund's offering document, the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (including regulations
promulgated thereunder), and with such other
procedures as are mutually agreed upon from time to
time by and among the Fund, PFPC Trust and the Fund's
transfer agent.
(j) Purchases of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle purchased
securities upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions that specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the
securities, including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or the principal amount
purchased and accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement;
(iv) the purchase price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable upon such purchase; and
(vi) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made. PFPC Trust shall
upon receipt of securities purchased by or for the
Fund (or otherwise in accordance with standard market
practice) pay out of the monies held for the account
of the Fund the total amount payable to the person
21
DRAFT 10-6-09
from whom or the broker through whom the purchase was
made, provided that the same conforms to the total
amount payable as set forth in such Oral Instructions
or Written Instructions.
(k) Sales of Securities. PFPC Trust shall settle sold securities
upon receipt of Oral Instructions or Written Instructions that
specify:
(i) the name of the issuer and the title of the security,
including CUSIP number if applicable;
(ii) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and
accrued interest, if any;
(iii) the date of trade and settlement;
(iv) the sale price per unit;
(v) the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale;
(vi) the name of the broker through whom or the person to
whom the sale was made; and
(vii) the location to which the security must be delivered and
delivery deadline, if any.
PFPC Trust shall deliver the securities upon receipt of the total
amount payable to the Fund upon such sale, provided that the total
amount payable is the same as was set forth in the Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, PFPC Trust may accept payment in such form as is consistent
with standard industry practice and may deliver assets and arrange for
payment in accordance with standard industry practice.
(l) Reports; Proxy Materials.
(i) PFPC Trust shall furnish to the Fund the following
reports:
(A) such periodic and special reports as the
Fund may reasonably request;
(B) a monthly statement summarizing all
transactions and entries for the account of
22
DRAFT 10-6-09
the Fund, listing each portfolio security
belonging to the Fund (with the
corresponding security identification
number) held at the end of such month and
stating the cash balance of the Fund at the
end of such month.
(C) the reports required to be furnished to
the Fund pursuant to Rule 17f-4 of the 1940
Act; and
(D) such other information as may be agreed upon
from time to time between the Fund and PFPC
Trust.
(ii) PFPC Trust shall transmit promptly to the Fund any
proxy statement, proxy material, notice of a call or
conversion or similar communication received by it as
custodian of the Property. PFPC Trust shall be under
no other obligation to inform the Fund as to such
actions or events. For clarification, upon
termination of this Agreement PFPC Trust shall have
no responsibility to transmit such material or to
inform the Funds or any other person of such actions
or events.
(m) Crediting of Accounts. PFPC Trust may in its sole discretion
credit an Account with respect to income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums, other payments or
similar items prior to PFPC Trust's actual receipt thereof,
and in addition PFPC Trust may in its sole discretion credit
or debit the assets in an Account on a contractual
settlement date with respect to any sale, exchange or
purchase applicable to the Account; provided that nothing
herein or otherwise shall require PFPC Trust to make any
advances or to credit any amounts until PFPC Trust's actual
receipt thereof. If PFPC Trust in its sole discretion
credits an Account with respect to (a) income, dividends,
distributions, coupons, option premiums, other payments or
similar items on a contractual payment date or otherwise in
23
DRAFT 10-6-09
advance of PFPC Trust's actual receipt of the amount due,
(b) the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of assets
on the contractual settlement date or otherwise in advance
of PFPC Trust's actual receipt of the amount due or (c)
provisional crediting of any amounts due, and (i) PFPC Trust
is subsequently unable to collect full and final payment for
the amounts so credited within a reasonable time period
using reasonable efforts or (ii) pursuant to standard
industry practice, law or regulation PFPC Trust is required
to repay to a third party such amounts so credited, or if
any Property has been incorrectly credited, PFPC Trust shall
have the absolute right in its sole discretion without
demand to reverse any such credit or payment, to debit or
deduct the amount of such credit or payment from the
Account, and to otherwise pursue recovery of any such
amounts so credited from the Fund. The Fund hereby grants to
PFPC Trust and to each sub-custodian utilized by PFPC Trust
in connection with providing services to the Fund a first
priority contractual possessory security interest in and a
right of setoff against the assets maintained in an Account
hereunder in the amount necessary to secure the return and
payment to PFPC Trust and to each such sub-custodian of any
advance or credit made by PFPC Trust and/or by such
sub-custodian (including charges related thereto) to such
Account. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, PFPC Trust shall be entitled to assign any rights
it has under this sub-section (m) to any sub-custodian
utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with providing services
to the Fund which sub-custodian makes any credits or
advances with respect to the Fund.
(n) Collections. All collections of monies or other property in
respect, or which are to become part, of the Property (but
24
DRAFT 10-6-09
not the safekeeping thereof upon receipt by PFPC Trust)
shall be at the sole risk of the Fund. If payment is not
received by PFPC Trust within a reasonable time after proper
demands have been made, PFPC Trust shall notify the Fund in
writing, including copies of all demand letters, any written
responses and memoranda of all oral responses and shall
await instructions from the Fund. PFPC Trust shall not be
obliged to take legal action for collection unless and until
reasonably indemnified to its satisfaction. PFPC Trust shall
also notify the Fund as soon as reasonably practicable
whenever income due on securities is not collected in due
course and shall provide the Fund with periodic status
reports of such income collected after a reasonable time.
(o) Excess Cash Sweep. PFPC Trust will sweep any net excess cash
balances daily into an investment vehicle or other instrument
designated in writing by the Fund, so long as the investment
vehicle or instrument is acceptable to PFPC Trust, subject to
a fee, paid to PFPC Trust for such service, to be agreed
between the parties. Such investment vehicle or instrument may
be offered by an affiliate of PFPC Trust or by a PFPC Trust
client and PFPC Trust may receive compensation therefrom.
(p) Foreign Exchange.
PFPC Trust, its sub-custodians and the respective affiliates
of such entities (together, "Affiliated Entities") jointly or
separately may act as principal and/or agent for foreign
exchange ("FX") transactions for the Fund, and any of the
Affiliated Entities may arrange FX transactions for the Fund
with third parties that act as principal or agent. Affiliated
Entities and third parties may receive fees and other
25
DRAFT 10-6-09
compensation in connection with FX transactions for the Fund,
and PFPC Trust may receive from such entities a portion of
their fees or other compensation. Unless PFPC Trust itself is
the principal for a FX transaction, PFPC Trust will not be
responsible and shall have no liability for the actions or
omissions of any principal (including any other Affiliated
Entity) to any FX transaction for the Fund nor any
responsibility to monitor the commercial terms of any such FX
transactions.
15. Duration and Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall be effective on the date first written
above and unless terminated pursuant to its terms shall
continue until June 12, 2010 (the "Initial Term").
(b) Upon the expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall
automatically renew for successive terms of one (1) year
("Renewal Terms") each, unless the Fund or PFPC Trust provides
written notice to the other of its intent not to renew. Such
notice must be received not less than ninety (90) days prior
to the expiration of the Initial Term or the then current
Renewal Term.
(c) If a party hereto is guilty of a material failure to perform
its duties and obligations hereunder (a "Defaulting Party")
the other party (the "Non-Defaulting Party") may give
written notice thereof to the Defaulting Party, and if such
material breach shall not have been remedied within thirty
(30) days after such written notice is given, then the
Non-Defaulting Party may terminate this Agreement by giving
thirty (30) days written notice of such termination to the
Defaulting Party. In all cases, termination by the
Non-Defaulting Party shall not constitute a waiver by the
26
DRAFT 10-6-09
Non-Defaulting Party of any other rights it might have under
this Agreement or otherwise against the Defaulting Party.
In the event this Agreement is terminated (pending appointment
of a successor to PFPC Trust or vote of the shareholders of
the Fund to dissolve or to function without a custodian of
its cash, securities or other property), PFPC Trust shall
not deliver cash, securities or other property of the Fund
to the Fund. It may deliver them to a bank or trust company
of PFPC Trust's choice, having an aggregate capital, surplus
and undivided profits, as shown by its last published
report, of not less than twenty million dollars
($20,000,000), as a custodian for the Fund to be held under
terms similar to those of this Agreement. PFPC Trust shall
not be required to make any delivery or payment of assets
upon termination until full payment shall have been made to
PFPC Trust of all of its fees, compensation, costs and
expenses known at such time (such expenses include, without
limitation, all expenses associated with movement (or
duplication) of records and materials and conversion thereof
to a successor service provider, or to a bank or trust
company pending appointment of such successor, and all
trailing expenses incurred by PFPC Trust). PFPC Trust shall
have a first priority contractual possessory security
interest in and shall have a right of setoff against the
Property as security for the payment of such fees,
compensation, costs and expenses.
16. Notices. Notices shall be addressed (a) if to PFPC Trust at ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ (or such other address as PFPC Trust may inform the Fund
in writing); (b) if to the Fund, at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Attention: W. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ fax (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ (or such
other address as the Funds may inform PFPC Trust in writing); or (c)
27
DRAFT 10-6-09
if to neither of the foregoing, at such other address as shall have
been given by like notice to the sender of any such notice or other
communication by the receiving party. If notice is sent by confirming
electronic delivery, hand or facsimile sending device, it shall be
deemed to have been given immediately. If notice is sent by
first-class mail, it shall be deemed to have been given five days
after it has been mailed. If notice is sent by messenger, it shall be
deemed to have been given on the day it is delivered.
17. Amendments. This Agreement, or any term hereof, may be changed or
waived only by a written amendment, signed by the party against whom
enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.
18. Assignment. PFPC Trust may assign this Agreement to any affiliate of
PFPC Trust or of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., provided that
PFPC Trust gives the Fund thirty (30) days' prior written notice of
such assignment.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
20. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement
and understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter
hereof, provided that the parties may embody in one or more
separate documents their agreement, if any, with respect to
delegated duties.
(b) Non-Solicitation. During the term of this Agreement and for
one year thereafter, the Fund shall not (with the exceptions
28
DRAFT 10-6-09
noted in the immediately succeeding sentence) knowingly
solicit or recruit for employment or hire any of PFPC
Trust's employees, and the Fund shall cause the Fund's
sponsor and the Fund's affiliates to not (with the
exceptions noted in the immediately succeeding sentence)
knowingly solicit or recruit for employment or hire any of
PFPC Trust's employees. To "knowingly" solicit, recruit or
hire within the meaning of this provision does not include,
and therefore does not prohibit, solicitation, recruitment
or hiring of a PFPC Trust employee by the Fund, the Fund's
sponsor or an affiliate of the Fund if the PFPC Trust
employee was identified by such entity solely as a result of
the PFPC Trust employee's response to a general
advertisement by such entity in a publication of trade or
industry interest or other similar general solicitation by
such entity.
(c) No Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly provided
in this Agreement, PFPC Trust hereby disclaims all
representations and warranties, express or implied, made to
the Fund or any other person, including, without limitation,
any warranties regarding quality, suitability,
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise
(irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of
trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to
services provided under this Agreement. PFPC Trust disclaims
any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise
set forth in this Agreement.
(d) No Changes that Materially Affect Obligations. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees
not to make any modifications to its registration statement or
adopt any policies which would affect materially the
29
DRAFT 10-6-09
obligations or responsibilities of PFPC Trust hereunder
without the prior written approval of PFPC Trust, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The
scope of services to be provided by PFPC Trust under this
Agreement shall not be increased as a result of new or revised
regulatory or other requirements that may become applicable
with respect to the Fund, unless the parties hereto expressly
agree in writing to any such increase.
(e) Captions. 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.
(f) Information. The Fund will provide such information and
documentation as PFPC Trust may reasonably request in
connection with services provided by PFPC Trust to the Fund.
(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract
made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law, without regard
to principles of conflicts of law.
(h) Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this Agreement shall
be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or
otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby.
(i) Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as may be
explicitly stated in this Agreement, (i) this Agreement is not
for the benefit of any other person or entity and (ii) there
shall be no third party beneficiaries hereof.
30
DRAFT 10-6-09
(j) Facsimile Signatures. The facsimile signature of any party to
this Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding
execution hereof by such party.
(k) The Fund and PFPC Trust agree that the obligations of the
Fund under the Agreement shall not be binding upon any of
the directors, shareholders, nominees, officers, employees
or agents, whether past, present or future, of the Fund
individually, but are binding only upon the assets and
property of the Fund. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement have been authorized by the directors of the Fund,
and signed by an authorized officer of the Fund, acting as
such, and neither such authorization by such directors nor
such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed
to have been made by any of them or any shareholder of the
Fund individually or to impose any liability on any of them
or any shareholder of the Fund personally, but shall bind
only the assets and property of the Fund.
(l) Customer Identification Program Notice. To help the U.S.
government fight the funding of terrorism and money
laundering activities, U.S. Federal law requires each
financial institution to obtain, verify, and record certain
information that identifies each person who initially opens
an account with that financial institution on or after
October 1, 2003. Consistent with this requirement, PFPC
Trust may request (or may have already requested) the Fund's
name, address and taxpayer identification number or other
government-issued identification number, and, if such party
is a natural person, that party's date of birth. PFPC Trust
may also ask (and may have already asked) for additional
identifying information, and PFPC Trust may take steps (and
may have already taken steps) to verify the authenticity and
accuracy of these data elements.
31
DRAFT 10-6-09
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
as of the day and year first above written.
PFPC TRUST COMPANY
By: _______________________
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, III
Title: Senior Vice President
FIRST TRUST GLOBAL CREDIT
STRATEGIES FUND
By: _______________________
Name: _______________________
Title: _______________________
32
