EXHIBIT 8
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ INVESTMENT TRUST
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It................................................ 1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held by the
Custodian in the United States....................................................................... 3
2.1 Holding Securities............................................................................ 3
2.2 Delivery of Securities........................................................................ 3
2.3 Registration of Securities.................................................................... 8
2.4 Bank Accounts................................................................................. 9
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds................................................................. 10
2.6 Collection of Income.......................................................................... 10
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies........................................................................ 11
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of
Receipt of Securities Purchased............................................................... 14
2.9 Appointment of Agents......................................................................... 15
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System................................................... 15
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System....................................... 18
2.11 Segregated Account............................................................................ 20
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes....................................................... 21
2.13 Proxies....................................................................................... 22
2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities............................................... 22
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
of the United States................................................................................. 23
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians.......................................................... 23
3.2 Assets to be Held.............................................................................. 23
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories................................................................ 24
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions................................................... 24
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund.................................................. 25
3.6 Reports by Custodian........................................................................... 25
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Accounts....................................................... 26
3.8 Liability on Foreign Sub-Custodians............................................................ 27
3.9 Liability of Custodian......................................................................... 27
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances..................................................................... 28
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities.................................................................... 29
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks......................................................................... 29
3.13 Tax Law........................................................................................ 30
2
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchase or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund................................ 31
5. Proper Instructions.................................................................................. 32
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority.......................................................... 33
7. Evidence of Authority................................................................................ 33
8. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
of Net Asset Value and Net Income.................................................................... 34
9. Records.............................................................................................. 34
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants............................................................ 35
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants.................................................... 35
12. Compensation of Custodian............................................................................ 36
13. Responsibility of Custodian.......................................................................... 36
14. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment.......................................................... 38
15. Successor Custodian.................................................................................. 40
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions............................................................... 41
17. Additional Funds..................................................................................... 42
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply........................................................................... 42
19. Prior Contracts...................................................................................... 42
20. Disclaimer of Liability.............................................................................. 43
21. Shareholder Communications Election.................................................................. 43
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Investment Trust, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, having its principal
place of business at one Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts hereinafter
called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts
trust company, having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with
each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities
and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in three series, ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ Small Cap Growth Fund, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fixed Income Fund, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Investment Grade Income Fund (such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with paragraph 17, being herein referred to as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the
Portfolios of the Fund, including securities which the Fund, on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of
Trust. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian
all securities and
cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments of principal or
capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities owned by the
Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it for
such new or treasury shares of beneficial interest of the Fund representing
interests in the Portfolios ("Shares") as may be issued or sold from time to
time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for any property of a Portfolio
held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 5),
the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to time
employ one or more sub-custodians, located in the United States but only in
accordance with an applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall
have no more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any
actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-
custodian has to the Custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodian for
the Fund's foreign securities on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated in
Schedule A hereto but only in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
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Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
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the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, to be held by it in
the United States including all domestic securities owned by such
Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to
Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as a
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securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as "Securities
System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which State Street Bank
and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct Paper") which
is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of the Custodian
pursuant to Section 2.10A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
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securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodians Direct Paper book
entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of
Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio,
which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the
parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and
receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement relate to such securities entered into by the
Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided
that, in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
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6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name
of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of
the Custodian or into the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee
name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for
exchange for a different number of bonds, certificates or other
evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or number of
units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities are to
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be delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a
receipt, for examination in accordance with "street delivery"
custom; provided that in any such case, the Custodian shall have
no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from the
delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for such
securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own
negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment
of the securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant
to provisions for conversion contained in such securities, or
pursuant to any deposit agreement; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to
the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof
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in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or
the surrender of receipts or temporary securities for definitive
securities; provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by
the Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as
agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, which may be in the form of cash or
obligations issued by the United States government, its agencies
or instrumentalities, except that in connection with any loans
for which collateral is to be credited to the Custodians account
in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible
for the delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to
the receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of
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amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The National
Association of securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), relating to
compliance with the rules of The Options
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Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a
Futures Commission Merchant registered under the Commodity
Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market,
or any siorganization ortionor organizations, regarding account
deposits in connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the
Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to
the holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind,
as may be described from time to time in the currently effective
prospectus and statement of additional information of the Fund,
related to the Portfolio ("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of
requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of,
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in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified
9
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the
securities f the Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth the
purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person
or persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
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(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized in
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writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other
registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as the
Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant
to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian
on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be in
Astreet name@ or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs
the Custodian to maintain securities in Astreet name@, the Custodian shall
utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due the Fund on such
securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant
corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls,
maturities and tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
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account or accounts in the United States in the name of each Portfolio of
the Fund, subject only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant
to the terms of this Contract, and shall hold in such account
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or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from
or for the account of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the
Portfolio in a bank account established and used in accordance with Rule
17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian
for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the
Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust
companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable;
provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified
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to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that
each such bank or trust company and the funds to be deposited with each
such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be
approved by vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Such
funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and
shall be withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund on
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behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the Custodian shall,
upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of a
Portfolio, make federal funds available to such Portfolio 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 of such Portfolio which are
deposited into the Portfolio's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
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Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to registered domestic securities held hereunder to which each
Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other
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payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the date of
payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its
agent and shall credit such income, as collected, to such Portfoliols
custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income
items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect
interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due each Portfolio
on securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall
be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or
responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the Fund with
such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund in
arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to which
the Portfolio is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund
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on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions
when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies
of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or optionson futuress contracts for the account of the
Portfolio but only (a) against the delivery of such securities or
evidence of title to such options, futures contracts or options
on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm
or trust company doing business in the United States or abroad
which is qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, to act as a custodian and has been designated by the
Custodian as its agent for this purpose) registered in the name
of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in
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proper form for transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected
through a Securities System, in accordance with the conditions
set forth in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase
involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10A; (d) in the case of
repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio and the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-
dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the
securities either in certificate form or through an entry
crediting the Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank
with such securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt
evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities owned by the
Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by the
Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio; or
(e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any
bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected
prior to receipt of a confirmation from a broker and/or the
applicable bank pursuant to Proper Instructions from the Fund as
defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the
Portfolio as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments
for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal
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fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such
expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as
deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on shares of the Portfolio
declared pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
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addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment,
setting forth the purpose for which such payment is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming the
person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
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as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of a
Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities
purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund on
behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be
absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the same extent as if
the securities had been received by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
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discretion appoint
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(and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company which is
itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to
act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions of
this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided,
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however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian
of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may deposit
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and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange commission under Section 17A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository,
or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and
Securities and Exchange commission rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a
Securities system provided that such securities are represented
in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other
than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in a Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the
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Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such payment and transfer for the account of the
Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the
account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been
transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on
the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment
for the account of the Portfolio. Copies of all advices from the
Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of
the Portfolio shall identify the Portfolio, be maintained for the
Portfolio by the Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its
request. Upon request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from
the account of the Portfolio in the form of a written advice or
notice and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with any
report obtained by the Custodian on the Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of the
16
Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case may be,
required by Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the
Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Port folio resulting from
use of the securities system by reason of any negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents
or of any of its or their employees or from failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as
it may have against the Securities System; at the election of the
Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against the Securities System
or any other person which the Custodian may have as a consequence
of any such loss or damage if and to the extent that the
Portfolio has not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System The Custodian may
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deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System
will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in an
account ("Account") of
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the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall not include
any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer of securities
to the account of the. Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer
securities sold for the account of the Portfolio upon the making
of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and receipt of payment for the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the
Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or notice, of Direct
Paper on the next business day following such transfer and shall
furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
with any report on its system of internal accounting control as
the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
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2.11 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions
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from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio establish and maintain
a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such Portfolio,
into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities,
including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian pursuant to
Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the custodian and a broker-
dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any
futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The options Clearing Corporation
and of any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or of any
similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for
purposes of segregating cash or government securities in connection with
options purchased, sold or written by the Portfolio or commodity futures
contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for
the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the procedures required by
Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or
releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the
maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment companies and
(iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of clause
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(iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of the
Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
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setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and
declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
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ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of each Portfolio held by it and in
connection with transfers of securities.
2.13 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities held
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hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of
the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting
materials and all notices relating to such securities.
2.14 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities Subject to the provisions
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of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund for each
Portfolio all written information (including, without limitation, pendency
of calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the maturity of futures
contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio) received by the Custodian
from issuers of the securities being held for the Portfolio. With respect
to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Portfolio all written information received by the Custodian from issuers of
the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or
his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio desires
to take
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action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other
similar transaction, the Portfolio shall notify the Custodian at least
three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take
such action.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
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of the United States
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians
-------------------------------------
The Fund hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-
custodians for the Portfoliols securities and other assets maintained
outside the United States the foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories designated on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-
custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions", as defined in Section
5 of this Contract, together with a certified resolution of the Fund's
Board of Trustees, the Custodian and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A
hereto from time to time to designate additional foreign banking
institutions and foreign securities depositories to act as sub-custodian.
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Fund may instruct the Custodian to
cease the employment of any one or more such sub-custodians for maintaining
custody of the Portfolio's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
-----------------
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Portfolio's foreign securities transactions.
3.3 Foreign securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
-------------------------------
writing by
21
the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Portfolios shall be maintained in
foreign securities depositories only through arrangements implemented by
the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians pursuant to the
terms hereof. where possible, such arrangements shall include entry into
agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.4 hereof.
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
--------------------------------------------
banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit
1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the assets of each Portfolio will not
be subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any
kind in favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or agent,
except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration; (b)
beneficial ownership for the assets of each Portfolio will be freely
transferable without the payment of money or value other than for custody
or administration; (c) adequate records will be maintained identifying the
assets as belonging to each applicable Portfolio; (d) officers of or
auditors employed by, or other representatives, of the Custodian, including
to the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public
accountants for the Fund, will be given access to the books and records of
the foreign banking institution relating to its actions under its agreement
with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the Portfolios held by the foreign
sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions of the Custodian or
its agents.
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the Fund,
---------------------------------------------
the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of
any foreign banking institution
22
employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar as such books and records
relate to the performance of such foreign banking institution under its
agreement with the Custodian.
3.6 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
--------------------
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
other assets of the Portfolio(s) held by foreign sub-custodians, including
but not limited to an identification of entities having possession of the
Portfolio(s) securities and other assets and advices or notifications of
any transfers of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by
a foreign banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio indicating, as to securities acquired for a Portfolio,
the identity of the entity having physical possession of such securities.
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account
---------------------------------------
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.7, the
provisions of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall apply, mutatis
-------
mutandis, to the foreign securities of the Fund held outside the United
--------
states by foreign sub-custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of each
applicable Portfolio and delivery of securities maintained for the account
of each applicable Portfolio may be effected in accordance with the
customary established securities trading or securities processing practices
and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the transaction
occurs, including, without limitation, delivering securities to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefore (or an agent for such purchaser
or dealer) against a receipt with the expectation of receiving later
payment for such securities from such purchaser or dealer.
23
(c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-custodian may be
maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same extent as set
forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold any such
nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such
securities.
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
-----------------------------------
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian
shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian and the Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's
performance of such obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to
any claims against a foreign banking institution as a consequence of any
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim.
3.9 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
----------------------
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless
of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable
for any loss, damage, cost, expense,, liability or claim resulting from
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised
reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
24
paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to State Street London Ltd.,
the Custodian shall not be relieved of any responsibility to the Fund for
any loss due to such delegation, except such loss as may result from (a)
political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange control
restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, insurrection,
civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding a
bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by
political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under
circumstances where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have
exercised reasonable care.
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
--------------------------
cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio including
the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign
exchange, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or
be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Contract, except
such as may arise from its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent
failure to act or willful misconduct, any property at any time held for the
account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security therefor and should
the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolios assets
to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
---------------------------
Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign sub-
custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar in
kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial
approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian
25
will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a
material adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign sub-
custodian or any material loss of the assets of the Fund or in the case of
any foreign sub-custodian not the subject of an exemptive order from the
Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by such foreign sub-
custodian that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its
shareholders' equity will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the
equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders' equity has declined below
$200 million (in each case computed in accordance with generally accepted
U.S. accounting principles).
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks
----------------------
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the provisions of
Article 3 hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Portfolios assets
are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a
"bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The
appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by
Article 1 of this Contract.
(b) Cash held for each Portfolio of the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be
maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the
Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to the direction
of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.13 Tax Law
-------
The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations
now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the
Fund by the tax law
26
of the United States of America or any state or political subdivision
thereof. It shall be the responsibility of the Fund to notify the Custodian
of the obligations imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as custodian of the
Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions other than those mentioned in the
above sentence, including responsibility for withholding and other taxes,
assessments or other governmental charges, certifications and governmental
reporting. The sole responsibility of the Custodian with regard to such tax
law shall be to use reasonable efforts to assist the Fund with respect to
any claim for exemption or refund under the tax law of jurisdictions for
which the Fund has provided such information.
4. Payments for Sales or Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the shares or from the
Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the appropriate
Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued
or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification o the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer
Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a
request for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with
the redemption or repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the Custodian is
authorized upon receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire
funds to or through a
27
commercial bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection
with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian
shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which
checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of Shares, when
presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and controls
as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used throughout this Contract means a writing signed
or initialed by one or more person or persons as the Board of Trustees
shall have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth
the specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a
specific statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral
instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the custodian
reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to give
such instructions with respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall
cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. upon receipt of a
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the
authorization by the Board of Trustees of the Fund accompanied by a
detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.
Proper Instructions may include communications effected directly between
electromechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board of Trustees
and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Portfolios' assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper
Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant
to any three - party agreement which requires a
28
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.11.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of
--------
the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with
the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the
securities and property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund.
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf
of the Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of
the Board of Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of
any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of
any action by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the Declaration of Trust as
described in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and
effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
29
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
of Net Asset Value and Net Income
---------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to keep the
books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per share
of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to do so
by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of account
and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the Custodian
shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as described in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio and shall advise
the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income
and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise
the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its
various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and the
daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such
Portfolio.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain all
records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in such
manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 3la-1 and
3la-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall
at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for
inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and
employees and agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian
shall, at the Fund's request, supply the
30
Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio and held by the
Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for such
compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian, include
certificate numbers in such tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of
each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year to
year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect to
its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form
N-lA, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
11. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
-------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios
at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by independent
public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities
System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under this Contract;
such reports shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may
reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any
material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination, and, if there are
no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
12. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services
and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the Fund on
behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
31
13. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but shall be
kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled
to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund)
on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken
or omitted pursuant to such advice.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.9)
and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank
as contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or caused
by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody or any
securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited
to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions,
or acts of war or terrorism.
32
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any
action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or
which action may, fn the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or
its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment
of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, 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.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents,
to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) for
the benefit of a Portfolio including the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or
of contracts for foreign exchange or in the event that the Custodian or its
nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments,
claims or liabilities in connection with the performance of this Contract,
except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own negligent action,
negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property at any time held
for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security therefor and
should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio's assets to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
14. Effective Period. Termination and Amendment
--------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than thirty (30)
days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the
--------
Custodian
33
shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the initial use of
a particular Securities System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an annual
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Trustees has reviewed the use by such Portfolio of such Securities System, as
required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.10A hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees has approved the
initial use of the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an
annual certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Trustees has reviewed the use by such Portfolio of the Direct Paper System;
provided further, however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this
Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any
provision of the Declaration of Trust, and further provided, that the Fund on
behalf of one or more of the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board
of Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate
this Contract in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for
the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
34
15. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or more of the Portfolios,
shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each
applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account
of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in
a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees
of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as shown by its last published
report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other properties
held by the custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all instruments
held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under
this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer to an
account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio
held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be
the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
35
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and
the provisions of this contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios may from time to time agree on such
provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this Contract as
may in their joint opinion be consistent with the cinereal tenor of this
Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a writing
signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, Provided that no such
--------
interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable federal or
state regulations or any provision of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No
interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence
shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
17. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to those specified on the first page of this Contract with respect to
which it desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the
terms hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian
agrees in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a
Portfolio hereunder.
36
18. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
19. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the Custodian
relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
20. Disclaimer of Liability
-----------------------
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust establishing ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Investment Trust (the "Trust") is on file with the Secretary of State of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this agreement is
executed on behalf of the Trust by officers of the Trust as officers and not
individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this agreement are
not binding upon any of the trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust
individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the relevant
series of the Trust.
21. Shareholder Communications Election
-----------------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers of respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the
Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to requesting
companies whose securities the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no",
the Custodian will not provide this
37
information to requesting companies. If the Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or
does not check either "yes" or "no" below the Custodian is required by the rule
to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure of this information for all
securities owned by the Fund or any funds or accounts established by the Fund.
For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits the requesting company from using
the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate communications.
Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by checking one of
the alternatives below.
YES [X ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name, address,
and share positions.
NO [ ] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address and share positions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 31st day of December, 1993.
ATTEST ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ INVESTMENT TRUST
/s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Secretary President
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Assistant Secretary Executive Vice President
38
SCHEDULE A
----------
The following foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories have been approved by the Board of Trustees of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Investment Trust for use as sub-custodians for the Fund's securities and other
assets:
(Insert banks and securities depositories)
Certified:
________________________________
Fund's Authorized Officer
Date:____________________________
39
EXHIBIT I
---------
SUBCUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
----------------------
AGREEMENT made this ________________________; between State Street Bank and
Trust Company, A Massachusetts Trust Company (hereinafter referred to as the
"Custodian"), having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇, and ___________ ____________________________ (hereinafter referred
to as the "Subcustodian"), a bank organized under the laws of
_________________________ and having its registered office at
__________________________________________________________________________.
WHEREAS, Custodian has been appointed to act as Trustee, Custodian or
Subcustodian of securities and monies on behalf of certain of its customers
including, without limitation, collective investment undertakings, investment
companies subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and
employee benefit plans subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended;
WHEREAS, Custodian wishes to establish Accounts (the "Accounts") with the
Subcustodian to hold and maintain certain property for which Custodian is
responsible as custodian; and
WHEREAS, Subcustodian agrees to establish the Accounts and to hold and
maintain all Property in the Accounts in accordance with the terms and
conditions herein set forth.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the Custodian and the Subcustodian agree as follows:
I. The Account
-----------
A. Establishment of the Account
----------------------------
Custodian hereby requests that Subcustodian establish for each client of
the Custodian an Account which shall be composed of:
1. A Custody Account for any and all Securities (as hereinafter defined)
from time to time received by Subcustodian therefor, and
2. A Deposit Account for any and all Cash (as hereinafter defined) from
time to time received by Subcustodian therefor.
B. Use of the Account
------------------
The Account shall be used exclusively to hold, acquire, transfer or
otherwise care for, on behalf of Custodian as custodian and the customers of
Custodian and not for Custodian's own interest, Securities, and such Cash or
cash equivalents as are transferred to Subcustodian or as are received in
payment of any transfer of, or as payment on, or interest on, or dividend from,
any
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such Securities (herein collectively called "Cash").
C. Transfer of Property in the Account
-----------------------------------
Beneficial ownership of the Securities and Cash in the Account shall be
freely transferable without payment of money or value other than for safe
custody and administration.
D. Ownership and Segregation of Property in Account
------------------------------------------------
The ownership of the property in the Account, whether Securities, Cash or
both, and whether any such property is held by Subcustodian in an Eligible
Depository, shall be clearly recorded on Subcustodian's books as belonging to
Custodian on behalf of Custodian's customers, and not for Custodian's own
interest and, to the extent that Securities shall also be physically held in the
Account, such Securities shall also be physically segregated from the general
assets of Subcustodian, the assets of Custodian in its individual capacity and
the assets of Subcustodian's other customers. In addition, Subcustodian shall
maintain such other records as may be necessary to identify the property
hereunder as belonging to each Account.
E. Registration of Securities in the Account
-----------------------------------------
Securities which are eligible for deposit in a depository as provided for
in Paragraph III may be maintained with the depository in an account for
Subcustodian's customers. Securities which are not held in a depository and that
are ordinarily held in registered form will be registered in the name of the
Sub-custodian or in the name of the Sub-custodian's nominee, unless alternate
Instructions are furnished by Custodian.
II. Services to be Provided by the Subcustodian
-------------------------------------------
The Services Subcustodian will provide to Custodian and the manner in which
such services will be performed will be as set forth below in this Agreement.
A. Services Performed Pursuant to Instructions
-------------------------------------------
All transactions involving the Securities and Cash in the Account shall
be executed solely in accordance with Custodian's Instructions as that term is
defined in Paragraph IV hereof, except those described in Paragraph B below.
B. Services to be Performed without Instructions
---------------------------------------------
Subcustodian will, unless it receives Instructions from Custodian to
the contrary:
1. Collect Cash
------------
Promptly collect and receive all dividends, income, principal,
proceeds from transfer and other payments with respect to property held in the
Account, and present for payment all Securities held in the Account which are
called, redeemed or retired or otherwise become payable and all coupons and
other income items which call for payment upon presentation, and credit Cash
receipts therefrom to the Deposit Account.
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2. Exchange Securities
-------------------
Promptly exchange Securities where the exchange is purely ministerial
including, without limitation, the exchange of temporary Securities for those in
definitive form and the exchange of warrants, or other documents of entitlement
to Securities, for the Securities themselves.
3. Sale of Rights and Fractional Interests
---------------------------------------
Whenever notification of a rights entitlement or a fractional interest
resulting from a rights issue, stock dividend or stock split is received for the
Account and such rights entitlement or fractional interest bears an expiration
date, Subcustodian will promptly endeavor to obtain Custodian's Instructions,
but should these not be received in time for Subcustodian to take timely action,
Subcustodian is authorized to sell such rights entitlement or fractional
interest and to credit the Account.
4. Execute Certificates
--------------------
Execute in Custodian's name for the Account, whenever Subcustodian
deems it appropriate, such ownership and other certificates as may be required
to obtain the payment of income from the Securities held in the Account.
5. Pay Taxes and Receive Refunds
-----------------------------
To pay or cause to be paid from the Account any and all taxes and
levies in the nature of taxes imposed on the property in the Account by an
governmental authority, and to take all steps necessary to obtain all tax
exemptions, privileges or other benefits, including reclaiming and recovering
any withholding tax, relating to the Account and to execute any declarations,
affidavits, or certificates of ownership which may be necessary in connection
therewith.
6. Prevent Losses
--------------
Take such steps as may be reasonably necessary to secure, or otherwise
prevent the loss of, entitlements attached to or otherwise relating to property
held in the Account.
C. Additional Services
-------------------
1. Transmission of Notices of Corporate Action
-------------------------------------------
By such means as will permit Custodian to take timely action with
respect thereto, Subcustodian will promptly notify Custodian upon receiving
notices or reports, or otherwise becoming aware, of corporate actions affecting
Securities held in the Account (including, but not limited to, calls for
redemption, mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, tender
offers, rights offerings, exchanges, subscriptions and other offerings) and
dividend, interest and other income payments relating to such Securities.
2. Communications Regarding the Exercise of Entitlements
-----------------------------------------------------
Upon request by Custodian, Subcustodian will promptly deliver, or
cause any Eligible Depository authorized and acting hereunder to deliver, to
Custodian all notices, proxies, proxy
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soliciting materials and other communications that call for voting or the
exercise of rights or other specific action (including material relative to
legal proceedings intended to be transmitted to security holders) relating to
Securities held in the Account to the extent received by Subcustodian or said
Eligible Depository, such proxies or any voting instruments to be executed by
the registered holder of the Securities, but without indicating the manner in
which such Securities are to be voted.
3. Monitor Financial Service
-------------------------
In furtherance of its obligations under this Agreement, Subcustodian
will monitor a leading financial service with respect to announcements and other
information respecting property held in the Account, including announcements and
other information with respect to corporate actions and dividend, interest and
other income payments.
III. Use of Securities Depository
----------------------------
Subcustodian may, with the prior written approval of Custodian, maintain
all or any part of the Securities in the Account with a securities depository or
clearing agency which is incorporated or organized under the laws of a country
other than the United States of America and is supervised or regulated by a
government agency or regulatory authority in the foreign jurisdiction having
authority over such depositories or agencies, and which operates (a) the central
system for handling of designated securities or equivalent book entries in
________ ______________________ or (b) a transnational system for the central
handling of securities or equivalent book entries (herein called "Eligible
Depository"), provided however, that, while so maintained, such Securities shall
be subject only to the directions of Subcustodian, and that Subcustodian duties,
obligations and responsibilities with regard to such Securities shall be the
name as if such Securities were held by Subcustodian on its premises.
IV. Subcustodian's Warranty
-----------------------
Subcustodian Represents and Warrants That:
------------------------------------------
(A) It is a branch of a "qualified U.S. bank" or it is an "eligible
foreign custodian" as those terms are defined in Rule 17f-5 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A (the
"Rule"), and Subcustodian shall immediately notify Custodian in writing or by
other authorized means, in the event that there appears to be a substantial
likelihood that Subcustodian will cease to qualify under the Rule as currently
in effect or as hereafter amended, or
(B) It is the subject of an exemptive order issued by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission which order permits Custodian to employ
Subcustodian notwithstanding the fact that Subcustodian fails to qualify under
the terms of the Rules, and Subcustodian shall immediately notify Custodian, in
writing or by other authorized means, if for any reason it is no longer covered
by such exemptive order.
Upon receipt of any such notification required under (A) or (B) of this
section, Custodian may terminate this Agreement immediately without prior notice
to Subcustodian.
VI. Definitions
-----------
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A. Instructions
------------
The term "Instructions" means
1. instructions in writing signed by authorized individuals
designated as such by Custodian;
2. telex or tested telex instructions of Custodian;
3. other forms of instructions in computer readable form as shall
customarily be used for the transmission of like information, and
4. such other forms of communication as from time to time may be
agreed upon by Custodian and Subcustodian, which Subcustodian believes in good
faith to have been given by Custodian or which are transmitted with proper
testing or authentication pursuant to terms and conditions which custodian may
specify.
Unless otherwise expressly provided, all Instructions shall continue
in full force and effect until canceled or superseded. Subcustodian shall act in
accordance with Instructions and shall not be liable for any act or omission in
respect of any Instruction except in the case of willful default, negligence,
fraud, bad faith, willful misconduct or reckless disregard of duties on the part
of the Subcustodian. Subcustodian in executing all Instructions will take
relevant action in accordance with accepted industry practice and local
settlement practices.
B. Account
-------
The term "Account" means collectively the Custody Account, and the Deposit
Account.
C. Securities
----------
The term "Securities" includes, without limitation, stocks, shares, bonds,
debentures, debt securities (convertible or non-convertible), notes, or other
obligations or securities and any certificates, receipts, futures contracts,
foreign exchange contracts, options, warrants, scrip or other instruments
representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or
evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or in any
property or assets.
VII Miscellaneous Provisions
------------------------
A. Statements Regarding the Account
--------------------------------
Subcustodian will supply Custodian with such statements regarding the
Account as Custodian may request, including the identity and location of any
Eligible Depository authorized and acting hereunder. In addition, Subcustodian
will supply Custodian an advice or notification of any transfers of Securities
to or from the Account indicating, as to Securities acquired for the Account, if
applicable, the Eligible Depository having physical possession of such
securities.
B. Examination of Books and Records
--------------------------------
Subcustodian agrees that its books and records relating to such Account and
Sub-custodian's actions under this agreement shall be open to the physical, on-
premises inspection and audit at reasonable times by officers of, auditors
employed by, or other representatives of Custodian including (to the extent
permitted under the laws of ______________________) the independent public
accountants for any customer of Custodian whose property is being held
44
hereunder) and such books and records shall be retained for such period as shall
be agreed upon by Custodian and Subcustodian.
As Custodian may reasonably request from time to time, Subcustodian will
furnish its auditor's reports on its system of internal controls, and
Subcustodian will use its best efforts to obtain and furnish similar reports of
any Eligible Depository authorized and acting hereunder.
C. Standard of Care
----------------
In holding, maintaining, servicing and disposing of Property under this
Agreement, and n fulfilling any other obligations hereunder, Subcustodian shall
exercises the same standard of care that it exercises over its own assets,
provided that Subcustodian shall exercise at least the degree of care and
--------
maintain adequate insurance as expected of a prudent professional Subcustodian
for hire and shall assume the burden of proving that it has exercised such care
in its maintenance of Property held by Subcustodian in its Accounts. The
maintenance of Property in an Eligible Depository shall not affect
Subcustodian's standard of care, and Subcustodian will remain as fully
responsible for any loss or damage to such securities as if it had itself
retained physical possession of them. Custodian shall indemnify and hold
harmless Custodian and each of Custodian's customers from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim (including reasonable attorney's fees)
arising out of or in connection with the improper or negligent performance or
the nonperformance of the duties of the Subcustodian.
Subcustodian shall be responsible for complying with all provisions of the
law of ______ ____________________, or any other law, applicable to Subcustodian
in connection with its duties hereunder, including (but not limited to) the
payment of all transfer taxes or other taxes and compliance with any currency
restrictions and securities laws in connection with its duties as Subcustodian.
D. Loss of Cash or Securities
--------------------------
Subcustodian agrees that, in the event of any loss of Securities or Cash in
the Account, Subcustodian will use its best efforts to ascertain the
circumstances relating to such loss and will promptly report the same to
Custodian and shall use every legal means available to it to effect the quickest
possible recovery.
E. Compensation of Subcustodian
----------------------------
Custodian agrees to pay to Subcustodian from time to time such compensation
for its services and such out-of-pocket or incidental expenses of Subcustodian
pursuant to this Agreement as may be mutually agreed upon in writing form time
to time.
F. Operating Requirements
----------------------
The Subcustodian agrees to follow such Operating Requirements as the
Custodian may establish from time to time to time. A copy of the current
Custodian Operating Requirements is attached as Attachment B to this Agreement.
G. Termination
-----------
45
This Agreement may be terminated by Subcustodian or Custodian on 60 days'
written notice to the other party, sent by registered mail, provided that any
such notice, whether given by Subcustodian or Custodian, shall be followed
within 60 days by Instructions specifying the names of the persons to whom the
Cash in the Account shall be paid. If within 60 days following the giving of
such notice of termination, Subcustodian does not receive such Instructions,
Subcustodian shall continue to hold such Securities and Cash subject to this
Agreement until such Instructions are given. The obligations of the parties
under this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
H. Notices
-------
Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all notices and
communications with respect to matters contemplated by this Agreement shall be
in writing, and delivered by mail, postage prepaid, telex, SWIFT, or other
mutually agreed telecommunication methods to the following addresses (or to such
other address as either party hereto may from time to time designated by notice
duly given in accordance with this paragraph):
To Subcustodian:
To Custodian: State Street Bank and Trust Company
Securities Operation/
Network Administration
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
I. Confidentiality
---------------
Subcustodian and Custodian shall each use its best efforts to maintain the
confidentiality of the property in the Account and the beneficial owners
thereof, subject, however, to the provisions of any laws requiring disclosure.
In addition, Subcustodian shall safeguard any test keys, identification codes or
other security devices which Custodian shall make available to it. The
Subcustodian further agrees it will not disclose the existence of this Agreement
or any current business relationship unless compelled by applicable law or
regulation or unless it has secured the Custodian' written consent.
J. Assignment
----------
This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party but shall bind any
successor in interest of Custodian and Subcustodian respectively.
K. Governing Law
-------------
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of _________________________________________. To the extent inconsistent
with this Agreement or Custodian's Operating Requirements as attached hereto,
Subcustodian's rules and conditions regarding accounts generally or custody
accounts specifically shall not apply.
46
CUSTODIAN: STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By____________________________________
AGREED TO BY SUBCUSTODIAN:
By: ______________________________
Date: ____________________________
47