CUSTODY AGREEMENT
Agreement made as of this day of _______, 1999, between Variable Insurance
Funds, a Massachusetts business trust organized and existing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having its principal office and place of
business at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ (hereinafter called the
"Fund"), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a New York corporation authorized to do a
banking business, having its principal office and place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (hereinafter called the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H :
that for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the
Fund and the Custodian agree as follows: ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases, unless the
context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1. "Authorized Persons" shall be deemed to include any person, whether or
not such person is an officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund to execute any Certificate, instruction, notice or
other instrument on behalf of the Fund and listed in the Certificate annexed
hereto as Appendix A or such other Certificate as may be received by the
Custodian from time to time.
2. "Book-Entry System" shall mean the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry
system for United States and federal agency securities, its successor or
successors and its nominee or nominees.
3. "Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded option with respect to
Securities other than Stock Index Options, Futures Contracts, and Futures
Contract Options entitling the holder, upon timely exercise and payment of the
exercise price, as specified therein, to purchase from the writer thereof the
specified underlying Securities.
4. "Certificate" shall mean any notice, instruction, or other instrument in
writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian
which is actually received by the Custodian and signed on behalf of the Fund by
any two Authorized Persons, and the term Certificate shall also include
Instructions.
5. "Clearing Member" shall mean a registered broker-dealer which is a
clearing member under the rules of O.C.C. and a member of a national securities
exchange qualified to act as a custodian for an investment company, or any
broker-dealer reasonably believed by the Custodian to be such a clearing member.
6. "Collateral Account" shall mean a segregated account so denominated
which is specifically allocated to a Series and pledged to the Custodian as
security for, and in consideration of, the Custodian's issuance of (a) any Put
Option guarantee letter or similar document described in paragraph 8 of Article
V herein, or (b) any receipt described in Article V or VIII herein.
7. "Composite Currency Unit" shall mean the European Currency Unit or any
other composite unit consisting of the aggregate of specified amounts of
specified Currencies as such unit may be constituted from time to time.
8. "Covered Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded option entitling the
holder, upon timely exercise and payment of the exercise price, as specified
therein, to purchase from the writer thereof the specified underlying Securities
(excluding Futures Contracts) which are owned by the writer thereof and subject
to appropriate restrictions.
9. "Currency" shall mean money denominated in a lawful currency of any
country or the European Currency Unit.
10. "Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), a
clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, its
successor or successors and its nominee or nominees. The term "Depository" shall
further mean and include any other person authorized to act as a depository
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, its successor or successors and its
nominee or nominees, specifically identified in a certified copy of a resolution
of the Fund's Board of Trustees specifically approving deposits therein by the
Custodian.
11. "Financial Futures Contract" shall mean the firm commitment to buy or
sell fixed income securities including, without limitation, U.S. Treasury Bills,
U.S. Treasury Notes, U.S. Treasury Bonds, domestic bank certificates of deposit,
and Eurodollar certificates of deposit, during a specified month at an agreed
upon price.
12. "Futures Contract" shall mean a Financial Futures Contract and/or Stock
Index Futures Contracts.
13. "Futures Contract Option" shall mean an option with respect to a
Futures Contract.
14. "FX Transaction" shall mean any transaction for the purchase by one
party of an agreed amount in one Currency against the sale by it to the other
party of an agreed amount in another Currency.
15. "Instructions" shall mean instructions communications transmitted by
electronic or telecommunications media including S.W.I.F.T.,
computer-to-computer interface, dedicated transmission line, facsimile
transmission signed by an Authorized Person and tested telex.
16. "Margin Account" shall mean a segregated account in the name of a
broker, dealer, futures commission merchant, or a Clearing Member, or in the
name of the Fund for the benefit of a broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant, or Clearing Member, or otherwise, in accordance with an agreement
between the Fund, the Custodian and a broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or a Clearing Member (a "Margin Account Agreement"), separate and
distinct from the custody account, in which certain Securities and/or money of
the Fund shall be deposited and withdrawn from time to time in connection with
such transactions as the Fund may from time to time determine. Securities held
in the Book-Entry System or the Depository shall be deemed to have been
deposited in, or withdrawn from, a Margin Account upon the Custodian's effecting
an appropriate entry in its books and records.
17. "Money Market Security" shall be deemed to include, without limitation,
certain Reverse Repurchase Agreements, debt obligations issued or guaranteed as
to interest and principal by the government of the United States or agencies or
instrumentalities thereof, any tax, bond or revenue anticipation note issued by
any state or municipal government or public authority, commercial paper,
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements with
respect to the same and bank time deposits, where the purchase and sale of such
securities normally requires settlement in federal funds on the same day as such
purchase or sale.
18. "O.C.C." shall mean the Options Clearing Corporation, a clearing agency
registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, its
successor or successors, and its nominee or nominees.
19. "Option" shall mean a Call Option, Covered Call Option, Stock Index
Option and/or a Put Option.
20. "Oral Instructions" shall mean verbal instructions actually received by
the Custodian from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by
the Custodian to be an Authorized Person.
21. "Put Option" shall mean an exchange traded option with respect to
Securities other than Stock Index Options, Futures Contracts, and Futures
Contract Options entitling the holder, upon timely exercise and tender of the
specified underlying Securities, to sell such Securities to the writer thereof
for the exercise price.
22. "Reverse Repurchase Agreement" shall mean an agreement pursuant to
which the Fund sells Securities and agrees to repurchase such Securities at a
described or specified date and price.
23. "Security" shall be deemed to include, without limitation, Money Market
Securities, Call Options, Put Options, Stock Index Options, Stock Index Futures
Contracts, Stock Index Futures Contract Options, Financial Futures Contracts,
Financial Futures Contract Options, Reverse Repurchase Agreements, common stocks
and other securities having characteristics similar to common stocks, preferred
stocks, debt obligations issued by state or municipal governments and by public
authorities, (including, without limitation, general obligation bonds, revenue
bonds, industrial bonds and industrial development bonds), bonds, debentures,
notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants
or other instruments representing rights to receive, purchase, sell or subscribe
for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or interest
therein, or any property or assets.
24. "Senior Security Account" shall mean an account maintained and
specifically allocated to a Series under the terms of this Agreement as a
segregated account, by recordation or otherwise, within the custody account in
which certain Securities and/or other assets of the Fund specifically allocated
to such Series shall be deposited and withdrawn from time to time in accordance
with Certificates received by the Custodian in connection with such transactions
as the Fund may from time to time determine.
25. "Series" shall mean the various portfolios, if any, of the Fund listed
on Appendix B hereto as amended from time to time.
26. "Shares" shall mean the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, each
of which is, in the case of a Fund having Series, allocated to a particular
Series.
27. "Stock Index Futures Contract" shall mean a bilateral agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of
cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the value
of a particular stock index at the close of the last business day of the
contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck.
28. "Stock Index Option" shall mean an exchange traded option entitling the
holder, upon timely exercise, to receive an amount of cash determined by
reference to the difference between the exercise price and the value of the
index on the date of exercise.
ARTICLE II.
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
1. The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as custodian of
the Securities and money at any time owned by the Fund during the period of this
Agreement.
2. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian and agrees to
perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth. ARTICLE III.
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this Article and in
Article VIII, the Fund will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian
all Securities and all money owned by it, at any time during the period of this
Agreement, and shall specify with respect to such Securities and money the
Series to which the same are specifically allocated. The Custodian shall
segregate, keep and maintain the assets of the Series separate and apart. The
Custodian will not be responsible for any Securities and money not actually
received by it. The Custodian will be entitled to reverse any credits made on
the Fund's behalf where such credits have been previously made and money is not
finally collected. The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a certified
resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, substantially in the form of
Exhibit A hereto, approving, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a
continuous and on-going basis to deposit in the Book-Entry System all Securities
eligible for deposit therein, regardless of the Series to which the same are
specifically allocated and to utilize the Book-Entry System to the extent
possible in connection with its performance hereunder, including, without
limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and sales of Securities,
loans of Securities and deliveries and returns of Securities collateral. Prior
to a deposit of Securities specifically allocated to a Series in the Depository,
the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a certified resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, approving,
authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a continuous and ongoing basis
until instructed to the contrary by a Certificate actually received by the
Custodian to deposit in the Depository all Securities specifically allocated to
such Series eligible for deposit therein, and to utilize the Depository to the
extent possible with respect to such Securities in connection with its
performance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and
deliveries and returns of Securities collateral. Securities and money deposited
in either the Book-Entry System or the Depository will be represented in
accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian for customers,
including, but not limited to, accounts in which the Custodian acts in a
fiduciary or representative capacity and will be specifically allocated on the
Custodian's books to the separate account for the applicable Series. Prior to
the Custodian's accepting, utilizing and acting with respect to Clearing Member
confirmations for Options and transactions in Options for a Series as provided
in this Agreement, the Custodian shall have received a certified resolution of
the Fund's Board of Trustees, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
approving, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a continuous and
on-going basis, until instructed to the contrary by a Certificate actually
received by the Custodian, to accept, utilize and act in accordance with such
confirmations as provided in this Agreement with respect to such Series.
2. The Custodian shall establish and maintain separate accounts, in the
name of each Series, and shall credit to the separate account for each Series
all money received by it for the account of the Fund with respect to such
Series. Money credited to a separate account for a Series shall be disbursed by
the Custodian only:
(a) as hereinafter provided;
(b) pursuant to Certificates setting forth the name and address of the
person to whom the payment is to be made, the Series account from which payment
is to be made and the purpose for which payment is to be made; or
(c) in payment of the fees and in reimbursement of the expenses and
liabilities of the Custodian attributable to such Series.
3. Promptly after the close of business on each day, the Custodian shall
furnish the Fund with confirmations and a summary, on a per Series basis, of all
transfers to or from the account of the Fund for a Series, either hereunder or
with any co-custodian or sub-custodian appointed in accordance with this
Agreement during said day. Where Securities are transferred to the account of
the Fund for a Series, the Custodian shall also by book-entry or otherwise
identify as belonging to such Series a quantity of Securities in a fungible bulk
of Securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or its nominee) or shown
on the Custodian's account on the books of the Book-Entry System or the
Depository. At least monthly and from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish
the Fund with a detailed statement, on a per Series basis, of the Securities and
money held by the Custodian for the Fund.
4. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this Article and in
Article VIII, all Securities held by the Custodian hereunder, which are issued
or issuable only in bearer form, except such Securities as are held in the
Book-Entry System, shall be held by the Custodian in that form; all other
Securities held hereunder may be registered in the name of the Fund, in the name
of any duly appointed registered nominee of the Custodian as the Custodian may
from time to time determine, or in the name of the Book-Entry System or the
Depository or their successor or successors, or their nominee or nominees. The
Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the
Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for transfer, or to register in the
name of its registered nominee or in the name of the Book-Entry System or the
Depository any Securities which it may hold hereunder and which may from time to
time be registered in the name of the Fund. The Custodian shall hold all such
Securities specifically allocated to a Series which are not held in the
Book-Entry System or in the Depository in a separate account in the name of such
Series physically segregated at all times from those of any other person or
persons.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and unless otherwise
instructed to the contrary by a Certificate, the Custodian by itself, or through
the use of the Book-Entry System or the Depository with respect to Securities
held hereunder and therein deposited, shall with respect to all Securities held
for the Fund hereunder in accordance with preceding paragraph 4:
(a) collect all income, dividends and distributions due or payable;
(b) give notice to the Fund and present payment and collect the amount
payable upon such Securities which are called, but only if either (i) the
Custodian receives a written notice of such call, or (ii) notice of such call
appears in one or more of the publications listed in Appendix C annexed hereto,
which may be amended at any time by the Custodian without the prior notification
or consent of the Fund;
(c) present for payment and collect the amount payable upon all
Securities which mature;
(d) surrender Securities in temporary form for definitive Securities;
(e) execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates
of ownership under the Federal Income Tax Laws or the laws or regulations of any
other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect;
(f) hold directly, or through the Book-Entry System or the Depository
with respect to Securities therein deposited, for the account of a Series, all
rights and similar securities issued with respect to any Securities held by the
Custodian for such Series hereunder; and
(g) deliver to the Fund all notices, proxies, proxy soliciting
materials, consents and other written information (including, without
limitation, notices of tender offers and exchange offers, pendency of calls,
maturities of Securities and expiration of rights) relating to Securities held
pursuant to this Agreement which are actually received by the Custodian, such
proxies and other similar materials to be executed by the registered owner (if
Securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the Fund), but without
indicating the manner in which proxies or consents are to be voted.
6. Upon receipt of a Certificate and not otherwise, the Custodian, directly
or through the use of the Book-Entry System or the Depository, shall:
(a) execute and deliver to such persons as may be designated in such
Certificate proxies, consents, authorizations, and any other instruments whereby
the authority of the Fund as owner of any Securities held by the Custodian
hereunder for the Series specified in such Certificate may be exercised;
(b) deliver any Securities held by the Custodian hereunder for the
Series specified in such Certificate in exchange for other Securities or cash
issued or paid in connection with the liquidation, reorganization, refinancing,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation, or the exercise of
any conversion privilege and receive and hold hereunder specifically allocated
to such Series any cash or other Securities received in exchange;
(c) deliver any Securities held by the Custodian hereunder for the
Series specified in such Certificate 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,
and receive and hold hereunder specifically allocated to such Series such
certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or documents as
may be issued to it to evidence such delivery;
(d) make such transfers or exchanges of the assets of the Series
specified in such Certificate, and take such other steps as shall be stated in
such Certificate to be for the purpose of effectuating any duly authorized plan
of liquidation, reorganization, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the
Fund; and
(e) present for payment and collect the amount payable upon Securities
not described in preceding paragraph 5(b) of this Article which may be called as
specified in the Certificate.
7. Notwithstanding any provision elsewhere contained herein, the Custodian
shall not be required to obtain possession of any instrument or certificate
representing any Futures Contract, any Option, or any Futures Contract Option
until after it shall have determined, or shall have received a Certificate from
the Fund stating, that any such instruments or certificates are available. The
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian such a Certificate no later than the
business day preceding the availability of any such instrument or certificate.
Prior to such availability, the Custodian shall comply with Section 17(f) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in connection with the purchase,
sale, settlement, closing-out or writing of Futures Contracts, Options, or
Futures Contract Options by making payments or deliveries specified in
Certificates received by the Custodian in connection with any such purchase,
sale, writing, settlement or closing-out upon its receipt from a broker, dealer,
or futures commission merchant of a statement or confirmation reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be in the form customarily used by brokers,
dealers, or futures commission merchants with respect to such Futures Contracts,
Options, or Futures Contract Options, as the case may be, confirming that such
Security is held by such broker, dealer or futures commission merchant, in
book-entry form or otherwise, in the name of the Custodian (or any nominee of
the Custodian) as custodian for the Fund, provided, however, that
notwithstanding the foregoing, payments to or deliveries from the Margin
Account, and payments with respect to Securities to which a Margin Account
relates, shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement. Whenever any such instruments or certificates are available,
the Custodian shall, notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the
contrary, make payment for any Futures Contract, Option, or Futures Contract
Option for which such instruments or such certificates are available only
against the delivery to the Custodian of such instrument or such certificate,
and deliver any Futures Contract, Option or Futures Contract Option for which
such instruments or such certificates are available only against receipt by the
Custodian of payment therefor. Any such instrument or certificate delivered to
the Custodian shall be held by the Custodian hereunder in accordance with, and
subject to, the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV.
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
OTHER THAN OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND
FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS
1. Promptly after each purchase of Securities by the Fund, other than a
purchase of an Option, a Futures Contract, or a Futures Contract Option, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each purchase of
Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate, and (ii) with
respect to each purchase of Money Market Securities, a Certificate or Oral
Instructions, specifying with respect to each such purchase: (a) the Series to
which such Securities are to be specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title of the Securities; (c) the number of shares or the
principal amount purchased and accrued interest, if any; (d) the date of
purchase and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f) the total amount
payable upon such purchase; (g) the name of the person from whom or the broker
through whom the purchase was made, and the name of the clearing broker, if any;
and (h) the name of the broker to whom payment is to be made. The Custodian
shall, upon receipt of Securities purchased by or for the Fund, pay to the
broker specified in the Certificate out of the money held for the account of
such Series the total amount payable upon such purchase, provided that the same
conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate or Oral
Instructions.
2. Promptly after each sale of Securities by the Fund, other than a sale of
any Option, Futures Contract, Futures Contract Option, or any Reverse Repurchase
Agreement, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale
of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate, and (ii)
with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, a Certificate or Oral
Instructions, specifying with respect to each such sale: (a) the Series to which
such Securities were specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the
title of the Security; (c) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and
accrued interest, if any; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale price per unit; (f)
the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale; (g) the name of the broker
through whom or the person to whom the sale was made, and the name of the
clearing broker, if any; and (h) the name of the broker to whom the Securities
are to be delivered. The Custodian shall deliver the Securities specifically
allocated to such Series to the broker specified in the Certificate against
payment of the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale, provided that
the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate
or Oral Instructions.
ARTICLE V.
OPTIONS
1. Promptly after the purchase of any Option by the Fund, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each Option
purchased: (a) the Series to which such Option is specifically allocated; (b)
the type of Option (put or call); (c) the name of the issuer and the title and
number of shares subject to such Option or, in the case of a Stock Index Option,
the stock index to which such Option relates and the number of Stock Index
Options purchased; (d) the expiration date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the
dates of purchase and settlement; (g) the total amount payable by the Fund in
connection with such purchase; (h) the name of the Clearing Member through whom
such Option was purchased; and (i) the name of the broker to whom payment is to
be made. The Custodian shall pay, upon receipt of a Clearing Member's statement
confirming the purchase of such Option held by such Clearing Member for the
account of the Custodian (or any duly appointed and registered nominee of the
Custodian) as custodian for the Fund, out of money held for the account of the
Series to which such Option is to be specifically allocated, the total amount
payable upon such purchase to the Clearing Member through whom the purchase was
made, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth
in such Certificate.
2. Promptly after the sale of any Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to
paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to each such sale: (a) the Series to which such Option
was specifically allocated; (b) the type of Option (put or call); (c) the name
of the issuer and the title and number of shares subject to such Option or, in
the case of a Stock Index Option, the stock index to which such Option relates
and the number of Stock Index Options sold; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale
price; (f) the date of settlement; (g) the total amount payable to the Fund upon
such sale; and (h) the name of the Clearing Member through whom the sale was
made. The Custodian shall consent to the delivery of the Option sold by the
Clearing Member which previously supplied the confirmation described in
preceding paragraph 1 of this Article with respect to such Option against
payment to the Custodian of the total amount payable to the Fund, provided that
the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
3. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Call Option purchased by
the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian
a Certificate specifying with respect to such Call Option: (a) the Series to
which such Call Option was specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer
and the title and number of shares subject to the Call Option; (c) the
expiration date; (d) the date of exercise and settlement; (e) the exercise price
per share; (f) the total amount to be paid by the Fund upon such exercise; and
(g) the name of the Clearing Member through whom such Call Option was exercised.
The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the Securities underlying the Call Option
which was exercised, pay out of the money held for the account of the Series to
which such Call Option was specifically allocated the total amount payable to
the Clearing Member through whom the Call Option was exercised, provided that
the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
4. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Put Option purchased by
the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian
a Certificate specifying with respect to such Put Option: (a) the Series to
which such Put Option was specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and
the title and number of shares subject to the Put Option; (c) the expiration
date; (d) the date of exercise and settlement; (e) the exercise price per share;
(f) the total amount to be paid to the Fund upon such exercise; and (g) the name
of the Clearing Member through whom such Put Option was exercised. The Custodian
shall, upon receipt of the amount payable upon the exercise of the Put Option,
deliver or direct the Depository to deliver the Securities specifically
allocated to such Series, provided the same conforms to the amount payable to
the Fund as set forth in such Certificate.
5. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Stock Index Option
purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to
the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Stock Index Option:
(a) the Series to which such Stock Index Option was specifically allocated; (b)
the type of Stock Index Option (put or call); (c) the number of Options being
exercised; (d) the stock index to which such Option relates; (e) the expiration
date; (f) the exercise price; (g) the total amount to be received by the Fund in
connection with such exercise; and (h) the Clearing Member from whom such
payment is to be received.
6. Whenever the Fund writes a Covered Call Option, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Covered
Call Option: (a) the Series for which such Covered Call Option was written; (b)
the name of the issuer and the title and number of shares for which the Covered
Call Option was written and which underlie the same; (c) the expiration date;
(d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be received by the Fund; (f) the date
such Covered Call Option was written; and (g) the name of the Clearing Member
through whom the premium is to be received. The Custodian shall deliver or cause
to be delivered, in exchange for receipt of the premium specified in the
Certificate with respect to such Covered Call Option, such receipts as are
required in accordance with the customs prevailing among Clearing Members
dealing in Covered Call Options and shall impose, or direct the Depository to
impose, upon the underlying Securities specified in the Certificate specifically
allocated to such Series such restrictions as may be required by such receipts.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian has the right, upon prior written
notification to the Fund, at any time to refuse to issue any receipts for
Securities in the possession of the Custodian and not deposited with the
Depository underlying a Covered Call Option.
7. Whenever a Covered Call Option written by the Fund and described in the
preceding paragraph of this Article is exercised, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate instructing the Custodian to deliver, or
to direct the Depository to deliver, the Securities subject to such Covered Call
Option and specifying: (a) the Series for which such Covered Call Option was
written; (b) the name of the issuer and the title and number of shares subject
to the Covered Call Option; (c) the Clearing Member to whom the underlying
Securities are to be delivered; and (d) the total amount payable to the Fund
upon such delivery. Upon the return and/or cancellation of any receipts
delivered pursuant to paragraph 6 of this Article, the Custodian shall deliver,
or direct the Depository to deliver, the underlying Securities as specified in
the Certificate against payment of the amount to be received as set forth in
such Certificate.
8. Whenever the Fund writes a Put Option, the Fund shall promptly deliver
to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Put Option: (a)
the Series for which such Put Option was written; (b) the name of the issuer and
the title and number of shares for which the Put Option is written and which
underlie the same; (c) the expiration date; (d) the exercise price; (e) the
premium to be received by the Fund; (f) the date such Put Option is written; (g)
the name of the Clearing Member through whom the premium is to be received and
to whom a Put Option guarantee letter is to be delivered; (h) the amount of
cash, and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifically allocated
to such Series to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such Series;
and (i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities specifically
allocated to such Series to be deposited into the Collateral Account for such
Series. The Custodian shall, after making the deposits into the Collateral
Account specified in the Certificate, issue a Put Option guarantee letter
substantially in the form utilized by the Custodian on the date hereof, and
deliver the same to the Clearing Member specified in the Certificate against
receipt of the premium specified in said Certificate. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Custodian shall be under no obligation to issue any Put Option
guarantee letter or similar document if it is unable to make any of the
representations contained therein.
9. Whenever a Put Option written by the Fund and described in the preceding
paragraph is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Put Option was written; (b)
the name of the issuer and title and number of shares subject to the Put Option;
(c) the Clearing Member from whom the underlying Securities are to be received;
(d) the total amount payable by the Fund upon such delivery; (e) the amount of
cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities specifically allocated to such
Series to be withdrawn from the Collateral Account for such Series and (f) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, specifically allocated
to such Series, if any, to be withdrawn from the Senior Security Account. Upon
the return and/or cancellation of any Put Option guarantee letter or similar
document issued by the Custodian in connection with such Put Option, the
Custodian shall pay out of the money held for the account of the Series to which
such Put Option was specifically allocated the total amount payable to the
Clearing Member specified in the Certificate as set forth in such Certificate
against delivery of such Securities, and shall make the withdrawals specified in
such Certificate.
10. Whenever the Fund writes a Stock Index Option, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Stock
Index Option: (a) the Series for which such Stock Index Option was written; (b)
whether such Stock Index Option is a put or a call; (c) the number of options
written; (d) the stock index to which such Option relates; (e) the expiration
date; (f) the exercise price; (g) the Clearing Member through whom such Option
was written; (h) the premium to be received by the Fund; (i) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifically allocated to such
Series to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such Series; (j) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifically
allocated to such Series to be deposited in the Collateral Account for such
Series; and (k) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if
any, specifically allocated to such Series to be deposited in a Margin Account,
and the name in which such account is to be or has been established. The
Custodian shall, upon receipt of the premium specified in the Certificate, make
the deposits, if any, into the Senior Security Account specified in the
Certificate, and either (1) deliver such receipts, if any, which the Custodian
has specifically agreed to issue, which are in accordance with the customs
prevailing among Clearing Members in Stock Index Options and make the deposits
into the Collateral Account specified in the Certificate, or (2) make the
deposits into the Margin Account specified in the Certificate.
11. Whenever a Stock Index Option written by the Fund and described in the
preceding paragraph of this Article is exercised, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Stock
Index Option: (a) the Series for which such Stock Index Option was written; (b)
such information as may be necessary to identify the Stock Index Option being
exercised; (c) the Clearing Member through whom such Stock Index Option is being
exercised; (d) the total amount payable upon such exercise, and whether such
amount is to be paid by or to the Fund; (e) the amount of cash and/or amount and
kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Margin Account; and (f) the
amount of cash and/or amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn
from the Senior Security Account for such Series; and the amount of cash and/or
the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Collateral
Account for such Series. Upon the return and/or cancellation of the receipt, if
any, delivered pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Article, the
Custodian shall pay out of the money held for the account of the Series to which
such Stock Index Option was specifically allocated to the Clearing Member
specified in the Certificate the total amount payable, if any, as specified
therein.
12. Whenever the Fund purchases any Option identical to a previously
written Option described in paragraphs, 6, 8 or 10 of this Article in a
transaction expressly designated as a "Closing Purchase Transaction" in order to
liquidate its position as a writer of an Option, the Fund shall promptly deliver
to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to the Option being
purchased: (a) that the transaction is a Closing Purchase Transaction; (b) the
Series for which the Option was written; (c) the name of the issuer and the
title and number of shares subject to the Option, or, in the case of a Stock
Index Option, the stock index to which such Option relates and the number of
Options held; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be paid by the Fund;
(f) the expiration date; (g) the type of Option (put or call); (h) the date of
such purchase; (i) the name of the Clearing Member to whom the premium is to be
paid; and (j) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if
any, to be withdrawn from the Collateral Account, a specified Margin Account, or
the Senior Security Account for such Series. Upon the Custodian's payment of the
premium and the return and/or cancellation of any receipt issued pursuant to
paragraphs 6, 8 or 10 of this Article with respect to the Option being
liquidated through the Closing Purchase Transaction, the Custodian shall remove,
or direct the Depository to remove, the previously imposed restrictions on the
Securities underlying the Call Option.
13. Upon the expiration, exercise or consummation of a Closing Purchase
Transaction with respect to any Option purchased or written by the Fund and
described in this Article, the Custodian shall delete such Option from the
statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article III herein,
and upon the return and/or cancellation of any receipts issued by the Custodian,
shall make such withdrawals from the Collateral Account, and the Margin Account
and/or the Senior Security Account as may be specified in a Certificate received
in connection with such expiration, exercise, or consummation.
ARTICLE VI.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
1. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures Contract, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Futures
Contract, (or with respect to any number of identical Futures Contract(s)): (a)
the Series for which the Futures Contract is being entered; (b) the category of
Futures Contract (the name of the underlying stock index or financial
instrument); (c) the number of identical Futures Contracts entered into; (d) the
delivery or settlement date of the Futures Contract(s); (e) the date the Futures
Contract(s) was (were) entered into and the maturity date; (f) whether the Fund
is buying (going long) or selling (going short) on such Futures Contract(s); (g)
the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be
deposited in the Senior Security Account for such Series; (h) the name of the
broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant through whom the Futures Contract
was entered into; and (i) the amount of fee or commission, if any, to be paid
and the name of the broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant to whom such
amount is to be paid. The Custodian shall make the deposits, if any, to the
Margin Account in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement. The Custodian shall make payment out of the money specifically
allocated to such Series of the fee or commission, if any, specified in the
Certificate and deposit in the Senior Security Account for such Series the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities specified in said
Certificate.
2. (a) Any variation margin payment or similar payment required to be made
by the Fund to a broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant with respect to
an outstanding Futures Contract, shall be made by the Custodian in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
(b) Any variation margin payment or similar payment from a broker,
dealer, or futures commission merchant to the Fund with respect to an
outstanding Futures Contract, shall be received and dealt with by the Custodian
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract held by the Custodian hereunder is retained
by the Fund until delivery or settlement is made on such Futures Contract, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Futures
Contract and the Series to which the same relates; (b) with respect to a Stock
Index Futures Contract, the total cash settlement amount to be paid or received,
and with respect to a Financial Futures Contract, the Securities and/or amount
of cash to be delivered or received; (c) the broker, dealer, or futures
commission merchant to or from whom payment or delivery is to be made or
received; and (d) the amount of cash and/or Securities to be withdrawn from the
Senior Security Account for such Series. The Custodian shall make the payment or
delivery specified in the Certificate, and delete such Futures Contract from the
statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article III herein.
4. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures Contract to offset a
Futures Contract held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the items of information required in a
Certificate described in paragraph 1 of this Article, and (b) the Futures
Contract being offset. The Custodian shall make payment out of the money
specifically allocated to such Series of the fee or commission, if any,
specified in the Certificate and delete the Futures Contract being offset from
the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article III
herein, and make such withdrawals from the Senior Security Account for such
Series as may be specified in such Certificate. The withdrawals, if any, to be
made from the Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
5. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary,
the Custodian shall deliver cash and Securities to a futures commission merchant
upon receipt of a Certificate from the Fund specifying: (a) the name of the
futures commission merchant; (b) the specific cash and Securities to be
delivered; (c) the date of such delivery; and (d) the date of the agreement
between the Fund and such futures commission merchant entered pursuant to Rule
17f-6 under the Investment Company ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, as amended. Each delivery of such a
Certificate by the Fund shall constitute (x) a representation and warranty by
the Fund that the Rule 17f-6 agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Fund and the futures commission merchant and complies with Rule
17f-6, and (y) an agreement by the Fund that the Custodian shall not be liable
for the acts or omissions of any such futures commission merchant.
ARTICLE VII.
FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS
1. Promptly after the purchase of any Futures Contract Option by the Fund,
the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with
respect to such Futures Contract Option: (a) the Series to which such Option is
specifically allocated; (b) the type of Futures Contract Option (put or call);
(c) the type of Futures Contract and such other information as may be necessary
to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option
purchased; (d) the expiration date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the dates of
purchase and settlement; (g) the amount of premium to be paid by the Fund upon
such purchase; (h) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant through
whom such option was purchased; and (i) the name of the broker, or futures
commission merchant, to whom payment is to be made. The Custodian shall pay out
of the money specifically allocated to such Series, the total amount to be paid
upon such purchase to the broker or futures commissions merchant through whom
the purchase was made, provided that the same conforms to the amount set forth
in such Certificate.
2. Promptly after the sale of any Futures Contract Option purchased by the
Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such sale: (a) Series to
which such Futures Contract Option was specifically allocated; (b) the type of
Futures Contract Option (put or call); (c) the type of Futures Contract and such
other information as may be necessary to identify the Futures Contract
underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale
price; (f) the date of settlement; (g) the total amount payable to the Fund upon
such sale; and (h) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant through
whom the sale was made. The Custodian shall consent to the cancellation of the
Futures Contract Option being closed against payment to the Custodian of the
total amount payable to the Fund, provided the same conforms to the total amount
payable as set forth in such Certificate.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to
paragraph 1 is exercised by the Fund, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Futures
Contract Option was specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract
Option (put or call) being exercised; (c) the type of Futures Contract
underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the date of exercise; (e) the name
of the broker or futures commission merchant through whom the Futures Contract
Option is exercised; (f) the net total amount, if any, payable by the Fund; (g)
the amount, if any, to be received by the Fund; and (h) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be deposited in the Senior Security
Account for such Series. The Custodian shall make, out of the money and
Securities specifically allocated to such Series, the payments, if any, and the
deposits, if any, into the Senior Security Account as specified in the
Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to the Margin Account shall be
made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
4. Whenever the Fund writes a Futures Contract Option, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such
Futures Contract Option: (a) the Series for which such Futures Contract Option
was written; (b) the type of Futures Contract Option (put or call); (c) the type
of Futures Contract and such other information as may be necessary to identify
the Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the expiration
date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the premium to be received by the Fund; (g)
the name of the broker or futures commission merchant through whom the premium
is to be received; and (h) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such
Series. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the premium specified in the
Certificate, make out of the money and Securities specifically allocated to such
Series the deposits into the Senior Security Account, if any, as specified in
the Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to the Margin Account shall be
made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
5. Whenever a Futures Contract Option written by the Fund which is a call
is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying: (a) the Series to which such Futures Contract Option was
specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option exercised;
(c) the type of Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the
name of the broker or futures commission merchant through whom such Futures
Contract Option was exercised; (e) the net total amount, if any, payable to the
Fund upon such exercise; (f) the net total amount, if any, payable by the Fund
upon such exercise; and (g) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such Series. The
Custodian shall, upon its receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund,
if any, specified in such Certificate make the payments, if any, and the
deposits, if any, into the Senior Security Account as specified in the
Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to the Margin Account shall be
made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
6. Whenever a Futures Contract Option which is written by the Fund and
which is a put is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Option was specifically
allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option exercised; (c) the type of
Futures Contract underlying such Futures Contract Option; (d) the name of the
broker or futures commission merchant through whom such Futures Contract Option
is exercised; (e) the net total amount, if any, payable to the Fund upon such
exercise; (f) the net total amount, if any, payable by the Fund upon such
exercise; and (g) the amount and kind of Securities and/or cash to be withdrawn
from or deposited in, the Senior Security Account for such Series, if any. The
Custodian shall, upon its receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund,
if any, specified in the Certificate, make out of the money and Securities
specifically allocated to such Series, the payments, if any, and the deposits,
if any, into the Senior Security Account as specified in the Certificate. The
deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin Account, if any, shall be made by
the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement.
7. Whenever the Fund purchases any Futures Contract Option identical to a
previously written Futures Contract Option described in this Article in order to
liquidate its position as a writer of such Futures Contract Option, the Fund
shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to
the Futures Contract Option being purchased: (a) the Series to which such Option
is specifically allocated; (b) that the transaction is a closing transaction;
(c) the type of Futures Contract and such other information as may be necessary
to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures Option Contract; (d) the
exercise price; (e) the premium to be paid by the Fund; (f) the expiration date;
(g) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant to whom the premium is
to be paid; and (h) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities,
if any, to be withdrawn from the Senior Security Account for such Series. The
Custodian shall effect the withdrawals from the Senior Security Account
specified in the Certificate. The withdrawals, if any, to be made from the
Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
8. Upon the expiration, exercise, or consummation of a closing transaction
with respect to, any Futures Contract Option written or purchased by the Fund
and described in this Article, the Custodian shall (a) delete such Futures
Contract Option from the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph
3 of Article III herein and, (b) make such withdrawals from and/or in the case
of an exercise such deposits into the Senior Security Account as may be
specified in a Certificate. The deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin
Account, if any, shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
9. Futures Contracts acquired by the Fund through the exercise of a Futures
Contract Option described in this Article shall be subject to Article VI hereof.
10. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary,
the Custodian shall deliver cash and Securities to a futures commission merchant
upon receipt of a Certificate from the Fund specifying: (a) the name of the
futures commission merchant; (b) the specific cash and Securities to be
delivered; (c) the date of such delivery; and (d) the date of the agreement
between the Fund and such futures commission merchant entered pursuant to Rule
17f-6 under the Investment Company ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, as amended. Each delivery of such a
Certificate by the Fund shall constitute (x) a representation and warranty by
the Fund that the Rule 17f-6 agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Fund and the futures commission merchant and complies with Rule
17f-6, and (y) an agreement by the Fund that the Custodian shall not be liable
for the acts or omissions of any such futures commission merchant.
ARTICLE VIII.
SHORT SALES
1. Promptly after any short sales by any Series of the Fund, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series for
which such short sale was made; (b) the name of the issuer and the title of the
Security; (c) the number of shares or principal amount sold, and accrued
interest or dividends, if any; (d) the dates of the sale and settlement; (e) the
sale price per unit; (f) the total amount credited to the Fund upon such sale,
if any, (g) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any,
which are to be deposited in a Margin Account and the name in which such Margin
Account has been or is to be established; (h) the amount of cash and/or the
amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in a Senior Security
Account, and (i) the name of the broker through whom such short sale was made.
The Custodian shall upon its receipt of a statement from such broker confirming
such sale and that the total amount credited to the Fund upon such sale, if any,
as specified in the Certificate is held by such broker for the account of the
Custodian (or any nominee of the Custodian) as custodian of the Fund, issue a
receipt or make the deposits into the Margin Account and the Senior Security
Account specified in the Certificate.
2. In connection with the closing-out of any short sale, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each
such closing-out: (a) the Series for which such transaction is being made; (b)
the name of the issuer and the title of the Security; (c) the number of shares
or the principal amount, and accrued interest or dividends, if any, required to
effect such closing-out to be delivered to the broker; (d) the dates of
closing-out and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f) the net total
amount payable to the Fund upon such closing-out; (g) the net total amount
payable to the broker upon such closing-out; (h) the amount of cash and the
amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn, if any, from the Margin Account;
(i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be
withdrawn from the Senior Security Account; and (j) the name of the broker
through whom the Fund is effecting such closing-out. The Custodian shall, upon
receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund upon such closing-out, and
the return and/or cancellation of the receipts, if any, issued by the Custodian
with respect to the short sale being closed-out, pay out of the money held for
the account of the Fund to the broker the net total amount payable to the
broker, and make the withdrawals from the Margin Account and the Senior Security
Account, as the same are specified in the Certificate.
ARTICLE IX.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
1. Promptly after the Fund enters a Reverse Repurchase Agreement with
respect to Securities and money held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate, or in the event such Reverse Repurchase
Agreement is a Money Market Security, a Certificate or Oral Instructions
specifying: (a) the Series for which the Reverse Repurchase Agreement is
entered; (b) the total amount payable to the Fund in connection with such
Reverse Repurchase Agreement and specifically allocated to such Series; (c) the
broker or dealer through or with whom the Reverse Repurchase Agreement is
entered; (d) the amount and kind of Securities to be delivered by the Fund to
such broker or dealer; (e) the date of such Reverse Repurchase Agreement; and
(f) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any,
specifically allocated to such Series to be deposited in a Senior Security
Account for such Series in connection with such Reverse Repurchase Agreement.
The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the total amount payable to the Fund
specified in the Certificate or Oral Instructions make the delivery to the
broker or dealer, and the deposits, if any, to the Senior Security Account,
specified in such Certificate or Oral Instructions.
2. Upon the termination of a Reverse Repurchase Agreement described in
preceding paragraph 1 of this Article, the Fund shall promptly deliver a
Certificate or, in the event such Reverse Repurchase Agreement is a Money Market
Security, a Certificate or Oral Instructions to the Custodian specifying: (a)
the Reverse Repurchase Agreement being terminated and the Series for which same
was entered; (b) the total amount payable by the Fund in connection with such
termination; (c) the amount and kind of Securities to be received by the Fund
and specifically allocated to such Series in connection with such termination;
(d) the date of termination; (e) the name of the broker or dealer with or
through whom the Reverse Repurchase Agreement is to be terminated; and (f) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn from the
Senior Securities Account for such Series. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of
the amount and kind of Securities to be received by the Fund specified in the
Certificate or Oral Instructions, make the payment to the broker or dealer, and
the withdrawals, if any, from the Senior Security Account, specified in such
Certificate or Oral Instructions.
ARTICLE X.
LOAN OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES OF THE FUND
1. Promptly after each loan of portfolio Securities specifically allocated
to a Series held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall deliver or cause to
be delivered to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such
loan: (a) the Series to which the loaned Securities are specifically allocated;
(b) the name of the issuer and the title of the Securities, (c) the number of
shares or the principal amount loaned, (d) the date of loan and delivery, (e)
the total amount to be delivered to the Custodian against the loan of the
Securities, including the amount of cash collateral and the premium, if any,
separately identified, and (f) the name of the broker, dealer, or financial
institution to which the loan was made. The Custodian shall deliver the
Securities thus designated to the broker, dealer or financial institution to
which the loan was made upon receipt of the total amount designated as to be
delivered against the loan of Securities. The Custodian may accept payment in
connection with a delivery otherwise than through the Book-Entry System or
Depository only in the form of a certified or bank cashier's check payable to
the order of the Fund or the Custodian drawn on New York Clearing House funds
and may deliver Securities in accordance with the customs prevailing among
dealers in securities.
2. Promptly after each termination of the loan of Securities by the Fund,
the Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying with respect to each such loan termination and return of Securities:
(a) the Series to which the loaned Securities are specifically allocated; (b)
the name of the issuer and the title of the Securities to be returned, (c) the
number of shares or the principal amount to be returned, (d) the date of
termination, (e) the total amount to be delivered by the Custodian (including
the cash collateral for such Securities minus any offsetting credits as
described in said Certificate), and (f) the name of the broker, dealer, or
financial institution from which the Securities will be returned. The Custodian
shall receive all Securities returned from the broker, dealer, or financial
institution to which such Securities were loaned and upon receipt thereof shall
pay, out of the money held for the account of the Fund, the total amount payable
upon such return of Securities as set forth in the Certificate.
ARTICLE XI.
CONCERNING MARGIN ACCOUNTS, SENIOR SECURITY
ACCOUNTS, AND COLLATERAL ACCOUNTS
1. The Custodian shall, from time to time, make such deposits to, or
withdrawals from, a Senior Security Account as specified in a Certificate
received by the Custodian. Such Certificate shall specify the Series for which
such deposit or withdrawal is to be made and the amount of cash and/or the
amount and kind of Securities specifically allocated to such Series to be
deposited in, or withdrawn from, such Senior Security Account for such Series.
In the event that the Fund fails to specify in a Certificate the Series, the
name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares or the principal amount
of any particular Securities to be deposited by the Custodian into, or withdrawn
from, a Senior Securities Account, the Custodian shall be under no obligation to
make any such deposit or withdrawal and shall so notify the Fund.
2. The Custodian shall make deliveries or payments from a Margin Account to
the broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member in whose
name, or for whose benefit, the account was established as specified in the
Margin Account Agreement.
3. Amounts received by the Custodian as payments or distributions with
respect to Securities deposited in any Margin Account shall be dealt with in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
4. The Custodian shall have a continuing lien and security interest in and
to any property at any time held by the Custodian in any Collateral Account
described herein. In accordance with applicable law the Custodian may enforce
its lien and realize on any such property whenever the Custodian has made
payment or delivery pursuant to any Put Option guarantee letter or similar
document or any receipt issued hereunder by the Custodian. In the event the
Custodian should realize on any such property net proceeds which are less than
the Custodian's obligations under any Put Option guarantee letter or similar
document or any receipt, such deficiency shall be a debt owed the Custodian by
the Fund within the scope of Article XIV herein.
5. On each business day the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a
statement with respect to each Margin Account in which money or Securities are
held specifying as of the close of business on the previous business day: (a)
the name of the Margin Account; (b) the amount and kind of Securities held
therein; and (c) the amount of money held therein. The Custodian shall make
available upon request to any broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant
specified in the name of a Margin Account a copy of the statement furnished the
Fund with respect to such Margin Account.
6. Promptly after the close of business on each business day in which cash
and/or Securities are maintained in a Collateral Account for any Series, the
Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a statement with respect to such
Collateral Account specifying the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities held therein. No later than the close of business next succeeding the
delivery to the Fund of such statement, the Fund shall furnish to the Custodian
a Certificate specifying the then market value of the Securities described in
such statement. In the event such then market value is indicated to be less than
the Custodian's obligation with respect to any outstanding Put Option guarantee
letter or similar document, the Fund shall promptly specify in a Certificate the
additional cash and/or Securities to be deposited in such Collateral Account to
eliminate such deficiency.
ARTICLE XII.
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS
1. The Fund shall furnish to the Custodian a copy of the resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary, either (i) setting forth with respect to the Series specified therein
the date of the declaration of a dividend or distribution, the date of payment
thereof, the record date as of which shareholders entitled to payment shall be
determined, the amount payable per Share of such Series to the shareholders of
record as of that date and the total amount payable to the Dividend Agent and
any sub-dividend agent or co-dividend agent of the Fund on the payment date, or
(ii) authorizing with respect to the Series specified therein the declaration of
dividends and distributions on a daily basis and authorizing the Custodian to
rely on Oral Instructions or a Certificate setting forth the date of the
declaration of such dividend or distribution, the date of payment thereof, the
record date as of which shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined,
the amount payable per Share of such Series to the shareholders of record as of
that date and the total amount payable to the Dividend Agent on the payment
date.
2. Upon the payment date specified in such resolution, Oral Instructions or
Certificate, as the case may be, the Custodian shall pay out of the money held
for the account of each Series the total amount payable to the Dividend Agent
and any sub-dividend agent or co-dividend agent of the Fund with respect to such
Series.
ARTICLE XIII.
SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
1. Whenever the Fund shall sell any Shares, it shall deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate duly specifying:
(a) the Series, the number of Shares sold, trade date, and price; and
(b) the amount of money to be received by the Custodian for the sale of
such Shares and specifically allocated to the separate account in the name of
such Series.
2. Upon receipt of such money from the Transfer Agent, the Custodian shall
credit such money to the separate account in the name of the Series for which
such money was received.
3. Upon issuance of any Shares of any Series described in the foregoing
provisions of this Article, the Custodian shall pay, out of the money held for
the account of such Series, all original issue or other taxes required to be
paid by the Fund in connection with such issuance upon the receipt of a
Certificate specifying the amount to be paid.
4. Except as provided hereinafter, whenever the Fund desires the Custodian
to make payment out of the money held by the Custodian hereunder in connection
with a redemption of any Shares, it shall furnish to the Custodian a Certificate
specifying:
(a) the number and Series of Shares redeemed; and
(b) the amount to be paid for such Shares.
5. Upon receipt from the Transfer Agent of an advice setting forth the
Series and number of Shares received by the Transfer Agent for redemption and
that such Shares are in good form for redemption, the Custodian shall make
payment to the Transfer Agent out of the money held in the separate account in
the name of the Series the total amount specified in the Certificate issued
pursuant to the foregoing paragraph 4 of this Article.
6. Notwithstanding the above provisions regarding the redemption of any
Shares, whenever any Shares are redeemed pursuant to any check redemption
privilege which may from time to time be offered by the Fund, the Custodian,
unless otherwise instructed by a Certificate, shall, upon receipt of an advice
from the Fund or its agent setting forth that the redemption is in good form for
redemption in accordance with the check redemption procedure, honor the check
presented as part of such check redemption privilege out of the money held in
the separate account of the Series of the Shares being redeemed.
ARTICLE XIV.
OVERDRAFTS OR INDEBTEDNESS
1. If the Custodian should in its sole discretion advance funds on behalf
of any Series which results in an overdraft because the money held by the
Custodian in the separate account for such Series shall be insufficient to pay
the total amount payable upon a purchase of Securities specifically allocated to
such Series, as set forth in a Certificate or Oral Instructions, or which
results in an overdraft in the separate account of such Series for some other
reason, or if the Fund is for any other reason indebted to the Custodian with
respect to a Series, including any indebtedness to The Bank of New York under
the Fund's Cash Management and Related Services Agreement (except a borrowing
for investment or for temporary or emergency purposes using Securities as
collateral pursuant to a separate agreement and subject to the provisions of
paragraph 2 of this Article), such overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed to
be a loan made by the Custodian to the Fund for such Series payable on demand
and shall bear interest from the date incurred at a rate per annum (based on a
360-day year for the actual number of days involved) equal to 1/2% over
Custodian's prime commercial lending rate in effect from time to time, such rate
to be adjusted on the effective date of any change in such prime commercial
lending rate but in no event to be less than 6% per annum. In addition, the Fund
hereby agrees that the Custodian shall have a continuing lien, security
interest, and security entitlement in and to any property including any
investment property or any financial asset specifically allocated to such Series
at any time held by it for the benefit of such Series or in which the Fund may
have an interest which is then in the Custodian's possession or control or in
possession or control of any third party acting in the Custodian's behalf. The
Fund authorizes the Custodian, in its sole discretion, at any time to charge any
such overdraft or indebtedness together with interest due thereon against any
balance of account standing to such Series' credit on the Custodian's books. In
addition, the Fund hereby covenants that on each Business Day on which either it
intends to enter a Reverse Repurchase Agreement and/or otherwise borrow from a
third party, or which next succeeds a Business Day on which at the close of
business the Fund had outstanding a Reverse Repurchase Agreement or such a
borrowing, it shall prior to 9 a.m., New York City time, advise the Custodian,
in writing, of each such borrowing, shall specify the Series to which the same
relates, and shall not incur any indebtedness not so specified other than from
the Custodian.
2. The Fund will cause to be delivered to the Custodian by any bank
(including, if the borrowing is pursuant to a separate agreement, the Custodian)
from which it borrows money for investment or for temporary or emergency
purposes using Securities held by the Custodian hereunder as collateral for such
borrowings, a notice or undertaking in the form currently employed by any such
bank setting forth the amount which such bank will loan to the Fund against
delivery of a stated amount of collateral. The Fund shall promptly deliver to
the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a)
the Series to which such borrowing relates; (b) the name of the bank, (c) the
amount and terms of the borrowing, which may be set forth by incorporating by
reference an attached promissory note, duly endorsed by the Fund, or other loan
agreement, (d) the time and date, if known, on which the loan is to be entered
into, (e) the date on which the loan becomes due and payable, (f) the total
amount payable to the Fund on the borrowing date, (g) the market value of
Securities to be delivered as collateral for such loan, including the name of
the issuer, the title and the number of shares or the principal amount of any
particular Securities, and (h) a statement specifying whether such loan is for
investment purposes or for temporary or emergency purposes and that such loan is
in conformance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Fund's
prospectus. The Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date specified in a
Certificate the specified collateral and the executed promissory note, if any,
against delivery by the lending bank of the total amount of the loan payable,
provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as set forth in the
Certificate. The Custodian may, at the option of the lending bank, keep such
collateral in its possession, but such collateral shall be subject to all rights
therein given the lending bank by virtue of any promissory note or loan
agreement. The Custodian shall deliver such Securities as additional collateral
as may be specified in a Certificate to collateralize further any transaction
described in this paragraph. The Fund shall cause all Securities released from
collateral status to be returned directly to the Custodian, and the Custodian
shall receive from time to time such return of collateral as may be tendered to
it. In the event that the Fund fails to specify in a Certificate the Series, the
name of the issuer, the title and number of shares or the principal amount of
any particular Securities to be delivered as collateral by the Custodian, the
Custodian shall not be under any obligation to deliver any Securities.
ARTICLE XV.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. With respect to any software provided by the Custodian to a Fund in
order for the Fund to transmit Instructions to the Custodian (the "Software"),
the Custodian grants to such Fund a personal, nontransferable and nonexclusive
license to use the Software solely for the purpose of transmitting Instructions
to, and receiving communications from, the Custodian in connection with its
account(s). The Fund shall use the Software solely for its own internal and
proper business purposes, and not in the operation of a service bureau, and
agrees not to sell, reproduce, lease or otherwise provide, directly or
indirectly, the Software or any portion thereof to any third party without the
prior written consent of the Custodian. The Fund acknowledges that the Custodian
and its suppliers have title and exclusive proprietary rights to the Software,
including any trade secrets or other ideas, concepts, know how, methodologies,
or information incorporated therein and the exclusive rights to any copyrights,
trademarks and patents (including registrations and applications for
registration of either) or statutory or legal protections available with respect
thereof. The Fund further acknowledges that all or a part of the Software may be
copyrighted or trademarked (or a registration or claim made therefor) by the
Custodian or its suppliers. The Fund shall not take any action with respect to
the Software inconsistent with the foregoing acknowledgments, nor shall the Fund
attempt to decompile, reverse engineer or modify the Software. The Fund may not
copy, sell, lease or provide, directly or indirectly, any of the Software or any
portion thereof to any other person or entity without the Custodian's prior
written consent. The Fund may not remove any statutory copyright notice, or
other notice including the software or on any media containing the Software. The
Fund shall reproduce any such notice on any reproduction of the Software and
shall add statutory copyright notice or other notice to the Software or media
upon the Bank's request. Custodian agrees to provide reasonable training,
instruction manuals and access to Custodian's "help desk" in connection with the
Fund's user support necessary to use of the Software. At the Fund's request,
Custodian agrees to permit reasonable testing of the Software by the Fund.
2. The Fund shall obtain and maintain at its own cost and expense all
equipment and services, including but not limited to communications services,
necessary for it to utilize the Software and transmit Instructions to the
Custodian. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the reliability,
compatibility with the Software or availability of any such equipment or
services or the performance or nonperformance by any nonparty to this Custody
Agreement.
3. The Fund acknowledges that the Software, all data bases made available
to the Fund by utilizing the Software (other than data bases relating solely to
the assets of the Fund and transactions with respect thereto), and any
proprietary data, processes, information and documentation (other than which are
or become part of the public domain or are legally required to be made available
to the public) (collectively, the "Information"), are the exclusive and
confidential property of the Custodian. The Fund shall keep the Information
confidential by using the same care and discretion that the Fund uses with
respect to its own confidential property and trade secrets and shall neither
make nor permit any disclosure without the prior written consent of the
Custodian. Upon termination of this Agreement or the Software license granted
hereunder for any reason, the Fund shall return to the Custodian all copies of
the Information which are in its possession or under its control or which the
Fund distributed to third parties. The provisions of this Article shall not
affect the copyright status of any of the Information which may be copyrighted
and shall apply to all Information whether or not copyrighted.
4. The Custodian reserves the right to modify, at its own expense, the
Software from time to time without prior notice and the Fund shall install new
releases of the Software as the Custodian may direct. The Fund agrees not to
modify or attempt to modify the Software without the Custodian's prior written
consent. The Fund acknowledges that any modifications to the Software, whether
by the Fund or the Custodian and whether with or without the Custodian's
consent, shall become the property of the Custodian.
5. The Custodian and its manufacturers and suppliers make no warranties or
representations of any kind with regard to the Software or the method(s) by
which the Fund may transmit Instructions to the Custodian, express or implied,
including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose.
6. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. EXPORT OF THE SOFTWARE IS PROHIBITED BY UNITED
STATES LAW. THE FUND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RESELL,
DIVERT, TRANSFER, TRANSSHIP OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE SOFTWARE (IN ANY FORM)
IN OR TO ANY OTHER COUNTRY. IF THE CUSTODIAN DELIVERS THE SOFTWARE TO THE FUND
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, THE SOFTWARE WAS EXPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH EXPORT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS. DIVERSION CONTRARY TO U.S.
LAWS PROHIBITED. The Fund hereby authorizes Custodian to report its name and
address to government agencies to which Custodian is required to provide such
information by law.
7. Where the method for transmitting Instructions by the Fund involves an
automatic systems acknowledgment by the Custodian of its receipt of such
Instructions, then in the absence of such acknowledgment the Custodian shall not
be liable for any failure to act pursuant to such Instructions, the Fund may not
claim that such Instructions were received by the Custodian, and the Fund shall
deliver a Certificate by some other means.
8. (a) The Fund agrees that where it delivers to the Custodian Instructions
hereunder, it shall be the Fund's sole responsibility to ensure that only
persons duly authorized by the Fund transmit such Instructions to the Custodian.
The Fund will cause all persons transmitting Instructions to the Custodian to
treat applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and authentication keys
with extreme care, and irrevocably authorizes the Custodian to act in accordance
with and rely upon Instructions received by it pursuant hereto.
(b) The Fund hereby represents, acknowledges and agrees that it is fully
informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of
transmitting Instructions to the Custodian and that there may be more secure
methods of transmitting instructions to the Custodian than the method(s)
selected by the Fund. The Fund hereby agrees that the security procedures (if
any) to be followed in connection with the Fund's transmission of Instructions
provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its
particular needs and circumstances.
9. The Fund hereby represents, warrants and covenants to the Custodian that
this Agreement has been duly approved by a resolution of its Board of Trustees,
and that its transmission of Instructions pursuant hereto shall at all times
comply with the Investment Company Act.
10. The Fund shall notify the Custodian of any errors, omissions or
interruptions in, or delay or unavailability of, its ability to send
Instructions as promptly as practicable, and in any event within 24 hours after
the earliest of (i) discovery thereof, (ii) the Business Day on which discovery
should have occurred through the exercise of reasonable care and (iii) in the
case of any error, the date of actual receipt of the earliest notice which
reflects such error, it being agreed that discovery and receipt of notice may
only occur on a business day. The Custodian shall promptly advise the Fund
whenever the Custodian learns of any errors, omissions or interruption in, or
delay or unavailability of, the Fund's ability to send Instructions.
11. Custodian will indemnify and hold harmless the Fund with respect to any
liability, damages, loss or claim incurred by or brought against Fund by reason
any claim or infringement against any patent, copyright, license or other
property right arising out or by reason of the Fund's use of the Software in the
form provided under this Section. Custodian at its own expense will defend such
action or claim brought against Fund to the extent that it is based on a claim
that the Software in the form provided by Custodian infringes any patents,
copyrights, license or other property right, provided that Custodian is provided
with reasonable written notice of such claim, provided that the Fund has not
settled, compromised or confessed any such claim without the Custodian's written
consent, in which event Custodian shall have no liability or obligation
hereunder, and provided Fund cooperates with and assists Custodian in the
defense of such claim. Custodian shall have the right to control the defense of
all such claims, lawsuits and other proceedings. If, as a result of any claim of
infringement against any patent, copyright, license or other property right,
Custodian is enjoined from using the Software, or if Custodian believes that the
System is likely to become the subject of a claim of infringement, Custodian at
its option may in its sole discretion either (a) at its expenses procure the
right for the Fund to continue to use the Software, or (b), replace or modify
the Software so as to make it non-infringing, or (c) may discontinue the license
granted herein upon written notice to Fund.
ARTICLE XVI.
DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY
OF ANY SERIES HELD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
1. The Custodian is authorized and instructed to employ, as sub-custodian
for each Series' Securities for which the primary market is outside the United
States ("Foreign Securities") and other assets, the foreign banking
institutions, foreign branches of U.S. banks, and foreign securities
depositories and clearing agencies designated on Schedule I hereto ("Foreign
Sub-Custodians"). The Fund may designate any additional foreign sub-custodian
with which the Custodian has an agreement for such entity to act as the
Custodian's agent, as its sub-custodian and any such additional foreign
sub-custodian shall be deemed added to Schedule I. Upon receipt of a Certificate
from the Fund, the Custodian shall cease the employment of any one or more
Foreign Sub-Custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets and such
Foreign Sub-Custodian shall be deemed deleted from Schedule I.
2. Each delivery of a Certificate to the Custodian in connection with a
transaction involving the use of a Foreign Sub-Custodian shall constitute a
representation and warranty by the Fund that its Board of Trustees, or its third
party foreign custody manager as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, if any, has determined that use of such Foreign
Sub-Custodian satisfies the requirements of such Investment Company Act of 1940
and such Rule 17f-5 thereunder.
3. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to each Series of
the Fund the Foreign Securities of such Series held by each Foreign
Sub-Custodian. At the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims by the Fund
or any Series against a Foreign Sub-Custodian as a consequence of any loss,
damage, cost, expense, liability or claim sustained or incurred by the Fund or
any Series if and to the extent that the Fund or such Series has not been made
whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.
4. Upon request of the Fund, the Custodian will, consistent with the terms
of the applicable Foreign Sub-Custodian agreement, use reasonable efforts to
arrange for the independent accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the
books and records of any Foreign Sub-Custodian insofar as such books and records
relate to the performance of such Foreign Sub-Custodian under its agreement with
the Custodian on behalf of the Fund.
5. 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 each
Series held by Foreign Sub-Custodians, including but not limited to an
identification of entities having possession of each Series' Foreign Securities
and other assets, and advices or notifications of any transfers of Foreign
Securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a Foreign
Sub-Custodian for the Custodian on behalf of the Series.
6. The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund all notices, reports
or other written information received pertaining to the Fund's Foreign
Securities, including without limitation, notices of corporate action, proxies
and proxy solicitation materials.
7. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
settlement and payment for securities received for the account of any Series and
delivery of securities maintained for the account of such Series may be effected
in accordance with the customary or established securities trading or securities
processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market in which the
transaction occurs, including, without limitation, delivery of securities to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (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.
8. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary,
with respect to any losses or damages arising out of or relating to any actions
or omissions of any Foreign Sub-Custodian the sole responsibility and liability
of the Custodian shall be to take appropriate action at the Fund's expense to
recover such loss or damage from the Foreign Sub-Custodian. It is expressly
understood and agreed that the Custodian's sole responsibility and liability
shall be limited to amounts so recovered from the Foreign Sub-Custodian.
ARTICLE XVII.
FX TRANSACTIONS
1. Whenever the Fund shall enter into an FX Transaction, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate or Oral Instructions specifying
with respect to such FX Transaction: (a) the Series to which such FX Transaction
is specifically allocated; (b) the type and amount of Currency to be purchased
by the Fund; (c) the type and amount of Currency to be sold by the Fund; (d) the
date on which the Currency to be purchased is to be delivered; (e) the date on
which the Currency to be sold is to be delivered; and (f) the name of the person
from whom or through whom such currencies are to be purchased and sold. Unless
otherwise instructed by a Certificate or Oral Instructions, the Custodian shall
deliver, or shall instruct a Foreign Sub-Custodian to deliver, the Currency to
be sold on the date on which such delivery is to be made, as set forth in the
Certificate, and shall receive, or instruct a Foreign Sub-Custodian to receive,
the Currency to be purchased on the date as set forth in the Certificate.
2. Where the Currency to be sold is to be delivered on the same day as the
Currency to be purchased, as specified in the Certificate or Oral Instructions,
the Custodian or a Foreign Sub-Custodian may arrange for such deliveries and
receipts to be made in accordance with the customs prevailing from time to time
among brokers or dealers in Currencies, and such receipt and delivery may not be
completed simultaneously. The Fund assumes all responsibility and liability for
all credit risks involved in connection with such receipts and deliveries, which
responsibility and liability shall continue until the Currency to be received by
the Fund has been received in full.
3. Any FX Transaction effected by the Custodian in connection with this
Agreement may be entered with the Custodian, any office, branch or subsidiary of
The Bank of New York Company, Inc., or any Foreign Sub-Custodian acting as
principal or otherwise through customary banking channels. The Fund may issue a
standing Certificate with respect to FX Transaction but the Custodian may
establish rules or limitations concerning any foreign exchange facility made
available to the Fund. The Fund shall bear all risks of investing in Securities
or holding Currency. Without limiting the foregoing, the Fund shall bear the
risks that rules or procedures imposed by a Foreign Sub-Custodian or foreign
depositories, exchange controls, asset freezes or other laws, rules, regulations
or orders shall prohibit or impose burdens or costs on the transfer to, by or
for the account of the Fund of Securities or any cash held outside the Fund's
jurisdiction or denominated in Currency other than its home jurisdiction or the
conversion of cash from one Currency into another currency. The Custodian shall
not be obligated to substitute another Currency for a Currency (including a
Currency that is a component of a Composite Currency Unit) whose
transferability, convertibility or availability has been affected by such law,
regulation, rule or procedure. Neither the Custodian nor any Foreign
Sub-Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss resulting from any of the
foregoing events.
ARTICLE XVIII.
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
1. Except as hereinafter provided, or as provided in Article XVI, neither
the Custodian nor its nominee shall be liable for any loss or damage, including
counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to act or otherwise, either
hereunder or under any Margin Account Agreement, except for any such loss or
damage arising out of its own negligence or willful misconduct. In no event
shall the Custodian be liable to the Fund or any third party for special,
indirect or consequential damages or lost profits or loss of business, arising
under or in connection with this Agreement, even if previously informed of the
possibility of such damages and regardless of the form of action. The Custodian
may, with respect to questions of law arising hereunder or under any Margin
Account Agreement, apply for and obtain the advice and opinion of counsel to the
Fund, or of its own counsel, at the expense of the Fund, and shall be fully
protected with respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in
conformity with such advice or opinion. The Custodian shall be liable to the
Fund for any loss or damage resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or
any Depository arising by reason of any negligence or willful misconduct on the
part of the Custodian or any of its employees or agents.
2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall be
under no obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
(a) the validity of the issue of any Securities purchased, sold, or
written by or for the Fund, the legality of the purchase, sale or writing
thereof, or the propriety of the amount paid or received therefor;
(b) the legality of the sale or redemption of any Shares, or the
propriety of the amount to be received or paid therefor;
(c) the legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend by the
Fund;
(d) the legality of any borrowing by the Fund using Securities as
collateral;
(e) the legality of any loan of portfolio Securities, nor shall the
Custodian be under any duty or obligation to see to it that any cash collateral
delivered to it by a broker, dealer, or financial institution or held by it at
any time as a result of such loan of portfolio Securities of the Fund is
adequate collateral for the Fund against any loss it might sustain as a result
of such loan. The Custodian specifically, but not by way of limitation, shall
not be under any duty or obligation periodically to check or notify the Fund
that the amount of such cash collateral held by it for the Fund is sufficient
collateral for the Fund, but such duty or obligation shall be the sole
responsibility of the Fund. In addition, the Custodian shall be under no duty or
obligation to see that any broker, dealer or financial institution to which
portfolio Securities of the Fund are lent pursuant to Article X of this
Agreement makes payment to it of any dividends or interest which are payable to
or for the account of the Fund during the period of such loan or at the
termination of such loan, provided, however, that the Custodian shall promptly
notify the Fund in the event that such dividends or interest are not paid and
received when due; or
(f) the sufficiency or value of any amounts of money and/or Securities
held in any Margin Account, Senior Security Account or Collateral Account in
connection with transactions by the Fund. In addition, the Custodian shall be
under no duty or obligation to see that any broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member makes payment to the Fund of any variation margin
payment or similar payment which the Fund may be entitled to receive from such
broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member, to see that any
payment received by the Custodian from any broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member is the amount the Fund is entitled to receive, or to
notify the Fund of the Custodian's receipt or non-receipt of any such payment.
3. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the Custodian
of, any money, whether or not represented by any check, draft, or other
instrument for the payment of money, received by it on behalf of the Fund until
the Custodian actually receives and collects such money directly or by the final
crediting of the account representing the Fund's interest at the Book-Entry
System or the Depository.
4. The Custodian shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for
ascertaining or acting upon any calls, conversions, exchange offers, tenders,
interest rate changes or similar matters relating to Securities held in the
Depository, unless the Custodian shall have actually received timely notice from
the Depository. In no event shall the Custodian have any responsibility or
liability for the failure of the Depository to collect, or for the late
collection or late crediting by the Depository of any amount payable upon
Securities deposited in the Depository which may mature or be redeemed, retired,
called or otherwise become payable. However, upon receipt of a Certificate from
the Fund of an overdue amount on Securities held in the Depository the Custodian
shall make a claim against the Depository on behalf of the Fund, except that the
Custodian shall not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend
any action, suit or proceeding in respect to any Securities held by the
Depository which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless
indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and liability be furnished as
often as may be required.
5. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action
to effect collection of any amount due to the Fund from the Transfer Agent of
the Fund nor to take any action to effect payment or distribution by the
Transfer Agent of the Fund of any amount paid by the Custodian to the Transfer
Agent of the Fund in accordance with this Agreement.
6. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take action
to effect collection of any amount if the Securities upon which such amount is
payable are in default, or if payment is refused after due demand or
presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to take such action by a
Certificate and (ii) it shall be assured to its satisfaction of reimbursement of
its costs and expenses in connection with any such action.
7. The Custodian may in addition to the employment of Foreign
Sub-Custodians pursuant to Article XVI appoint one or more banking institutions
as Depository or Depositories, as Sub-Custodian or Sub-Custodians, or as
Co-Custodian or Co-Custodians including, but not limited to, banking
institutions located in foreign countries, of Securities and money at any time
owned by the Fund, upon such terms and conditions as may be approved in a
Certificate or contained in an agreement executed by the Custodian, the Fund and
the appointed institution.
8. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation (a) to ascertain
whether any Securities at any time delivered to, or held by it or by any Foreign
Sub-Custodian, for the account of the Fund and specifically allocated to a
Series are such as properly may be held by the Fund or such Series under the
provisions of its then current prospectus, or (b) to ascertain whether any
transactions by the Fund, whether or not involving the Custodian, are such
transactions as may properly be engaged in by the Fund.
9. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive and the Fund agrees to pay to
the Custodian all out-of-pocket expenses and such compensation as may be agreed
upon from time to time between the Custodian and the Fund. The Custodian may
charge such compensation and any expenses with respect to a Series incurred by
the Custodian in the performance of its duties pursuant to such agreement
against any money specifically allocated to such Series. Unless and until the
Fund instructs the Custodian by a Certificate to apportion any loss, damage,
liability or expense among the Series in a specified manner, the Custodian shall
also be entitled to charge against any money held by it for the account of a
Series such Series' pro rata share (based on such Series, net asset value at the
time of the charge to the aggregate net asset value of all Series at that time)
of the amount of any loss, damage, liability or expense, including counsel fees,
for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the provisions of this
Agreement. The expenses for which the Custodian shall be entitled to
reimbursement hereunder shall include, but are not limited to, the expenses of
sub-custodians and foreign branches of the Custodian incurred in settling
outside of New York City transactions involving the purchase and sale of
Securities of the Fund.
10. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Certificate, notice or
other instrument in writing received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by
the Custodian to be a Certificate. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon
any Oral Instructions actually received by the Custodian hereinabove provided
for. The Fund agrees to forward to the Custodian a Certificate or facsimile
thereof confirming such Oral Instructions in such manner so that such
Certificate or facsimile thereof is received by the Custodian, whether by hand
delivery, telecopier or other similar device, or otherwise, by the close of
business of the same day that such Oral Instructions are given to the Custodian.
The Fund agrees that the fact that such confirming instructions are not
received, or that contrary instructions are received, by the Custodian shall in
no way affect the validity of the transactions or enforceability of the
transactions hereby authorized by the Fund. The Fund agrees that the Custodian
shall incur no liability to the Fund in acting upon Oral Instructions given to
the Custodian hereunder concerning such transactions provided such instructions
reasonably appear to have been received from an Authorized Person.
11. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any instrument,
instruction or notice received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be given in accordance with the terms and conditions of any Margin
Account Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall be under no duty to inquire into, and shall not be liable for,
the accuracy of any statements or representations contained in any such
instrument or other notice including, without limitation, any specification of
any amount to be paid to a broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or
Clearing Member.
12. The books and records pertaining to the Fund which are in the
possession of the Custodian shall be the property of the Fund. Such books and
records shall be prepared and maintained as required by the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable securities laws and rules and
regulations. The Fund, or the Fund's authorized representatives, shall have
access to such books and records during the Custodian's normal business hours.
Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records
shall be provided by the Custodian to the Fund or the Fund's authorized
representative, and the Fund shall reimburse the Custodian its expenses of
providing such copies. Upon reasonable request of the Fund, the Custodian shall
provide in hard copy or on micro-film, whichever the Custodian elects, any
records included in any such delivery which are maintained by the Custodian on a
computer disc, or are similarly maintained, and the Fund shall reimburse the
Custodian for its expenses of providing such hard copy or micro-film.
13. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by the
Custodian on the system of internal accounting control of the Book-Entry System,
the Depository or O.C.C., and with such reports on its own systems of internal
accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
14. The Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian against and save the
Custodian harmless from all liability, claims, losses and demands whatsoever,
including attorney's fees, howsoever arising or incurred because of or in
connection with this Agreement, including the Custodian's payment or non-payment
of checks pursuant to paragraph 6 of Article XIII as part of any check
redemption privilege program of the Fund, except for any such liability, claim,
loss and demand arising out of the Custodian's own negligence or willful
misconduct.
15. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, including,
without limitation, those contained in Article XVI and XVII the Custodian may
deliver and receive Securities, and receipts with respect to such Securities,
and arrange for payments to be made and received by the Custodian in accordance
with the customs prevailing from time to time among brokers or dealers in such
Securities. When the Custodian is instructed to deliver Securities against
payment, delivery of such Securities and receipt of payment therefor may not be
completed simultaneously. The Fund assumes all responsibility and liability for
all credit risks involved in connection with the Custodian's delivery of
Securities pursuant to instructions of the Fund, which responsibility and
liability shall continue until final payment in full has been received by the
Custodian.
16. The Custodian shall have no duties or responsibilities whatsoever
except such duties and responsibilities as are specifically set forth in this
Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
ARTICLE XIX.
TERMINATION
1. Either of the parties hereto may terminate this Agreement by giving to
the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such termination,
which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of giving of such
notice. In the event such notice is given by the Fund, it shall be accompanied
by a copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, certified by the
Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, electing to terminate this Agreement and
designating a successor custodian or custodians, each of which shall be a bank
or trust company having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits. In the event such notice is given by the Custodian, the Fund
shall, on or before the termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a
resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or
any Assistant Secretary, designating a successor custodian or custodians. In the
absence of such designation by the Fund, the Custodian may designate a successor
custodian which shall be a bank or trust company having not less than $2,000,000
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits. Upon the date set forth in
such notice this Agreement shall terminate, and the Custodian shall upon receipt
of a notice of acceptance by the successor custodian on that date deliver
directly to the successor custodian all Securities and money then owned by the
Fund and held by it as Custodian, after deducting all fees, expenses and other
amounts for the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled.
2. If a successor custodian is not designated by the Fund or the Custodian
in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the Fund shall upon the date
specified in the notice of termination of this Agreement and upon the delivery
by the Custodian of all Securities (other than Securities held in the Book-Entry
System which cannot be delivered to the Fund) and money then owned by the Fund
be deemed to be its own custodian and the Custodian shall thereby be relieved of
all duties and responsibilities pursuant to this Agreement, other than the duty
with respect to Securities held in the Book Entry System which cannot be
delivered to the Fund to hold such Securities hereunder in accordance with this
Agreement.
ARTICLE XX.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Annexed hereto as Appendix A is a Certificate signed by two of the
present Authorized Persons of the Fund under its seal, setting forth the names
and the signatures of the present Authorized Persons. The Fund agrees to furnish
to the Custodian a new Certificate in similar form in the event that any such
present Authorized Person ceases to be an Authorized Person or in the event that
other or additional Authorized Persons are elected or appointed. Until such new
Certificate shall be received, the Custodian shall be fully protected in acting
under the provisions of this Agreement upon Oral Instructions or signatures of
the Authorized Persons as set forth in the last delivered Certificate.
2. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, shall be sufficiently given if
addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to it at its offices at ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, or at such other place as the
Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
3. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or required by
this Agreement to be given to the Fund shall be sufficiently given if addressed
to the Fund and mailed or delivered to it at its office at the address for the
Fund first above written, or at such other place as the Fund may from time to
time designate in writing.
4. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by a
written agreement executed by both parties with the same formality as this
Agreement and approved by a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
5. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the parties
hereto, and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that
this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without the written consent
of the Custodian, or by the Custodian without the written consent of the Fund,
authorized or approved by a resolution of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
6. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof.
Each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction of a state or federal court
situated in New York City, New York in connection with any dispute arising
hereunder and hereby waives its right to trial by jury.
7. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together,
constitute only one instrument.
8. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with the
Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that
this instrument is executed on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Fund as
Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of this instrument are
not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders individually but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund; provided, however, that
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund provides that the assets of a particular
Series of the Fund shall under no circumstances be charged with liabilities
attributable to any other Series of the Fund and that all persons extending
credit to, or contracting with or having any claim against a particular Series
of the Fund shall look only to the assets of that particular Series for payment
of such credit, contract or claim.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized and their
respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year first above
written.
Variable Insurance Funds
[SEAL] By:_______________________
Attest:
_______________________
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
[SEAL] By:_______________________
Name:
Title:
Attest:
_______________________
APPENDIX A
I, __________, President and I, ________, of Variable Insurance Funds, a
Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), do hereby certify that: The following
persons have been duly authorized in conformity with the Fund's Declaration of
Trust and By-Laws to execute any Certificate, instruction, notice or other
instrument on behalf of the Fund, and the signatures set forth opposite their
respective names are their true and correct signatures:
Name Position Signature
____________________ ___________________ ____________________
APPENDIX B
SERIES
HSBC Variable Cash Management Fund
HSBC Variable Growth & Income Fund
HSBC Fixed Income Fund
APPENDIX C
I, _________________, a Vice President with THE BANK OF NEW YORK do hereby
designate the following publications:
The Bond Buyer
Depository Trust Company Notices
Financial Daily Card Service
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Municipal Bond Service
London Financial Times
New York Times
Standard & Poor's Called Bond Record
Wall Street Journal
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, ____________, hereby certifies that he or she is the duly
elected and acting of Variable Insurance Funds, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on _______, 1999, at
which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolution has not been
modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant to a Custody
Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund dated as of _______, 1999,
(the "Custody Agreement") is authorized and instructed on a continuous and
ongoing basis to deposit in the Book-Entry System, as defined in the Custody
Agreement, all securities eligible for deposit therein, regardless of the Series
to which the same are specifically allocated, and to utilize the Book-Entry
System to the extent possible in connection with its performance thereunder,
including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and
sales of securities, loans of securities, and deliveries and returns of
securities collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Variable
Insurance Funds, as of the day of _________, 1999.
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT B
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, _________ , hereby certifies that he or she is the duly
elected and acting of Variable Insurance Funds, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on _______, 1999, at
which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolution has not been
modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant to a Custody
Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund dated as of _______, 1999,
(the "Custody Agreement") is authorized and instructed on a continuous and
ongoing basis until such time as it receives a Certificate, as defined in the
Custody Agreement, to the contrary to deposit in the Depository, as defined in
the Custody Agreement, all securities eligible for deposit therein, regardless
of the Series to which the same are specifically allocated, and to utilize the
Depository to the extent possible in connection with its performance thereunder,
including, without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and
sales of securities, loans of securities, and deliveries and returns of
securities collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Variable
Insurance Funds, as of the day of _______, 1999.
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT B-1
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, ___________ , hereby certifies that he or she is the duly
elected and acting of Variable Insurance Funds, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on _______, 1999, at
which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolution has not been
modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant to a Custody
Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund dated as of ______, 1999,
(the "Custody Agreement") is authorized and instructed on a continuous and
ongoing basis until such time as it receives a Certificate, as defined in the
Custody Agreement, to the contrary to deposit in the Participants Trust Company
as Depository, as defined in the Custody Agreement, all securities eligible for
deposit therein, regardless of the Series to which the same are specifically
allocated, and to utilize the Participants Trust Company to the extent possible
in connection with its performance thereunder, including, without limitation, in
connection with settlements of purchases and sales of securities, loans of
securities, and deliveries and returns of securities collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Variable
Insurance Funds, as of the day of ________, 1999.
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT C
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, ____________ , hereby certifies that he or she is the duly
elected and acting of Variable Insurance Funds, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on __________, 1999, at
which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolution has not been
modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant to a Custody
Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund dated as of ________, 1999,
(the "Custody Agreement") is authorized and instructed on a continuous and
ongoing basis until such time as it receives a Certificate, as defined in the
Custody Agreement, to the contrary, to accept, utilize and act with respect to
Clearing Member confirmations for Options and transaction in Options, regardless
of the Series to which the same are specifically allocated, as such terms are
defined in the Custody Agreement, as provided in the Custody Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Variable
Insurance Funds, as of the day of __________, 1999.
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT D
The undersigned, ___________ , hereby certifies that he or she is the duly
elected and acting of Variable Insurance Funds, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), further certifies that the following resolutions were adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on __________, 1999, at
which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolutions have not been
modified or rescinded and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant to the Custody
Agreement between The Bank of New York and the Fund dated as of __________, 1999
(the "Custody Agreement") is authorized and instructed on a continuous and
ongoing basis to act in accordance with, and to rely on Instructions (as defined
in the Custody Agreement).
RESOLVED, that the Fund shall establish access codes and grant use of such
access codes only to Authorized Persons of the Fund as defined in the Custody
Agreement, shall establish internal safekeeping procedures to safeguard and
protect the confidentiality and availability of user and access codes, passwords
and authentication keys, and shall use Instructions only in a manner that does
not contravene the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the rules and
regulations thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Variable
Insurance Funds, as of the day of __________, 1999.
[SEAL]