CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
THE ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FUND, INC.
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be
Held By It............................................................1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
the Fund Held by the Custodian in the United States...................1
2.1 Holding Securities...........................................1
2.2 Delivery of Securities.......................................2
2.3 Registration of Securities...................................4
2.4 Bank Accounts................................................5
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds................................5
2.6 Collection of Income.........................................5
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies ......................................6
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of
Receipt of Securities Purchased..............................7
2.9 Appointment of Agents........................................7
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities System...................7
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System.................................................9
2.12 Segregated Account...........................................9
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes.....................10
2.14 Proxies.....................................................10
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund
Portfolio Securities........................................10
2.16 Reports to Fund by Independent Public
Accountants.................................................11
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of
the Fund Held Outside of the United States...........................11
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians.......................11
3.2 Assets to be Held...........................................11
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories.............................12
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions................12
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund...............12
3.6 Reports by Custodian........................................12
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account.....................13
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians.........................13
3.9 Liability of Custodian......................................13
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances..................................14
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities.................................14
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks......................................14
3.13 Tax Law.....................................................15
4. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales
of Shares of the Fund................................................15
5. Proper Instructions..................................................16
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority..........................16
7. Evidence of Authority................................................17
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of
Account and Calculations of Net Asset Value and
Net Income...........................................................17
9. Records..............................................................17
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant.............................18
11. Compensation of Custodian............................................18
12. Responsibility of Custodian..........................................18
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment..........................19
14. Successor Custodian..................................................20
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions...............................21
16. Massachusetts Law to Apply...........................................21
17. Prior Contracts......................................................22
18. Shareholder Communications Election..................................22
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between The ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund, Inc., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Maryland, having its principal place of
business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called
the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts trust
company, having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called the "Custodian",
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets,
including securities it desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities"). The Fund agrees to deliver to the Custodian all
securities and cash owned by it, and all payments of income, payments of
principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to all securities
owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash consideration received by it
for such new or treasury shares of capital stock, $0.10 par value, ("Shares") of
the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for any property of the Fund held or received by the Fund and not
delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article 5),
the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians located
in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by the
Board of Directors of the Fund, and provided that the Custodian shall have no
more or less responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions
or omissions of any sub-custodian employed at the Fund's request than any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian. The Fund shall have the right to approve the
terms and conditions of any agreement between State Street and any such
sub-custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's
securities and other assets the foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories designated in Schedule "A" hereto but only in accordance
with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By the
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Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of the Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in the
United States, including all domestic securities owned by the Fund, other
than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a
clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry
system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively
referred to herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper of an
issuer for which State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the
Direct Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.11.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver domestic
securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper
book-entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, which may be continuing instructions when deemed
appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund and receipt
of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the Fund;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar
offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the
Fund or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or
into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.9 or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a different
number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same
aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such
case, the new securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
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Fund, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for
examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that
in any such case, the Custodian shall have no responsibility or
liability for any loss arising from the delivery of such securities
prior to receiving payment for such securities except as may arise
from the Custodian's own negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions
for conversion contained in such securities, or pursuant to any
deposit agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities
or the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for
definitive securities; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the
Fund, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon
from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund, which may be in the
form of cash or obligations issued by the United States government,
its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in connection with any
loans for which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's
account in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of
the Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for
the delivery of securities owned by the Fund prior to the receipt of
such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund
requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only against receipt of
amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of
The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of
any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
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arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund;
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract
Market, or any similar organization or organizations, regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer
Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the
holders of shares in connection with distributions in kind, as may be
described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective
prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for repurchase or
redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the securities to be delivered, setting forth
the purpose for which such delivery is to be made, declaring such
purpose to be a proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or
persons to whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the Custodian
(other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Fund
or in the name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the
Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless
the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used
in common with other registered investment companies having the same
investment adviser as the Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by
the Custodian on behalf of the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall
be in "street name" or other good delivery form. If, however, the Fund
directs the Custodian to maintain securities in "street name", the
Custodian shall utilize its best efforts only to timely collect income due
the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis
only of relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency
of calls, maturities, tender or exchange offers.
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2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the United States in the name of the Fund, subject
only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of
this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the
provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the
Fund, other than cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established
and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Funds held by the Custodian for the Fund may be deposited by it to
its credit as Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in
such other banks or trust companies as it may in its discretion deem
necessary or desirable; provided, however, that every such bank or trust
company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and that each such bank or trust company and the funds
to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall be approved by
vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Such funds shall
be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be
withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund and
the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper
Instructions, make federal funds available to the Fund as of specified
times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the
amount of checks received in payment for Shares of the Fund which are
deposited into the Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to United States registered securities held hereunder to which
the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments with respect to United States bearer securities if, on the
date of payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or
its agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Fund's
custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Custodian shall detach and present for payment all coupons and other income
items requiring presentation as and when they become due and shall collect
interest when due on securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on
United States securities loaned pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2
(10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The Custodian will have no
duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other than to provide the
Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to assist the Fund
in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the income to
which the Fund is properly entitled.
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2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be
continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures contracts
or options on futures contracts for the account of the Fund but only
(a) against the delivery of such securities, or evidence of title to
such options, futures contracts or options on futures contracts, to
the Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing
business in the United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian and
has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this purpose)
registered in the name of the Fund or in the name of a nominee of the
Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for
transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a Securities
System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.10
hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase involving the Direct Paper
System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.11;
(d) in the case of repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund
and the Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a
member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities either in
certificate form or through an entry crediting the Custodian's account
at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii) against
delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Fund of securities
owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by
the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Fund or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank, whether
domestic or foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of
a confirmation from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to
Proper Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities
owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the Fund as set
forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
the Fund: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and
legal fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such
expenses are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred
expenses;
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5) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the governing
documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition to
Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an
officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose
to be a proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such
payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. Except
as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of domestic securities for the account of the
Fund is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities
purchased in the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund to
so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for
such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been received
by the Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may, with the prior approval of the
Board of Directors of the Fund, appoint (and may at any time remove) any
other bank or trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to
carry out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may
from time to time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or
liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities Systems. The Custodian may deposit
and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository,
or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and
Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep domestic securities of the Fund in a Securities
System provided that such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities System which shall not
include any assets
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of the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or
otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to domestic securities of
the Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for domestic securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities
System that such securities have been transferred to the Account, and
(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian
shall transfer domestic securities sold for the account of the Fund
upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for
such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System of transfers of domestic securities
for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be maintained for
the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request.
Upon request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of
each transfer to or from the account of the Fund in the form of a
written advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the
Securities System for the account of the Fund.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by the
Custodian on the Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding domestic securities
deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received the initial certificate required by
Article 13 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the
Fund resulting from use of the Securities System by reason of any
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its
agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it
may have against the Securities System; at the election of the Fund,
it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian
with respect to any claim against the Securities System or any other
person which the Custodian
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may have as a consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the
extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or
damage.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in the Direct Paper
System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System will
be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct Paper
System only if such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall
not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Fund
which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by
book-entry those securities belonging to the Fund;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian
to reflect such payment and transfer of securities to the account of
the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account
of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of payment for the
account of the Fund;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to
or from the account of the Fund, in the form of a written advice or
notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day following such
transfer and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the Securities System for
the account of the Fund;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its system of
internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request from
time to time;
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper Instructions
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf
of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or
securities, including securities maintained in an account by the Custodian
pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance with the
9
provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD
(or any futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or
of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund, (ii) for purposes
of segregating cash or government securities in connection with options
purchased, sold or written by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or
options thereon purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of
compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by Investment Company
Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the
Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of
segregated accounts by registered investment companies and (iv) for other
proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of clause (iv), upon
receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee signed
by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of such segregated account
and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state
tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of the Fund held by it and in connection
with transfers of such securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of
the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to
the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices
relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Fund all written information (including, without limitation, pendency of
calls and maturities of domestic securities and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options
written by the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold
by the Fund) received by the Custodian from issuers of the domestic
securities being held for the Fund.
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With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit
promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian from
issuers of the domestic securities whose tender or exchange is sought and
from the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the
Fund desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange
offer or any other similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian
at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to
take such action.
2.16 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may
reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for
safeguarding securities, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts, including domestic securities deposited and/or maintained in a
Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under
this Contract; such reports shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient
detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable
assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such
examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so
state.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside
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of the United States
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3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby authorizes and
instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's
securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated
on Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper
Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a
certified resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors, the Custodian and
the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to
designate additional foreign banking institutions and foreign securities
depositories to act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Fund may instruct the Custodian to cease the employment of any one or
more such sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other
assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in
such amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably
necessary to effect the Fund's foreign securities
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transactions. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the
Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each foreign
sub-custodian.
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be agreed upon in
writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Fund shall be
maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof. Where possible, such arrangements shall
include entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in
Section 3.4 hereof.
3.4 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement with a foreign
banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit
1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the Fund's assets will not be subject
to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor
of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or agent, except a
claim of payment for their safe custody or administration; (b) beneficial
ownership of the Fund's assets will be freely transferable without the
payment of money or value other than for custody or administration; (c)
adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to
the Fund; (d) officers of or auditors employed by, or other representatives
of the Custodian, including to the extent permitted under applicable law
the independent public accountants for the Fund, will be given access to
the books and records of the foreign banking institution relating to its
actions under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the Fund
held by the foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions
of the Custodian or its agents.
3.5 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of the Fund,
the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of
any foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar
as such books and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking
institution under its agreement with the Custodian.
3.6 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund from time to
time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the securities and
other assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians, including but not
limited to an identification of entities having possession of the Fund's
securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any transfers
of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a foreign
banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating, as
to securities acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having
physical
12
possession of such securities.
3.7 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account. (a) Except as otherwise provided
in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.7, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7
of this Contract shall apply, mutatis mutandis to the foreign securities of
the Fund held outside the United States by foreign sub-custodians. (b)
Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary, settlement
and payment for securities received for the account of the Fund and
delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund may be
effected in accordance with the customary established securities trading or
securities processing practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or
market in which the transaction occurs, including, without limitation,
delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to a dealer 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. (c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign
sub-custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the
same extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund
agrees to hold any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of
record of such securities.
3.8 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to which the
Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign sub-custodian
shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian and each Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's
performance of such obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to
any claims against a foreign banking institution as a consequence of any
such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim.
3.9 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or
omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set forth
with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless
of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable
for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, or acts of war or
terrorism or any loss where the sub-custodian has otherwise exercised
reasonable care. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph
13
3.9, in delegating custody duties to State Street London Ltd., the
Custodian shall not be relieved of any responsibility to the Fund for any
loss due to such delegation, except such loss as may result from (a)
political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange control
restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, insurrection,
civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding a
bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by
political risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under
circumstances where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have
exercised reasonable care.
3.10 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance
cash or securities for any purpose including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that
the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the
performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall
be security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian
promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to
dispose of the Fund assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.11 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish annually to the
Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the foreign
sub-custodians employed by the Custodian. Such information shall be similar
in kind and scope to that furnished to the Fund in connection with the
initial approval of this Contract. In addition, the Custodian will promptly
inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian learns of a material
adverse change in the financial condition of a foreign sub-custodian or any
material loss of the assets of the Fund or in the case of any foreign
sub-custodian not the subject of an exemptive order from the Securities and
Exchange Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian that there
appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders' equity will
decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof) or that
its shareholders' equity has declined below $200 million (in each case
computed in accordance with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles).
3.12 Branches of U.S. Banks. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract,
the provisions hereof shall not apply where the custody of the Fund assets
are maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a
"bank" as defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
meeting the qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The
14
appointment of any such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by
paragraph 1 of this Contract. (b) Cash held for the Fund in the United
Kingdom shall be maintained in an interest bearing account established for
the Fund with the Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject
to the direction of the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
3.13 Tax Law. The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any
obligations now or hereafter imposed on the Fund or the Custodian as
custodian of the Fund by the tax law of the United States of America or any
state or political subdivision thereof. It shall be the responsibility of
the Fund to notify the Custodian of the obligations imposed on the Fund or
the Custodian as custodian of the Fund by the tax law of jurisdictions
other than those mentioned in the above sentence, including responsibility
for withholding and other taxes, assessments or other governmental charges,
certifications and governmental reporting. The sole responsibility of the
Custodian with regard to such tax law shall be to use reasonable efforts to
assist the Fund with respect to any claim for exemption or refund under the
tax law of jurisdictions for which the Fund has provided such information.
4. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of Shares of the Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and any applicable votes of the
Board of Directors of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon
receipt of instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for
payment to holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request
for redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on
the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Fund's Shares or
from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the Fund's account such
payments as are received for Shares of the Fund issued or sold from time to time
by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund and the
15
Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.
5. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing signed or initialed by
one or more person or persons as the Board of Directors shall have from time to
time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction or
type of transaction involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for
which such action is requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a
person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing.
Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to
the authorization by the Board of Directors of the Fund accompanied by a
detailed description of procedures approved by the Board of Directors, Proper
Instructions may include communications effected directly between
electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that the Board of Directors
and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards
for the Fund's assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall
include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party
agreement which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section
2.12.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities such as stamp taxes, stock transfer fees or other similar items
relating to its duties under this Contract, provided that no such payment for
any one such item shall exceed $100.00 and all such payments shall be accounted
for to the Fund;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in definitive
form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts and
other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with
the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the
securities and property of the Fund except as otherwise directed by the Board of
Directors of the Fund.
16
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund. The
Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person
to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation as described
in such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value and Net Income
------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the
entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fund to keep the
books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per share of the
outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so by the Fund,
shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net asset value per
share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income
of the Fund as described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus and shall
advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of such net
income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall
advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among
its various components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and
the daily income of the Fund shall be made at the time or times described from
time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and
held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
17
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from time
to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in connection
with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other annual
reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other
requirements of such Commission.
11. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its services
and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.
12. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable care,
the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness of
any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or delivered by it
pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting upon any notice,
request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably believed by it to
be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties, including any
futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a three-party
futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but shall be
kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any action
taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to
rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on
all matters, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or
omitted pursuant to such advice. Any legal expenses relating to any advice
obtained as contemplated in the preceding sentence shall be borne by the
Custodian.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States (except as specifically provided in Article 3.9)
and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign
banking institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank
as contemplated by paragraph 3.12 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for
any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or caused
by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody or any
securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not limited
18
to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions,
or acts of war or terrorism.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents,
to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited to
securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement) or in
the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any
taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with
the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its
nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct,
any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund assets to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended
at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by
either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to
the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner than one hundred and
twenty days (120) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors of the Fund has approved the initial use
of a particular Securities System, as required by Rule 17f-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the Custodian shall not act
under Section 2.11 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors has approved
the initial use of the Direct Paper System; provided further, however, that the
Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation, and further provided, that the Fund may at any time by action of
its Board of Directors (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the
Custodian by giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or
19
(ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event of the appointment of a
conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or
upon the happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory
agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of this Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall likewise
reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements in connection
with the transfer of the Fund's assets to a successor custodian; provided (i)
that the aggregate amount of costs, expenses and disbursements payable by the
Fund in connection with the termination of this Contract (exclusive of any
accrued but unpaid custody fees and expenses) shall not exceed $100,000 and (ii)
that the Custodian shall prepare and deliver to the Fund itemized invoices for
such costs, expenses and disbursements not less than ten (10) days prior to the
effective date of the termination for the Fund's review and verbal authorization
before charging the custody account. Unless the Fund disputes such invoices
within five (5) days of receipt, the Custodian may assume the invoices are
acceptable and accordingly, debit the Fund's custody account. The invoices will
be sent to the Fund after the Fund's custody account has been debited with the
notation that the invoices have been paid. In the event that the Fund disputes
one or more invoices within the five (5) day period, the Custodian and the Fund
shall negotiate in good faith any disputed invoices. If they are unable to reach
agreement, except with respect to controversies totaling less than $2,500, the
total of any such disputed amounts shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow
account and the matter settled by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of
the American Arbitration Association and judgement upon the award rendered by
the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
14. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of
the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor
custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for
transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an
account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities held in a
Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in
like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian and all instruments held by the Custodian
relative thereto and all other property held by it under this Contract and to
transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be
the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other
20
properties and the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and
obligations of the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and the
Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund. No interpretive or additional
provisions made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an
amendment of this Contract.
16. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
17. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all prior
contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of the
Fund's assets.
18. Shareholder Communications Election
-----------------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the
Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to requesting
companies whose securities the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no",
the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If the
Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the
Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure
of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or
accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits
the requesting company from
21
using the Fund's name and address for any purpose other than corporate
communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund consents or objects by
checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
NO [X] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's name,
address, and share positions.
22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 10th day of June, 1995.
ATTEST THE ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FUND, INC.
/s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/ Illegible By /s/ Illegible
---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Executive Vice President
23
EXHIBIT I
SUBCUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
----------------------
AGREEMENT made this day of , 19 , between State
Street Bank and Trust Company, a Massachusetts Trust Company (hereinafter
referred to as the "Custodian"), having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇, and
(hereinafter referred to as the "Subcustodian"), a organized
under the laws of having an office at .
WHEREAS, Custodian has been appointed to act as Trustee, Custodian or
Subcustodian of securities and monies on behalf of certain of its customers
including, without limitation, collective investment undertakings, investment
companies subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and
employee benefit plans subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended;
WHEREAS, Custodian wishes to establish Account (the "Account") with the
Subcustodian to hold and maintain certain property for which Custodian is
responsible as custodian; and
WHEREAS, Subcustodian agrees to establish the Account and to hold and
maintain all Property in the Account in accordance with the terms and conditions
herein set forth.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual convenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the Custodian and the Subcustodian agree as follows:
I. The Account
-----------
A. Establishment of the Account. Custodian hereby requests that
Subcustodian establish for each client of the Custodian an Account which shall
be composed of:
1. A Custody Account for any and all Securities (as hereinafter
defined) from time to time received by Subcustodian therefor, and
2. A Deposit Account for any and all Cash (as hereinafter defined)
from time to time received by Subcustodian therefor.
B. Use of the Account. The Account shall be used exclusively to hold,
acquire, transfer or otherwise care for, on behalf of Custodian as custodian and
the customers of Custodian and not for Custodian's own interest, Securities and
such Cash or cash equivalents as are transferred to Subcustodian or as are
received in payment of any transfer of, or as payment on, or interest on, or
dividend from, any such Securities (herein collectively called "Cash").
C. Transfer of Property in the Account. Beneficial ownership of the
Securities and Cash in the Account shall be freely transferable without payment
of money or value other than for safe custody and administration.
D. Ownership and Segregation of Property in the Account. The ownership of
the property in the Account, whether Securities, Cash or both, and whether any
such property is held by Subcustodian in an Eligible Depository, shall be
clearly recorded on Subcustodian's books as belonging to Custodian on behalf of
Custodian's customers, and not for Custodian's own interest and, to the extent
that Securities are physically held in the Account, such Securities shall also
be physically segregated from the general assets of Subcustodian, the assets of
Custodian in its individual capacity and the assets of Subcustodian's other
1
customers. In addition, Subcustodian shall maintain such other records as may be
necessary to identify the property hereunder as belonging to each Account.
E. Registration of Securities in the Account. Securities which are eligible
for deposit in a depository as provided for in Paragraph III may be maintained
with the depository in an account for Subcustodian's customers. Securities which
are not held in a depository and that are ordinarily held in registered form
will be registered in the name of Subcustodian or in the name of Subcustodian's
nominee, unless alternate Instructions are furnished by Custodian.
II. Services to Be Provided By the Subcustodian
-------------------------------------------
The services Subcustodian will provide to Custodian and the manner in which
such services will be performed will be as set forth below in this Agreement.
A. Services Performed Pursuant to Instructions. All transactions involving
the Securities and Cash in the Account shall be executed solely in accordance
with Custodian's Instructions as that term is defined in Paragraph IV hereof,
except those described in paragraph B below.
B. Services to Be Performed Without Instructions. Subcustodian will, unless
it receives Instructions from Custodian to the contrary:
1. Collect Cash. Promptly collect and receive all dividends, income,
principal, proceeds from transfer and other payments with respect to property
held in the Account, and present for payment all Securities held in the Account
which are called, redeemed or retired or otherwise become payable and all
coupons and other income items which call for payment upon presentation, and
credit Cash receipts therefrom to the Deposit Account.
2. Exchange Securities. Promptly exchange Securities where the
exchange is purely ministerial including, without limitation, the exchange of
temporary Securities for those is definitive form and the exchange of warrants,
or other documents of entitlement to Securities, for the Securities themselves.
3. Sale of Rights and Fractional Interests. Whenever notification of a
rights entitlement or a fractional interest resulting from a rights issue, stock
dividend or stock split is received for the Account and such rights entitlement
or fractional interest bears an expiration date, Subcustodian will promptly
endeavor to obtain Custodian's Instructions, but should these not be received in
time for Subcustodian to take timely action, Subcustodian is authorized to sell
such rights entitlement or fractional interest and to credit the Account.
4. Execute Certificates. Execute in Custodian's name for the Account,
whenever Subcustodian deems it appropriate, such ownership and other
certificates as may be required to obtain the payment of income from the
Securities held in the account.
5. Pay Taxes and Receive Refunds. To pay or cause to be paid from the
Account any and all taxes and levies in the nature of taxes imposed on the
property in the Account by and governmental authority, and to take all steps
necessary to obtain all tax exemptions, privileges or other benefits, including
reclaiming and recovering any foreign withholding tax, relating to the Account
and to execute any declaration, affidavits, or certificates of ownership which
may be necessary in connection therewith.
6. Prevent Losses. Take such steps as may be reasonably necessary to
secure or otherwise prevent the loss of, entitlements attached to or otherwise
relating to property held in the Account.
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C. Additional Services.
1. Transmission of Notices of Corporate Action. By such means as will
permit Custodian to take timely action with respect thereto, Subcustodian will
promptly notify Custodian upon receiving notices or reports, or otherwise
becoming aware, of corporate action affecting Securities held in the Account
(including, but not limited to, calls for redemption, mergers, consolidations,
reorganizations, recapitalizations, tender offers, rights offerings, exchanges,
subscriptions and other offerings) and dividend, interest and other income
payments relating to such Securities.
2. Communications Regarding the Exercise of Entitlements. Upon request
by Custodian, Subcustodian will promptly deliver, or cause any Eligible
Depository authorized and acting hereunder to deliver, to Custodian all notices,
proxies, proxy soliciting materials and other communications that call for
voting or the exercise of rights or other specific action (including material
relative to legal proceedings intended to be transmitted to security holders)
relating to Securities held in the Account to the extent received by
Subcustodian or said Eligible Depository, such proxies or any voting instruments
to be executed by the registered holder of the Securities, but without
indicating the manner in which such Securities are to be voted.
3. Monitor Financial Service. In furtherance of its obligations under
this Agreement, Subcustodian will monitor a leading financial service with
respect to announcements and other information respecting property held in the
Account, including announcements and other information with respect to corporate
actions and dividend, interest and other income payments.
III. Use of Securities Depository
----------------------------
Subcustodian may, with the prior written approval of Custodian, maintain all or
any part of the Securities in the Account with a securities depository or
clearing agency which is incorporated or organized under the laws of a country
other than the United States of America and is supervised or regulated by a
government agency or regulatory authority in the foreign jurisdiction having
authority over such depositories or agencies, and which operates (a) the central
system for handling of designated securities or equivalent book entries in
, or (b) a transnational system for the central handling of
securities or equivalent book entries (herein called "Eligible Depository"),
provided however, that, while so maintained, such Securities shall be subject
only to the directions of Subcustodian, and that Subcustodian duties,
obligations and responsibilities with regard to such Securities shall be the
same as if such Securities were held by Subcustodian on its premises.
IV. Claims Against Property in the Account
--------------------------------------
The property in the account shall not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind (collectively "Charges") in favor of
Subcustodian or any Eligible Depository or any creditor of Subcustodian or of
any Eligible Depository except a claim for payment for such property's safe
custody or administration in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Subcustodian will immediately notify Custodian of any attempt by any party to
assert any Charge against the property held in the Account and shall take all
lawful actions to protect such property from such Charges until Custodian has
had a reasonable time to respond to such notice.
V. Subcustodian's Warranty
-----------------------
Subcustodian represents and warrants that:
(A) It is a branch of a "qualified U.S. bank" or an "eligible foreign
custodian" as those terms are defined in Rule 17f-5 of the Investment Company
Act
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of 1940, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A (the "Rule"), and
Subcustodian shall immediately notify Custodian, in writing or by other
authorized means, in the event that there appears to be a substantial likelihood
that Subcustodian will cease to qualify under the Rule as currently in effect or
as hereafter amended, or
(B) It is the subject of an exemptive order issued by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission which order permits Custodian to employ the
terms of the Rule, and Subcustodian shall immediately notify Custodian, in
writing or by other authorized means, if for any reason it is no longer covered
by such exemptive order.
Upon receipt of any such notification required under (A) or (B) of this section,
Custodian may terminate this Agreement immediately without prior notice to
Subcustodian.
VI. Definitions
-----------
A. Instructions. The term "Instructions" means:
1. instruction in writing signed by authorized individuals designated
as such by Custodian;
2. telex or tested telex instructions of Custodian.
3. other forms of instruction in computer readable form as shall
customarily be used for the transmission of like information, and
4. such other forms of communication as from time to time may be
agreed upon by Custodian and Subcustodian, which Subcustodian believes in good
faith to have been given by Custodian or which are transmitted with proper
testing or authentication pursuant to terms and conditions which Custodian may
specify.
Unless otherwise expressly provided, all Instructions shall continue in full
force and effect until canceled or superseded. Subcustodian shall act in
accordance with Instructions and shall not be liable for any act or omission in
respect of any Instruction except in the case of willful default, negligence,
fraud, bad faith, willful misconduct, or reckless disregard of duties on the
part of Subcustodian. Subcustodian in executing all Instructions will take
relevant action in accordance with accepted industry practice and local
settlement practice.
B. Account. The term "Account" means collectively the Custody Account, and
the Deposit Account.
C. Securities. The term "Securities" includes, without limitation, stocks,
shares, bonds, debentures, debt securities (convertible or non-convertible),
notes, or other obligations or securities and any certificates, receipts,
futures contracts, foreign exchange contracts, options, warrants, scrip or other
instruments representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same,
or evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or in any
property or assets.
VII. Miscellaneous Provisions
------------------------
A. Statements Regarding the Account, Subcustodian will supply Custodian
with such statements regarding the Account as Custodian may request, including
the identity and location of any Eligible Depository authorized and acting
hereunder. In addition, Subcustodian will supply Custodian an advice or
notification of any transfers of Securities to or from the Account indicating,
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as to Securities for the Account, if applicable, the Eligible Depository having
physical possession of such Securities.
B. Examination of Books and Records. Subcustodian agrees that its books and
records relating to the Account and Subcustodian's actions under this Agreement
shall be open to the physical, on-premises inspection and audit at reasonable
times by officers of, auditors employed by or other representatives of Custodian
including (to the extent permitted under the law of )
the independent public accountants for any customer of Custodian whose property
is being held hereunder and such books and records shall be retained for such
period as shall be agreed upon by Custodian and Subcustodian.
As Custodian may reasonably request from time to time, Subcustodian will furnish
its auditor's reports on its system of internal controls, and Subcustodian will
use its best efforts to obtain and furnish similar reports of any Eligible
Depository authorized and acting hereunder.
C. Standard of Care. In holding, maintaining, servicing and disposing of
Property under this Agreement, and in fulfilling any other obligations
hereunder, Subcustodian shall exercise the same standard of care that it
exercises over its own assets, provided that Subcustodian shall exercise at
least the degree of care and maintain adequate insurance as expected of a
prudent professional Subcustodian for hire and shall assume the burden of
proving that it has exercised such care in its maintenance of Property held by
Subcustodian in its Account. The maintenance of the Property in an Eligible
Depository shall not affect Subcustodian's standard of care, and Subcustodian
will remain as fully responsible for any loss or damage to such securities as if
it had itself retained physical possession of them. Subcustodian shall also
indemnify and hold harmless Custodian and each of Custodian's customers from and
against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim (including
reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or in connection with the improper or
negligent performance or the nonperformance of the duties of Subcustodian.
Subcustodian shall be responsible for complying with all provisions of the law
of , or any other law, applicable to Subcustodian
in connection with its duties hereunder, including (but not limited to) the
payment of all transfer taxes or other taxes and compliance with any currency
restrictions and securities laws in connection with its duties as Subcustodian.
D. Loss of Cash or Securities. Subcustodian agrees that, in the event of
any loss of Securities or Cash in the Account, Subcustodian will use its best
efforts to ascertain the circumstances relating to such loss and will promptly
report the same to Custodian and shall use every legal means available to it to
effect the quickest possible recovery.
E. Compensation of Subcustodian. Custodian agrees to pay to Subcustodian
from time to time such compensation for its services and such out-of-pocket or
incidental expenses of Subcustodian pursuant to this Agreement as may be
mutually agreed upon in writing from time to time.
F. Operating Requirements. The Subcustodian agrees to follow such Operating
Requirements as the Custodian may establish from time to time. A copy of the
current Operating Requirements is attached as Attachment B to this Agreement.
G. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by Subcustodian or
Custodian on 60 days' written notice to the other party, sent by registered
mail, provided that any such notice, whether given by Subcustodian or Custodian,
shall be followed within 60 days by Instructions specifying the names of the
persons to whom Subcustodian shall deliver the Securities in the Account and to
whom the Cash in the account shall be paid. If within 60 days following the
giving of such notice of termination, Subcustodian does not receive such
Instructions,
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Subcustodian shall continue to hold such Securities in Cash subject to this
Agreement until such Instructions are given. The obligations of the parties
under this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
G. Notices. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all notices and
communications with respect to matters contemplated by this Agreement shall be
in writing, and delivered by mail, postage prepaid, telex, SWIFT, or other
mutually agreed telecommunication methods to the following addresses (or to such
other address as either party hereto may from time to time designate by notice
duly given in accordance with this paragraph):
To Subcustodian:
To Custodian: State Street Bank and Trust Company
Securities Operations/
Network Administration
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
H. Confidentiality. Subcustodian and Custodian shall each use its best
efforts to maintain the confidentiality of the property in the Account and the
beneficial owners thereof, subject, however, to the provisions of any laws,
requiring disclosure. In addition, Subcustodian shall safeguard any test keys,
identification codes or other security devices which Custodian shall make
available to it. The Subcustodian further agrees it will not disclose the
existence of this Agreement or any current business relationship unless
compelled by applicable law or regulation or unless it has secured the
Custodian's written consent.
I. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by either party but
shall bind any successor in interest of Custodian and Subcustodian respectively.
J. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance of the laws of . To the extent inconsistent
with this Agreement or Custodian's Operating Requirements as attached hereto,
accounts specifically shall not apply.
CUSTODIAN: STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
By:
--------------------------------
Date:
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AGREED TO BY SUBCUSTODIAN
--------------------------------
By:
--------------------------------
Date:
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