EX-99.B(g)-rsca
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of November 26, 1991
Amended and Restated as of May 13, 1998
Between
UMB BANK, n.a.
and
UNITED RETIREMENT SHARES, INC.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE
I. Appointment of Custodian
II. Powers and Duties of Custodian
2.01 Safekeeping
2.02 Manner of Holding Securities
2.03 Purchase of Assets
2.04 Exchanges of Securities
2.05 Sales of Securities
2.06 Depositary Receipts
2.07 Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc.
2.08 Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.
2.09 Options
2.10 Futures Contracts
2.11 Borrowing
2.12 Interest Bearing Deposits
2.13 Foreign Exchange Transactions
2.14 Securities Loans
2.15 Collections
2.16 Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions
2.17 Proceeds from Shares Sold
2.18 Proxies, Notices, Etc.
2.19 Bills and Other Disbursements
2.20 Nondiscretionary Functions
2.21 Bank Accounts
2.22 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System
2.23 Other Transfers
2.24 Establishment of Segregated Account
2.25 Custodian's Books and Records
2.26 Opinion of Fund's Independent
Certified Public Accountants
2.27 Reports by Independent Certified Public
Accountants
2.28 Overdraft Facility
III. Proper Instructions, Special Instructions
and Related Matters
3.01 Proper Instruction and Special Instructions
3.02 Authorized Persons
3.03 Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios
3.04 Actions of Custodian Based on Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions
IV. Subcustodians
4.01 Domestic Subcustodians
4.02 Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and
Interim Sub-Subcustodians
4.03 Special Subcustodians
4.04 Termination of a Subcustodian
4.05 Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians
V. Standard of Care, Indemnification
5.01 Standard of Care
5.02 Liability of the Custodian for Actions
of Other Person
5.03 Indemnification by Fund
5.04 Investment Limitations
5.05 Fund's Right to Proceed
5.06 Indemnification by Custodian
5.07 Custodian's Right to Proceed
VI. Compensation
VII. Termination
VIII. Defined Terms
IX. Miscellaneous
9.01 Execution of Documents, Etc.
9.02 Representations and Warranties
9.03 Entire Agreement
9.04 Waivers and Amendments
9.05 Interpretation
9.06 Captions
9.07 Governing Law
9.08 Notices
9.09 Assignment
9.10 Counterparts
9.11 Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations
Appendix "B"
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 26th day of November, 1991 between United
Retirement Shares, Inc. (the "Fund") and UMB Bank, n.a., formerly United
Missouri Bank, n.a. (the "Custodian") and as amended and restated as of May 13,
1998.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on behalf
of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder,
under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian
has agreed so to act as custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Fund hereby
employs and appoints the Custodian as a custodian of the cash, securities and
other assets owned by the Fund and deposited from time to time with the
Custodian ("Assets"). The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, or shall cause to
be delivered to the Custodian, Assets during the term of this Agreement. The
Custodian is authorized to act under the terms and conditions of this Agreement
as the Fund's agent and shall be representing the Fund when acting within the
scope of this Agreement. The Custodian hereby accepts such appointment as
custodian and shall perform the duties and responsibilities set forth herein on
the terms and conditions set forth herein.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and duties
set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance with Article IV
hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more Subcustodians (as hereinafter
defined) to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Custodian set
forth in this Article II and references to the Custodian in this Article II
shall include any Subcustodian so appointed.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping. The Custodian shall accept delivery of
and keep safely the Assets in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof
on behalf of the Fund.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities.
(a) The Custodian shall at all times hold securities of the Fund either:
(i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other instruments
representing such securities in registered or bearer form; or (ii) in book-entry
form by a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.22 below.
(b) The Custodian may at all times hold registered securities of the Fund
in the name of the Fund or the Fund's nominee, or in the nominee name of the
Custodian unless specifically directed by Proper Instructions (as hereinafter
defined) to hold such registered securities in so-called street name; provided
that, in any event, all Assets shall be held in an account of the Custodian
containing only assets of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless it
receives Proper Instructions to the contrary, the Custodian shall register all
securities in the name of the Custodian's nominee as authorized by the Fund. All
securities held directly or indirectly by the Custodian hereunder shall at all
times be identifiable on the records of the Custodian. Except as otherwise
provided herein, the Custodian shall keep the Assets physically segregated from
those of other persons or entities. The Custodian shall execute and deliver all
certificates and documents in connection with registration of securities as may
be required by the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the laws
of any State or territory of the United States and the laws of any jurisdiction
in which the securities are held.
Section 2.03. Purchase of Assets.
(a) Security Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian
shall pay for and receive securities purchased for the account of the Fund,
provided that payment shall be made by Custodian only upon receipt of the
securities: (a) by the Custodian; (b) by a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) by a Securities
System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon receipt of Proper Instructions: (i)
in the case of a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a
Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that
the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by
book-entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined) maintained with such
Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the Custodian's instructions
to the Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of
such funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by
book-entry of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement into the
Account; (ii) in the case of time deposits, call account deposits, currency
deposits and other deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or
options, pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13 hereof, the Custodian
may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or transaction; and (iii)
in the case of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs
outside of the United States of America, the Custodian may make payment therefor
and receive delivery of such securities in accordance with local custom and
practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter defined) in
the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the
standard of care set forth in Article V hereof. For purposes of this Agreement,
an "Institutional Client" shall mean a major commercial bank, corporation,
insurance company, or substantially similar institution, which, as a substantial
part of its business operations, purchases or sells securities and makes use of
custodial services.
(b) Other Asset Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and except
as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive other
Assets for the account of the Fund as provided in Proper Instructions.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for the account
of the Fund for other securities in connection with any reorganization,
recapitalization, split-up of shares, change of par value, conversion or other
event relating to the securities or the issuer of such securities, and shall
deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization
or protective plan. The Custodian shall, without receiving Proper Instructions:
surrender securities for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Fund's nominee
or the nominee name of the Custodian as permitted by Section 2.02(b); and
surrender securities for a different number of certificates or instruments
representing the same number of shares or same principal amount of indebtedness,
provided that the securities to be issued will be delivered to the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which have been sold for the
account of the Fund, but only against payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash,
certified check, bank cashier's check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b)
credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the
Account of the Custodian with a Securities System, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.22 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the
case of the sale of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the
United States of America, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional
Clients in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject
to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; and (ii) in the case of
securities held in physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid
for in accordance with "street delivery custom" to a broker or its clearing
agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such securities,
provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure prompt
collection of the payment for, or return of, such securities by the broker or
its clearing agent, and provided further that, subject to the standard of care
set forth in Article V hereof, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the
selection of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its
clearing agent.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall surrender securities to the depositary used for such
securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively , as "ADRs"), against
a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and written
evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the depositary has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such securities in the
name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery to the
Custodian at such place as the Custodian may from time to time designate. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof, against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs
surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer
of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to
deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts,
calls, rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof (or to the
agent of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided
that the new securities, cash or other Assets, if any, acquired as a result of
such actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit securities
upon invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such
securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered
securities are to be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of
this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in
writing of (i) any default in payment of funds on securities; (ii) any
securities that have matured, been called or redeemed; and (iii) to the extent
the Custodian has notice which is contained in services to which it normally
subscribes for such purposes, or actual knowledge if not contained in such
services, any other default involving securities; and all announcements of
defaults, bankruptcies, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations,
recapitalizations or rights or privileges to subscribe, convert, exchange, put,
redeem or tender securities held subject to this Agreement. The Custodian shall,
following receipt or knowledge, convey such information to the Fund in a timely
manner based upon the circumstances of each particular case. Whenever any such
rights or privileges exist, the Fund will, in a timely manner based upon the
circumstances of each particular case, provide the Custodian with Proper
Instructions. Absent the Custodian's timely receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall not be liable for not taking any action or not exercising such
rights prior to their expiration unless such failure is due to Custodian's
failure to give timely notice to the Fund in accordance with this Section 2.07.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. The Custodian shall receive
and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature and, upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with respect to the same as directed
in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian, any
registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund relating to compliance with
the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") or of any registered
national securities exchange or similar organization(s), the Custodian shall:
(a) receive and retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the
purchase or writing of an option by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a
segregated account, securities (either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System), cash or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer
such securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such agreement and
with notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or
exercise of such options furnished by the OCC, the securities or options
exchange on which such options are traded or such other organization as may be
responsible for handling such option transactions. The Fund and the
broker-dealer shall be responsible for determining the sufficiency of assets
held in any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin
maintenance requirements and the performance of other terms of any option
contract; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance
of its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions,
and shall be liable for performance of its duties under any other agreement
between the Custodian, any registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Fund issues Proper
Instructions to sell a naked option
(including stock index options), then as part of the transaction, the Custodian,
the Fund and the broker-dealer shall have entered into a tri-party agreement, as
described above.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, or
pursuant to the provisions of any futures margin procedural agreement among the
Fund, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (a "Procedural
Agreement"), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any
evidencing the purchase of or sale of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account
cash, securities and other Assets designated as initial, maintenance or
variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's performance of its
obligations under any futures contracts purchased or sold or any options on
futures contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the provisions of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract
market (such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s),
regarding such margin deposits; and (c) release assets from and/or transfer
assets into such margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural
Agreements. The Fund and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible
for determining the sufficiency of assets held in the segregated account in
compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance
of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in accordance with its
terms; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance of
its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions, and
shall be liable for performance of its duties under any Procedural Agreement.
Section 2.11. Borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver securities of the Fund to lenders or their agents, or
otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by the Fund and the
Custodian, as collateral for borrowings effected by the Fund, provided that such
borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the Custodian's order, as
Custodian for the Fund, and (b) concurrently with delivery of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase interest bearing fixed term and
call deposits (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Interest Bearing
Deposits") for the account of the Fund, the Custodian shall purchase such
Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of the Fund with such banks or trust
companies (including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or
affiliate of the Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as "Banking Institutions")
and in such amounts as the Fund may direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. Such
Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other
currencies, as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Custodian shall include in its records with respect to the
Assets of the Fund appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of each
such Interest Bearing Deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and all other
appropriate details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing
such account, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for Interest
Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodian's books in the United States shall be
that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing
Deposits other than those accepted on the Custodian's books, (a) the Custodian
shall
be responsible for the collection of income as set forth in Section 2.15 and the
transmission of cash and instructions to and from such accounts; and (b) the
Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the Banking
Institution or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper
Instructions and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the failure of
such Banking Institution to pay upon demand. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the Fund deems
necessary or appropriate to cause each such Interest Bearing Deposit account to
be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers
including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13. Foreign Exchange Transactions.
(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other than as Principal. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange contracts or
options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third party
foreign exchange brokers (any dealer other than the Foreign Subcustodian) (as
hereinafter defined) and for execution of said foreign exchange contracts and
understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and
interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or delay of
its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange unless such loss, damage, or
expense is caused by, or results from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be
responsible for the transmission of cash and instructions to and from the
currency broker or Banking Institution with which the contract or option is
made, the safekeeping of all certificates and other documents and agreements
evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions and the maintenance
of proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The Custodian shall have no duty
with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions
with which the Fund deals or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with
Proper Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions to
comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall not be
obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as principal. However, if
the Custodian has made available to the Fund its services as a principal in
foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall enter into foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with the Custodian as principal. The
Custodian shall be responsible for the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions and the failure of such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(c) Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in connection with a
foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the form of
U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of such
foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the
countervalue currency completing such contract has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, deliver
securities of the Fund to the borrower thereof and may, except as otherwise
provided below, deliver such securities prior to receipt of the collateral, if
any, for such borrowing; provided that, in cases of loans of securities secured
by cash collateral, the Custodian's instructions to the Securities System shall
require that the Securities System deliver the securities of the Fund to the
borrower thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. The
Custodian shall retain on the Fund's behalf the right to any dividends, interest
or distribution on such loaned securities and any other rights specified in
Proper Instructions. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and the loaned
securities, the Custodian will release the collateral to the borrower.
Section 2.15. Collections. The Custodian shall: (a) collect amounts due
and payable to the Fund with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets;
(b) promptly credit to the account of the Fund all income and other payments
relating to portfolio securities and other Assets held by the Custodian
hereunder upon Custodian's receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise
agreed in writing by the Custodian and the Fund; (c) promptly endorse and
deliver any instruments required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly
execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state,
local and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets, or in connection
with the transfer of such securities or other Assets; provided, however, that
with respect to portfolio securities registered in so-called street name, or
physical securities with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its
best efforts to collect amounts due and payable to the Fund. The Custodian shall
promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with
respect to portfolio securities or other Assets is not received by the Custodian
when due. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts
due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other Assets that are in
default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions. To enable the Fund
to pay dividends or other distributions to shareholders of the Fund and to make
payment to shareholders who have requested repurchase or redemption of their
shares of the Fund (collectively, the "Shares"), the Custodian shall promptly
release cash or securities (a) in the case of cash, upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts (as hereinafter defined)
designated by the Fund in such Proper Instructions; or (b) in the case of
securities, upon the receipt of Special Instructions (as hereinafter defined) to
such entity or account designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions. For
purposes of this Agreement, a "Distribution Account" shall mean an account
established at a Banking Institution designated by the Fund in Special
Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold. The Custodian shall receive funds
representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from time to time
by the Fund, and shall promptly credit such funds to the account of the Fund.
The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of
Custodian's receipt of cash in payment for Shares issued by the Fund by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may
agree in writing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a)
deliver all federal funds received by the Custodian in payment for Shares in
payment for such investments as may be set forth in such Proper Instructions and
at a time agreed upon between the Custodian and the Fund; and (b) make federal
funds available to the Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time
by the Fund and the Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for
Shares which are deposited to the accounts of the Fund.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc. The Custodian shall deliver or cause
to be delivered to the Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable, all
forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them,
and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and
deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such
proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant
to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee
shall vote upon any such securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or
give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto. The Custodian
will not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such
information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985, for the
specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund
unless the Fund directs the Custodian otherwise in writing.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all
bills, statements, or other obligations of the Fund.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions. The Custodian shall attend to
all nondiscretionary details not specifically covered by this Agreement in
accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities or other
Assets held by the Custodian, except as otherwise directed from time to time
pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Section 2.21. Bank Accounts.
(a) Accounts with the Custodian. The Custodian shall open and operate a
bank account or accounts (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Bank
Accounts") on the books of the Custodian; provided that such Bank Account(s)
shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee thereof, for the account of
the Fund, and shall be subject only to draft or order of the Custodian. The
responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
(b) Deposit Insurance. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian
shall take such action as the Fund deems necessary or appropriate to cause each
deposit account established by the Custodian pursuant to this Section 2.21 to be
insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers,
including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian
may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in: (a) The
Depository Trust Company; (b) the Participants Trust Company; (c) any book-entry
system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular ▇▇. ▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ 306.115
(ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series ▇▇. ▇▇-▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇ 350.2,
or (iii) the book-entry regulations of federal agencies substantially in the
form of 31 CFR 306.115; or (d) any other domestic clearing agency registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to serve in the capacity of depository or
clearing agent for the securities or other assets of investment companies) which
acts as a securities depository; provided, however, that no such deposit or
maintenance of securities may be made except with respect to those agencies and
entities the use of which the Fund has previously approved by Special
Instructions (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System"). Use of a Securities System shall be in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
(A) The Custodian or any Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain
securities held hereunder in a Securities System, provided that such securities
are represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
System which Account shall not contain any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers.
(B) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify
those securities belonging to the Fund which are maintained in a Securities
System.
(C) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Fund only upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, 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 securities
sold for the account of the Fund only upon (iii) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the
Account of the Custodian, and (iv) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.
Copies of all advices from the Securities System relating to transfers of
securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, and shall be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver to the
Fund on the next succeeding business day daily transaction reports which shall
include each day's transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Fund. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to the Fund or any agent
designated by the Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by computer or in such
other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing.
(D) The Custodian shall, if requested by the Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide the Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System.
(E) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate
the use of any Securities System (except the federal book-entry system) on
behalf of the Fund as promptly as practicable and shall take all actions
reasonably practicable to safeguard the securities of the Fund maintained with
such Securities System.
Section 2.23. Other Transfers. Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the
Custodian shall make such other dispositions of securities, funds, or other
Assets of the Fund in a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set forth
in this Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions relating to such
disposition shall include a statement of the purposes for which the delivery is
to be made, the amount of funds, Assets and/or securities to be delivered and
the name of the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made, and shall
otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its books a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account
or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities or other Assets of the
Fund, including securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System
pursuant to Section 2.22 hereof, said account or accounts to be maintained: (a)
for the purposes set forth in Section 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof; (b) 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 SEC
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies; or (c) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from time to
time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the
determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any segregated
account referred to in this Section 2.24.
Section 2.25. Custodian's Books and Records. The Custodian shall provide
any assistance reasonably requested by the Fund in the preparation of reports to
Fund shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other ministerial matters
of like nature. The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with
respect to securities and other Assets held for the accounts of the Fund as
required by the rules and regulations of the SEC applicable to investment
companies registered under the 1940 Act, including, but not limited to: (a)
journals or other records of original entry containing a detailed and itemized
daily record of all receipts and deliveries of securities (including certificate
and transaction identification numbers, if any), and all receipts and
disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other records reflecting (i) securities in
transfer, (ii) securities in physical possession, (iii) securities borrowed,
loaned or collateralizing obligations of the Fund, (iv) monies borrowed and
monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and
substitutions of such collateral), and (v) dividends and interest received; and
(c) cancelled checks and bank records relating thereto. The Custodian shall keep
such other books and records of the Fund as the Fund shall reasonably request.
All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall be maintained in a
form acceptable to the Fund and in compliance with the rules and regulations of
the SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records required to be
maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations from
time to time adopted thereunder. All books and
records maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall at all
times be the property of the Fund and shall be available during normal business
hours for inspection and use by the Fund and its agents, including without
limitation, its independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence, the Funds shall not take any actions or cause the Custodian
to take any actions which would knowingly cause, either directly or indirectly,
the Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or orders.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.25, in the event the Fund
purchases cash, securities and other Assets requiring the use of a Domestic
Subcustodian or Foreign Sub-Subcustodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
rely upon and use the books, records and accountings of the Domestic
Subcustodian as its means of accounting to the Fund for all cash, securities and
other Assets deposited with such entities; provided however, that such books,
records and accountings on which the Bank may rely must be maintained in the
United States by such Domestic Subcustodian and, provided further, that any
agreement between the Custodian and such Domestic Subcustodian must state that
the Domestic Subcustodian agrees to make any records available upon request and
preserve, for the periods described in Rule 31a-2 of the 1940 Act, the records
required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 of the 1940 Act. In no event shall the
Custodian be entitled to rely upon and use books, records and accountings which
are maintained outside of the United States.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public Accountants.
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as the Fund may request to obtain
from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent certified
public accountants with respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A and the Fund's Form
N-SAR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with respect to any other
requirements of the SEC.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants. At the
request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a written report
prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public accountants with
respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other
assets, including cash, securities and other assets deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be of
sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by the
Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility. In the event that the Custodian is
directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of the Fund for which there would be, at the close of business on the
date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Custodian on
behalf of the Fund, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an
overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the
completion of such payment. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be
payable on the next business day, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund and the
Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the
date of payment in full by the Fund at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time
to time, by the Custodian and the Fund. The purpose of such Overdrafts is to
temporarily finance extraordinary or emergency expenses not reasonably
foreseeable by the Fund. The Custodian
shall promptly notify the Fund in writing ("Overdraft Notice") of any Overdraft
by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian
may agree in writing. The Custodian shall have a right of set-off against all
Assets (except for Assets held in a segregated margin account or otherwise
pledged in connection with options or futures contracts held for the benefit of
the Fund and for Assets allocated to any other Overdraft or loan made
hereunder); provided, however, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in
writing of any intent to exercise a right of set-off against Assets hereunder
and shall not exercise any such right of set-off against Assets hereunder unless
and until the Fund has failed to pay (within ten (10) days after the Fund's
receipt of such notice of intent to exercise a right of set-off), any Overdraft,
together with all accrued interest thereon. Notwithstanding the provisions of
any applicable law, including, without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code,
the only rights or remedies which the Custodian is entitled to with respect to
Overdrafts is the right of set-off granted herein.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions.
(a) Proper Instructions. As used herein, the term "Proper Instructions"
shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including, without limitation,
facsimile transmission) request, direction, instruction or certification signed
or initialed by or on behalf of the Fund by two or more Authorized Persons (as
hereinafter defined); (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication by one or
more Authorized Persons; or (iii) a communication effected directly between an
electro-mechanical or electronic device or system (including, without
limitation, computers) by or on behalf of the Fund by one or more Authorized
Persons; provided, however, that communications of the types described in
clauses (ii) and (iii) above purporting to be given by an Authorized Person
shall be considered Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably
believes such communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with
respect to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the Fund by tested telex or in writing in
the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the lack of such confirmation
shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such
oral instructions prior to the Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. The
Fund and the Custodian are hereby authorized to record any and all telephonic or
other oral instructions communicated to the Custodian. Proper Instructions may
relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of transactions, and may
be in the form of standing instructions.
(b) Special Instructions. As used herein, the term "Special Instructions"
shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in writing by the
Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Fund or any other person designated
by the Treasurer of the Fund in writing, which countersignature or confirmation
shall be (i) included on the same instrument containing the Proper Instructions
or on a separate instrument relating thereto, and (ii) delivered by hand, by
facsimile transmission or in such other manner as the Fund and the Custodian
agree in writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions. Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian at the
address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number agreed upon from time to time
by the Custodian and the Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons. Concurrently with the execution of this
Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as appropriate by a Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer of the Fund, a certificate setting forth: (a) the names,
titles, signatures, and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give
Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund (collectively, the "Authorized
Persons" and individually, an "Authorized Person"); and (b) the names, titles
and signatures of those persons authorized to issue Special Instructions. Such
certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive
evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full
force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the
contrary. Upon
delivery of a certificate which deletes or does not include the name(s) of a
person previously authorized to give Proper Instructions or to issue Special
Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an Authorized Person or
authorized to issue Special Instructions.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no
Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall have
physical access to the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian nor shall the
Custodian deliver any Assets of the Fund to an account of such person; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any Authorized
Person from giving Proper Instructions, or any person authorized to issue
Special Instructions from issuing Special Instructions, so long as such action
does not result in delivery of or access to Assets of the Fund prohibited by
this Section 3.03; or (b) the Fund's independent certified public accountants
from examining or reviewing the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian. The
Fund will deliver from time to time a written certificate executed by two
Authorized Persons identifying such Authorized Persons, Directors, officers,
employees and agents of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent
that the person acting on behalf of the Custodian in making such delivery has
actual knowledge that any person is an Authorized Person, Director, officer,
employee or agent of the Fund, the Custodian will comply with this Section 3.03
as if the name of such Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent
had been contained in a written certificate provided pursuant to this Section
3.03.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions. So long as and to the extent that the Custodian acts in
accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, as the case may
be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property, or evidence of title
thereof, received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS
From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, (i) the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians and
Special Subcustodians (each, as hereinafter defined) to act on behalf of the
Fund; and (ii) any Domestic Subcustodian so appointed and which has been
designated as a Foreign Custody Manager (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5
of the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) by the Custodian and approved by the Fund's board ("Approved
Foreign Custody Manager") may appoint a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian or Interim
Sub-Subcustodian (as each are hereinafter defined) in accordance with this
Article IV; provided that the Fund's board also has approved the agreement
between the Custodian and the Foreign Custody Manager specifying the Foreign
Custody Manager's duties ("Delegation Agreement"). For purposes of this
Agreement, all Domestic Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Foreign
Sub-Subcustodians and Interim Sub-Subcustodians shall be referred to
collectively as "Subcustodians".
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time and
from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940
Act or any trust company or other entity any of which meet requirements of a
custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder, to act as agent for the Custodian on behalf of
the Fund as a subcustodian for purposes of holding cash, securities and other
Assets of the Fund and performing other functions of the Custodian within the
United States (a "Domestic Subcustodian"); provided, that, the Custodian shall
notify the Fund in writing of the identity and qualifications of any proposed
Domestic Subcustodian at least sixty (60) days prior to the desired appointment
of such Domestic Subcustodian, and the Fund will notify the Custodian, in
writing signed by two or more Authorized Persons, of approval or disapproval of
the appointment of the proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and provided, further,
that the Custodian may not appoint any such Domestic Subcustodian without such
prior written approval of the Fund by such Authorized Persons. Each such duly
approved Domestic Subcustodian and the countries where, Foreign
Sub-Subcustodians and the securities depositories and clearing agencies through
which they may hold securities and other Assets of the Fund shall be as agreed
upon by the parties hereto in writing, from time to time, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 9.04 hereof (the "Subcustodian List").
Section 4.02. Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and Interim Sub-Subcustodians.
(a) Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Provided that the Custodian of a Domestic
Subcustodian is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager, the Custodian or any such
Domestic Subcustodian, as applicable, may appoint any (1)(a) "Qualified Foreign
Bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) meeting the requirements of an
"Eligible Foreign Custodian" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or by SEC
order exempt therefrom; (b) majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of a
"U.S. bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or bank holding company
meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order
therefrom; or (c) any bank (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (each a "Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian") or (2) any "Securities Depository" (as such term is defined
in Rule 17f-5) or clearing agency meeting the requirements of an Eligible
Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order therefrom ("Securities Depositories and
Clearing Agencies"), provided that the Foreign Custody Manager's appointments of
such Eligible Foreign Custodians shall at all times be governed by the
Delegation Agreement.
(b) Interim Sub-Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
that the Fund shall invest in a security or other Asset to be held in a country
in which the Foreign Custody Manager has not appointed an Eligible Foreign
Custodian, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Domestic Subcustodian to,
promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian shall agree in writing of the unavailability of
an approved Foreign Sub-Subcustodian in such country; and upon the receipt of
Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Domestic
Subcustodian to, appoint or approve any Person (as hereinafter defined)
designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions, to hold such security or
other Asset. (Any Person appointed or approved as a sub-subcustodian pursuant to
this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter referred to as an "Interim
Sub-Subcustodian.")
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians. Upon receipt of Special Instructions,
the Custodian shall, on behalf of the Fund, appoint one or more banks, trust
companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions to act as a
subcustodian for the purpose of (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities, (ii) providing
depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate
demand note securities; and (iii) effecting any other transactions designated by
the Fund in Special Instructions. (Each such designated subcustodian is
hereinafter referred to as a "Special Subcustodian.") Each such duly appointed
Special Subcustodian shall be listed on the Subcustodian List. In connection
with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall enter into
a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and substance
approved by the Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply
with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and
the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any
subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or agree to
change or permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such
agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian. The Custodian shall (i) cause
each Domestic Subcustodian to, and (ii) use its best efforts to cause each
Interim Sub-Subcustodian and Special Subcustodian to, perform all of its
obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcustodian
agreement between the Custodian and such Domestic Subcustodian and Special
Subcustodian or between the Domestic Subcustodian and a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian
or Interim Sub-Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause
such subcustodian or sub-subcustodian to fully perform its obligations
thereunder, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing and
forthwith, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, terminate or cause the
termination of such Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian with respect to the Fund
and, if necessary or desirable, appoint or cause the appointment of a
replacement Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian in accordance with the provisions
of this Article IV. In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian (A) may, at any
time in its discretion, upon written notification to the Fund, terminate any
Domestic Subcustodian which is not an approved Foreign Custody Manager, and (B)
shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any Special Subcustodian
or Domestic Subcustodian which is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable subcustodian agreement, and (C) shall, upon receipt of Special
Instructions, cause the Domestic Subcustodian to terminate any Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian or Interim Sub-Subcustodian as to its use of such entities with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable sub-subcustodian agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Upon
request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a certificate
stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Sub-Subcustodian then acting on behalf
of the Custodian; (ii) the countries in which and the Securities Depositories
and Clearing Agents through which each such Foreign Sub-Subcustodian is then
holding cash, securities and other Assets of the Fund; and (iii) such other
information as may be requested by the Fund to ensure compliance with rules and
regulations under the 1940 Act.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE: INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.01. Standard of Care.
(a) General Standard of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care
and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and obligations under this
Agreement, and shall be liable to the Fund for all loss, damage and expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from the failure of the Custodian to
exercise such reasonable care and diligence.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc. In no event shall the
Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or
Securities System, or any subcustodian, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian or any
Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden or delayed from
performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides
shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision
of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of
America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or political
subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction (and the Custodian
nor any other Person shall not be obligated to take any action contrary
thereto); or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar circumstance beyond the
control of the Custodian unless in each case, such delay or nonperformance is
caused by the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian. Upon the occurrence of any event which causes
or may cause any loss, damage or expense to the Fund, (i) the Custodian shall,
(ii) the Custodian shall cause any applicable Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian to, and (iii) the Custodian shall use its best efforts to cause
any applicable Interim Sub-Subcustodian or Special Subcustodian to, use all
commercially reasonable efforts and take all reasonable steps under the
circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm
to the Fund.
(d) Advice of Counsel. The Custodian shall be without liability for any
action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the written advise
of (i) counsel for the Fund, or (ii) at the expense of the Custodian, such other
counsel as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon in writing; provided,
however, with respect to the performance of any action or omission of any action
upon such advice, the Custodian shall be required to conform to the standard of
care set forth in Section 5.01 (a).
(e) Expenses of the Fund. In addition to the liability of the Custodian
under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any claim
by the Fund against the Custodian arising from the obligations of the Custodian
hereunder including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred by the Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses
incurred by the Fund in connection with any investigations, lawsuits or
proceedings relating to such claim; provided however, that the Fund has
recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records. The Custodian shall have no liability in
respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fund, insofar as such
loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian in reliance
upon records that were maintained for the Fund by entities other than the
Custodian prior to the Custodian's employment hereunder which the Custodian has
no reason to believe are inaccurate or incomplete after reasonable inquiry.
Section 5.02. Liability of the Custodian for Actions of Other Persons.
(a) Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Sub-Subcustodian. The Custodian
shall be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian (excluding any Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
appointed by them) to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were
performed by the Custodian itself. In the event of any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or
omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Sub-Subcustodian for which the
Custodian would otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse the
Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
(b) Special Subcustodians, Interim Sub-Subcustodians, Security Systems,
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies. The Custodian shall not be liable
to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund
resulting from the actions or omissions of a Special Subcustodian, Interim
Sub-Subcustodian, Securities System, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, in
the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all
reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against such Special
Subcustodian, Interim Sub-Subcustodian, Security System, Securities Depository
or Clearing Agency to protect the interest of the Fund.
(c) Reimbursement of Expenses. The Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian
for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Custodian in
connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under Section 5.01(c) as it
relates to Interim Sub-Subcustodians and Special Subcustodians and 5.02(b);
provided however, that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned
by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03. Indemnification by Fund.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Fund. Subject to the limitations set
forth in this Agreement, the Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee
caused by or arising from actions taken by the Custodian, its employees or
agents in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply to loss, damage and
expense occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee. In addition, the Fund agrees to
indemnify any Person against liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to
such Person resulting from the fact that
securities and other property of the Fund are registered in the name of such
Person in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however,
that in no event shall such indemnification be applicable to income, franchise
or similar taxes which may be imposed or assessed against any Person. It is also
understood that the Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and
its nominee for any loss arising from a foreign currency transaction or
contract, where the loss results from a Sovereign Risk (as hereinafter defined)
or where any Person maintaining securities, currencies, deposits or other Assets
of the Fund in connection with any such transactions has exercised reasonable
care maintaining such property or in connection with any such transaction
involving such Assets. A "Sovereign Risk" shall mean nationalization,
expropriation, devaluation, revaluation, confiscation, seizure, cancellation,
destruction or similar action by any governmental authority, de facto or de
jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any such
governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, taxes,
levies or other charges affecting the Fund's property; or acts of war,
terrorism, insurrection or revolution.
(b) Notice of Litigation. Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Fund shall not be
liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall have
promptly notified the Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding brought against the Custodian or other Person in respect of which
indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in such
litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by the Fund may be sought and
subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction,
the Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation;
provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to participate in (but not
control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or
proceeding if the Fund has not acknowledged in writing it obligation to
indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the Fund
is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding under
applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, or if the
Fund chooses not to so participate, the Custodian or other Person shall not
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement in any such
litigation or proceeding without providing the Fund with adequate notice of any
such settlement or judgment, and without the Fund's prior written consent which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. All Persons shall submit
written evidence to the Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they
are seeking indemnification in such form and detail as the Fund may reasonably
request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations. If the Custodian has otherwise
complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in performing its duty
generally, and more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale or
exchange of securities made by or for the Fund, the Custodian shall not be
liable to the Fund and the Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian and its
nominees, for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Custodian
and its nominees arising out of any violation of any investment or other
limitation to which the Fund is subject except for violations of which the
Custodian has actual knowledge. For purposes of this Section 5.04 the term
"actual knowledge" shall mean knowledge gained
by the Custodian by means other than from any prospectus published by the Fund
or contained in any filing by the Fund with the SEC.
Section 5.05. Fund's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, the Fund shall have, at its election upon reasonable
notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by any
applicable agreement and applicable law, the Custodian's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Fund by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person, which
the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Custodian makes the Fund whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Custodian shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Fund's election to enforce any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05,
the Fund shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage or
expense incurred by the Fund; provided that, so long as the Fund has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian under Section
5.03 hereof with respect to such claim, the Fund shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Fund without the Custodian's consent and
provided further, that if the Fund has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Fund shall not settle, compromise or terminate any
such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Custodian, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Custodian agrees to
cooperate with the Fund and take all actions reasonably requested by the Fund in
connection with the Fund's enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Nothing
contained in this Section 5.05 shall be construed as an obligation of the Fund
to enforce the Custodian's rights. The Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian
for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the fulfillment of
its obligations under this Section 5.05; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.06. Indemnification by Custodian.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Custodian. Subject to the limitations
set forth in this Agreement and in addition to the reimbursement obligations
provided in Section 5.02(a), the Custodian agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Fund and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Fund or its nominee
caused by or arising from the failure of the Custodian, its nominee, employees
or agents to comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement or arising
out of the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its
nominee.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Custodian shall not
be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.06 unless the Fund shall have
promptly notified the Custodian in writing of the commencement of any litigation
or proceeding brought against the Fund in respect of which indemnity may be
sought under this Section 5.06. With respect to claims in such litigation or
proceedings for which indemnity by the Custodian may be sought and subject to
applicable law and the ruling of
any court of competent jurisdiction, the Custodian shall be entitled to
participate in any such litigation or proceeding with counsel of its choice at
its own expense in respect of that portion of the litigation for which the
Custodian may be subject to an indemnification obligation; provided, however,
the Fund shall be entitled to participate in (but not control) at its own cost
and expense, the defense of any such litigation or proceeding if the Custodian
has not acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Fund with
respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the Custodian is not permitted to
participate or control such litigation or proceeding under applicable law or by
a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, or if the Custodian chooses not
to so participate, the Fund shall not consent to the entry of any judgement or
enter into any settlement in any such litigation or proceeding without providing
the Custodian with adequate notice of any such settlement or judgement, and
without the Custodian's prior written consent which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Fund shall submit written evidence to the
Custodian with respect to any cost or expense for which it is seeking
indemnification in such form and detail as the Custodian may reasonably request.
Section 5.07. Custodian's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, the Custodian shall have, at its election upon
reasonable notice to the Fund, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by
any applicable agreement and applicable law, the Fund's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Custodian by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person,
which the Fund may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Custodian has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Fund makes the Custodian whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Fund shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Custodian's election to enforce any rights of the Fund under this Section 5.07,
the Custodian shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Fund in respect of the loss, damage and expense
incurred by the Custodian; provided that, so long as the Custodian has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Fund under Section 5.06
hereof with respect to such claim, the Custodian shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Custodian without the Fund's consent and
provided further, that if the Custodian has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Custodian shall not settle, compromise or terminate
any such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Fund, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Fund agrees to
cooperate with the Custodian and take all actions reasonably requested by the
Custodian in connection with the Custodian's enforcement of any rights of the
Fund. Nothing contained in this Section 5.07 shall be construed as an obligation
of the Custodian to enforce the Fund's rights. The Custodian agrees to reimburse
the Fund for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the
fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.07; provided, however, that
such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Fund.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
For the initial three year period beginning on the effective date of this
Agreement, the Fund shall compensate the Custodian in the amount and at the
times specified in Appendix "B" attached hereto. Thereafter, the Fund shall
compensate the Custodian in the amount, and at times, as may be agreed upon in
writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and the Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first to
occur of: (a) termination by the Custodian by an instrument in writing delivered
or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the Fund, such
termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date of
such delivery or receipt; (b) termination by the Fund by an instrument in
writing delivered or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the
Custodian, such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days
after the date of such delivery or receipt; or (c) termination by the Fund by an
instrument in writing delivered to the Custodian, based upon the Fund's
determination that there is reasonable basis to conclude that the Custodian is
insolvent or that the financial condition of the Custodian is deteriorating in
any material respect, in which case termination shall take effect upon the
Custodian's receipt of such notice or at such later time as the Fund shall
designate. In the event of termination pursuant to this Article VII, the Fund
shall make payment of all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses within a
reasonable time following termination and delivery of a statement to the Fund
setting forth such fees and expenses. The Fund shall identify in any notice of
termination a successor custodian to which the cash, securities and other Assets
of the Fund shall, upon termination of this Agreement, be delivered. In the
event that securities and other Assets remain in the possession of the Custodian
after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of the Fund to appoint a
successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its
services in accordance with the fee schedule most recently in effect, for such
period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities and other Assets,
and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian and the Fund shall remain in full force and effect for such
period. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, the cash,
securities and other Assets owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian, any
Subcustodian or nominee shall be delivered, at the terminating party's expense,
to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund
in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or
desirable in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian under
this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term Section
Account 2.22(A)
ADRs 2.06
Approved Foreign Custody Manager Article IV
Assets Article I
Authorized Person 3.02
Banking Institution 2.12
Bank Accounts 2.21
Clearing Agency 4.02(a)
Delegation Agreement Article IV
Distribution Account 2.16
Domestic Subcustodian 4.01
Eligible Foreign Custodian 4.02(a)
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(a)
Institutional Client 2.03
Interest Bearing Deposit 2.12
Interim Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(b)
OCC 2.09
Overdraft 2.28
Overdraft Notice 2.28
Person 5.01(b)
Procedural Agreement 2.10
Proper Instruction 3.01(a)
SEC 2.22
Securities Depositories 4.02(a)
Securities System 2.22
Shares 2.16
Sovereign Risk 5.03(a)
Special Instruction 3.01(b)
Special Subcustodian 4.03
Subcustodian Article IV
1940 Act Preamble
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Execution of Documents, Etc.
(a) Actions by the Fund. Upon request, the Fund shall execute and deliver
to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be
reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the performance by the
Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this
Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement, provided that the exercise
by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any such rights shall in all events be
in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall execute and deliver to the Fund or to such other parties as the
Fund may designate in such Proper Instructions, all such documents, instruments
or agreements as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in order to
effectuate any of the transactions contemplated hereby and designated therein.
Section 9.02. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund hereby represents
and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct and complete as
of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to the contrary is
provided by the Fund to the Custodian, at all times during the term of this
Agreement: (i) the Fund is duly organized
under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and is registered as an
open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act or is a series of
portfolio of such entity; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by
the Fund of this Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly
authorized by all necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result
in a breach of or default under or conflict with any existing law, order,
regulation or ruling of any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or
(B) violate any provision of the Fund's corporate charter or other
organizational document, or bylaws, or any amendment thereof or any provision of
its most recent Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby
represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct and
complete as of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to the
contrary is provided by the Custodian to the Fund, at all times during the term
of this Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to serve as a custodian to open-end
management investment companies under the provisions of the 1940 Act; and (ii)
the execution, delivery and performance by the Custodian of this Agreement are
(w) within its power (x) have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and
(y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or default under or
conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of any governmental
or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision of the
Custodian's corporate charter, or other organizational document, or bylaws, or
any amendment thereof. The Custodian acknowledges receipt of a copy of the
Fund's most recent Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Section 9.03. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this
Agreement any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between the Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.04. Waivers and Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement may
be waived, amended or deleted except by a statement in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such waiver, amendment or deletion is sought.
Section 9.05. Interpretation. In connection with the operation of this
Agreement, the Custodian and the Fund may agree in writing from time to time on
such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this
Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Agreement. No interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in
the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
Section 9.06. Captions. Headings contained in this Agreement, which are
included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon the
interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of the parties
hereto.
Section 9.07. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, in each case
without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
Section 9.08. Notices. Except in the case of Proper Instructions or
Special Instructions, and as otherwise provided in this Agreement, notices and
other writings contemplated by this Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by
facsimile transmission or as otherwise agreed to by the Fund and the Custodian
in writing (provided that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission,
notice shall also be mailed postage prepaid) to the parties at the following
addresses:
(a) If to the Fund:
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Fund Treasurer
Telephone: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Telefax: 913-236-1595
(b) If to the Custodian:
UMB Bank, n.a.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Securities Administration
Telephone: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Telefax: ▇▇▇-▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
or such other address as either party may have designated in writing to the
other party hereto.
Section 9.09. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of the Fund and the Custodian and their respective
successors and assigns, provided that, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01
hereof, neither party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party.
Section 9.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by
each of the parties.
Section 9.11. Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations. The parties hereto
agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding its
business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party hereto
shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of rendering
services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in carrying
out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without the prior
consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable to any
information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter becomes
publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or that is
required to be disclosed by any bank examiner of the Custodian or any
Subcustodians, any auditor or examiner of the parties hereto, by judicial or
administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation.
The provisions of this Section 9.11 and Section 9.01, 9.07, Section 2.28,
Section 3.04, Section 4.05, Section 7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and
any other rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to
termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
UNITED RETIREMENT SHARES, INC. UMB BANK, n.a.
By: /s/▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------ -------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President Title: Senior Vice President
APPENDIX "B"
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED RETIREMENT SHARES, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, N.A.
Dated as of May 1, 1997
The Fund shall be responsible for providing the Custodian the net asset
levels the Custodian requires to calculate the net asset portion of the
Custodian's fees. Such determinations shall be based upon the average monthly
assets of each Fund and shall specify the level of domestic assets and foreign
assets by country, as appropriate. Domestic assets shall include all assets held
in the United States including but not limited to American Depositary Receipts.
Foreign assets shall include all assets held outside the United States including
but not limited to securities which clear through Euroclear or CEDEL. The
Custodian will provide as soon as practicable after receiving the information
provided by the Fund with respect to the net asset level numbers, a ▇▇▇▇ for the
Fund, including such reasonable detail in support of each ▇▇▇▇ as may be
reasonably requested by the Fund. As used in this Appendix "B", "United Funds"
shall mean all funds in the United Group of Funds, TMK/United Funds, Inc. and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ Funds, Inc.
DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Annual Fee (combining all domestic assets):
-------------------------------------------
An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each month of the
Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the ▇▇▇▇ issued to each Fund based
upon its portion of domestic assets), at the annual rate of:
.00005 for the first $5,000,000,000 of the net assets of all the
United Funds, plus
.00004 for any net assets exceeding $5,000,000,000 of the assets
of all the United Funds.
B. Portfolio Transaction Fees (billed to each Fund):
-------------------------------------------------
(a) For each portfolio transaction* processed through a
Depository (DTC, PTC or Fed) $ 7.00
(b) For each portfolio transaction* processed through
the New York office (physical settlement) $20.00
(c) For each futures/option contract written $25.00
(d) For each principal/interest paydown $ 6.00
(e) For each interfund note transaction $ 5.00
* A portfolio transaction includes a receive, delivery, maturity, free
security movement and corporate action.
C. Earnings Credits:
-----------------
Positive earnings credits will be applied on all collected custody and
cash management balances of each Fund at the Custodian to earn the
Custodian's daily repurchase agreement rate less reserve requirements and
FDIC premiums. Negative earnings credits will be charged on all
uncollected custody and cash management balances of each Fund at the
Custodian's prime rate less 150 basis points on each day a negative
balance occurs. Positive and/or negative earnings credits will be
monitored daily for each Fund and the net positive or negative amount for
each Fund will be included in the monthly statements. Excess positive
credits for each Fund will be carried forward indefinitely.
D. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from Special Subcustodians):
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes all charges by any Special Subcustodian to the Custodian as
Custodian for any Assets held at the Special Subcustodian.
GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Global Fee Schedule:
--------------------
Market: Annual Asset Fees Transaction Fees
Argentina .0037 $85
Australia .0009 $85
Austria .0011 $70
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ .▇▇▇▇ $60
Brazil .0035 $60
Canada .0008 $35
Chile .0045 $85
China .0045 $75
Czech Republic .0055 $135
Denmark .0011 $60
Finland .0011 $85
France .0011 $85
Germany .0008 $60
Hong Kong .0009 $85
Hungary .0065 $210
India .0055 $135
Indonesia .0009 $85
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ .▇▇▇▇ $60
Israel .0035 $160
Italy .0011 $70
Japan .0008 $40
Korea .0035 $60
Malaysia .0009 $85
Mexico .0016 $60
Netherlands .0011 $35
New Zealand .0009 $85
▇▇▇▇▇▇ .▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ .0070 $160
Phillippines .0035 $95
Poland .0060 $110
Portugal .0035 $145
Singapore .0009 $85
Spain .0009 $85
Sweden .0011 $70
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ .▇▇▇▇ $85
Taiwan .0035 $85
Thailand .0009 $85
Turkey .0045 $110
U.K. .0011 $60
Note: Fee Schedule eliminates sub-custodian asset and transaction-based
out-of-pocket expenses. Other sub-custodian out-of-pocket
expenses (i.e. Scrip fees, stamp duties, certificate fees, etc.)
B. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from ▇▇▇▇▇ Brothers ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ &
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Co.):
-----
Includes, but is not limited to telex, legal, telephones, postage, and
direct expenses including but not limited to tax reclaim, customized
systems programming, certificate fees, duties, and registration fees.
C. Short-term Dollar Denominated Global Assets Eurodollar CDs, Time Deposits:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each month
of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the ▇▇▇▇ issued to the
Fund based upon its portion of short-term dollar denominated
assets), at the annual rate of:
.0004 on all short-term dollar denominated assets of the United
Funds.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Members $136.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Non-members $153.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Income Collection $ 64.00
D. Euroclear Eligible Issues:
--------------------------
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each month
of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the ▇▇▇▇ issued to the
Fund based upon its portion of Euroclear issues), at the annual rate
of:
2.5 basis points on all United Funds Euroclear assets held in
account at UMB Bank, n.a.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
Euroclear $60.00
SUBCUSTODIAN LIST
PURSUANT TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED RETIREMENT SHARES, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, n.a.
Dated as of August 31, 1998
This Subcustodian List relates to the Custodian Agreements between UMB
Bank, n.a. and each of the following funds dated the date specified by the
fund's name, as subsequently amended and restated:
Fund Date
---- ----
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. February 22, 1995
United Cash Management, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Continental Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Government Securities Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund II, Inc. November 26, 1991
United International Growth Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United New Concepts Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Retirement Shares, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Vanguard Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund November 26, 1991
United Income Fund November 26, 1991
United Accumulative Fund November 26, 1991
United Science and Technology Fund November 26, 1991
Target/United Funds, Inc.*
High Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Money Market Portfolio November 26, 1991
Bond Portfolio November 26, 1991
Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Growth Portfolio November 26, 1991
Balanced Portfolio April 29, 1994
International Portfolio April 29, 1994
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio April 29, 1994
Small Cap Portfolio April 29, 1994
Asset Strategy Portfolio May 1, 1995
Science and Technology Portfolio April 4, 1997
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ Funds, Inc.
Total Return Fund April 24, 1992
Municipal Bond Fund April 24, 1992
Limited-Term Bond Fund April 24, 1992
International Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Asset Strategy Fund April 20, 1995
High Income Fund July 31, 1997
Science and Technology Fund July 31, 1997
*Formerly, TMK/United Funds, Inc.
The following is a list of Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodian and
Special Subcustodians under the Custodian Agreement as amended:
A. Domestic Custodians:
--------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ Brothers ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & Co.
United Missouri Trust Company of New York
B. Foreign Sub-Custodians
----------------------
Country Sub-Custodian Depository
Argentina Citibank, n.a. CDV; CRYL
Australia National Australia Bank Ltd. AUSTRACLEAR, RITs
Austria Creditanstalt Bankverein KONTROLLBANK (OEKB)
Belgium Banque Bruxelles ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CIK, BNB
Brazil First National Bank of Boston, BOVESPA, CLC
Brazil
Canada Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CDS; The Bank of Canada
Chile Citibank, n.a. None
China Standard Chartered Bank SSCCRC; SSCC
Czech Republic Ceskoslovenska Obchodni CNB; SCP
Banka A.S.
Denmark Den Danske Bank VP
Finland ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Securities Association; Finnish
Central Securities Depository Ltd.
France Banque Indosuez SICOVAM; Banque de France
Germany Deutsche Bank KASSENVEREIN
Hungary Citibank, N.A. KELER Ltd.
Hong Kong HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. HongKong Securities Clearing Company
India Citibank, N.A., Mumbai National Securities Depository Limited
Indonesia Citibank, n.a. None
Ireland Allied Irish Banks PLC Gilt Settlement Office
Israel Bank Hapoalim ▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇ Clearinghouse Ltd.
Italy Banca Commerciale Italiana MONTE TITOLI, Banca D'Italia
Japan The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd. JASDEC, Bank of Japan
Korea Citibank, n.a. Korean Securities Depository
Corporation (KSD)
Malaysia Hong Kong Bank Malaysia Berhad MCD; Bank Negara Malaysia
Mexico Citibank Mexico, s.a. INDEVAL; Banco De Mexico
Netherlands ABN - Amro Bank NECIGER; De Nederlandsche Bank
Norway Christiana Bank VPS
Peru Citibank, n.a. Caja De Valores (CAVAL)
Philippines Citibank, n.a. Phillipines Central Depository, Inc.
Poland Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. NPB
Portugal Banco Espirito Santo E Comercial Interbolsa
De Lisboa
Singapore HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. CDP
Spain Banco Santander SCLV; Banco De Espana
Sweden Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken VPC
Switzerland Union Bank of Switzerland SEGA
Taiwan Standard Chartered Bank, Taipei TSCD
Thailand HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. Share Depository Center (SDC)
Turkey Citibank, n.a. TvS, Central Bank of Turkey
United Kingdom Midland Securities PLC CMO; CGO; CrestCo
C. Special Subcustodians:
----------------------
Wilmington Trust Co.
The Bank of New York, n.a.
Euroclear