Form 485BPOS Two Roads Shared Trust

Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2026

1933 Act Registration File No. 333-182417

1940 Act File No. 811-22718

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  x

 

o Pre-Effective Amendment No.

x Post-Effective Amendment No. 427

 

and/or

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940  x

 

x Amendment No. 430

 

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

TWO ROADS SHARED TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:

631-490-4300

 

The Corporation Trust Company

1209 Orange Street

Wilmington, DE  19801

(Name and. Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copy to:

Stacy H. Louizos Blank Rome LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020

Timothy Burdick Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110 Hauppauge, NY  11788

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

o

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

x

on March 1, 2026 pursuant to paragraph (b)

o

60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(l)

o

on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(l)

o

75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

o

on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

o

this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 

 

 

Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF

 

WLDR

 

a series of Two Roads Shared Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

March 1, 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

	Advised by:
	Regents Park Funds, LLC
	4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 155
	Newport Beach, CA 92660

 

 

 

RegentsParkFunds.com

1-866-866-4848

 

This Prospectus provides important information about the Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.

 

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FUND SUMMARY	1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS	7
Investment Objective	7
Principal Investment Strategies	7
Principal and Other Investment Risks	8
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure	14
Cybersecurity	14
MANAGEMENT	14
Investment Adviser	14
Investment Sub-Adviser	15
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE	16
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES	17
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES	18
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN	18
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES	18
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS	20
OTHER INFORMATION	20
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS	23
PRIVACY NOTICE	24

FUND SUMMARY - Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF

 

Investment Objective:

The Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the FTSE StarMine Affinity World Leaders Index (the “Index”).

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund:

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees	0.47%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees	0.00%
Other Expenses	0.58%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses	1.05%
Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement	(0.38)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(1)	0.67%

 

(1)

The Fund’s investment adviser, Regents Park Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to reduce the Fund’s fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund through at least February 28, 2027 to ensure that total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, indirect expenses, expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund may invest, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.67% of average daily net assets. This agreement may be terminated by the Fund’s Board of Trustees on 60 days’ written notice to the adviser. These fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the foregoing expense limits as well as any expense limitation in effect at the time the reimbursement is made. The Fund’s Adviser and Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (“Affinity” or the “Sub-Adviser”), have agreed that Affinity will reimburse all Fund expenses directly.

 

Example:

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates any applicable fee waiver and/or expense limitation arrangements for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

 

	1Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
	$68	$296	$542	$1,248

Portfolio Turnover:

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 112% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies:

The Fund seeks to passively replicate the Index. The Index consists of equity securities issued and traded in the US as well as international countries. The Index is expected to consist of approximately 150 to 250 stocks of companies located in the U.S. and in at least three countries outside of the U.S., and may invest in up to 20 countries. The Index will be significantly invested in the securities of international companies in addition to securities of U.S. companies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) (collectively “Depositary Receipts”) based on the securities in the Index.

 

Constituents of the Index are characterized by strong global footprint (measured by market capitalization), rank high on measures of earnings quality, demonstrate improving fundamentals (positive earnings revisions on earnings estimates, revenue estimates, price targets, and analyst recommendations), show stock price momentum, and trade at relatively attractive valuations (based on a ranking from various trading multiples, which are, generally speaking, a ratio of the security’s market price to financial or accounting metrics such as earnings, book value, etc., as well as a dividend discount model, which attempts to determine the current or future value of a security based in part on its dividend payments).

1

 

The process of constructing the Index begins with sorting the companies in the FTSE Russell Global Developed Index (excluding those in Greece and South Korea) (the “Benchmark Index”) by market capitalization. The next step involves selecting those companies that comprise the top 85% of cumulative market capitalization, and categorizing them into two regions: US and International. The final step involves scoring these securities on the above criteria within each region, and then narrowing this universe of companies to approximately 150 to 250 equity securities using a proprietary ranking system of the Fund’s sub-adviser, Affinity. The proprietary ranking system is known as the “Affinity Score” and is calculated by weighting the above criteria based on the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of the correlation between the score components and subsequent long-term stock performance. Stocks that rank in the top decile are candidates for purchase, while those that rank outside the top quartile are typically sold. A risk management overlay is then used to guide portfolio construction. The overlay calls for neutral business sector weights versus the Benchmark Index, approximately equal active weighting of each security within a business sector (active weight is the absolute percentage deviation of a security’s weight in the portfolio from its weight in the Benchmark Index), and limiting the deviation of the Index’s geographical distribution from that of the Benchmark Index. The Index is reconstituted and rebalanced on a semi-annual basis.

 

As of December 31, 2025, the Index was comprised of 115 issuers with market capitalizations ranging from $14.5 billion to $498.6 billion. As of December 31, 2025, the countries in the Benchmark Index were: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

The Index is co-sponsored by the Sub-Adviser and by FTSE Russell (the “Index Provider”), an organization that is independent of the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser determines the composition and relative weightings of the securities in the Index and the Index Provider publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

 

The Fund uses a “passive” or indexing approach to attempt to approximate the investment performance of the Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Index. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not try to “beat” the index it tracks and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear overvalued. The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular country, region, industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in a country, region, industry or group of industries.

 

Principal Investment Risks:

As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program but rather one component of a diversified investment portfolio. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; is not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency; and is subject to investment risks. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance. Each risk summarized below is a principal risk of investing in the Fund and different risks may be more significant at different times depending upon market conditions or other factors.

 

 

 

 

Local, state, regional, national or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments and could result in decreases to the Fund’s net asset value. Political, geopolitical, natural and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, government shutdowns, market closures, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises and related events and governments’ reactions to such events have led, and in the future may lead, to economic uncertainty, decreased economic activity, increased market volatility and other disruptive effects on U.S. and global economies and markets. Such events may have significant adverse direct or indirect effects on the Fund and its investments. For example, a widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and affect Fund performance. A health crisis may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance:

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing the Fund’s performance compared with that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s shares for each calendar year since the Fund’s inception. The performance table includes a comparison of the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index and the Index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting RegentsParkFunds.com or by calling 1-866-866-4848.

 

Performance Bar Chart for Calendar Year Ended December 31^st:

 

	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
	21.32%	-2.20%	25.75%	-10.25%	18.67%	22.97%	30.76%

 

Best Quarter	06/30/2020	15.71%
Worst Quarter	03/31/2020	(28.99)%

Performance Table
Average Annual Total Returns
(For the year ended December 31, 2025)

 

	One Year	Five Years	Since Inception(1)
Return before taxes	30.76%	16.58%	9.97%
Return after taxes on Distributions	27.16%	14.38%	8.43%
Return after taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares	19.09%	12.66%	7.54%
FTSE StarMine Affinity World Leaders Total Return Index(2) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	33.73%	18.39%	11.49%
MSCI World Index(3) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)	21.09%	12.15%	11.05%

 

(1)

Inception date is January 16, 2018.

 

(2)

The FTSE Star Mine Affinity World Leaders Total Return Index (“Index”) consists of equity securities issued and traded in the US as well as international countries. The Index is expected to consist of approximately 150 to 250 stocks of companies located in the U.S. and in at least three countries outside of the U.S. and may invest in up to 20 countries. The Index will be significantly invested in the securities of international companies in addition to securities of U.S. companies. Unlike a fund, an unmanaged index assumes no transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses. Investors may not invest directly in an index. Index returns are gross of any fees, brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing.

 

(3)

The MSCI World Index is a broad global equity index that represents large and mid-cap equity performance across 23 developed markets countries. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country and does not offer exposure to emerging markets. The Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in the MSCI World Index, and unlike a fund, an unmanaged index assumes no transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses. Investors may not invest directly in an index. Index returns are gross of any fees, brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing.

5

 

After-tax returns calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown above, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Adviser: Regents Park Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”)

 

Investment Sub-Adviser: Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”)

 

Portfolio Managers: The Fund is jointly managed by Gregory R Lai, Principal of the Sub-Adviser, and Tianyue (“Fiona”) Zhang, Associate Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst of the Sub-Adviser, who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. Mr. Lai has served the Fund as portfolio manager since it commenced operations in January of 2018. Ms. Zhang has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2023.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 shares (each block of shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Individual shares of the Fund may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through a broker or dealer at market price. Because shares trade at market prices, rather than NAV, shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (i.e., a premium) or less than NAV (i.e., a discount).

 

An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase shares of the Fund (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for shares of the Fund (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”).

 

Recent information, including information about the Fund’s NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads, is included on the Fund’s website at RegentsParkFunds.com.

 

Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income, long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income, or a combination of the three. A sale of shares may result in capital gain or loss.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies, including the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser, may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

 

This section provides more detailed information about the investment objective, principal investment strategies and certain risks of investing in the Fund, and information about additional investment strategies that the Fund may employ in pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may also make other types of investments to the extent permitted by applicable law. For further information about investment strategies, please see the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). This section also provides information regarding the Fund’s disclosure of portfolio holdings. The investment objective and the investment strategies of the Fund are non-fundamental, which means that they may be changed without shareholder approval.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE:

 

The Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the FTSE StarMine Affinity World Leaders Index (the “Index” or the “Index”).

 

The Fund’s investment objective or underlying index may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

If the Index Provider no longer calculates the Index, if the Index is terminated for any reason, if the identity or the character of the Index is materially changed, or for any other reason determined by the Board of Trustees in good faith, the Board of Trustees determines that it is impracticable to substitute a replacement index, it will take whatever action is deemed to be in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities included in the Index. The Sub-Adviser anticipates that, generally, the Fund will hold all of the securities that compose the Index in proportion to their weightings in the Index. However, under various circumstances, it may not be possible or practicable to purchase all of those securities in those weightings. In these circumstances, the Fund may purchase a sample of securities in the Index. There also may be instances in which the Sub-Adviser may choose to underweight or overweight a security in the Index, purchase securities not in the Index that the Sub-Adviser believes are appropriate to substitute for certain securities in the Index, or utilize various combinations of other available investment techniques. The Fund may sell securities that are represented in the Index in anticipation of their removal from the Index or purchase securities not represented in the Index in anticipation of their addition to the Index. The Fund may also, in order to comply with the tax diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, temporarily invest in securities not included in the Index that are expected to be correlated with the securities included in the Index. Given the Fund’s investment objective of attempting to track the Index, the Fund does not follow traditional methods of active investment management, which may involve buying and selling securities based upon analysis of economic and market factors. Also, unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not attempt to outperform the Index that it tracks and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear overvalued. The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:

 

The Fund seeks to passively replicate the Index. The Index consists of equity securities issued and traded in the US as well as international countries. The Index is expected to consist of approximately 150 to 250 stocks of companies located in the U.S. and in at least three countries outside of the U.S. and may invest in up to 20 countries. The Index will be significantly invested in the securities of international companies in addition to securities of U.S. companies. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities included in the Index. The Fund may also invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) (collectively “Depositary Receipts”) based on the securities in the Index.

 

Constituents of the Index are characterized by strong global footprint (measured by market capitalization), rank high on measures of earnings quality, demonstrate improving fundamentals (positive earnings revisions on earnings estimates, revenue estimates, price targets, and analyst recommendations), show stock price momentum, and trade at relatively attractive valuations (based on a ranking from various trading multiples, which are, generally speaking, a ratio of the security’s market price to financial or accounting metrics such as earnings, book value, etc., as well as a dividend discount model, which attempts to determine the current or future value of a security based in part on its dividend payments).

The process of constructing the Index begins with sorting the companies in the FTSE Russell Global Developed Index (excluding those in Greece and South Korea) (the “Benchmark Index”) by market capitalization. The next step involves selecting those companies that comprise the top 85% of cumulative market capitalization, and categorizing them into two regions: US and International. The final step involves scoring these securities on the above criteria within each region, and then narrowing this universe of companies to approximately 150 to 250 equity securities using a proprietary ranking system of the Fund’s sub-adviser, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC. The proprietary ranking system is known as the “Affinity Score” and is calculated by weighting the above criteria based on the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of the correlation between the score components and subsequent long-term stock performance. Stocks that rank in the top decile are candidates for purchase, while those that rank outside the top quartile are typically sold. A risk management overlay is then used to guide portfolio construction. The overlay calls for neutral business sector weights versus the Benchmark Index, approximately equal active weighting of each security within a business sector (active weight is the absolute percentage deviation of a security’s weight in the portfolio from its weight in the Benchmark Index), and limiting the deviation of the Index’s geographical distribution from that of the Benchmark Index. The Index is reconstituted and rebalanced on a semi-annual basis.

 

As of December 31, 2025, the Index was comprised of 115 issuers with market capitalizations ranging from $14.5 billion to $498.6 billion. As of December 31, 2025, the countries in the Benchmark Index were: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

The Index is co-sponsored by the Sub-Adviser and the Index Provider, an organization that is independent of the Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser determines the composition and relative weightings of the securities in the Index and the Index Provider publishes information regarding the market value of the Index.

 

The Fund uses a “passive” or indexing approach to attempt to approximate the investment performance of the Index by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Index. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not try to “beat” the index it tracks and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear overvalued. The Fund may concentrate its investments in a particular country, region, industry or group of industries to the extent that the Index concentrates in a country, region, industry or group of industries.

 

PRINCIPAL AND OTHER INVESTMENT RISKS:

 

As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not guaranteed to achieve its investment objective; is not a deposit with a bank; is not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency; and is subject to investment risks. Neither the Adviser nor the Sub-Adviser can guarantee that the Fund will achieve its objectives. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program but rather one component of a diversified investment portfolio. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance. It is important that investors closely review and understand these risks before making an investment in the Fund. Additional information regarding the principal and certain other risks of investing in the Fund is provided below. The risks, which are described in alphabetical order and not in order of perceived importance or potential exposure, can negatively affect the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s SAI, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, includes more information about the Fund and its investments and risks. The risks described in this Prospectus (and in the SAI) are not intended to include every potential risk of investing in the Fund. The Fund could be subject to additional risks because the types of investments it makes may change over time.

 

Authorized Participant Concentration Risk: To the extent that authorized participants are unable or otherwise unavailable to proceed with creation and/or redemption orders and no other authorized participant is able to create or redeem in their place, shares may trade at a discount to net asset value (NAV) and may face delisting.

 

Calculation Methodology Risk: The Index relies on various sources of information to assess the criteria of issuers included in the Index, including information that may be based on assumptions and estimates. Neither the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser nor FTSE Russell can offer assurances that the Index’s calculation methodology or sources of information will provide an accurate assessment of included issuers or correct valuation of securities, nor can they guarantee the availability or timeliness of the production of the Index.

 

Currency Risk: The risk that foreign (non-U.S.) currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in and receive revenues in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Currency risk may be particularly high to the extent that the Fund invests in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or engages in foreign currency transactions that are economically tied to emerging market countries.

 

Cybersecurity Risk: There is risk to the Fund of an unauthorized breach and access to fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or the risk of an incident occurring that causes the Fund or its Service Providers to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality. Successful cyber-attacks or other

cyber-failures or events affecting the Fund, or its Service Providers may adversely impact the Fund or its shareholders. Because information technology (“IT”) systems and digital data underlie most of the Fund’s operations, the Fund and its Service Providers are exposed to the risk that their operations and data may be compromised as a result of internal and external cyber-failures, breaches or attacks (“Cyber Risk”). This could occur as a result of malicious or criminal cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include actions taken to: (i) steal or corrupt data maintained online or digitally, (ii) gain unauthorized access to or release confidential information, (iii) shut down the Fund or Service Provider website through denial-of-service attacks, or (iv) otherwise disrupt normal business operations. Events arising from human error, faulty or inadequately implemented policies and procedures or other systems failures unrelated to any external cyber-threat may have effects similar to those caused by deliberate cyber-attacks. See “Cybersecurity” below for additional risks related to potential cybersecurity breaches.

 

Equity Risk: Equity securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change and unexpected trading activity among retail investors. Factors that may influence the price of equity securities include developments affecting a specific company or industry, or changing economic, political or market conditions.

 

ETF Structure Risks: The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to special risks, including:

 

○

Not Individually Redeemable: Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” You may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit.

 

○

Trading Issues: Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for the Fund’s shares.

 

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Market Price Variance Risk: The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly and you may pay more than NAV when buying shares on the secondary market, and you may receive less than NAV when you sell those shares. This means that shares may trade at a discount or premium to NAV. If a shareholder purchases shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to NAV, the shareholder may sustain losses if the shares are sold at a price that is less than the price paid by the shareholder for the shares. In times of market stress, such as what was experienced in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s net asset value. The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s net asset value, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price. When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value. In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s net asset value.

 

Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The Adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time.

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investment Risk: Foreign securities include direct investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities traded primarily outside of the United States and dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers. Foreign securities also include indirect investments such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts representing shares of foreign-based corporations. ADRs are receipts that are traded in the United States and entitle the holder to all dividend and capital gain distributions that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. EDRs and GDRs are receipts that often trade on foreign exchanges. They represent ownership in an underlying foreign or U.S. security and generally are denominated

in a foreign currency. Foreign government obligations may include debt obligations of supranational entities, including international organizations (such as The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, also known as the World Bank) and international banking institutions and related government agencies.

 

Foreign (non-U.S.) securities present greater investment risks than investing in the securities of U.S. issuers and may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than the securities of U.S. companies. Foreign securities involve risks related to less stringent foreign securities regulations and less information about foreign (non-U.S.) companies in the form of reports and ratings than about U.S. issuers; less stringent investor protections and corporate governance; more or less foreign government regulations; different accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements; smaller markets; nationalization; expropriation or confiscatory taxation; currency blockage; or political, financial, social and economic events (including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism) or diplomatic developments. To the extent that the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a specific geographic region, the Fund will generally have more exposure to regional economic risks associated with foreign investments. In addition, foreign markets may have greater volatility than domestic markets and foreign securities may be less liquid and more difficult to value than domestic securities. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Fund’s foreign holdings or exposures.

 

Foreign securities involve special risks and costs, which are considered by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser in evaluating the creditworthiness of issuers and making investment decisions for the Fund. Foreign securities fluctuate in price because of political, financial, social and economic events in foreign countries (including, for example, military confrontations, war and terrorism). A foreign security could also lose value because of more or less stringent foreign securities regulations and less stringent accounting and disclosure standards.

 

Foreign securities, and in particular foreign debt securities, are sensitive to changes in interest rates. In addition, investment in the securities of foreign governments involves the risk that foreign governments may default on their obligations or may otherwise not respect the integrity of their obligations. The performance of investments in securities denominated in a foreign currency also will depend, in part, on the strength of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar and the interest rate environment in the country issuing the currency. Absent other events which otherwise could affect the value of a foreign security (such as a change in the political climate or an issuer’s credit quality), appreciation in the value of the foreign currency generally results in an increase in value of a foreign currency-denominated security in terms of U.S. dollars. A decline in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar generally results in a decrease in value of a foreign currency-denominated security. Additionally, many countries throughout the world are dependent on a healthy U.S. economy and are adversely affected when the U.S. economy weakens or its markets decline.

 

Investment in foreign securities may involve higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. Foreign investments also may involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity, more market volatility and political instability. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in foreign securities. Additionally, foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements.

 

While the Fund’s investments may, if permitted, be denominated in foreign currencies, the portfolio securities and other assets held by the Fund are valued in U.S. dollars. Price fluctuations may occur in the dollar value of foreign securities because of changing currency exchange rates or, in the case of hedged positions, because the U.S. dollar declines in value relative to the currency hedged. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time causing the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate as well. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by the intervention or the failure to intervene by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. To the extent that the Fund is invested in foreign securities while also maintaining currency positions, it may be exposed to greater combined risk. The net currency positions of the Fund may expose it to risks independent of its securities positions.

 

The Fund may operate in euros and/or may hold euros and/or euro-denominated bonds and other obligations. The euro requires participation of multiple sovereign states forming the Euro zone and is therefore sensitive to the credit and general economic and political positions of each such state, including, each state’s actual and intended ongoing engagement with and/or support for the other sovereign states then forming the European Union (“EU”), in particular those within the Euro zone. Changes in these factors might materially and adversely impact the value of securities in which the Fund has invested.

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) left the EU (commonly referred to as “Brexit”). Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact the Fund’s investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. A number of countries in the Middle East and Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. Eastern Europe and the Middle East have experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military attacks could occur. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. European elections could, depending on the outcomes, further call into question the future direction of the EU. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio political or geopolitical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear, but could be significant and far-reaching. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in such areas or with significant exposure to such countries or issuers in such countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

 

In addition, Russia’s military incursions in Ukraine led to sanctions being levied against Russia by the United States, EU and other countries, which could adversely affect European and global energy and financial markets, as well as commodity prices, supply chains and global trade.

 

Investment exposure to China subjects the Fund to specific risks. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. It is a developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information, and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility, interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on its economy.

 

Gap Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that a stock price will change dramatically from one level to another with no trading in between and/or before the Fund can exit from the investment. Usually such movements occur when there are adverse news announcements, which can cause a stock price to drop substantially from the previous day’s closing price. The difference between the two prices is the gap. Trading halts may lead to gap risk.

 

Geographic and Sector Risk: The risk that if the Fund invests a significant portion of its total assets in certain issuers within the same geographic region or economic sector, an adverse economic, business or political development or natural or other event, including war, terrorism, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crisis affecting that region or sector may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if the Fund’s investments were not so focused.

 

Communication Services Sector Risk. Companies in the communications services sector are subject to the risk that they will underperform the market as a whole due to legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions, and/or increased competition.

 

Consumer Discretionary Sector. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of domestic and international economies, interest rates, exchange rates, competition, consumer confidence, changes in demographics and consumer preferences. Companies in the consumer discretionary sector depend heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending, and may be strongly affected by social trends and marketing campaigns. These companies may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic or natural disaster, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively affect the global economy and, in turn, negatively affect companies in the consumer discretionary sector. A recent example is the negative impact on the consumer discretionary sector of the aggressive measures taken worldwide by governments in response to COVID-19, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations, and by businesses, including changes to operations and reducing staff.

 

Consumer Staples Sector. The consumer staples sector may be affected by the regulation of various product components and production methods, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting consumer demand.

 

Financials Sector Risk. The financials sector includes companies in the banks, capital markets, diversified financials, and insurance industry groups. Performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, changes in government regulations, economic conditions, and interest rates, credit rating downgrades, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. The extent to which the Fund may invest in a company that engages in securities-related activities or banking is limited by applicable law. The impact of changes in capital requirements and

recent or future regulation of any individual financial company, or of the financials sector as a whole, cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber-attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the Fund.

 

Health Care Sector Risk: Companies in the health care sector may be affected by extensive government regulations, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection and are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.

 

Industrials Sector. The value of companies in the industrial sector may be adversely affected by supply and demand related to their specific products or services and industrial sector products in general. The products of manufacturing companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and the introduction of new products.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk: Securities of information technology companies may be subject to greater price volatility than securities of companies in other sectors. These securities may fall in and out of favor with investors rapidly, which may cause sudden selling and dramatically lower market prices. Information technology securities also may be affected adversely by changes in technology, consumer and business purchasing patterns, government regulation and/or obsolete products or services. In addition, a rising interest rate environment tends to negatively affect information technology companies.

 

Index Risk: Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of the Index. Therefore, the Sub-Adviser would not necessarily sell a security unless that security is removed from the Index, even if that security generally is underperforming or the security’s issuer was in financial trouble, and the Fund will be negatively affected by general declines in the securities and asset classes represented in the Index. The Fund does not take defensive positions in declining markets. Market disruptions and regulatory restrictions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to adjust its exposure to the required levels in order to track the Index. The Index Provider relies on third party data it believes to be reliable in constructing the Index, but it does not guarantee the accuracy or availability of any such third party data, and there is also no guarantee with respect to the accuracy, availability or timeliness of the production of the Index.

 

Index Tracking Error Risk: As with all index funds, the performance of the Fund and the Index may differ from each other for a variety of reasons. For example, the Fund incurs operating expenses and portfolio transaction costs not incurred by the Index. In addition, the Fund may not be fully invested in the securities of the Index at all times, may deviate from the relative weightings of the Index or may hold securities not included in the Index. Tracking error risk may be heightened during times of market volatility or other unusual market conditions.

 

Industry Concentration Risk: The Fund may be susceptible to an increased risk of loss, including losses due to adverse events that affect the Fund’s investment more than the market as a whole, to the extent that the Fund’s investments are concentrated in securities of a particular industry, group of industries or sector.

 

Management Risk: The Fund’s investment strategies may not result in an increase in the value of your investment in the Fund or in overall performance equal to other similar investment vehicles having similar investment strategies to those of the Fund. The net asset value of the Fund changes daily based on the performance of the securities in which it invests. The Sub-Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. Management risk includes the risk that the quantitative model used by the Fund’s investment sub-adviser may not perform as expected, particularly in volatile markets.

 

Market Capitalization Risk: The Fund’s anticipated weighting towards larger-sized companies subjects the Fund to the risk that larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during strong economic periods, and that they may be less capable of responding quickly to competitive challenges and industry changes. Small and medium–sized companies typically have less experienced management, narrower product lines, more limited financial resources, and less publicly available information than larger companies. The earnings and prospects of medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources, and lack management experience.

 

Market Events Risk: There has been increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty in the financial markets during the past several years, including what was experienced in 2020. These conditions are an inevitable part of investing in capital markets and may continue, recur, worsen or spread. The U.S. government and

the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, took steps to support financial markets, including by lowering interest rates at historically low levels. This and other government intervention may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. When the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve reduce market support activities, including by increasing interest rates, such reductions could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which the Fund invests. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries may also continue to contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these influences on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

 

COVID-19 resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, business and school closings, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems.

 

Political turmoil within the U.S. and abroad may also impact the Fund. Although the U.S. government has honored its credit obligations, it remains possible that the U.S. could default on its obligations. While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the U.S. would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Fund’s investments. Similarly, political events within the U.S. at times have resulted, and may in the future result, in a shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of the Fund’s investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets. In recent years, the U.S. renegotiated many of its global trade relationships and imposed or threatened to impose significant import tariffs. These actions could lead to price volatility and overall declines in U.S. and global investment markets. The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad, such as presidential elections in the U.S. or abroad may adversely affect the U.S. regulatory landscape, the general market environment and/or investor sentiment, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments and operations.

 

Market Risk: Overall market risk may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests. The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Factors such as domestic and foreign (non-U.S.) economic growth and market conditions, real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, military conflict, acts of terrorism, social unrest, natural disasters, recessions, inflation, changes in interest rate levels, supply chain disruptions, sanctions, tariffs, the spread of infectious illness or other public health threats, lack of liquidity in the bond or other markets, volatility in the securities markets, adverse investor sentiment and political events affect the securities markets. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future. Securities markets also may experience long periods of decline in value. A change in financial condition or other event affecting a single issuer or market may adversely impact securities markets as a whole. The value of assets or income from an investment may be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions. When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

 

Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Adverse market conditions may be prolonged and may not have the same impact on all types of securities. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. The Fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. Market factors, such as the demand for particular portfolio securities, may cause the price of certain portfolio securities to fall while the prices of other securities rise or remain unchanged.

 

Local, state, regional, national or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments and could result in decreases to the Fund’s net asset value. Political, geopolitical, natural and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, government shutdowns, market closures, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics, pandemics and other public health crises and related events and governments’ reactions to such events have led, and in the future may lead, to economic uncertainty, decreased economic activity, increased market volatility and other disruptive effects on U.S. and global economies and markets. Such events may have significant adverse direct or indirect effects on the Fund and its investments. For example, a widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange trading suspensions and closures, impact the ability to complete redemptions, and affect Fund performance. A

health crisis may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The investment techniques and strategies utilized by the Fund, including investments made on a shorter-term basis or in instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition, may result in frequent portfolio trading and high portfolio turnover. High portfolio turnover rates will cause the Fund to incur higher levels of brokerage fees and commissions, which may reduce performance, and may cause higher levels of current tax liability to shareholders in the Fund. The Adviser and its affiliates do not derive any benefits from such brokerage fees or commissions with respect to the Fund.

 

Volatility Risk: The Fund’s investments may appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. The value of an investment in the Fund’s portfolio may fluctuate due to factors that affect markets generally or that affect a particular industry or sector. The value of an investment in the Fund’s portfolio may also be more volatile than the market as a whole. This volatility may affect the Fund’s net asset value per share, including by causing it to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Events or financial circumstances affecting individual investments, industries or sectors may increase the volatility of the Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE: A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

CYBERSECURITY: The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Fund and its Service Providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by the Fund and its Service Providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach. The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third-party Service Providers.

 

Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact the Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of the Fund, the adviser, and other Service Providers to transact business; prevention of Fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.

 

Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests; counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the Fund’s shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.

 

Changes of Investment Policies

 

In accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund adopted a non-fundamental investment policy that it will, under normal market conditions, invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities included in the Fund’s Index. This requirement is applied at the time of investment. The 80% investment policy of the Fund may be changed at any time by the Board of Trustees. Shareholders will be given written notice at least 60 days prior to any change by the Fund of its 80% investment policy.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER: Regents Park Funds, LLC, located at 4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 155, Newport Beach, CA 92660, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of October 31, 2025, it had approximately $476 million in assets under management. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s investments, executing transactions and providing related administrative services and facilities under an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser.

On December 4, 2025, the Adviser announced that it has entered into an agreement whereby Horizon Investments, LLC a financial services company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will acquire certain assets of the Adviser (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to closing conditions. The Transaction would be deemed to result in a change of control of the Adviser, which would cause an “assignment” of the Advisory Agreement under the 1940 Act and the automatic termination of the Advisory Agreement, effective as of the closing of the Transaction. The Transaction would also result in the termination of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be consummated as contemplated or that the necessary closing conditions will be satisfied.

 

In connection with the Transaction, the Adviser has determined that it will not seek to renew the Advisory Agreement with the Fund prior to the expiration of its annual term. It is being proposed that Simplify Asset Management Inc. (the “New Adviser”) will become the Fund’s investment adviser upon termination of the Advisory Agreement. The Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) will be asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement with substantially identical terms to the Advisory Agreement with the current Adviser, including with respect to the Fund’s management fee. The Board will also be asked to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement between the New Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with substantially identical terms to the current Sub-Advisory Agreement. If approved by the Board, the Fund’s new investment advisory and investment sub-advisory agreements will be submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval. There is no assurance that the Board or the shareholders of the Fund will approve the new investment advisory agreement or investment sub-advisory agreement.

 

The proposed change in the Fund’s adviser is not expected to result in any material changes in the day-to-day management of the Fund or to the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies or risks. The Fund’s portfolio manager will not change as a result of the change in investment adviser.

 

Pending shareholder approval of the new investment advisory agreement and investment sub-advisory agreement, the New Adviser will act as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an interim advisory agreement pursuant to Rule 15a-4 under the 1940 Act between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the New Adviser, subject to approval by the Board. In addition, the Board will be asked to approve an interim sub-advisory agreement with respect to the Sub-Adviser. The terms of the interim investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements will be substantially identical to the current Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement except for their date, duration and, in the case of the interim advisory agreement, escrow provisions required by applicable law and with respect to the interim sub-advisory agreement that the sub-adviser will not be paid by the adviser until the adviser receives its payment under the interim investment advisory agreement. More detailed information regarding the proposed transition and the proposals to be voted upon at the special shareholder meeting will be provided in a forthcoming proxy statement.

 

The management fee set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement is 0.47% annually, to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to investment advisory fees, the Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings. For the fiscal period October 31, 2025, the aggregate fee paid to the Adviser was 0.09% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, through February 28, 2027, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.67% of the Fund’s average daily net assets; subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the foregoing expense limits as well as any expense limitation in effect at the time the reimbursement is made. The Adviser and Affinity have agreed that, to the extent Fund expenses are required to be reimbursed by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement, Affinity will reimburse all such Fund expenses directly and, if such reimbursed Fund expenses are later recouped pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, Affinity shall be entitled to such recoupment. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Fund’s expenses and boost its performance. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the advisory agreement and sub-advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated April 30, 2025.

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER

 

Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (“Affinity”), 5140 Birch Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660 serves as Sub-Adviser to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser was formed in 1992 and currently manages assets for a variety of institutional clients and high net worth individuals. As of December 31, 2025, it had approximately $1.2 billion in assets under management. The Sub-Adviser is paid by the Adviser, not the Fund. The Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser for its services from the management fee received from the Fund, at an annual rate of 0.43% of the Fund’s net assets. As noted above, the Adviser and Affinity have agreed that, to the extent Fund expenses are required to be reimbursed by the Adviser under the Expense Limitation Agreement, Affinity will reimburse all such Fund expenses directly.

 

Affinity is the co-sponsor of the Index and serves as the investment sub-adviser of the Fund. Affinity has adopted policies and procedures designed to minimize or eliminate potential conflicts of interest; prevent certain persons from having any advantage over other market participants with respect to prior knowledge of companies that may be added to, or deleted from, an Affinity index or from the portfolios of any fund that tracks an Affinity index; and prevent the dissemination or use of non-public information about pending changes to index constituents or methodology.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Gregory R. Lai, CFA

 

Mr. Lai has been a Principal and Lead Portfolio Manager for Affinity since 1992 and has over 30 years of investment experience. He developed the firm’s quantitative stock selection, risk management, and portfolio construction models. Previous work experience includes Senior Portfolio Manager and Managing Director at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Van Kampen and Invesco, Ltd., as well as Quantitative Specialist and co-portfolio manager at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO). Mr. Lai earned his M.B.A from the Paul Merage School at the University of California, Irvine, and a B.S. in Chemistry from UCLA. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Fiona Zhang

 

Ms. Zhang, an Associate Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst with Affinity, has been with the firm since February of 2023 She earned a B.S. Mathematics and a B.A. Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Prior to joining Affinity, Fiona earned a Master of Science in Financial Engineering at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. She also successfully passed the CFA Level 1 exam and is progressing towards achieving the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

 

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Fund shares.

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

The net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s shares is determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is computed by determining the aggregate market value of all assets of the Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares = NAV). The NYSE is closed on weekends and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The NAV takes into account, the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily.

 

Generally, the Fund’s securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the-counter market. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity.

 

If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board has appointed the Adviser as its designee (the “Valuation Designee”) for all fair value determinations and responsibilities, other than overseeing pricing service providers used by any series of the Trust, including the Fund. This designation is subject to Board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements designed to facilitate the Board’s ability effectively to oversee the designee’s fair value determinations. The Valuation Designee may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist the Valuation Designee in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board shall be responsible for reviewing and approving fair value methodologies utilized by the Valuation Designee, which approval shall be based upon whether the Valuation Designee followed the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

 

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund’s securities. In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund. Because the Fund may invest in securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the value of some of the Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when authorized participants (“APs”) may not be able to purchase or redeem Fund shares.

 

In computing the NAV, the Fund values foreign securities held by the Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. If events materially affecting the value of a security in the Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the

Fund calculates its NAV, the Adviser may need to price the security using the Fund’s fair value pricing guidelines. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other funds to determine net asset value, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

 

With respect to any portion of the Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s net asset value is calculated based upon the net asset values of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

 

The shares of many funds that trade on an exchange (such as ETFs and certain closed-end funds), after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the NAV per share. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurances that the market discount or premium on shares of any exchange-traded fund purchased by the Fund will not change.

 

Premium/Discount Information

 

Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Fund in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Fund’s shares will trade at market prices. The market price of shares of the Fund may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of shares of the Fund.

 

Information regarding how often the shares of the Fund traded at a price above (at a premium to) or below (at a discount to) the NAV of the Fund during the past four calendar quarters, when available, can be found at RegentsParkFunds.com.

 

HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES

 

Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol WLDR. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares, and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

 

APs may acquire shares directly from the Fund, and APs may tender their shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per Share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 50,000 shares. Purchases and redemptions directly from the Fund must follow the Fund’s procedures, which are described in the SAI.

 

The Fund may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.

 

Share Trading Prices

 

The approximate value of shares of the Fund, an amount representing on a per share basis the sum of the current market price of the securities accepted by the Fund in exchange for shares of the Fund and an estimated cash component may be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per Share of the Fund because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Fund is not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the shares, and the Fund does not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.

 

Book Entry

 

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Fund and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.

 

Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the

securities depository for all shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.

 

FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES

 

The Fund’s shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by APs, and the vast majority of trading in the Fund’s shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund’s trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With regard to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units directly with the Fund, to the extent effected in-kind (i.e., for securities), those trades do not cause the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in cash, those trades could result in dilution to the Fund and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. However, direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that the Fund’s shares trade at or close to NAV. The Fund also employs fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. In addition, the Fund imposes transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Fund shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that the Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances. Given this structure, the Trust has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Fund’s shares.

 

DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN

 

The Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services (“Service Providers”). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Fund may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Fund, and there are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

 

Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries: Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, the Fund’s distributor, its affiliates, and the Fund’s Adviser or Sub-Adviser or their affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own legitimate profits, provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund, including affiliates of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. Financial intermediaries include brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others. These payments may be in addition to any Rule 12b-1 fees that the Fund could charge pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan and any sales charges that are disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus. These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support. Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs. These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders.

 

DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

 

Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to the fund only at closing NAVs, the Fund’s shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on the Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually.

 

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.

 

Taxes

 

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.

 

Unless your investment in shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

 

●

The Fund makes distributions,

 

●

You sell your shares listed on the Exchange, and

 

●

You purchase or redeem Creation Units.

 

Taxes on Distributions

 

As stated above, dividends from net investment income, if any, ordinarily are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements. Distributions from the Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that the Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” (i.e., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their Fund shares at the rate for net capital gain — a maximum of 20%. In addition, a 3.8% Medicare tax may also apply. A part of the Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations - the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations — subject to similar restrictions.

 

In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares of the Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares.

 

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) your basis in the shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce the Fund’s NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

 

By law, the Fund is required to withhold 24% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

 

Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.

 

Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units

 

An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component (as defined in the SAI) it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the

NAV of the shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“Service”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less.

 

If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to Share redemptions and the Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the Service.

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the shares under all applicable tax laws. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for more information.

 

FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is the Fund’s administrator and fund accountant. It has its principal office at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. It is an affiliate of the Distributor.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, is the Fund’s custodian and transfer agent.

 

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), 4221 North 203^rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

Blank Rome LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP, located at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund and providing other audit, tax and related services for the Fund.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Investment by Other Investment Companies

 

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is a registered investment company, and the acquisition of the Fund’s shares by other investment companies is subject to the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) thereof. Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act allows a registered investment company to invest in Fund shares beyond the limits of Section 12(d)(1) subject to certain conditions, including that a registered investment company enters into an Investment Agreement with the Trust regarding the terms of the investment. Any investment company considering purchasing shares of the Fund in amounts that would cause it to exceed the restrictions of Section 12(d)(1) should contact the Fund.

 

Continuous Offering

 

The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

 

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary

market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

 

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

 

Dealers effecting transactions in the shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.

 

Householding: To reduce expenses, the Fund mails only one copy of the prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report (or, if applicable, each notice of electronic accessibility thereof) to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Fund at 1-866-866-4848 on days the Fund is open for business or contact your financial institution.

 

The Fund will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

 

Index, Index Provider, and Calculation Agent

 

The Index is created and co-sponsored by an affiliated person of the Fund. The Index was developed by Affinity, which also serves as Sub-Adviser to the Fund. Affinity has entered into a Client Contracting Agreement with the Index Provider (FTSE Russell) to maintain, calculate and distribute information about the market value of the Index. Thomson Reuters serves as the Index administrator and is responsible for Index governance. The Index is governed by a published methodology. Changes to the methodology will be publicly disclosed prior to implementation. The Fund is entitled to use the Index pursuant to a sublicensing arrangement with Regents Park, the Adviser to the Fund, which in turn has a licensing agreement with Affinity.

 

Index Disclaimers

 

Neither Regents Park Funds, LLC, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, nor FTSE Russell guarantee the accuracy and/or the completeness of the Index or any data included therein, and neither Regents Park Funds, LLC, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, nor FTSE Russell shall have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions therein. Neither Regents Park Funds, LLC, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, nor FTSE Russell make any warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the Fund, owners of the shares of the Fund or any other person or entity from the use of the Index, trading based on the Index, or any data included therein, either in connection with the Fund or for any other use. Neither Regents Park Funds, LLC, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, nor FTSE Russell makes any express or implied warranties, and expressly disclaim all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use with respect to the Index or any data included therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall either Regents Park Funds, LLC, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, or FTSE Russell have any liability for any special, punitive, direct, indirect or consequential damages (including lost profits) arising out of matters relating to the use of the Index, even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

 

The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund in particular or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance. Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC has no obligation to take the needs of the Trust, the Fund or the owners of the Fund into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Index.

The Index is the property of Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, which has contracted with the Index Provider to calculate and maintain the Index. FTSE Russell will not be liable for any errors or omissions in calculating the Index. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE Russell. FTSE Russell does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Fund or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly or the ability of the Index to track general market performance. FTSE Russell’s only relationship to Regents Park Funds, LLC and Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC with respect to the Index is the licensing of certain trademarks, service marks and trade names of FTSE Russell, and the provision of the calculation services related to the Index. FTSE Russell is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the Fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of the Fund or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Fund may converted into cash or other redemption mechanics. FTSE Russell has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Fund. FTSE Russell is not an investment adviser. Inclusion of a security within the Index is not a recommendation by FTSE Russell to buy, sell, or hold such security, nor is it investment advice. FTSE RUSSELL DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING, ORAL, WRITTEN, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS. FTSE RUSSELL SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. FTSE RUSSELL MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY AFFINITY INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC, OWNERS OF THE FUND, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDEX OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL FTSE RUSSELL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME, OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

 

The Thomson Reuters Kinesis Logo and “Thomson Reuters” are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters Corporation or its affiliates.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information for the Fund for the years ended October 31, 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 has been derived from the financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s most recent form N-CSR filing for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2025, which is available upon request and is incorporated by reference in the SAI. The information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 has been derived from financial statements audited by the Fund’s prior auditor.

 

Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout each Year Presented

 

		For the				For the				For the				For the				For the
		Year Ended				Year Ended				Year Ended				Year Ended				Year Ended
		October 31				October 31				October 31				October 31				October 31
		2025				2024				2023				2022				2021
Net asset value, beginning of year		$	32.77			$	24.33			$	22.66			$	27.56			$	19.48
Activity from investment operations:
Net investment income(a)			0.49				0.50				0.51				0.56				0.48
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments(b)			7.26				8.55				1.68				(3.44	)			8.13
Total gain (loss) from investment operations			7.75				9.05				2.19				(2.88	)			8.61
Less distributions from:
Net investment income			(0.52	)			(0.61	)			(0.52	)			(0.55	)			(0.53	)
Net realized gains			(3.56	)			—				—				(1.47	)			—
Total distributions			(4.08	)			(0.61	)			(0.52	)			(2.02	)			(0.53	)
Net asset value, end of year		$	36.44			$	32.77			$	24.33			$	22.66			$	27.56
Market price, end of year		$	36.56			$	32.68			$	24.14			$	22.70			$	27.55
Total return(c)(d)			26.07	%			37.51	%			9.60	%			(11.17	)%			44.42	%
Market price total return			26.86	%			38.21	%			8.55	%			(10.99	)%			43.33	%
Net assets, end of year (000s)		$	49,195			$	34,403			$	26,763			$	33,993			$	37,200
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets(e)(f)			1.05	%			1.17	%			1.11	%			1.16	%			1.59	%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets(f)(g)			0.67	%			0.67	%			0.67	%			0.67	%			0.61	%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(f)(h)			1.51	%			1.65	%			2.06	%			2.25	%			1.85	%
Portfolio Turnover Rate(i)			112	%			104	%			82	%			93	%			105	%

(a)

Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year.

 

(b)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments per share are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the year, and may not reconcile with aggregate gains in the Statement of Operations due to the share transactions for the year.

 

(c)

Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the year. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates. Had Regents Park Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”), not waived or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, total returns would have been lower.

 

(d)

Includes adjustments in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions.

 

(e)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

 

(f)

Does not include the expenses of other investments companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets inclusive of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

 

(h)

Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(i)

Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind transactions

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

FACTS	WHAT DOES TWO ROADS SHARED TRUST DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Why?	Financial companies choose how they share your personal information.
	Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?	THE TYPES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT AND SHARE DEPENDS ON THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT YOU HAVE WITH US. THIS INFORMATION CAN INCLUDE:
	●      Social Security number and income
	●      Account transactions and transaction history
	●      Investment experience and purchase history
	When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.
How?	All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reason Two Roads Shared Trust chooses to share and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information	Does Two Roads Shared Trust share?	Can you limit this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes –
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus	YES	NO
For our marketing purposes –	NO	We do not share
to offer our products and services to you
For joint marketing with other financial companies	NO	We do not share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –	NO	We do not share
information about your transactions and experiences
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –	NO	We do not share
information about your creditworthiness
For our affiliates to market to you	NO	We do not share
For nonaffiliates to market to you	NO	We do not share

 

Questions?

Call 1-631-490-4300

What we do

 

How does Two Roads Shared Trust protect my personal information?	To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
	Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does Two Roads Shared Trust	We collect your personal information, for example, when you
collect my personal information?
	●      open an account or give us contact information
	●      provide account information or give us your income information
	●      make deposits or withdrawals from your account
	We also collect your personal information from other companies.
Why can’t I limit all sharing?	Federal law gives you the right to limit only
	●      sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness
	●      affiliates from using your information to market to you
	●      sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
	State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing
Definitions
Affiliates	Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
	●      Two Roads Shared Trust has no affiliates.
Nonaffiliates	Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
	●      Two Roads Shared Trust does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.
Joint marketing	A formal agreement between nonaffiliates financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
	●      Two Roads Shared Trust does not jointly market.

Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF

 

Adviser	Regents Park Funds, LLC 4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 155 Newport Beach, CA 92660	Distributor	Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100 Elkhorn, NE 68022
Sub-Adviser	Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC 5140 Birch Street, Suite 300 Newport Beach, CA 92660	Legal Counsel	Blank Rome LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020
Custodian & Transfer Agent	Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02110	Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	Deloitte & Touche LLP 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Administrator	Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund’s SAI dated March 1, 2026, financial statements and annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The SAI includes information about the Fund’s policies and management. Additional information about the Fund’s investments will also be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in Form N-CSR. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund’s annual and semi-annual financial statements. The SAI and the financial statements included in the Fund’s most recent Form N-CSR to shareholders for the fiscal period ended October 31, 2025, including the notes thereto and report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus).

 

To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the annual and semi-annual reports, or other information about the Fund, such as the Fund’s financial statements, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call 1-866-866-4848. The SAI, annual and semi-annual reports, and other information relating to the Fund, such as the Fund’s financial statements, can be found, free of charge, at RegentsParkFunds.com. You may also write to:

 

Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected].

 

Investment Company Act File # 811-22718

 

 

Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF

 

 

WLDR

 

a series of Two Roads Shared Trust

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

March 1, 2026

 

Listed and traded on:

Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (the “Fund””) dated March 1, 2026 (the “Prospectus”). The Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Fund’s Prospectus, financial statements, and annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 or by calling 1-866-866-4848. The financial statements of the Fund included in the Fund’s most recent Form N-CSR filing, including the notes thereto and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are incorporated by reference into this SAI (i.e., legally made a part of this SAI). You may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus, financial statements, and annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, by visiting the Fund’s website at www.RegentsParkFunds.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE FUND	1
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS	1
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS	14
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF  PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS	15
MANAGEMENT	16
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS	21
INVESTMENT ADVISER	22
THE DISTRIBUTOR	24
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS	26
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE	27
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER	27
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS	27
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES	29
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM	29
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES	30
TAX STATUS	38
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM	42
LEGAL COUNSEL	42
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	42
APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES	A-1
APPENDIX B – DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS	B-1

THE FUND

The Fund is a series of Two Roads Shared Trust, a Delaware statutory trust organized on June 8, 2012 (the “Trust”). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company, currently consisting of twenty-five separate active portfolios. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”).

 

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges. Each share of the Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each share of the Fund is entitled to participate equally with other shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by such Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of the Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.

 

The Fund is a “diversified” series of the Trust, meaning the Fund is subject to the diversification requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), which generally limits investments, as to 75% of a fund’s total assets, to no more than 5% in securities in a single issuer and 10% of an issuer’s voting securities. The Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.

 

The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of 50,000 Shares (a “Creation Unit”). The Fund will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for an in-kind deposit of a basket of designated securities (the “Deposit Securities”), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the “Cash Component”), plus a transaction fee. The Fund is listed on CBOE BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.

 

The Fund reserves the right to offer creations and redemptions of Shares for cash. In addition, Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash equal to up to 115% of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees, may be imposed and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES below.

 

Exchange Listing and Trading

 

In order to provide additional information regarding the indicative value of Shares of the Fund, the Exchange or a market data vendor may disseminate every 15 seconds through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association or other widely disseminated means an updated “intraday indicative value” (“IIV”) for the Fund as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IIV.

 

TYPES OF INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

The investment objective of the Fund and the description of the Fund’s principal investment strategies are set forth under “Investment Objective” and Principal Investment Strategies” in the Prospectus. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

 

The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of the Fund’s underlying index. The Fund will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of any change in such policy. For these purposes, “net assets” is measured at the time of purchase.

 

The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which the Fund may invest directly or indirectly as a principal or non-principal investment strategy. These instruments include other strategies that Regents Park Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”) or Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) employ in pursuit of the Fund’s investment objective and a summary of related risks.

Securities of Other Investment Companies

 

Investments in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and mutual funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the fund. Pursuant to Rule 12d1-4, the Fund and any “affiliated persons”, as defined by the 1940 Act, must comply with certain conditions in order to: 1) purchase more than 3% of an investment company’s (including ETFs) outstanding shares; 2) investing more than 5% of the Fund’s assets in any single such investment company, and 3) investing more than 10% of the Fund’s assets in investment companies overall. Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying fund, the Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference.

 

In addition, Section 12(d)(1)(F) allows an alternative method for unaffiliated funds to invest in underlying funds provided such investments are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 12(d)(1)(F). An underlying fund whose shares are purchased by the Fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) will not be obligated to redeem shares held by the Fund in an amount exceeding 1% of the underlying fund’s outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Shares held by the Fund in excess of 1% of an underlying fund’s outstanding securities, therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of the Fund’s total assets.

 

Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying fund(s) are made independently of the Fund and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to the Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.

 

Each investment company is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the Fund. ETFs and mutual funds may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the underlying stock or other index upon which they are based.

 

Open-End Investment Companies

 

Under certain circumstances an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, the Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

 

ETFs are generally passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and typically provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts (“UITs”). ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap “creation units” in block-multiples of, for example, 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the NAV is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.

 

ETFs are shares issued by investment companies that are traded like traditional equity securities on a national stock exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional open-end mutual funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

 

ETF shares are not individually redeemable from the ETF, except upon termination of the ETF. To redeem from the ETF, an investor must accumulate enough ETF shares to reconstitute a creation unit. Upon redemption of a creation unit, an investor will receive securities underlying the ETF and cash identical to the portfolio deposit required of an investor wishing to purchase a creation unit that day. The Fund may sell ETF shares through a broker dealer.

 

The price of an ETF’s shares is derived from and based upon the securities held by the ETF. Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of an ETF is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common

stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for ETFs generally is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on ETFs.

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investments – General

 

Investment in foreign securities involves special risks. These include market risk, interest rate risk and the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers and of companies whose securities are principally traded outside the United States on foreign exchanges or foreign over-the-counter markets and in investments denominated in foreign currencies. Market risk involves the possibility that security prices will decline over short or even extended periods. The markets tend to be cyclical, with periods of generally rising prices and periods of generally declining prices. These cycles will affect the value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in foreign securities. The holdings of the Fund, to the extent that it invests in fixed-income securities, will be sensitive to changes in interest rates and the interest rate environment. Generally, the prices of bonds and debt securities fluctuate inversely with interest rate changes. In addition, the performance of investments in securities denominated in a foreign currency will depend on the strength of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar and the interest rate environment in the country issuing the currency. Absent other events which could otherwise affect the value of a foreign security (such as a change in the political climate or an issuer’s credit quality), appreciation in the value of the foreign currency generally can be expected to increase the value of a foreign currency-denominated security in terms of U.S. dollars. A rise in foreign interest rates or decline in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar generally can be expected to depress the value of a foreign currency-denominated security.

 

There are other risks and costs involved in investing in foreign securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. Investment in foreign securities involves higher costs than investment in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. Foreign investments also involve risks associated with the level of currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers; more or less foreign government regulation; less stringent investor protections; less stringent accounting, corporate governance, financial reporting and disclosure standards; less market liquidity, more market volatility and economic, political and social instability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on dividend income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions might adversely affect an investment in foreign securities. Additionally, foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks are subject to less stringent reserve requirements, and to different accounting, auditing and recordkeeping requirements. Also, the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. Additionally, many countries throughout the world are dependent on a healthy U.S. economy and are adversely affected when the U.S. economy weakens or its markets decline. For example, the decline in the U.S. subprime mortgage market quickly spread throughout global credit markets, triggering a liquidity crisis that affected fixed-income and equity markets around the world.

 

European countries can be affected by the significant fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions. It is also possible that one or more of the EMU member countries could abandon the euro and return to a national currency and/or that the euro will cease to exist as a single currency in its current form. The effects of such an abandonment or a country’s forced expulsion from the euro on that country, the rest of the EMU, and global markets are impossible to predict, but are likely to be negative. Such an exit by one country may also increase the possibility that additional countries may exit the euro should they face similar financial difficulties.

 

Investing in foreign securities also includes the economic and political risks associated with the countries in which the securities are issued. For example, the departure of the United Kingdom (the “UK”) from the EU in 2020 (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) could have a lasting impact on the currency volatility and economic growth in Europe among other political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes that cannot be predicted. There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. This uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU and elsewhere, and may cause volatility within the EU, triggering prolonged economic downturns in certain countries within the EU. In addition, Brexit may create additional and substantial economic stresses for the UK, including a contraction of the UK economy and price volatility in UK stocks, decreased trade, capital outflows, devaluation of the British pound, wider corporate bond spreads due to uncertainty and declines in business and consumer spending as well as foreign direct investment. Brexit may also adversely affect UK-based financial firms that have counterparties in the EU or participate in market infrastructure (trading

venues, clearing houses, settlement facilities) based in the EU. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations over a short period of time, and potentially lower economic growth in the UK, Europe and globally. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact the Fund’s investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching, and the resulting market volatility may have an adverse effect on the performance of the Fund.

 

In addition, Russia’s recent military incursions in Ukraine have led to sanctions being levied against Russia by the United States, EU and other countries, which could adversely affect European and global energy and financial markets, as well as commodity prices, supply chains and global trade.

 

Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

 

To the extent consistent with its investment objectives and strategies, the Fund may invest in foreign debt, including the securities of foreign governments. Several risks exist concerning such investments, including the risk that foreign governments may default on their obligations, may not respect the integrity of such debt, may attempt to renegotiate the debt at a lower rate, and may not honor investments by U.S. entities or citizens.

 

Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, its portfolio securities and other assets are valued in U.S. dollars. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time causing, together with other factors, the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate as well. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by the intervention or the failure to intervene by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. To the extent that the Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, are denominated in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.

 

Dividends and interest payable on the Fund’s foreign portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. To the extent such taxes are not offset by credits or deductions allowed to investors under U.S. federal income tax law, they may reduce the net return to the shareholders.

 

The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the United States and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.

 

The Fund also is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on the convertibility of currency. In addition, the use of forward currency exchange contracts with other instruments may expose them to risks independent of their securities positions. Although the net long and short foreign currency exposure of the Fund will not exceed its total asset values, to the extent that the Fund is fully invested in foreign securities while also maintaining currency positions, it may be exposed to greater risk than it would have if it did not maintain the currency positions.

 

The Fund’s foreign securities are generally held outside the United States in the primary market for the securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and trust companies, as permitted under the 1940 Act (“foreign sub-custodians”). Settlement practices for foreign securities may differ from those in the United States. Some countries have limited governmental oversight and regulation of industry practices, stock exchanges, depositories, registrars, brokers and listed companies, which increases the risk of corruption and fraud and the possibility of losses to the Fund. In particular, under certain circumstances, foreign securities may settle on a delayed delivery basis, meaning that the Fund may be required to make payment for securities before the Fund has actually received delivery of the securities or deliver securities prior to the receipt of payment. Typically, in these cases, the Fund will receive evidence of ownership in accordance with the generally accepted settlement practices in the local market entitling the Fund to deliver payment at a future date, but

there is a risk that the security will not be delivered to the Fund or that payment will not be received, although the Fund and its foreign sub-custodians take reasonable precautions to mitigate this risk.

 

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result in missed attractive investment opportunities, losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, possible liability to the purchaser. Losses can also result from lost, stolen or counterfeit securities; defaults by brokers and banks; failures or defects of the settlement system; or poor and improper record keeping by registrars and issuers.

 

Share blocking refers to a practice in certain foreign markets under which an issuer’s securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country.

 

The Fund may invest a significant percentage of its assets in the securities of issuers located in geographic regions with securities markets that are highly developed, liquid and subject to extensive regulation, including Japan. Japan’s economy has historically lagged that of its Asian neighbors and other major developed economies and it has experienced lengthy periods of recession and deterioration of its competitiveness. Although Japan has attempted to reform its political process and deregulate its economy to address the situation, there is no guarantee that these efforts will succeed.

 

Japan’s economy is heavily dependent upon international trade, and is especially sensitive to trade barriers and disputes. Domestic or foreign trade sanctions or other protectionist measures may also adversely impact Japan’s economy. In particular, Japan relies on large imports of agricultural products, raw materials and fuels. Japan also remains heavily dependent on oil imports, and a substantial rise in commodity prices, or a fall-off in Japan’s manufactured exports, may affect Japan’s economy adversely. Additionally, slowdowns in the economies of key trading partners such as the United States, China and countries in Southeast Asia could have a negative impact on the Japanese economy.

 

Furthermore, Japan has an aging workforce. It is a labor market undergoing fundamental structural changes, as traditional lifetime employment clashes with the need for increased labor mobility, which may adversely affect Japan’s economic competitiveness.

 

The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the economy. The Japanese yen may also be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. The Japanese securities markets are less regulated than the U.S. markets. Evidence has emerged from time to time of distortion of market prices to serve political or other purposes. Shareholders’ rights also are not always enforced.

 

Japan has had territorial disputes and/or defense issues with China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, among others. In the past several years, Japan’s relationship with North Korea has been especially strained because of increased nuclear and military activity by North Korea. Japan’s disputes with neighboring countries have the potential to cause uncertainty in the Japanese markets and affect the overall Japanese economy in times of crisis.

 

Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis and is economically sensitive to environmental events. Any such event could result in a significant adverse impact on the Japanese economy.

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investments – Emerging Markets

 

The Fund, to the extent permitted by its investment objectives and strategies, may also invest in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging market countries are generally located in the Asia and Pacific regions, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central America, South America and Africa. Political and economic structures in many of these countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and these countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries.

 

In general, the securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility and have a smaller market capitalization than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries

are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the United States. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

 

Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

Certain emerging market countries may have antiquated legal systems, which may adversely impact the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which issuers in certain emerging countries are subject may be less advanced than the systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and therefore, shareholders of such issuers may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries.

 

Because of the recent formation of the Russian securities markets, the underdeveloped state of Russia’s banking and telecommunication system and the legal and regulatory framework in Russia, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to additional risks. Prior to 2013, there was no central registration system for equity share registration in Russia and registration was carried out either by the issuers themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. These registrars may not have been subject to effective state supervision or licensed with any governmental entity. In 2013, Russia established the National Settlement Depository (“NSD”) as a recognized central securities depository, and title to Russian equities is now based on the records of the NSD and not on the records of local registrars. The implementation of the NSD is generally expected to decrease the risk of loss in connection with recording and transferring title to securities; however, loss may still occur. Additionally, issuers and registrars remain prominent in the validation and approval of documentation requirements for corporate action processing in Russia, and there remain inconsistent market standards in the Russian market with respect to the completion and submission of corporate action elections. To the extent that the Fund suffers a loss relating to title or corporate actions relating to its portfolio securities, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights or otherwise remedy the loss. In addition, Russia also may attempt to assert its influence in the region through economic or even military measures, as it did with Georgia in the summer of 2008 and Ukraine in 2022. Such measures may have an adverse effect on the Russian economy, which may, in turn negatively impact the Fund.

 

The United States, the EU and other countries have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities.

 

The sanctions against certain Russian issuers include prohibitions on transacting in or dealing in new debt of longer than 30 or 90 days maturity or new equity of such issuers. Securities held by the Fund issued prior to the date of the sanctions being imposed are not currently subject to any restrictions under the sanctions. However, compliance with each of these sanctions may impair the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive or deliver the affected securities or other securities of such issuers. If it becomes impracticable or unlawful for the Fund to hold securities subject to, or otherwise affected by, sanctions (collectively, “affected securities”), or if deemed appropriate by the Fund’s investment adviser, the Fund may prohibit in-kind deposits of the affected securities in connection with creation transactions and instead require a cash deposit, which may also increase the Fund’s transaction costs.

 

Current or future sanctions may result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. These retaliatory measures may include the immediate freeze of Russian assets held by the Fund. In the event of such a freeze of any Fund assets, including depositary receipts, the Fund may

need to liquidate non-restricted assets in order to satisfy any Fund redemption orders. The liquidation of Fund assets during this time may also result in the Fund receiving substantially lower prices for its securities.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

Certain emerging countries may restrict or control foreign investments in their securities markets. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in those countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. Custodial and/or settlement systems in emerging countries may not be fully developed. To the extent the Fund invests in emerging countries, Fund assets that are traded in such markets and which have been entrusted to sub-custodians in these markets may be exposed to risks for which the sub-custodian will have no liability.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than more developed countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) social unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

The Fund may invest in former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.

 

Investment exposure to China subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to time in comparison to developed markets. The Chinese government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility, interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.

 

The Fund may also be invested in issuers located in Central and South American countries. Securities markets in Central and South American countries may experience greater volatility than in other emerging countries. In addition, a number of Central and South American countries are among the largest emerging country debtors. There have been moratoria on, and reschedulings of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.

 

Many of the currencies of Central and South American countries have experienced steady devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, and major devaluations have historically occurred in certain countries. Any devaluations in the currencies in which the Fund’s portfolio securities are denominated may have a detrimental impact on the Fund. There is also a risk that certain Central and South American countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies into other currencies. Some Central and South American countries may have managed currencies that are not free floating against the U.S. Dollar. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency that, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. Certain Central and South American currencies may not be internationally traded

and it would be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund’s interests in securities denominated in such currencies.

 

The emergence of the Central and South American economies and securities markets will require continued economic and fiscal discipline that has been lacking at times in the past, as well as stable political and social conditions. Governments of many Central and South American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. The political history of certain Central and South American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres and political corruption. Such developments, if they were to recur, could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization and removal of trade barriers.

 

International economic conditions, particularly those in the United States, as well as world prices for oil and other commodities may also influence the recovery of the Central and South American economies. Because commodities such as oil, gas, minerals and metals represent a significant percentage of the region’s exports, the economies of Central and South American countries are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices. As a result, the economies in many of these countries can experience significant volatility.

 

Certain Central and South American countries have entered into regional trade agreements that would, among other things, reduce barriers among countries, increase competition among companies and reduce government subsidies in certain industries. No assurance can be given that these changes will result in the economic stability intended. There is a possibility that these trade arrangements will not be implemented, will be implemented but not completed or will be completed but then partially or completely unwound. It is also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon a trade agreement, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including share appreciation or depreciation of participant’s national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence in the Central and South American markets, an undermining of Central and South American economic stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive toward Central and South American economic unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation rates that were introduced in anticipation of such trade agreements. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments in Central and South America generally or in specific countries participating in such trade agreements.

 

The economies of emerging countries may suffer from unfavorable growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation and hyperinflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports.

 

Risks related to currencies and corporate actions are also greater in emerging countries than in developed countries. For example, some emerging countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar. Certain emerging countries may experience sudden and large adjustments in their currency, which can have a disruptive and adverse effect on foreign investors. Some emerging countries have a higher risk of currency devaluations, and some of these countries may experience sustained periods of high inflation or rapid changes in inflation rates which can have negative effects on a country’s economy and securities markets. Some emerging countries may impose restrictions on the free conversion of their currencies into foreign currencies, including the U.S. dollar. Corporate action procedures in emerging countries may be less reliable and have limited or no involvement by the depositories and central banks. Lack of standard practices and payment systems can lead to significant delays in payment.

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible bonds, warrants, rights and options. The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be significant.

 

Common Stock

 

Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally

represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company’s stock price.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

 

The Fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market’s perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company’s worth.

 

Convertible Securities

 

Convertible securities include fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer’s underlying common stock at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of “usable” bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of several of these securities. Convertible securities are senior to common stocks in an issuer’s capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security’s underlying common stock.

 

Warrants

 

Warrants are options to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time. Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the optioned common stock.

 

Depositary Receipts

 

Sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depositary of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting rights. Many of the risks described below regarding foreign securities apply to investments in ADRs.

 

Certificates of Deposit and Bankers’ Acceptances

 

Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers’ acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then “accepted” by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

Commercial Paper

 

Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. See Appendix B for more information on ratings assigned to commercial paper. It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral. Commercial paper is usually repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase. Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.

 

Information on Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes

 

Time deposits are issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the depositor on the date specified with respect to the deposit. Time deposits do not trade in the secondary market prior to maturity. However, some time deposits may be redeemable prior to maturity and may be subject to withdrawal penalties.

 

The commercial paper obligations are typically unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a “Master Note”) permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between the Fund and the issuer. It permits daily changes in the amounts invested. The Fund, typically, has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct investment arrangements between the Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to the Fund’s investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer (redeemed) on demand within seven days.

 

Insured Bank Obligations

 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as “banks”), currently up to $250,000. The Fund may elect to purchase bank obligations which are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.

 

United States Government Obligations

 

These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis.

 

United States Government Agencies

 

These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Farmer’s Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency’s or instrumentality’s right to borrow

from the United States Treasury (e.g., Fannie Mae Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency’s or instrumentality’s own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association).

 

Government-related guarantors (i.e. not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

 

Freddie Mac was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. Freddie Mac issues PCs, which represent interests in conventional mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.

 

Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator

 

The Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, will file with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Fund’s operation. Accordingly, the Fund will not be subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

The Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are publicly traded corporations or trusts that specialize in acquiring, holding and managing residential, commercial or industrial real estate. A REIT is not taxed at the entity level on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it distributes to shareholders or unitholders at least 90% of its taxable income for each taxable year and complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income.

 

REITs generally can be classified as “Equity REITs”, “Mortgage REITs” and “Hybrid REITs.” An Equity REIT invests the majority of its assets directly in real property and derives its income primarily from rents and from capital gains on real estate appreciation, which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage REIT invests the majority of its assets in real estate mortgage loans and services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage REIT. Although the Fund can invest in all three kinds of REITs, its emphasis is expected to be on investments in Equity REITs.

 

Investments in the real estate industry involve particular risks. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.

 

Investments in REITs also involve risks. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and income from the properties they own, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills and on their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders. REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for real property, as well as to the risk of self-liquidation. REITs also can be adversely affected by their failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through treatment of their income under the Code, or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. In the event an investment fails to qualify as a REIT,

the REIT will be subject to tax as a C corporation at U.S. federal income tax rates (currently, at a flat rate of 21%). The resulting corporate taxes could reduce the Fund’s net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.

 

Recent Market Events

 

The Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Stresses associated with the 2008 financial crisis in the United States and global economies peaked over a decade ago, but periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or a geography, continue to recur. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted and/or are considering the adoption of more protectionist trade policies, a move away from the tighter financial industry regulations that followed the financial crisis, and/or substantially reducing corporate taxes. The exact shape of these policies is still being considered, but the equity and debt markets may react strongly to expectations of change, which could increase volatility, especially if the market’s expectations are not borne out. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, geopolitical and other risks, including environmental and public health, may add to instability in world economies and markets generally. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic, political and/or financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by such events.

 

COVID-19 resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, business and school closings, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of infectious illness outbreaks (like COVID-19) that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, as a possible consequence of the measures taken in response to the spread of COVID-19 (and other illness outbreaks in the future) and the resulting market disruptions, volatility and liquidity concerns, the Fund may have difficulty in complying with the distribution requirements necessary for the Fund to maintain its status as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Political turmoil within the U.S. and abroad may also impact the Fund. Although the U.S. government has honored its credit obligations, it remains possible that the U.S. could default on its obligations. While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the U.S. would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Funds’ investments. Similarly, political events within the U.S. at times have resulted, and may in the future result, in a shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of the Funds’ investments, and increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets. In recent years, the U.S. renegotiated many of its global trade relationships and imposed or threatened to impose significant import tariffs. These actions could lead to price volatility and overall declines in U.S. and global investment markets. The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad, such as presidential elections in the U.S. or abroad may adversely affect the U.S. regulatory landscape, the general market environment and/or investor sentiment, which could have an adverse impact on the Funds’ investments and operations.

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is an investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions within 7 calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments include securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers) or legal or contractual restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the Securities Act). Illiquid investments include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency, mortgage and credit default swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those

purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and cover for OTC options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation. With respect to the Fund, repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period. Foreign (non-U.S.) securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.

 

Restricted and other illiquid securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. The Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. The Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

As required by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Trust has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. If the limitation on illiquid investments is exceeded, other than by a change in market values, the condition will be reported to the Board and, when required, to the SEC. The rule may impact the Fund’s performance and ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a “safe harbor” from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by NASDAQ.

 

Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

 

Lending Portfolio Securities

 

For the purpose of achieving income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund.

 

As with other extensions of credit, there are risks that collateral could be inadequate in the event of the borrower failing financially, which could result in actual financial loss, and risks that recovery of loaned securities could be delayed, which could result in interference with portfolio management decisions or exercise of ownership rights. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including the risk that the Fund may lose money on the investment or may fail to earn sufficient income to meet its obligations to the borrower. In addition, the Fund may lose its right to vote its shares of the loaned securities at a shareholders meeting if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser does not recall or does not timely recall the loaned securities, or if the borrower fails to return the recalled securities in advance of the record date for the meeting.

 

Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially. This risk is increased when the Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single or limited number of borrowers. There are no limits on the number of borrowers to which the Fund may lend securities and the Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers.

 

The Index

 

FTSE Russell StarMine Affinity World Leaders Index (the “Index”)

 

NUMBER OF COMPONENTS: Approximately 150 to 250

INDEX DESCRIPTION: The Index consists of equity securities issued and traded in the US as well as international countries. The Index is expected to consist of approximately 150 to 250 stocks in at least 3 countries, but may span more than 20 countries. Constituents of the Index are characterized by strong global footprint (measured by market capitalization), rank high on measures of earnings quality, demonstrate improving fundamentals (positive earnings revisions on earnings estimates, revenue estimates, price targets, and analyst recommendations), show stock price momentum, and are trade at relatively attractive valuations (based on a ranking from various trading multiples, which are, generally speaking, a ratio of the security’s market price to financial or accounting metrics such as earnings, book value, etc., as well as a dividend discount model, which attempts to determine the current or future value of a security based in part on its dividend payments).

 

The process of constructing the Index begins with sorting the companies in the FTSE Russell Global Developed Index (excluding those in Greece and South Korea) (the “Benchmark Index”) by market capitalization. The next step involves selecting those companies that comprise the top 85% of cumulative market capitalization and splitting them into two regions: US and International. The final step involves scoring these securities on the above criteria within each region, and then narrowing this universe of companies to approximately 150 to 250 equity securities using the Sub-Adviser’s proprietary ranking system. The proprietary ranking system is known as the “Affinity Score” and is calculated by weighting the above criteria based on the Sub-Adviser’s assessment of the correlation between the score components and subsequent long-term stock performance. Stocks that rank in the top decile are candidates for purchase, while those that rank outside the top quartile are typically sold. A risk management overlay is then used to guide portfolio construction. The overlay calls for neutral business sector weights versus the Benchmark Index, approximately equal active weighting of each security within a business sector (active weight is the absolute percentage deviation of a security’s weight in the portfolio from its weight in the Benchmark Index), and limiting the deviation of the Index’s geographical distribution from that of the Benchmark Index.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund, which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund may not:

 

1.       Issue senior securities, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

 

2.       Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions;

 

3.       Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities);

 

4.       Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);

 

5.       Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries, except that the Fund will concentrate to approximately the same extent that the Index concentrates in the securities of a given industry or group of industries. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.);

 

6.       Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities; or

7.       Make loans to others, except that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

 

If a restriction on the Fund’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments of the Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund’s total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.

 

With respect to fundamental investment limitation 2 above, if the Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.

 

With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction #5 above, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies that concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will examine its other investment company holdings to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry.

 

Although fundamental investment restriction #7 above reserves for the Fund the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

It is the Trust’s policy to: (1) ensure that any disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interest of Trust shareholders; (2) protect the confidentiality of portfolio holdings information; (3) have procedures in place to guard against personal trading based on the information; and (4) ensure that the disclosure of portfolio holdings information does not create conflicts between the interests of the Trust’s shareholders and those of the Trust’s affiliates.

 

The Fund’s portfolio holdings are, or will be, disclosed on the Adviser’s website at www.RegentsParkFunds.com each day the Fund is open for business. The Fund’s portfolio holdings information will also generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including Authorized Participants (as defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Fund in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day.

 

The Fund discloses its portfolio holdings by mailing its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders approximately two months after the end of the fiscal year and semi-annual period. The Fund also discloses its portfolio holdings reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT two months after the end of each semi-annual period and quarter, respectively.

 

The Fund may choose to make portfolio holdings available to rating agencies such as Morningstar or Bloomberg earlier and more frequently on a confidential basis.

 

Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Fund’s portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their posting on the Adviser’s website or their filing with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N-PORT. In each case, a determination has been made by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose of the Fund and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential.

 

●

The Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Personnel of the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing the Fund’s portfolio, may have full daily access to portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide its management and administrative services to the Fund, and the Sub-Adviser to provide its investment services to the Fund. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of the portfolio managers in the trading of

such securities, Adviser and Sub-Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.

 

●

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is the fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

 

●

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is custodian for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

 

●

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with auditing the Fund’s annual financial statements and providing other audit, tax and related services for the Fund.

 

●

Blank Rome LLP is counsel to the Fund; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with review of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.

 

Additions to List of Approved Recipients. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information in connection with the operation or administration of the Fund, as determined by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

 

Compliance With Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Fund’s portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.

 

There is no assurance that the Trust’s policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Fund from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.

 

MANAGEMENT

The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust’s By-laws (collectively, the “Governing Documents”), which have been filed with the SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of four individuals, all of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (“Independent Trustees”). Pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Trust, the Trustees shall elect officers including, but not limited to, a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Chief Compliance Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust’s purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

 

Board Leadership Structure. The Board is led by Mark Gersten, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since the Trust was first registered with the SEC in 2012. Under the Governing Documents, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at Board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, and (c) execution and administration of Trust policies, including (i) setting the agendas for Board meetings and (ii) providing information to Board members in advance of each Board meeting and between Board meetings. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by our shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its funds and each shareholder.

 

Board Risk Oversight. The Board of Trustees is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees and has established an Audit Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Corporate Governance Committee”), each with a separate chair. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers

financial and reporting the risk within its area of responsibilities. Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information.

 

Trustee Qualifications. Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills. Mark Garbin has over 40 years of experience in corporate balance sheet and income statement risk management for large asset managers. Mr. Garbin has extensive derivatives experience and has provided consulting services to alternative asset managers. Mr. Garbin holds both a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) and Professional Risk Manager (“PRM”) designation and has earned and holds advanced degrees in international business, negotiation and derivatives. Mark Gersten has over 40 years of business experience in the investment management business with a focus on mutual funds and alternative funds. He serves as a member of other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his service to this board and extensive experience administering mutual funds. Mr. Gersten is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA in accounting. Neil Kaufman has over 40 years of experience as a corporate and securities attorney and possesses a deep understanding of the securities industry in general and financial statements in particular. Mr. Kaufman has previously served as the Chairman of a NASDAQ-listed technology company and the Chairman of the Banking & Securities Law committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. Anita Krug has 9 years of experience as an attorney advising investment companies and investment advisory firms, particularly those managing hedge funds. She also has extensive experience as a law professor whose scholarship addresses such topics as the fiduciary duties of investment advisers and broker-dealers, commodity futures regulation, and corporate structure and governance. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee’s qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them well qualified.

 

Trustees and Officers. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years and other information, are shown below. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707 Cincinnati, OH 45246.

 

Independent Trustees *

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth	Position(s) Held with Registrant	Term and Length Served	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Number of Portfolios Overseen In The Fund Complex**	Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years
Mark Garbin Year of Birth: 1951	Trustee	Indefinite, Since 2012	Managing Principal, Coherent Capital Management LLC (since 2008), Independent Director, OCHEE LP (2021-present)	7	Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); iDirect Private Markets Fund (2014-2024); Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund (since March 2018); OHA CLO Enhanced Equity II Genpar LLP (since 2021) and Carlyle Credit Income Fund (since September 2023)

Name, Address, Year of Birth	Position(s) Held with Registrant	Term and Length Served	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Number of Portfolios Overseen In The Fund Complex**	Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years
Mark D. Gersten Year of Birth: 1950	Chairman, Trustee	Indefinite, Since 2012	Independent Consultant (since 2012); Senior Vice President – Global Fund Administration Mutual Funds & Alternative Funds, AllianceBernstein LP (1985 – 2011)	7	Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2013); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2013); iDirect Private Markets Fund (since 2014); iDirect Private Credit Fund (since 2024); iDirect Multi-Strategy Fund, LLC (since 2025); ; TPG Private Markets Fund (since 2025); Morgan Stanley Private Markets and Alternatives Fund (since 2025); previously, Ramius Archview Credit and Distressed Fund (2015-2017); and Schroder Global Series Trust (2012 to 2017)
Neil M. Kaufman Year of Birth: 1960	Trustee, Audit Committee Chairman	Indefinite, Since 2012	Managing Member, Kaufman McGowan PLLC (legal services)(Since 2016)	7	iDirect Private Markets Fund (2014-2024)
Anita K. Krug Year of Birth: 1969	Trustee, Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson	Indefinite, Since 2012	Dean (2019-2025) and Professor (since 2019) of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology; Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (2018-2019) University of Washington Bothell; Interim Dean (2017-2018), Professor (2016-2019), Associate Professor (2014-2016); and Assistant Professor (2010-2014), University of Washington School of Law	7	iDirect Private Markets Fund (since 2014); iDirect Private Credit Fund (since 2024); iDirect Multi-Strategy Fund, LLC (since 2025); ; TPG Private Markets Fund (since 2025); Morgan Stanley Private Markets and Alternatives Fund (since 2025) and previously, Centerstone Investors Trust (2016-2021)

 

*

Information is as of October 31, 2025.

 

**

As of October 31, 2025, the Trust was comprised of 25 active portfolios managed by eight unaffiliated investment advisers and two affiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to those funds that (i) are advised by a common investment adviser or by an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the investment adviser of any of the other funds in the Trust or (ii) hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other funds in the Trust, except for the Anfield Universal Fixed Income and Anfield Enhanced Market ETF, each of which is advised by Anfield Capital Management, LLC (“Anfield”) (an affiliate of the Fund’s Adviser), and Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Regents Park Hedged Market Strategy ETF, Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, and Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF, each of which is advised by the Fund’s Adviser and sub-advised by Anfield.

Officers of the Trust*

 

Name, Address, Year of Birth	Position(s) Held with Registrant	Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years	Number of Portfolios Overseen In The Fund Complex**	Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years
James Colantino Year of Birth: 1969	President Since Feb. 2017 Treasurer (2012 to 2017)	Senior Vice President (2012-present); Vice President (2004 to 2012); Ultimus Fund Solutions LLC	N/A	N/A
Laura Szalyga Year of Birth: 1978	Treasurer Since Feb. 2017	Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions LLC (since 2015); Assistant Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions LLC (2011-2014)	N/A	N/A
Timothy Burdick Year of Birth: 1986	Vice President Since Aug. 2022 Secretary Since Aug. 2022	Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2023 – present); Vice President and Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2022 – 2023); Assistant Vice President and Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019 – 2022).	N/A	N/A
Dan Ellenwood Year of Birth: 1969	Chief Compliance Officer Since October 2025	Vice President, Senior Compliance Officer, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (June 2023 - present); Chief Compliance Officer, North Square Investments, LLC (2021 – 2023); Vice President, Fund Compliance Oversight Manager, Nuveen Investments – TIAA (2013 – 2021).	N/A	N/A

 

*

Information is as of October 31, 2025.

 

**

As of October 31, 2025, the Trust was comprised of 25 active portfolios managed by ten unaffiliated investment advisers and two affiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to those funds in the Trust that (i) are advised by a common investment adviser or by an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the investment adviser of any of the other series of the Trust or (ii) hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other funds in the Trust, except for the Anfield Universal Fixed Income and Anfield Enhanced Market ETF, each of which is advised by Anfield (an affiliate of the Fund’s Adviser), and Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Regents Park Hedged Market Strategy ETF, Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, and Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF, each of which is advised by the Fund’s Adviser and sub-advised by Anfield.

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee that consists of all of the Trustees none of whom is an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include, among other things: (i) the selection, retention or termination of the Trust’s independent auditors and approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust’s financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust’s independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor’s independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management’s responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. During the fiscal period ended October 31, 2025, the Audit Committee held seven meetings.

 

Corporate Governance Committee. On December 10, 2024, the Board reconstituted the Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee consists of all of the Trustees, all of whom are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Ms. Krug is the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities include, among other things: (i) to identify and recommend individuals qualified to become Trustees and members of Board committees, as well as evaluate and make recommendations to the Board regarding trustee qualifications, selection criteria and Board size and composition; (ii) to periodically review and make recommendations with respect to the Board’s corporate governance policies and procedures and the Trust’s code of ethics; (iii) to monitor data submitted to the Board by individual trustees that may be relevant for evaluating independence and make recommendations to the Board regarding action, if any, that may be required or appropriate; (iv) to oversee an annual self-assessment of the Board’s and Board committees’ performance; and (v) to review and reassess annually trustee compensation and, if appropriate, recommend changes in Trustee compensation to the Board. The Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee in care of the Trust’s Secretary. During the fiscal period ended October 31, 2025, the Corporate Governance Committee held two meetings.

 

Compensation of Trustees.

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Trust pays each Independent Trustee a fee of $100,000 per annum, as well as reimbursements for any reasonable expenses incurred attending the meetings, to be paid at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $20,000 and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $15,000. The Chairperson of the Corporate Governance Committee receives an additional annual fee of $5,000. The Trust also pays each Independent Trustee a fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting (and/or Committee meeting held in connection with such a Board meeting) other than a regularly scheduled meeting (a “Special Meeting”), except that the Audit Committee will permit up to four Special Meetings a year without any additional fees.

 

No “interested persons” who serves as a Trustee of the Trust will receive any compensation for their services as Trustee. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, deferred compensation, pension or retirement plan.

The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from the Fund and the other funds in the Fund Complex during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025*. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, deferred compensation, pension or retirement plan.

 

Name and Position	Aggregate Compensation From Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF*	Total Compensation From Fund Complex Paid to Trustees**
Mark Garbin	$3,013.40	$24,487.92
Mark Gersten	$3,816.98	$31,018.13
Neil Kaufman	$3,616.09	$29,385.50
Anita Krug	$3,113.85	$25,304.18

 

*

The Trustees’ fees are allocated equally to each series in the Trust. The Trust is comprised of multiple series with differing fiscal year ends. Each fund in the Fund Complex may also have differing fiscal year ends. The compensation paid to the Board of Trustees is calculated on a calendar quarter basis.

 

**

The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Fund and to Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF, Regents Park Hedged Market Strategy ETF, Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund, and Anfield Enhanced Market ETF. For this section, Fund Complex also includes the Foundations Dynamic Core ETF, Foundations Dynamic Growth ETF, Foundations Dynamic Income ETF and Foundations Dynamic Value ETF, each of which was liquidated on June 20, 2025. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the aggregate Independent Trustees’ fees paid by the entire Trust were $337,500.

 

Trustees’ Ownership of Shares in the Fund. As of December 31, 2025, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund and the family of investment companies overseen by the Trustees.

 

Name of Trustee	Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund	Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies*
Mark Garbin	None	None
Mark Gersten	None	None
Neil Kaufman	None	None
Anita Krug	None	None

 

*

Refers to all series of the Trust.

 

Management Ownership

 

As of February 3, 2026, the Trustees and officers, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund in the Fund Complex.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control.

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes. Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. The following persons or “groups” (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)) are DTC members reflecting ownership of 5% or more of the Fund’s outstanding shares as of February 5, 2026:

 

Name & Address	Percentage of Fund
National Financial Services, LLC 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310	44.52%
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105	42,57%

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUB-ADVISER

Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement

 

Regents Park Funds, LLC, 4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 155, Newport Beach, CA 92660, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of the Trust, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of the Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees. In general, the Adviser’s duties include setting the Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, agrees to invest the assets of the Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Fund and, as such shall, (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.

 

In addition, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provides the management and supplemental administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. These services include providing assisting in the supervising of relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Fund; assisting in the preparing of all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; assisting in maintaining the Fund’s records and the registration of the Fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; assisting in developing management and shareholder services for the Fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.

 

The Fund pays an annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) of 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The renewal of the Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board of the Trust, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on March 19, 2025.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, through February 28, 2027 to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.67% of the Fund’s average daily net assets; subject to possible recoupment from

the Fund in future years within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have agreed that the Sub-Adviser will reimburse all Fund expenses directly.

 

Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or Distributor (as defined under the section entitled (“The Distributor”) (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund’s shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (i) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund and of shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (j) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees’ meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders and (k) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (with respect to the Fund). The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

The advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser through its fiscal year end on October 31, 2023, October 31, 2024, and October 31, 2025, were:

 

Fiscal Year	Management Fee	Fees Earned by the Advisor	Advisory Fees Waived	Net Fees Earned by the Advisor	Expense Reimbursed	Amount Subject to Recoupment
October 31, 2023	0.47%	$169,059	$158,154	$10,905	$0	$158,154
October 31, 2024	0.47%	$148,270	$148,270	$0	$9,481	$157,751
October 31, 2025	0.47%	$182,706	$146,309	$36,397	$0	$146,309

 

Sub-Adviser and Sub-Advisory Agreement

 

The Adviser has engaged Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC to serve as sub-adviser to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser, with respect to the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser, is responsible for selecting investments and assuring that investments are made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions.

 

The Sub-Advisory Agreement shall continue in effect for two (2) years initially and then from year to year, provided it is approved at least annually by a vote of the majority of the Trustees, who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty at any time by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser on 60 days written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act).

 

The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that the Sub-Adviser will formulate and implement a continuous investment program for the Fund, in accordance with the Fund’s objective, policies and limitations and any investment guidelines established by the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser will, subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser, determine in its discretion which issuers and securities will be purchased, held, sold or exchanged by the Fund, and will place orders with and give instruction to brokers and dealers to cause the execution of such transactions. The Sub-Adviser is required to furnish, at its own expense, all investment facilities necessary to perform its obligations under the respective Sub-Advisory Agreement. Pursuant to the relevant Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, the Adviser, not the Fund, compensates the Sub-Adviser for its services from the management fee received from the Fund, at an annual rate of 0.43% of the Fund’s average net assets.

Codes of Ethics

 

The Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Distributor each have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that govern the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the code of ethics adopted by the Trust (the “Code”), the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Fund.

 

In addition, the Trust has adopted a separate code of ethics that applies only to the Trust’s executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Fund; iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and v) accountability for adherence to the Code.

 

Proxy Voting Policies

 

The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Policies”) on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser or Sub-Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Policies also require the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser’s (and Sub-Adviser’s) Proxy Voting Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.

 

Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser will resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client’s directive using the recommendation of an independent third party. If the third party’s recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client’s account. A copy of the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policies are attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

More information. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-866-866-4848 and such information will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

THE DISTRIBUTOR

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 4221 North 203^rd Street, Ste. 100 Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 (the “Distributor”) serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Fund pursuant to an ETF Distribution Agreement with the Trust (the “ETF Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state’s securities laws and is a member of FINRA. The offering of the Fund’s shares is continuous. The ETF Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s shares, will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the sale of the Fund’s shares.

 

The ETF Distribution Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of the Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

The ETF Distribution Agreement may be terminated by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund on 60 days written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Fund. The ETF Distribution Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

 

The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with broker-dealers that solicit orders for the sale of shares of the Fund and may allow concessions to dealers that sell shares of the Fund.

Rule 12b-1 Plan

 

The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted Distribution Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) for Shares pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor’s account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Fund’s average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Fund may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Distributor. The Plans authorize payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others (“Recipients”) to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Fund will bear their own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund’s method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Fund under the Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

 

The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Fund’s investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Fund as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Distributor with respect to the Fund.

 

The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Rule Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients.

 

The initial term of each Plan is one year and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”) by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Plan. A Plan may be terminated at any time by the Trust or the Fund by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund.

 

A Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor’s compensation to be paid by the Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Plan. During the term of a Plan, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of each Plan, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.

 

Any agreement related to a Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Fund at any time upon sixty days’ written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Fund; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement. No “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund nor any Trustee had a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the plans or related agreements.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Gregory R. Lai

 

As of October 31, 2025, Mr. Lai was responsible for the portfolio management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Fund:

 

Account Type	Number of Accounts by Account Type	Total Assets By Account Type (in millions)	Number of Accounts by Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee	Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee (in millions)
Registered Investment Companies	1	$49.2	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0	0	$0
Other Accounts	68	$1,181	0	$0

 

Fiona Zhang

 

As of October 31, 2025, Ms. Zhang was responsible for the portfolio management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Fund.

 

Account Type	Number of Accounts by Account Type	Total Assets By Account Type (in millions)	Number of Accounts by Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee	Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee (in millions)
Registered Investment Companies	1	$49.2	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	0	$0	0	$0
Other Accounts	68	$1,181	0	$0

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

In addition to sub-advising the Fund, the Sub-Adviser manages assets for other separately managed accounts. Many of the Sub-Adviser’s clients participate in investment programs that have investment objectives, policies and strategies that are substantially similar to the Fund. Other clients of the Sub-Adviser may have differing investment programs, objectives, policies and strategies. In general, when a portfolio manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Sub-Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or the Sub-Adviser could receive performance-based fees on certain accounts. The procedures to address conflicts of interest, if any, are described below.

 

The Sub-Adviser attempts to avoid conflicts of interest that may arise as a result of the management of multiple client accounts. From time to time, a portfolio manager may recommend or cause a client to invest in a security or other instrument in which another client of the Sub-Adviser has an ownership position. The Sub-Adviser has adopted certain procedures intended to treat all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. To the extent that the portfolio manager seeks to purchase or sell the same security or other instrument for multiple client accounts, the Sub-Adviser may aggregate, or bunch, these orders where the portfolio manager deems this to be appropriate and consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. When a bunched order is filled in its entirety, each participating client account will participate at the average share prices for the bunched order. When a bunched order is only partially filled, the securities or other instruments purchased will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to each account participating in the bunched order based upon the initial amount requested for the account, subject to certain exceptions. Each participating account will receive the average share price for the bunched order on the same business day.

 

In addition, certain activities of the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, their affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, or employees, give rise to potential other conflicts of interest. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser share common office space.

 

. Anfield and the Adviser are under common control by virtue of both being wholly owned by the Anfield Group, LLC. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser each understand their duty to act in the best interests of Fund shareholders.

 

Compensation

 

Mr. Lai and Ms. Zhang are compensated through a combination of base salary, discretionary bonus and equity participation in the Sub-Adviser.

Ownership of Securities

 

The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers in the Fund as of October 31, 2025.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager	Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
Gregory R. Lai	$100,001-$500,000
Fiona Zhang	$0

 

ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE

 

Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Fund are made by a portfolio manager who is an employee of the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of the Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Fund or the Adviser or Sub-Adviser for the Fund’s use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.

 

In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser will take the following into consideration:

 

●

the best net price available;

 

●

the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer;

 

●

the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and

 

●

the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Fund on a continuing basis.

 

Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Fund. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Fund.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund paid $23,714 in brokerage commissions. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, the Fund paid $20,205 in brokerage commissions. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund paid $26,943 in brokerage commissions.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2024, the Fund had a portfolio turnover rate of 104%. For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2025, the Fund had a portfolio turnover rate of 112%.

 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Fund Administration

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, (the “Administrator” or “UFS”), which has its principal office at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246 and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. The Administrator is an affiliate of the Distributor.

Pursuant to an ETF Fund Services Agreement with the Fund, the Administrator provides administrative services to the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Administrator may provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of the Administrator or its affiliates.

 

The ETF Fund Services Agreement is dated September 28, 2021. The ETF Fund Services Agreement is in effect for two years from its initial approval and is subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The ETF Fund Services Agreement is terminable by the Board or the Administrator on ninety days’ written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent. This ETF Fund Services Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Administrator shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

 

Under the ETF Fund Services Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (ii) facilitating the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others, including the Fund’s Custodian; (iii) preparing, but not paying for, the periodic updating of the Fund’s Registration Statement, Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators, and preparing reports to the Fund’s shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel, but not paying for, all filings under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of such states or countries as are designated by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of the Fund and/or its shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring sales of Shares and ensure that the Shares are properly and duly listed with the applicable securities exchanges; and (vii) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses.

 

The Administrator also provides the Fund with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Fund’s listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for the Fund; (vi) maintaining certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciling account information and balances among the Fund’s custodian and Adviser; (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Fund; and (viii) creating the Fund’s daily portfolio composition file (“PCF”), assisting with inputting the PCF into the NSCC system and facilitating any other communications required by the NSCC related to the PCFs.

 

For administrative services rendered to the Fund under the ETF Fund Services Agreement, the Fund pays UFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. For the fund accounting services rendered to the Fund under the ETF Fund Services Agreement, the Fund pays UFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset-based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays UFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year October 31, 2023, the Fund incurred $69,059 in fund administration fees. For the fiscal year October 31, 2024, the Fund incurred $81,836 in fund administration fees. For the fiscal year October 31, 2025, the Fund incurred $68,179 in fund administration fees.

 

Transfer Agent

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to written agreement with Fund (the “Transfer Agent”). Under the agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund incurred $18,432 in transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, the Fund incurred $7,809 in transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund incurred $15,620 in transfer agency fees.

 

Custodian

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Custodian”), serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund’s investments. Pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers;

posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Fund may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 4221 North 203^rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022, an affiliate of the Administrator and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Fund, the Fund pays NLCS a one-time fee plus an annual asset-based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.

 

Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series or classes. Matters such as ratification of the independent public accountants and election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.

 

The Trust’s by-laws state that unless the Trust consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forums for any Shareholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Trust; (ii) any action asserting a claim or breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any Trustee, officer or employee, if any, of the Trust to the Trust or the Trust’s Shareholders or its beneficial owners; (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Trust, its Trustees, officers or employees, if any, arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust or by-laws; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Trust, its Trustees, officers or employees, if any, governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware. The Trust’s by-laws also state that any person or entity that is a shareholder of the Trust shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions of the Trust’s by-laws.

 

The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal, per-class, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Fund. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM

The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust’s Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust’s Secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.

 

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund’s Distributor, and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reported suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

As a result of the Program, the Trust may be required to “freeze” the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES

Calculation of Share Price

 

As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading “Determination of Net Asset Value”, the NAV of the Fund’s shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund’s portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

 

Generally, the Fund’s domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. The Board has appointed the Fund’s Adviser as its valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) for all fair value determinations and responsibilities with respect to the Fund, other than overseeing pricing service providers used by any series of the Trust, including the Fund. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the-counter market.

 

Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost, provided such valuations represent par value.

 

Exchange traded options are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

 

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund’s calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.

 

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.

Fund shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the “NYSE Close”) on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally uses pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign (non-U.S.) securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

 

When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.

 

The Administrator calculates the Fund’s NAV at the NYSE. NAV is calculated by deducting all of the Fund’s liabilities from the total value of its assets and dividing the result by the number of Shares outstanding, rounding to the nearest cent. All valuations are subject to review by the Trust’s Board or its delegate.

 

In determining NAV, expenses are accrued and applied daily and securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. The NAV for the Fund will be calculated and disseminated daily. The value of the Fund’s portfolio securities is based on market value when market quotations are readily available.

 

Exchange-traded securities, such as common and preferred stocks, ETFs, ETPs, ETNs, closed-end funds, REITs, MLPs, REOCs and similar instruments, generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the Exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. If a security’s market price is not readily available, the security will be valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. The values of assets denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars based on the mean of the current bid and asked prices by major banking institutions and currency dealers.

 

Bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments are valued by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices are accurate and reflect the fair market value of such securities. If the Adviser decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser, subject to review by the Board of Trustees. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be amortized to maturity, provided such valuations represent par value.

 

Futures contracts listed for trading on a futures exchange or board of trade for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean of the last bid and ask prices.

 

Even when market quotations are available, they may be stale or unreliable because the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable; the number of quotations is such as to indicate that there is a thin market in the security; a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value; or the Adviser is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations such as issuer-specific events, which may include a merger or insolvency, events which affect a geographical area or an industry segment, such as political events or natural disasters, or market events, such as a significant movement in the U.S. market. Where market quotations are not readily available, including where the Adviser determines that the closing price of the security is unreliable, the Adviser will value the security at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

 

Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase Shares, the value of the Fund’s investments may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase Shares.

Notice to Texas Shareholders

 

Under section 72.1021(a) of the Texas Property Code, initial investors in the Fund who are Texas residents may designate a representative to receive notices of abandoned property in connection with Fund shares. Texas shareholders who wish to appoint a representative should notify the Trust’s Transfer Agent by writing to the address below to obtain a form for providing written notice to the Trust:

 

Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

Creation Units

 

The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 50,000 Shares. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares outstanding of the Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.

 

Authorized Participants

 

To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an Authorized Participant. In order to be an Authorized Participant, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant (“Participating Party”) in the Continuous Net Settlement System (“Clearing Process”) of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system (“DTC Participant”), and you must execute an agreement (“Participant Agreement”) with the Distributor that governs transactions in the Fund’s Creation Units.

 

Investors who are not Authorized Participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an Authorized Participant and therefore must still transact through an Authorized Participant may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of Authorized Participants at any one time.

 

Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.

 

Transaction Fees

 

A fixed fee payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by the Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of the Fund.

 

Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Fund are listed in the table below.

 

Fee for In-Kind and Cash Purchases	Minimum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases*	Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases*
$1,800	0.20%	2.00%

 

*

As a percentage of the amount invested.

The Clearing Process

 

Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions “through the Clearing Process.” Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions “outside the Clearing Process.” The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system (“Federal Reserve System”). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).

 

Foreign Securities

 

Because the portfolio securities of the Fund may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Fund, or to purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.

 

Purchasing Creation Units

 

Portfolio Deposit

 

The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the Deposit Securities and a Cash Component. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Portfolio Deposit.” The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from the Fund.

 

On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of Deposit Securities.

 

Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The Authorized Participant must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.

 

Custom Orders and Cash-in-lieu

 

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (“cash-in-lieu”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Deposit Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash in lieu of Deposit Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more Deposit Securities. The Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities including that the Deposit Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Orders.”

 

Purchase Orders

 

To order a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.

 

Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders

 

An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order to receive that Business Day’s NAV (“Cut-off Time”). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” An order to create Creation Units is deemed received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or

effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the “Settlement Date,” which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date (“T+1”) for cash and the second Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities T+1.

 

Orders Using the Clearing Process

 

If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.

 

Orders Outside the Clearing Process

 

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to the Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day’s Portfolio Deposit. Authorized Participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to the Fund for any losses incurred by the Fund in connection therewith.

 

Orders involving foreign Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of the Fund to maintain an account into which an Authorized Participant may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu), with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering Authorized Participant will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to the Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.

 

Acceptance of Purchase Order

 

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund. The Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust, Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Fund’s Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an Authorized Participant of its rejection of the order. The Fund, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

Issuance of a Creation Unit

 

Once the Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.

 

Except as provided below, a Creation Unit will not be issued until the Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. The delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no later than T+1.

 

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

 

With respect to orders involving foreign Deposit Securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu) have been delivered to the Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+1, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.

 

The Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) Deposit Securities have not been delivered, in reliance on an undertaking by the relevant Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal to at least 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Collateral”), as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars.

 

While (certain) Deposit Securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser) of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing securities, and the Authorized Participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund. More information regarding the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.

 

Cash Purchase Method

 

When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.

 

Redeeming a Creation Unit

 

Redemption Basket

 

The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption Securities”) and a Cash Component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Redemption Basket.”

 

There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in Shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.

 

The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the

Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to the Fund.

 

If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares or determination of the ETF’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.

 

Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-lieu

 

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Redemption Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. The Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Redemptions.”

 

Redemption Requests

 

To redeem a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.

 

An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Fund that it has ascertained or has reasonable grounds to believe that as of the time of the contractual settlement date, that (i) it or its customer, as the case may be, owns, will own or have the authority and right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund on the contractual settlement date. The Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by the Fund.

 

Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests

 

An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.

 

Requests Using the Clearing Process

 

If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.

Requests Outside the Clearing Process

 

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.

 

Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption to the Fund’s local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund’s accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).

 

Acceptance of Redemption Requests

 

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Delivery of Redemption Basket

 

Once the Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.

 

The Redemption Basket will generally be delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+1. Except under the circumstances described below, however, a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.

 

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

 

With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+1 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. If the Fund includes a foreign investment in its basket, and if a local market holiday, or series of consecutive holidays, or the extended delivery cycles for transferring foreign investments to redeeming Authorized Participants prevents timely delivery of the foreign investment in response to a redemption request, the Fund may delay delivery of the foreign investment more than seven days if the Fund delivers the foreign investment as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 days.

 

Cash Redemption Method

 

When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.

TAX STATUS

The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of the Fund, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and activities of the partnership. All shareholders (and partners in a partnership that is a shareholder) should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding their investment in the Fund.

 

The Fund has qualified and has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, the Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of the Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Code.

 

Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

The Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income if any, will be made quarterly and net capital gain, if any, will be made annually no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.

 

To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the Fund must also, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the Fund’s assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

 

If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations (currently, at a maximum rate of 21%). Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund. Distributions by the Fund in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund and any such amount in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below.

 

The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of the Fund’s ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to the Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.

The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Code.

 

Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

Distributions of net capital gain (“capital gain dividends”) generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders.

 

The Fund may be able to report a portion of its income as “qualified dividend income,” which, if certain conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the Fund and the shareholders, is taxable to noncorporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%. In general, dividends may be reported by the Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (i.e., certain foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the U.S. or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the U.S., and certain other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.). Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose, and dividends received by the Fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income.

 

The Fund, however, may designate dividends from a REIT as “section 199A dividends” to the extent of the excess of the ordinary REIT dividends, other than capital gain dividends and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income, that the Fund receives from such REIT for a taxable year over the Fund’s expenses allocable to such dividends. Section 199A dividends may be taxed to individuals and other non-corporate shareholders at a reduced effective U.S. federal income tax rate, provided the shareholder has satisfied a holding period requirement for the Fund’s shares and satisfied certain other conditions.

 

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund, to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceed certain threshold amounts. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

 

Redemption of Fund shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder’s tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.

 

Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in cash or additional shares. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.

 

All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.

 

Under the Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax (currently, as a 24% rate) in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if the Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends.

If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.

 

The Fund (or its administrative agent) is required to report to the IRS and furnish to shareholders the cost basis information for sale transactions of shares. Shareholders may elect to have one of several cost basis methods applied to their account when calculating the cost basis of shares sold, including average cost, FIFO or some other specific identification method. Unless you instruct otherwise, the Fund will use average cost as its default cost basis method. If average cost is used for the first sale of shares, the shareholder may only use an alternative cost basis method for shares purchased prospectively. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the best cost basis method for their tax situation. Shareholders that hold their shares through a financial intermediary should contact such financial intermediary with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Shareholders

 

The foregoing discussion relates only to U.S. federal income tax law as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and domestic corporations, trusts and estates). Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisers regarding U.S. and foreign (non-U.S.) tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty) and the possibility they may be subject to U.S. estate tax. A portion of the Fund’s distributions received by a foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder may, however, be exempt from U.S. withholding tax to the extent properly reported by the Fund as attributable to U.S. source interest income and short-term capital gains. If a foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder is eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax under an applicable tax treaty, the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder will be required to provide an applicable IRS Form W-8 certifying its entitlement to benefits under the treaty in order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding tax. However, if the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder (or, if an income tax treaty applies, attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States of the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder), then the distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. persons, plus, in certain cases where the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder is a corporation, a branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided in an applicable treaty). If the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder is subject to such U.S. income tax on a distribution, then the Fund is not required to withhold U.S. federal tax if the foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements.

 

Ordinary dividends, paid to a foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder that fails to make certain required certifications, or that is a “foreign financial institution” as defined in Section 1471 of the Code and that does not meet the requirements imposed on foreign financial institutions by Section 1471, are generally subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate. A foreign (non-U.S.) shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement. While withholding described in this paragraph would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of shares on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury regulations eliminate such withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury regulations until final Treasury regulations are issued.

 

Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements

 

To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund’s transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.

 

To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of the Fund’s hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If the Fund’s book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Fund’s book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies

 

Investment by the Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company’s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.

 

The Fund also may make an election to “mark to market” the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

 

Foreign Taxation

 

Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to “pass through” to the Fund’s shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will “pass through” for that year.

 

Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of the Fund’s income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to the Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

 

Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities

 

Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

 

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A

portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

 

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund’s shares.

 

A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.

 

Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Deloitte & Touche LLP, located at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal period. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements and providing other audit, tax and related services for the Fund.

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Blank Rome LLP, located at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, serves as the Trust’s legal counsel.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the Fund included in the Fund’s most recent N-CSR filing for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, including the notes thereto and report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are incorporated by reference into this SAI. These financial statements include the Fund’s schedule of investments, statement of assets and liabilities, statement of operations, statement of changes in net assets, financial highlights and notes. You may obtain a copy of the Fund’s most recent N-CSR filing by calling the Fund at 1-866-866-4848.

Appendix A

Adviser and Sub-Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

REGENTS PARK FUNDS, LLC

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

November 1, 2022

 

Each Fund exercises its proxy voting rights with regard to the companies in that Fund’s investment portfolio, with the goals of maximizing the value of the Fund’s investments, promoting accountability of a company’s management and board of directors to its shareholders, aligning the interests of management with those of shareholders, and increasing transparency of a company’s business and operations.

 

In general, Regents Park believes that each sub-adviser, which selects the individual companies that are part of each Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best suited to make decisions about proxy votes. Therefore, Regents Park defers to and relies on the sub-adviser, as appropriate, to make decisions on casting proxy votes that are in the best interest of the clients.

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

It is the policy of Regents Park to identify any potential conflicts of interest prior to the voting of any proxies. When reviewing proxy proposals, the CCO will monitor for conflicts of interest. If the proposal falls within our predetermined voting guidelines, we will vote according to the guidelines. If a conflict is identified, Regents Park may disclose the conflict to the applicable clients or contact a third party to advise Regents Park to determine the vote and/or provide voting recommendations.

 

It is feasible that from time to time a potential conflict of interest may arise in the voting of proxies. Such conflicts may occur if an adviser manages a pension plan, administers employee benefit plans, or provides brokerage, underwriting, insurance, or banking services to a company whose management is soliciting proxies. Failure to vote in favor of management may harm the adviser’s relationship with the company. The adviser may also have relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. For example, an executive of the adviser may have a spouse or other close relative who serves as a director or executive of a company. Another potential conflict of interest would be voting for an increase in 12b-1 fees when this is a source of compensation for advisers.

 

Proxy and Mirror Voting

 

The Fund may invest in shares of open-end investment companies. Pursuant to recently enacted SEC rules, the Fund and any “affiliated persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, must comply with certain conditions in order to purchase more than 3% in the aggregate of the total outstanding securities of any underlying fund, however if the underlying investment company and/or the Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from SEC in connection with such purchases, the Fund may rely on such relief to make such purchases until January 19, 2022, so long as the underlying investment company and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order.

 

Section 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act. will permit a registered or regulated investment company (an acquiring fund) to acquire the securities of any other registered or regulated investment company (an acquired fund) more than the limits in Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, provided certain conditions are met.

 

Section 12(d)(1)(A) states that a registered investment company may not invest in the securities of another investment company if the acquiring company owns more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of the acquired company; the acquiring company owns securities issued by the acquired company with an aggregate value greater than 5% of its total assets; or the acquiring company owns securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies having an aggregate value greater than 10% of the value of its total assets.

 

Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying funds, the Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser or Sub-Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference.

Shares held by the Fund more than 1% of an underlying fund’s outstanding securities, therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of any Fund’s total assets. Under certain circumstances an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, the Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser or Sub-Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.

 

Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying funds, the Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser or Sub-Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference.

 

Shares held by the Fund more than 1% of an underlying fund’s outstanding securities, therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of any Fund’s total assets. Under certain circumstances an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, the Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser or Sub-Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.

 

Mirror Voting

 

Regents Park may invest in other investment companies more than the limitations in section 12(d) (1) of the 1940 Act. To benefit from the safe harbor of section 12(d) (1) (F), these Funds must mirror vote proposals on proxies issued by underlying investment companies.

 

Mirror voting means that the Fund votes its shares in the same proportion that all shares of the ETFs are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.

 

In addition, the Funds may invest in underlying investment companies in excess of the limitations prescribed within 12d1. Such Funds may participate in exemptive orders of underlying investment companies to the extent the Trust have signed the requisite participation agreements.

 

Regents Park will then mirror vote proxies received from the Underlying in order to rely on section 12(d)(1)(F).While Rule 12d1-4 will permit more types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order, it imposes a new set of conditions including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.

 

Form N-PX

 

Except with respect to sub-advised Funds, the Adviser is responsible for ensuring that proxy voting for all portfolio securities of the Funds and certain records relating to how the proxies were voted are maintained as required by the Advisers Act. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser shall provide a complete voting record for the Funds, as requested.

 

Annual Report of Proxy Voting Record

 

Form N-PX is used by Funds to file reports with the SEC containing the Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30. The Form must be filed not later than August 31 of each year. The following information must be collected for the Trust separately for Fund in order to complete and file Form N-PX:

 

1.

The name of the issuer of the Fund security.

 

2.

The exchange ticker symbol of the Fund security.

 

3.

The CUSIP number (may be omitted if not available through reasonably practicable means);

 

4.

The shareholder meeting date.

 

5.

A brief description of the matter voted on.

 

6.

Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or the security holder.

 

7.

Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter.

 

8.

How the Fund cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors).

 

9.

Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management

 

10.

The Funds may invest in other mutual funds and ETFs, which have no requirement to have an annual meeting. Therefore, proxy votes on mutual funds and ETFs are rare.

 

Compliance Process

 

1.

The Fund manager shall complete a Form N-PX Report at the time a Fund manager votes proxies on behalf of a Fund.

2.

The Fund manager shall keep one copy of each completed of the Form N-PX Report and deliver a copy to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

3.

At least 30 days prior to August 31, the Chief Compliance Officer shall review the Adviser’s corporate action records to determine whether any proxy votes were cast on behalf of the Fund for which reports were not filed. If an unreported vote is discovered, the Chief Compliance Officer shall contact the Fund manager for an explanation and documentation.

 

4.

The Chief Compliance Officer shall compile all Form N-PX reports submitted for the 12-month period ended June 30 and complete Form N-PX.

 

5.

Completed Form N-PX shall be sent to the Administrator who shall file Form N-PX with the SEC.

 

Recordkeeping

 

Regents Park will maintain the following records relating to our proxy voting procedures:

 

1.

Our proxy voting procedures and policies, and all amendments.

 

2.

All proxy statements received regarding client securities (provided however, that Regents Park may rely on the proxy statement filed on EDGAR as its records).

 

3.

A record of all votes cast on behalf of clients.

 

4.

Records of all client requests for proxy voting information.

 

5.

Any documents prepared by Regents Park that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and

 

6.

All records relating to requests made to clients regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.

 

7.

Documentation to support the method selected to resolve potential or actual conflicts of interests relating to a proxy proposal.

 

Pre-Trade Procedures for Funds of Funds

 

Regents Park may invest in series of other investment companies, including, but not limited to, mutual funds, closed end funds and ETFs (each an “Underlying Fund”). Fund investments in Underlying Funds are governed by Section 12d-1 of the 1940 Act, which restricts the amount that one investment company can invest in another.

 

By adopting “mirror voting” policies, Regents Park may rely on the safe harbor of Section 12d-1F of the 1940 Act, which permits broader latitude to invest in Underlying Funds.

 

In addition, Regents Park may further exceed the restrictions on investing in Underlying Funds by following the requirements under Rule 12d1-4.

 

Oversight/Monitoring of Fund of Fund Conditions

 

The Sub-Adviser will (1) ascertain the AUM of the underlying fund; (2) determine if the purchase would result in the Fund owning 3% or more of the outstanding shares of the underlying fund; and if not, whether any other Fund advised by Regents Park and other investment company accounts under its investment discretion own shares in the underlying fund; (3) will all Funds advised by Regents Park and other investment company accounts under Regents Park investment discretion, in the aggregate, including the anticipated purchase, own 3% or more of the outstanding shares of the underlying fund. If not, Regents Park can make the purchase.

 

As the Advisor, Regents Park Funds conducts post-trade portfolio compliance monitoring that includes monitoring for certain aspects of Section 12d-1 compliance, such as the three percent limit on a Fund’s ownership of the outstanding shares of an Underlying Fund. The CCO or designee must ensure pre-trade compliance with investment restrictions under Section 12d-1 and must report compliance with said Section to the board on a quarterly basis.

Exchange Listing Compliance for ETFs

 

Both the Adviser and Sub-Adviser shall semi-annually review compliance of each Fund with the listing exchange’s requirements for continued listing and shall confirm payment of all listing fees. Regents Park shall promptly share any communications from the listing exchange with the Chief Compliance Officer and Trust Counsel.

 

Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC Proxy Voting Procedures

 

Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (Affinity) considers proxy voting an important responsibility in its role as an investment advisor. The guidelines set forth below are to be followed in discharging our responsibilities as a fiduciary in voting proxies for clients who choose not to vote for themselves. These procedures also ensure that plan fiduciaries have the ability to review how proxies were voted in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

 

●

Affinity takes steps to ensure that reasonable efforts are made inasmuch that voting should take place in a timely fashion and that the firm casts all proxy votes.

 

●

We use reasonable efforts to do a thorough analysis of the issues and their potential impact on shareholder value in order to cast an informed vote.

 

●

Proxy information is maintained in a file with a record of how the proxy vote was cast.

 

●

Affinity acknowledges its responsibility to vote proxies in a manner that ensures the exclusive benefit for the clients. The firm casts such proxy votes to advance the economic interests of our clients and protect their rights as beneficial owners of the corporations in whose securities we invest.

 

●

Affinity is not required to vote every client proxy and refraining from voting should not necessarily be construed as a violation of Affinity’s fiduciary obligations. Affinity shall at no time ignore or neglect its proxy voting responsibilities. However, there may be times when refraining from voting is in the client’s best interest, such as when an adviser’s analysis of a particular client proxy reveals that the cost of voting the proxy may exceed the expected benefit to the client (i.e., casting a vote on a foreign security may require that the adviser engage a translator or travel to a foreign country to vote in person). Such position also complies with Interpretive Bulletin 94-2 of the DOL.

 

●

As a default, proxies are generally voted by Broadridge in accordance with Glass Lewis recommendations. However, Affinity retains ultimate decision making authority with respect to the voting of client proxies and reserves the right to override Glass Lewis recommendations.

 

●

Affinity generally votes non-shareholder value issues in alignment with management so long as there is no conflict with shareholder value. Examples of issues which pose a conflict with shareholder value would be poison pills and other anti-takeover measures. Even if the proposal is recommended by management, Affinity would vote against the measure.

 

●

Reasonable efforts are made to inform the portfolio management team of the proxy materials.

 

●

The portfolio management team shall be responsible for making voting decisions with respect to all client proxies, where a proxy is not voted in accordance with Glass Lewis recommendations. Such decisions shall be in writing and provided to the Chief Compliance Officer who will then ensure that such proxy votes are submitted in a timely manner.

 

●

In the event there is a potential conflict of interest in a ballot, we will obtain a third-party to vote in the best interest of our clients.

 

●

For any client who has provided specific voting instruction, Affinity shall vote that client’s proxy in accordance with the client’s written instructions.

 

●

Affinity will vote all proxies for the mutual fund.

 

●

Affinity will be responsible for filing the Form NPX.

APPENDIX B

 

The following is a description of the factors underlying the general long- and short-term debt ratings of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

The ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P Global Ratings”), Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), and DBRS^® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) represent their respective opinions as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact as to the quality of various long-term and short-term debt instruments they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, debt instruments with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while debt instruments of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. Ratings do not constitute recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security, nor do they comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of any payments of any security.

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market, typically with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation considered short-term in the relevant market, typically with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. However, the ratings S&P assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – Obligations rated “A-1” are rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – Obligations rated “A-2” are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – Obligations rated “A-3” exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are regarded as vulnerable and have significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – Obligations rated “D” are in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation ratings are based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

“NR” – This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issuer or issue.

 

“WD” – This designation indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

 

DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and

qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The “R-1” and “R-2” rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

S&P Global Ratings would typically assign a long-term issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater than 365 days. However, the ratings S&P assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices. The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – Obligations rated “AAA” have the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

“AA” – Obligations rated “AA” differ from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – Obligations rated “BBB” exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

 

“BB” – Obligations rated “BB” are less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – Obligations rated “CCC” are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

“CC” – Obligations rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – Obligations rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

“NR” – This indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

 

*

By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

 “A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk. A default or default-like process has begun, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include:

 

a.

the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

b.

the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

 

c.

closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: a. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; b. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation.

 

“D” – Default. D ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” category or to categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Denotes that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issue or issuer.

 

“WD” – Indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than “AAA” and “D” also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

●

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

●

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” – while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for these short-term obligations:

 

“MIG 1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG 2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG 3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

For variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), Moody’s assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligation resulting from optional tenders (“on demand”) and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of Variable Municipal Investment Grade (“VMIG”) ratings.

 

With conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade. For VRDOs, Moody’s typically assigns a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years.

 

If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is “NR”. Industrial development bonds in the United States where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody’s view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

 

“VMIG 1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

“VMIG 2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

“VMIG 3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack structural or legal protections.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

Fitch uses the same ratings for municipal securities as described above for other short-term credit ratings.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the

creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities. Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings relating to issuers are an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28.		Exhibits.
(a)	(1)	Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 28, 2019 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 28, 2019.
	(2)	Certificate of Trust as filed with the State of Delaware on June 8, 2012 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 28, 2012.
(b)		Registrant’s Amended and Restated By–Laws is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
		Registration Statement filed on September 25, 2018.
(c)		Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders – see relevant portions of Certificate of Trust and By-Laws
(d)	(1)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Redwood Managed Volatility Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.
	(2)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC, with respect to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 11, 2014.
	(3)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hanlon Investment Management, Inc., with respect to the Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015.
	(4)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. with respect to the Holbrook Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 13, 2016.
	(5)	Amended Exhibit A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. reflecting the addition of Holbrook Structured Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 21, 2022.
	(6)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC dated February 21, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 8, 2017.
	(7)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Recurrent Investment Advisors, LLC with respect to the Recurrent Natural Resources Fund and the Recurrent MLP & Infrastructure Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 24, 2017.
	(8)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Regents Park Funds, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 27, 2017.
	(9)	Amended Exhibit A to the Investment Advisory Agreement dated February 21, 2017 between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 28, 2019.
	(10)	Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Affinity Investment Advisors LLC with respect to the Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 27, 2017.
	(11)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Anfield Enhanced Market ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 24, 2025.
	(12)	Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 29, 2018.
	(13)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC with respect to the LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 25, 2018.
	(14)	Amended Exhibit A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 30, 2025.
	(15)	Amended Exhibit A to the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 21, 2021.
	(16)	Amended Exhibit A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Regents Park Funds, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 29, 2022.

 

	(17)	Amended Exhibit A to the Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 29, 2022.
	(18)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and IronHorse Capital LLC with respect to the Conductor Global Equity Value ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 12, 2022.
	(19)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hunter Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Hunter Small Cap Value Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 27, 2024.
	(20)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hypatia Capital Management LLC with respect to the Hypatia Women CEO ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 27, 2022.
	(21)	Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant, Hypatia Capital Management LLC and Vident Advisory, LLC with respect to the Hypatia Women CEO ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 27, 2024.
	(22)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and VestGen Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 24, 2025.
	(23)	Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Liberty One Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
	(24)	Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant, Liberty One Investment Management, LLC and Vident Advisory, LLC with respect to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
(e)	(1)	Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 29, 2025.
	(2)	ETF Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 29, 2025.
	(3)	Reserved.
	(4)	Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Financial Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 28, 2023.
(f)		Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts – None
(g)	(1)	Custodial Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015.
	(2)	Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 26, 2017.
	(3)	Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. with respect to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF  is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
	(4)	Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 30, 2025.
	(5)	Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 16, 2018.
	(6)	Amended Exhibit B to the Custody Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 30, 2025.
(h)	(1)	Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 26, 2021.
	(2)	Amended Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 12, 2022.
	(3)	Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC dated September 18, 2013, with respect to the Redwood Managed Volatility Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.

 

	(4)	Fee Waiver Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC, with respect to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2014.
	(5)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC, with respect to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 11, 2014.
	(6)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Affinity Small Cap Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 24, 2015.
	(7)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Hanlon Investment Management, Inc., with respect to the Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on August 12, 2015.
	(8)	Appendix A to Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Redwood Managed Volatility Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 24, 2015.
	(9)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. with respect to the Holbrook Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 13, 2016.
	(10)	Amended Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. reflecting the addition of Holbrook Structured Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 21, 2022.
	(11)	Amended Appendix A to Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Hanlon Investment Management, Inc., with respect to the Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2016.
	(12)	Expense Limitation Agreement dated February 21, 2017 between the Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 8, 2017.
	(13)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Recurrent Investment Advisors, LLC with respect to the Recurrent Natural Resources Fund and the Recurrent MLP & Infrastructure Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 24, 2017.
	(14)	Amended Appendix A to Expense Limitation Agreement dated February 21, 2017 between the Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Redwood AlphaFactor Core Equity Fund, Redwood AlphaFactor Tactical Core Fund, Redwood Managed Municipal Income Fund, Redwood Activist Leaders Fund, Redwood AlphaFactor Tactical International Fund and Redwood Systematic Macro Trend (“SMarT”) Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 1, 2017.
	(15)	ETF Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 26, 2021.
	(16)	Amended Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC, with respect to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on February 26, 2021.
	(17)	Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Regents Park Funds, LLC with respect to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF and Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 27, 2024.
	(18)	Amended Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 18, 2013 between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the Redwood Managed Volatility Fund is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2018.
	(19)	Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Regents Park Funds, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 15, 2019.

 

	(20)	Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and IronHorse Capital LLC with respect to the Conductor Global Equity Value ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 12, 2022.
	(21)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 19, 2022.
	(22)	Amended Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 9, 2025 between Registrant and Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 28, 2025.
	(23)	Amended Appendix A to the Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 30, 2025.
	(24)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Anfield Enhanced Market ETF is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on July 3, 2025.
	(25)	Expense Limitation Agreement between Registrant and Liberty One Investment Management, LLC with respect to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
	(26)	Fund Services Agreement between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, N.A. with respect to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
(i)	(1)	Legal Opinion and Consent is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2020.
	(2)	Amended Appendix A to the Legal Opinion and Consent is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
(j)	(1)	Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm – Filed herewith.
	(2)	Powers of Attorney are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 6, 2022.
	(3)	Resolution of the Board Authorizing Use of Powers of Attorney is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 6, 2022.
(k)		Omitted Financial Statements – None.
(l)	(1)	Subscription Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 26, 2012.
	(2)	Authorized Participation Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 26, 2017.
(m)	(1)	Class A Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 21, 2021.
	(2)	Class C Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.
	(3)	Class R Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.
	(4)	Class N Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.
	(5)	Amended Exhibit A to Class A Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 30, 2025.
	(6)	Amended Exhibit A to Class C Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 2, 2016.
	(7)	Amended Exhibit A to Class R Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2017.

 

	(8)	Amended Exhibit A to Class N Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 1, 2017.
	(9)	Investor Class Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2016.
	(10)	Amended Exhibit A to Investor Class Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 30, 2025.
	(11)	ETF 12b-1 Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on April 12, 2022.
	(12)	Amended Schedule A to ETF 12b-1 Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
(n)	(1)	Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 22, 2013.
	(2)	Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
(o)		Reserved
(p)	(1)	Code of Ethics for the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(2)	Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on February 28, 2020.
	(3)	Code of Ethics for Anfield Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(4)	Code of Ethics for Redwood Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(5)	Code of Ethics for IronHorse Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(6)	Code of Ethics for Affinity Investment Advisors is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(7)	Code of Ethics for Hanlon Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(8)	Code of Ethics for Holbrook Holdings, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(9)	Code of Ethics for Recurrent Investment Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(10)	Code of Ethics for Regents Park Funds, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on May 31, 2023.
	(11)	Code of Ethics for Liberty One Investment Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 24, 2025.
	(12)	Code of Ethics for Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 19, 2022.
	(13)	Code of Ethics for Hypatia Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 27, 2022.
	(14)	Code of Ethics for Vident Advisory, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 14, 2023.

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant. None.

 

Item 30. Indemnification.

 

Article VIII, Section 2(a) of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that to the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of Trustees and officers are permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act of 2002, the officers and Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any act or omission of: any agent or employee of the Trust; any investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust; or with respect to each Trustee and officer, the act or omission of any other Trustee or officer, respectively. The Trust, out of the Trust Property, is required to indemnify and hold harmless each and every officer and Trustee from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever arising out of or related to such officer’s or Trustee’s performance of his or her duties as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a Trustee or officer of the Trust whether or not such person is a Trustee or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted. Nothing contained in the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust indemnifies, holds harmless or protects any officer or Trustee from or against any liability to the Trust or any shareholder to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.

 

Article VIII, Section 2(b) of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or document whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust, the officers or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in such Person’s capacity as Trustee and/or as officer, and such Trustee or officer, as applicable, shall not be personally liable therefore, except as described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2 of Article VIII.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of Delaware law and the Amended Agreement and Declaration of the Registrant or the By-Laws of the Registrant, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Trust in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

  

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreements between Registrant and Redwood Investment Management, LLC (“Redwood”), incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (d)(1), (d)(6), (d)(9), (d)(15), and Section 4(a) of the Investment Advisory Agreement incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(13) provides for the indemnification of Redwood against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and IronHorse Capital, LLC (“IronHorse”), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(18), provides for the indemnification of IronHorse against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield Capital Management, LLC (“Anfield”), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2), Section 5(a) of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Anfield incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(11), and Section 11 of the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements between Registrant, Anfield and Regents Park Funds, LLC (“Regents Park”), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(12) and (d)(17), provide for the indemnification of Anfield against certain losses.

 

Section 11 of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant, Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC (“Affinity”) and Anfield and Regents Park, respectively, incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(10), provides for the indemnification of Affinity against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hanlon Investment Management, Inc. (“Hanlon”), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3), provides for the indemnification of Hanlon against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Holbrook Holdings, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(4), (d)(5), and (d)(14), provides for the indemnification of Holbrook against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Advisory Agreements between Registrant and Regents Park Funds, LLC (“Regents Park”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (d)(8) and (d)(16) provides for the indemnification of Regents Park against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Recurrent Investment Advisors, LLC (“Recurrent”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(7) provides for the indemnification of Recurrent against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC (“Hunter”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(19) provides for the indemnification of Hunter against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Hypatia Capital Management LLC (“Hypatia”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(20) provides for the indemnification of Hypatia against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant, Vident Advisory, LLC (“Vident”) and Hypatia incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(21), provides for the indemnification of Vident against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and VestGen Investment Management, LLC (“VestGen”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(22) provides for the indemnification of VestGen against certain losses.

 

Section 5 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Liberty One Investment Management, LLC (“Liberty”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(23) provides for the indemnification of Liberty against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Registrant, Liberty and Vident incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(24), provides for the indemnification of Vident against certain losses.

 

The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), its several officers and directors, and any person who controls NLD within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which NLD, its officers and directors, or any such controlling persons, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, (ii) any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in any of them not misleading, (iii) the Registrant’s failure to maintain an effective Registration statement and Prospectus with respect to Shares of the Funds that are the subject of the claim or demand, or (iv) the Registrant’s failure to provide NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis.

 

Each of the Fund Services Agreement and the ETF Fund Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“UFS”) provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold UFS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Registrant’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of such Agreement, or which arise out of the Registrant’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Registrant’s performance under or in connection with such Agreement.

 

The Consulting Agreement with Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) provides that the Registrant agree to indemnify and hold NLCS harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, expenses and liability arising out of or attributable to the Trust’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement, or which arise out of the Trust’s lack of good faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Trust’s performance under or in connection with the Agreement. NLCS shall not be liable for, and shall be entitled to rely upon, and may act upon information, records and reports generated by the Trust, advice of the Trust, or of counsel for the Trust and upon statements of the Trust’s independent accountants, and shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such records and reports.

 

The ETF Distribution Agreement with NLD provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each of NLD, its managers and officers and each person, if any, who controls NLD within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act against any loss, liability, claim, damages or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damages, or expense and reasonable counsel fees and disbursements incurred in connection therewith), arising by reason of any person acquiring any Shares or Creation Units, based upon (i) the ground that the registration statement, prospectus, shareholder reports or other information filed or made public by the Registrant (as from time to time amended) included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated or necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading, (ii) the Registrant’s failure to maintain an effective registration statement and prospectus with respect to Shares of the Fund that are the subject of the claim or demand, (iii) the Registrant’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, (iv) instructions given by the Registrant, the Registrant’s failure to perform its duties hereunder or any inaccuracy of its representations, (v) any claim brought under Section 11 of the Securities Act, or (vi) all actions taken by NLD hereunder resulting from NLD’s reliance on instructions received from an officer, agent or approved service provider of the Registrant.

 

The Distribution Agreement (the “Foreside Agreement”) with Foreside Financial Services, LLC (“Foreside”) provides that the Registrant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Foreside, its affiliates and each of their respective members, managers, directors, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls or previously controlled Foreside within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (collectively, the “Foreside Indemnitees”), free and harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages and expenses (including the reasonable costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages or expenses and any reasonable and documented counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) (collectively, “Losses”) that any Foreside Indemnitee may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act any other statute (including Blue

Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or relating to (i) Foreside serving as distributor of the Funds pursuant to the Foreside Agreement and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Foreside Agreement; (ii) the Registrant’s material breach of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in the Foreside Agreement; (iii) the Registrant’s failure to comply in all material respects with any applicable securities laws or regulations; or (iv) any claim that the Registration Statement, Prospectus, shareholder reports, marketing materials or other information filed or made public by the Registrant (as from time to time amended) include or included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading under the 1933 Act, or any other statute or the common law any violation of any rule of FINRA or of the SEC or any other jurisdiction wherein Shares of the Funds are sold, provided, however, that the Registrant’s obligation to indemnify any of the Foreside Indemnitees shall not be deemed to cover any Losses arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, Prospectus, annual or interim report, or any such marketing material in reasonable reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to Foreside and furnished to the Registrant or its counsel by Foreside in writing for use in such Registration Statement, Prospectus, annual or interim report, or any marketing materials. In no event shall anything contained in the Foreside Agreement be so construed as to protect Foreside against any liability to the Registrant or its shareholders to which Foreside would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the Foreside Agreement or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under the Foreside Agreement.

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers and Sub-Advisers.

 

Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Adviser of each series of the Trust is hereby incorporated herein by reference to the section of the respective Prospectus captioned “Investment Adviser” and to the section of the respective Statement of Additional Information captioned “Investment Advisory and Other Services.” The information required by this Item 31 with respect to each director, officer or partner of each Adviser is incorporated herein by reference to the Adviser’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Each Adviser’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, and may be requested by File No. as follows:

 

Anfield Capital Management, LLC, the Adviser to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income Fund and the Anfield Enhanced Market ETF, Sub-Adviser to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF, Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF and Regents Park Hedged Market Strategy ETF – File No. 801-77714

  

Redwood Investment Management, LLC, the Adviser to the Redwood Managed Volatility Fund, Redwood Managed Municipal Income Fund, Redwood AlphaFactor Tactical International Fund, Redwood Systematic Macro Trend (“SMarT”) Fund, LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF, LeaderShares AlphaFactor Tactical Focused ETF, and LeaderShares Dynamic Yield ETF – File No. 801-78563

 

IronHorse Capital, LLC, the Adviser to the Conductor Global Equity Value ETF – File No. 801-78730

 

Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, the Sub-Adviser to the Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF – File No. 801-42015

 

VestGen Investment Management, LLC, the Adviser to the Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund – File No. 801-60889

 

Holbrook Holdings, Inc., the Adviser to the Holbrook Income Fund, the Holbrook Structured Income Fund, and the Holbrook Total Return Fund – File No. 801-107682

 

Recurrent Investment Advisors LLC, the Adviser to the Recurrent MLP & Infrastructure Fund –File No. 801-110728

 

Regents Park Funds, LLC, the Adviser to the Anfield Universal Fixed Income ETF, Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF, Anfield U.S. Equity Sector Rotation ETF, Anfield Dynamic Fixed Income ETF, and Regents Park Hedged Market Strategy ETF– File No. 801-108885

 

Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC, the Adviser to the Hunter Small Cap Value Fund – File No. 801-118729

 

Hypatia Capital Management LLC, the Adviser to the Hypatia Women CEO ETF – File No. 801-126547

 

Vident Advisory, LLC, the Sub-Adviser to the Hypatia Women CEO ETF, Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF – File No. 801-114538

 

Liberty One Investment Management, LLC, the Adviser to the Liberty One Spectrum ETF, the Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF, and the Liberty One Tactical Income ETF – File No. 801-116826

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

 

(a)  Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), the principal underwriter of the Registrant, also acts as principal underwriter for the following: Atlas U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Inc., Atlas U.S. Tactical Income Fund, Inc., Boyar Value Fund Inc., Capitol Series Trust, CIM Real Assets & Credit Fund, Copeland Trust, DGI Investment Trust, Grandeur Peak Global Trust, Humankind Benefit Corporation, Miller Investment Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, The North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, Princeton Everest Fund, Segall Bryant & Hamill Trust, Texas Capital Funds Trust, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc., Ultimus Managers Trust, Unified Series Trust, Valued Advisers Trust, and Zacks Trust.

  

(b)  Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474. The following are the managers and officers of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:

 

Name	Positions and Offices with Underwriter	Positions and Offices with the Trust
Kevin Guerette	President	None
William Strait	Secretary, General Counsel, and Manager	None
Stephen Preston	Chief Compliance Officer, Financial Operations Principal, AML Compliance Officer	None
Melvin Van Cleave	Chief Information Securities Officer	None
David James	Manager	None

 

Foreside Financial Services, LLC, serves as principal underwriter for the following series of Two Roads Shared Trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended: Tactical Dividend and Momentum Fund.

 

Foreside Financial Services, LLC, serves as principal underwriter for the following:

 

Foreside Financial Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

1.	13D Activist Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust
2.	2nd Vote Funds
3.	A3 Alternative Credit Fund
4.	AAMA Equity Fund, Series of Asset Management Fund
5.	AAMA Income Fund, Series of Asset Management Fund
6.	Advisers Investment Trust
7.	AltShares Trust
8.	BMO Funds, Inc.
9.	BMO LGM Frontier Markets Equity Fund
10.	Boston Trust Walden Funds (f/k/a The Boston Trust & Walden Funds)
11.	Bow River Capital Evergreen Fund
12.	Conversus StepStone Private Markets
13.	Cook & Bynum Funds Trust
14.	Datum One Series Trust
15.	Diamond Hill Funds
16.	Driehaus Mutual Funds
17.	Emles Trust
18.	Engine No. 1 ETF Trust
19.	FlowStone Opportunity Fund
20.	Inspire 100 ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
21.	Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
22.	Inspire Faithward Large Cap Momentum ESG ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
23.	Inspire Faithward Mid Cap Momentum ESG ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
24.	Inspire Global Hope ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
25.	Inspire International ESG ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
26.	Inspire Small Mid Cap Impact ETF, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
27.	Inspire Tactical Balanced ESG ETF, Series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
28.	Pax World Funds Series Trust
29.	Pax World Funds Series Trust III
30.	Praxis Mutual Funds

 

31.	Primark Private Equity Investments Fund
32.	Rimrock Funds Trust
33.	SA Funds – Investment Trust
34.	Sequoia Fund, Inc.
35.	Siren ETF Trust
36.	Simplify Exchange Traded Funds
37.	Zacks Trust

 

Foreside Financial Services, LLC is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101.

 

The following are the Officers of the distributor:

 

Name	Address	Position with Underwriter	Position with the Trust
Teresa Cowan	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	President	None
Chris Lanza	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Vice President	None
Kate Macchia	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Vice President	None
Jennifer Brunner	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer	None
Kelly Whetstone	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Secretary	None
Susan L. LaFond	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Treasurer	None
Weston Sommers	Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101	Financial and Operations Principal and Chief Financial Officer	None

 

(c). Not Applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.

 

The following entities prepare, maintain and preserve the records required by Section 31 (a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for the Registrant. These services are provided to the Registrant for such periods prescribed by the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act and such records are the property of the entity required to maintain and preserve such records and will be surrendered promptly on request.

 

1.

MUFG Union Bank, National Association, 350 California Street 6th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104 (records relating to its function as custodian)

 

2.

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 (records relating to its functions as administration, accounting and transfer agent and Registrant’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and Minutes)

 

3.

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 (records relating to its function as principal underwriter)

 

 

4.

Redwood Investment Management, LLC, 4110 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 125, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

5.

IronHorse Capital LLC, 3102 West End Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37203 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

6.

Anfield Capital Management, LLC, 19900 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 655, Irvine, CA 92612 (records relating to its function as investment adviser and sub-adviser)

 

7.

Huntington Bank, N.A., 7 Easton Oval, Columbus, OH 43219 (records relating to its function as custodian)

 

8.

Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC, 5140 Birch Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (records relating to its function as sub-adviser)

 

9.

VestGen Investment Management, LLC, 3393 Bargaintown Road, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

10.

The Bank of New York Mellon, 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10286 (records relating to its function as custodian)

 

11.

Holbrook Holdings, Inc., 3225 Cumberland Blvd SE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30339 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

12.

Recurrent Investment Advisors LLC, 3801 Kirby Dr., Suite 654, Houston, TX 77908 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

13.

Regents Park Funds, LLC, 19900 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 655, Irvine, CA 92612 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

 

14.

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (records relating to its function as custodian and transfer agent)

 

	15.	U.S. Bank, N.A, 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (records relating to its function as custodian and transfer agent)
	16.	Hunter Perkins Capital Management, LLC, 377 E. Butterfield Road, Suite 220, Lombard IL 60148 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)
	17.	Hypatia Capital Management LLC, 430 Park Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)
	18.	Vident Advisory, LLC, 1125 Sanctuary Pkwy, Suite 515 Alpharetta, GA 30009 (records relating to its function as investment sub-adviser)
	19.	Liberty One Investment Management, LLC, 1509 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois 60048 (records relating to its function as investment adviser)

Item 34. Management Services. Not Applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings. Not Applicable

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Hauppauge, State of New York, on the 27^th day of February, 2026.

 

 

Two Roads Shared Trust

 

By: /s/ James Colantino

James Colantino*

President and Principal Executive Officer

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

Signature	Title	Date
Mark D. Gersten*	Trustee & Chairman	February 27, 2026
Mark Garbin*	Trustee	February 27, 2026
Neil M. Kaufman*	Trustee	February 27, 2026
Anita K. Krug*	Trustee	February 27, 2026
James Colantino*	President and Principal Executive Officer	February 27, 2026
Laura Szalyga*	Treasurer and Principal Executive Officer	February 27, 2026

 

 

*By: /s/ Timothy Burdick

Timothy Burdick

Attorney in fact

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

(j)(1) Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

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