As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2026
1933
Act File No. 333-283996
1940 Act File No. 811-24037
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
N-2
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
☒
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
☐
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
☒
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
and
☒
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
☒
Amendment No. 5
Neuberger
Asset-Based Credit Fund
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
10104
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
(Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
(212)
476-8800
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including
Area Code)
Gariel
Nahoum, Esq.
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New
York, NY 10104
(Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service)
Copies
of Communications to:
Nicole
M. Runyan, P.C. Kim Kaufman, Esq. Kirkland & Ellis LLP 601 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 |
Lisa
Nosal, Esq. Kirkland & Ellis LLP 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116 |
Approximate
Date of Commencement of Proposed Public Offering: As
soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
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Check box if the only securities being registered
on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans. |
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Check box if any securities being registered on this
Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”),
other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan. |
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Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto. |
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Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. |
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Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment
to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities
pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act. |
It
is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
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when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c)
of the Securities Act. |
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immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
of Rule 486. |
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 486. |
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of
Rule 486. |
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 486. |
If
appropriate, check the following box:
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This [post-effective] amendment designates a new
effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. |
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This Form is filed to register additional securities
for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering is: . |
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This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant
to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering is: . |
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This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant
to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering is: . |
Check
each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
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Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that
is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940). |
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Business Development Company (closed-end company
that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act). |
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Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business
Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act). |
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A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant
to General Instruction A.2 of this Form). |
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Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405
under the Securities Act). |
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Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). |
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If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check
mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. |
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New Registrant (registered or regulated under the
Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing). |
NEUBERGER
ASSET-BASED CREDIT FUND
Institutional
Class Shares
Class A-1
Shares
Class A-2
Shares
April
30, 2026
Neuberger
Asset-Based Credit Fund (the “Fund”) (formerly known as NB Asset-Based Credit
Fund) is a Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company that is operated as an interval fund. Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (the “Investment
Adviser”) has engaged NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Sub-Adviser” and, together with the Investment
Adviser, the “Adviser”) to assist with investment decisions with respect to the Fund.
The
Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide a high level of current income. The Fund seeks to invest in an actively-managed
portfolio focused on short-duration, asset-based credit assets (e.g., various forms of consumer
and small business loans and receivables, trade and receivables finance, real estate and other asset-backed securities). This will include
directly originated debt assets, including loans and other debt securities, that are privately negotiated with borrowers. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in asset-based credit
investments, which derive returns from interest incomes, recurring revenues, fees or other types of cash flows of underlying financial
and physical assets. These include, among other investments: (i) acquisition and direct origination of secured and unsecured loans backed
by consumer and small businesses, including acquisition of distressed or nonperforming loans; (ii) acquisition and direct origination
of asset-based corporate credit secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, inventory, intellectual property rights and recurring
subscriptions, among other assets; (iii) acquisition and direct origination of loans secured by rights to future cash flows, including,
but not limited to, cash flows from film, music, television, litigation-related financing, patents or various other intellectual property;
(iv) acquisition and direct origination of loans and leases backed by equipment, real estate, commodities, aircraft and aviation assets,
shipping vessels, infrastructure or other tangible assets; and (v) securities backed by residential real estate, commercial real
estate, collateralized mortgage obligations, collateralized loan obligations and asset-backed securities (“ABS”).
The Fund may invest in newly originated loans without limitation. The Fund’s investments are expected to encompass a wide spectrum
of credit instruments, including without limitation: (i) loans, including whole loans, term loans, senior secured loans, junior secured
loans, mezzanine loans, distressed loans and unsecured loans; (ii) securities issued by special purpose entities and securitization
vehicles; (iii) ABS; (iv) notes or other securities representing the right to receive principal and interest payments due on fractions
of whole loans or pools of whole loans; (v) participation interests in loans; (vi) “assignments” of loans from lenders;
and (vii) equity or debt securities, including common stock, preferred stock, rights and warrants and convertible securities.
This
prospectus (the “Prospectus”) applies to the offering of three separate classes
of common shares of beneficial interest designated as Institutional Class, Class A-1 and Class A-2 (the “Shares”).
The
Fund is designed primarily for long-term investors and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is an “interval fund” (as defined
below) pursuant to which it, subject to applicable law, will conduct quarterly repurchase offers for between 5% and 25% of the Fund’s
outstanding Shares at net asset value (“NAV”). In connection with any given repurchase offer, the Fund currently
expects to offer to repurchase 5% of its outstanding Shares but from time to time may offer to repurchase more Shares in order to provide
limited liquidity to Fund shareholders (“Shareholders”). Written notification of each quarterly repurchase offer
will be sent to Shareholders at least 21 calendar days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which Shareholders
can tender their Shares in response to a repurchase offer) (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). Shareholders may
withdraw or modify their requests to tender their Shares for repurchase at any time prior to the Repurchase Request Deadline as described
in the relevant Repurchase Offer Notice (as defined herein). The NAV at which a repurchase is effected will be calculated no later than
the 14th calendar day (or the next business day if the 14th calendar day is not a business day) after the Repurchase Request Deadline
(the “Repurchase Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute payment to Shareholders within seven calendar days after
the Repurchase Pricing Date. It is also possible that a repurchase offer may be oversubscribed, with the result that shareholders may
only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased. The Fund does not currently intend to list its Shares for trading on any national
securities exchange. The Shares are, therefore, not readily marketable. Even though the Fund will make quarterly repurchase offers to
repurchase a portion of its Shares to try to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Shares should be considered to have limited liquidity.
See “Repurchase of Shares” and “Principal Risks of the Fund—Repurchase Offers Risks”
in the Prospectus.
In
addition, the Fund intends to employ hedging techniques and engage in derivative transactions (such as forward contracts and options thereon,
reverse repurchase forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging strategies and interest rate swaps) to seek
to reduce the risks of adverse movements in interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange and other factors. The Fund also intends
to utilize leverage in connection with its investment activities. The Fund may borrow money through a credit facility or other arrangements
to achieve its investment objective. The Fund also intends to obtain leverage through the use of reverse repurchase agreements and through
derivative instruments that afford the Fund economic leverage or other investments that may have embedded leverage. See “Principal
Risks of the Fund—Derivatives Risk” in the Prospectus.
An
investment in the Fund is speculative with a substantial risk of loss. See “Risks—Risks
Relating to Investment Strategies, Fund Investments and the Fund’s Investment Program” in the Prospectus. The Fund
and the Adviser do not guarantee any level of return or risk on investments and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment
objective will be achieved. You should carefully consider these risks together with all of the other information contained in this Prospectus
before making a decision to invest in the Fund. See “Summary of Offering Terms—Risk Factors” and “Risks.”
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Shares
are not listed on any securities exchange, and it is not anticipated that a secondary market for Shares will develop. Although the Fund
will provide liquidity through quarterly repurchase offers, Shares will not be redeemable at an investor’s option nor will they
be exchangeable for shares of any other fund. As a result, an investor may not be able to sell or otherwise liquidate its Shares.
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An
investment in the Fund is considered to be of limited liquidity and may not be suitable for investors who may need the money they invested
in a specified timeframe. |
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If
a shareholder is able to sell its Shares outside the quarterly repurchase process, the shareholder likely will receive less than the then-current
NAV per Share. |
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The
amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain. |
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The
Fund intends to utilize leverage by borrowing money through a credit facility or other arrangements to achieve its investment objective.
The Fund intends to utilize leverage to the maximum extent permitted by law for investment and other general corporate purposes.
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Investors
may be charged a fee if they effect share transactions through an intermediary, broker or agent. Such brokers are authorized to designate
other intermediaries to receive purchase and repurchase orders on the Fund’s behalf. |
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The
Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or repurchase order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized
designee, receives the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are received by an authorized
broker or the broker’s authorized designee. |
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Investing
in Shares involves a high degree of risk. See “Risks” beginning on page 25 of this Prospectus. |
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Price
to Public |
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Current
NAV |
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Current
NAV |
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Current
NAV |
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Sales
Load(1) |
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3.50%
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None
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None
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Proceeds
to the Fund |
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Current
NAV less applicable sales load |
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Current
NAV |
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Current
NAV |
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(1)
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Investors purchasing Class
A-1 Shares may be charged a sales load of up to 3.50% of the investor’s investment in the Fund. While neither the Fund nor the
Fund’s distributor impose a sales load on Institutional Class or Class A-2 Shares, if an investor buys Class A-2 Shares through
certain selling agents or financial intermediaries, such selling agent or financial intermediary may directly charge shareholders transaction
or other fees in such amount as they may determine. The Fund is offering on a continuous basis an unlimited number of common shares of
beneficial interest. See “Plan of Distribution.” |
You
should read this Prospectus, which concisely sets forth information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the Shares and
retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated April 30, 2026,
containing additional information about the Fund (the “SAI”), has been filed with the SEC and, as amended from time
to time, is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents
of which is on page 87 of this Prospectus, as well as free copies of the Fund’s annual
report and semi-annual report, once available,
to shareholders and other information about the Fund by calling (212) 476-8800, or by writing to the Fund at 1290 Avenue of the Americas,
New York,
New
York 10104. This Prospectus, the SAI, and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, once available, are also published
on the following website: https://www.nb.com/NABFX. You can get the same information for free from the SEC’s website, https://www.sec.gov
which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
You
should not construe the contents of this Prospectus as legal, tax or financial advice. You should consult with your own professional advisors
as to the legal, tax, financial or other matters relevant to the suitability of an investment in the Fund.
This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, a security in any jurisdiction or to any person
to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction.
The
Fund’s Shares do not represent a deposit or an obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured
depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other
government agency.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
OF OFFERING TERMS
The
following is only a summary and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in Neuberger
Asset-Based Credit Fund (the “Fund”) (formerly known as NB Asset-Based Credit
Fund). Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus,
the Statement of Additional Information and the Fund’s Declaration and Agreement of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”)
and By-Laws.
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The
Fund |
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The
Fund is a newly-organized Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940
Act”), as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company that continuously offers its shares (the “Shares”).
The Fund is operated as an “interval fund” (as defined below). |
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Investment
Adviser and Sub-Adviser |
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Neuberger
Berman Investment Advisers LLC serves as the Fund’s investment adviser (“Investment Adviser”).
The Investment Adviser has engaged NB Alternatives Advisers LLC as sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”
and, together with the Investment Adviser, the “Adviser”) to assist with investment
decisions. |
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The
Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“Neuberger”),
and are each registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended (“Advisers Act”). |
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Investment
Objective |
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The
Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide a high level of current income. The Fund seeks to invest in an actively-managed
portfolio focused on short-duration, asset-based credit assets (e.g., various forms of consumer
and small business loans and receivables, trade and receivables finance, real estate and other asset-backed securities). |
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Investment
Strategies |
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Under
normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in asset-based
credit investments (“Asset-Based Credit Investments”), which derive returns from
interest incomes, recurring revenues, fees or other types of cash flows of underlying financial and physical assets. This will include
the acquisition of loans from specialty finance originators and other marketplace lending platforms, which are discussed in greater detail
below, and origination of newly issued credit assets, such as loans. Asset-Based Credit Investments include, among other investments:
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•Consumer
and Small Business-Related Assets: acquisition of and direct origination of secured and unsecured loans or receivables backed by consumers
and small businesses, including the acquisition of distressed or nonperforming loans; various forms of non-mortgage household debt such
as: automobile loans, credit card receivables, student loans, personal installment loans, point of sale loans and small business loans; |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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•Corporate
Asset-Based Credit: acquisition and direct origination of asset-based corporate credit secured by real estate, equipment, loans, receivables,
inventory, intellectual property rights and recurring subscriptions, among other assets; |
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•Royalty
/ Receivable Backed Credit: acquisition and direct origination of loans secured by rights to future cash flows, including, but not limited
to, cash flows from film, music, television, litigation-related financing, patents or various other intellectual property; |
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•Physical
Assets: acquisition and direct origination of loans and leases backed by equipment, real estate, commodities, aircraft and aviation assets,
shipping vessels and other transportation assets, infrastructure or other tangible assets; and |
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•Liquid
Securitized Credit: securities backed by residential real estate (“RMBS”), commercial
real estate (“CMBS”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”),
collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”).
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The
Fund will focus on the acquisition and financing of Asset-Based Credit Investments within the consumer finance, consumer lending, small
business finance, trade finance, receivables finance and other related segments, to build a portfolio of short duration income producing
assets. Investments are targeted to have a weighted average duration of approximately 1.5 years. The Adviser will seek to leverage its
extensive industry relationships and due diligence capabilities to enter into loan purchase and service agreements with what it believes
to be high-quality lending platforms, commonly known as specialty finance originators, and other marketplace lending platforms. These
lending platforms are often referred to as financial technology or “fintech” companies that offer digital or web based financial
services, such as lending. The Fund seeks to invest with lending platforms that have strong underwriting and servicing capabilities and
can originate or source pools of loans that can meet certain criteria set by the Adviser (such as return profile, default probabilities,
credit quality, geographic regions, maturities and durations, prepayment probabilities, borrower and loan types, and scalability). The
lending platforms source borrowers, which include a wide range of individuals and businesses, through various marketing channels and partnerships.
Many of these lending platforms leverage technology in a number of ways to streamline the loan approval and underwriting process, such
as using an online application process, utilizing third-party data sources and technology to connect a borrower’s bank and credit
agencies to integrate borrower information, and developing their data analytic capabilities in order to more efficiently underwrite borrowers
and analyze loan performance. The Fund may invest in instruments purchased from lending platforms without limitation. |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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The
Fund also may originate loans or acquire loans by participating in the initial issuance of the loan as part of a syndicate of
banks and financial institutions or receive its interest in a loan directly from the borrower. An originated loan is a loan where
the Fund lends directly to the borrower and holds the loan generally on its own or only with other accounts managed by the Adviser.
Loan originations are typically sourced through direct dialogue with borrowers or other counterparties, as opposed to through
intermediaries such as banks or brokers. This is distinct from a syndicated loan, which is generally originated by a bank and
then syndicated, or sold, in several pieces to other investors, where influence on the economics and structure can be limited.
Originated loans are generally held until maturity or until they are refinanced by the borrower and an active secondary market
for such loans is not expected to develop. Syndicated loans often have liquid markets and can be traded by investors. The Fund
is not limited in the amount or number of originations it may enter into. The loans originated by the Fund will include both
loans to special purpose entities and corporate borrowers and the primary collateral
typically includes consumer and small businesses loans and receivables secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, inventory,
intellectual property rights and recurring subscriptions, among other assets. The loans to corporate borrowers typically are
first lien senior secured loans or junior secured loans with maturities ranging from two years to five years and the loans to
special purpose entities typically are senior secured loans or mezzanine loans with maturities ranging from two to three years
followed by amortization periods ranging from one year to two years. A lender in a senior secured loan will have a priority secured
claim on all or a subset of all tangible and intangible assets of the borrower, including the proceeds of all or a subset of
sales of assets, should the borrower default on its obligations under such senior secured loan. Mezzanine loans are high yield,
subordinated debt securities that may be issued together with an equity security (e.g., with attached warrants). The Fund
may invest in newly originated loans without limitation. |
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The
Fund expects to invest in a wide spectrum of credit instruments that will include the following: |
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•loans,
including whole loans, term loans, (i.e., loans that are generally fully funded at the time of
the Fund’s investment and repaid on a specified schedule), delayed draw term loans, revolving loans, senior secured loans, junior
secured loans, mezzanine loans, distressed loans and unsecured loans. When the Fund invests in whole loans, it will typically purchase
all rights, title and interest in the loans pursuant to a loan purchase agreement directly from the lender or its affiliate; |
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•securities
issued by special purpose entities and securitization vehicles (“SPVs”), which may
include SPVs sponsored by the Fund or third-party lenders/originators. |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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These
SPVs would issue securities the payments on which are funded by payments received on such entities’ underlying investments (e.g.,
whole loans). Such securities may be issued in different tranches of debt and residual equity interests with different rights and preferences.
The managers of such SPVs may be entitled to receive management fees, carried interest,
or other forms of compensation from investors in such SPVs. Such SPVs may be levered. The Fund will also seek to sell certain of the loans
it acquires by pooling them and selling them to such SPVs, whether sponsored by the lending platforms or by third parties when the Fund
determines it is favorable to do so. Some securitizations may result in SPVs that are both recourse and non-recourse to the Fund. The
Fund may also seek to securitize interests in its investments (e.g., whole loans) through the creation of SPVs that would be wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Fund. In connection with other factors which the Fund will continually review, the Fund’s investment in, origination
of and/or securitization of loans may also be limited by the requirements the Fund intends to observe under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), in order to qualify as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) |
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•ABS,
which are typically publicly traded and rated securities but may include below investment grade and unrated tranches. The Fund may hold
any tranche of such ABS. ABS are primarily exposed to the performance and credit risk of the underlying collateral, such as consumer receivables
and commercial loans; |
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•notes
or other securities representing the right to receive principal and interest payments due on fractions of whole loans or pools of whole
loans; |
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•participation
interests in loans. When the Fund invests in participation interests, the Fund will typically purchase a fractional or full economic interest
in the underlying loan and the lender retains the legal title to such loans with the Fund having a contractual relationship only with
the lender and not with the borrower. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees
to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the
borrower; |
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•assignments
of loans from lenders where the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment will typically succeed to all the rights and obligations under
the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender; and |
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•equity
or debt securities (publicly or privately offered), including common stock, preferred stock, rights and warrants and convertible securities
that may be converted |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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in
whole or in part into common stock or other equity securities, of specialty finance originators and companies that own and operate lending
platforms and financial technology companies. When investing in equity securities, the Fund may invest in entities of any market capitalization.
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The
Fund typically expects to invest in loans that are of prime and near-prime quality at the time of investment, but reserves the ability
from time to time, to invest in loans that are of subprime quality at the time of investment. “Subprime” does not have a
specific legal or market definition but is understood in the credit marketplace to signify that a loan has a material likelihood that
it will not be repaid. The Adviser will make the determination that loans purchased by the Fund are not of subprime quality based on the
Adviser’s due diligence of the credit underwriting policies of the originating or sourcing platform, which look to a number of
borrower-specific factors to determine a borrower’s ability to repay a particular loan, including employment status, income, assets,
education and credit bureau data where available. Credit bureau data is only one factor, among other factors, considered in determining
the credit quality of a borrower and a loan. When originating loans, the underwriting process is focused on the borrower’s valuation,
asset coverage, capital structure and leverage, the management team and/or private equity sponsor if applicable, quality of revenue and
other financial measures. |
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The
Fund may invest in Asset-Based Credit Investments directly or through wholly owned subsidiaries of the Fund (“Subsidiaries”).
Certain investments may be held by these Subsidiaries to help effectuate the investment program of the Fund and while such Subsidiaries
will not be registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund will wholly own and control any Subsidiaries. The Fund will comply with the provisions
of (i) Section 8 of the 1940 Act governing investment policies on an aggregate basis, and (ii) Section 18 of the 1940 Act
governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis with respect each Subsidiary. Subsidiaries will also comply with the provisions
of Section 17 of the 1940 Act related to affiliated transactions and custody. The Fund does not currently intend to create or acquire
primary control of any entity which primarily engages in investment activities in securities or other assets, other than entities wholly-owned
by the Fund. |
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The
Fund may invest in securities of any credit quality, maturity and duration, including securities that are at the time of investment rated
below investment grade, including high-yield securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or unrated securities judged
by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in companies whose financial condition is stressed or in distress. In
addition to securities of domestic issuers, the Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers in emerging markets.
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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The
Fund intends to employ hedging techniques and engage in derivative transactions (such as forward contracts and options thereon, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging strategies and interest rate swaps) to seek to reduce the risks of adverse
movements in interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange and other factors. |
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The
Fund intends to utilize leverage in connection with its investment activities. Specifically, the Fund may borrow money through a credit
facility or other arrangements to achieve its investment objective. Subject to prevailing market conditions, the Fund may add financial
leverage if, immediately after such borrowing, it would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of 300% or more (for leverage
obtained through debt) or 200% or more (for leverage obtained through preferred stock). For example, if the Fund has $100 in Net Assets
(as defined below), it may utilize leverage through obtaining debt of up to $50, resulting in $150 in total assets (or 300% asset coverage).
The Fund does not presently intend to obtain leverage through preferred stock. “Net Assets”
means the total assets of the Fund minus the Fund’s liabilities. The Fund may use leverage opportunistically and may choose to
increase or decrease its leverage, or use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments, at any time based on the Fund’s
assessment of market conditions and the investment environment. The Fund intends to obtain leverage through reverse repurchase agreements
and through derivative instruments that afford the Fund economic leverage or other investments that may have embedded leverage. Leverage
is speculative and involves certain risks. In general, the use of leverage by the Fund may increase the volatility of the Fund. |
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The
Fund may hold an amount of liquid assets, including cash or cash equivalents, and liquid fixed-income securities consistent with prudent
liquidity management. For temporary defensive purposes, liquidity management or in connection with implementing changes in its asset allocation,
the Fund may hold a substantially higher amount of liquid investments, including cash and cash equivalents. |
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There
can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved or that the Fund’s investment program will be
successful. |
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The
Board |
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The
Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), which is comprised of solely Trustees
who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund (“Independent
Trustees”), has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the operations of the Fund. |
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Distributor
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Neuberger
Berman BD LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser, acts as distributor for the Fund’s Shares (the “Distributor”)
and serves in that capacity on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions. |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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The
Distributor retains additional selling agents or other financial intermediaries to place Shares in the Fund. Such selling agents or other
financial intermediaries may impose terms and conditions on Fund shareholder (“Shareholder”)
accounts and investments in the Fund that are in addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Prospectus. |
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The
Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates, in their discretion and from their own resources, may pay additional compensation out of
their own resources (i.e., not Fund assets) to certain selling agents or financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of
the Shares. The additional compensation may differ among brokers or dealers in amount or in the method
of calculation. Payments of additional compensation may be fixed dollar amounts or based on the aggregate value of outstanding Shares
held by Shareholders introduced by the broker or dealer, or determined in some other manner. The receipt of the additional compensation
by a selling broker or dealer may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor and its broker or dealer who is recommending
the Fund over other potential investments. |
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The
Investment Adviser or its affiliate may contribute cash to the Fund in order to cause Shares (such Shares, “Additional Shares”)
to be issued by the Fund to investors (the “Additional Share Program”). Such payments will be made from the assets
of the Investment Adviser (and not the Fund). See “Plan of Distribution” for more information, including with respect
to the anticipated duration and other terms of the Additional Share Program. |
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Share
Classes |
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The
Fund offers three separate classes of Shares designated as Institutional Class, Class A-1, and Class A-2. |
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Each
class of Shares has differing characteristics, particularly in terms of the sales charges that Shareholders in that class may bear, and
the distribution and service fees that each class may be charged. The Fund may offer additional classes of Shares in the future. |
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Minimum
Investment |
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The
minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor in Institutional Class, Class A-1 and Class A-2 Shares is $2,500, and the
minimum additional investment in each class of Shares is $2,500. The Fund, in its sole discretion, may accept investments below these
minimums. |
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Purchasing
Shares |
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The
Shares will be offered on a continuous basis at an offering price equal to the Fund’s then-current net asset value (“NAV”)
per Share, plus any applicable sales load. Shares generally are offered for purchase on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)
is open for business (each, a “Business Day”), except that Shares may be offered
more or less frequently as determined by the Board in its sole discretion. |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Please
see “Purchasing Shares” on page 62 for purchase instructions and additional information. |
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Unlisted
Closed-End Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity |
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The
Fund is organized as a continuously offered, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that is operated as an interval
fund. Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds (commonly known as mutual funds) in that investors in closed-end funds do not have the
right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike some closed-end funds which list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund
does not currently intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market
to develop for the Shares. Therefore, an investment in the Fund, unlike an investment in a listed closed-end fund, is not a liquid investment.
No Shareholder has the right to require the Fund to redeem Shares. To provide some liquidity to Shareholders, the Fund is structured as
an “interval fund” and conducts periodic repurchase offers for a limited amount of the Fund’s outstanding Shares.
See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.” |
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An
investment in the Fund is suitable only for long-term investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Shares.
Investors should consider their investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. |
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Periodic
Repurchase Offers |
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The
Fund is an “interval fund,” a type of fund that, in order to provide liquidity to Shareholders, has adopted a fundamental
investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under
the 1940 Act, unless such offer is suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory requirements. The Fund intends to provide written
notice of quarterly repurchase offers in the months of January, April, July and October. The offer to purchase Shares is a fundamental
policy that may not be changed without the vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (as defined
in the 1940 Act). Written notification of each quarterly repurchase offer (the “Repurchase Offer Notice”) is sent
to Shareholders at least 21 calendar days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which Shareholders can tender
their Shares in response to a repurchase offer) (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”); however, the Fund will seek
to provide such written notification earlier but no more than 42 calendar days before the Repurchase Request Deadline. Shareholders may
withdraw or modify their requests to tender their Shares for repurchase at any time prior to the Repurchase Request Deadline as described
in the relevant Repurchase Offer Notice. The NAV at which a repurchase is effected will be calculated no later than the 14th calendar
day (or the next business day if the 14th calendar day is not a business day) after the Repurchase Request Deadline (the “Repurchase
Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute payment to Shareholders within seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date. |
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TABLE
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If
a repurchase offer is oversubscribed and the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or
if Shareholders tender an amount of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to purchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares
tendered on a pro rata basis, and Shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. In
addition, the Fund’s repurchase offers may subject the Fund and Shareholders to special risks. See “Risks—Repurchase
Offers Risk” |
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A
2.00% early repurchase fee (an “Early Repurchase Fee”) payable to the Fund will be charged with respect to any repurchase
of a Shareholder’s Shares at any time prior to the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s acquisition of Institutional
Class, Class A-1 or Class A-2 Shares, as applicable, on a “first-in, first-out” basis. The Early Repurchase Fee payable
by a Shareholder may be waived by the Fund in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund. |
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Distributions
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The
Fund intends to make quarterly distributions of net investment income, after payment of interest on outstanding borrowings, if any. Distributions
to Shareholders cannot be assured, and the amount of each quarterly distribution is likely to vary. It is possible, although not intended,
that distributions could exceed net investment income and net short-term and long-term capital gain, resulting in a return of capital.
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Because
the Fund intends to qualify annually as a RIC under Code, the Fund intends to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment
company taxable income to its Shareholders on an annual basis. Distributions may
also include net capital gains, if any. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay distributions to Shareholders
at any particular rate. Each year, a statement on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Form 1099-DIV identifying
the amount and character of the Fund’s distributions will be mailed to Shareholders. See “Taxes, RIC Status”
below and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
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Fees
and Expenses |
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On
an ongoing basis, the Fund bears its own operating expenses (including, without limitation, its offering expenses). A more detailed discussion
of the Fund’s expenses can be found below under “Management Fee” “Incentive Fee,” “Administration
Fee,” “Distribution and Servicing Fee” and “Expense Limitation Agreement.” |
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Management
Fee |
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In
consideration of the investment advisory and management services provided by the Investment Adviser pursuant to the investment advisory
agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays
the Investment Adviser a monthly management fee (the “Management Fee”) at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average
daily Net Assets. |
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TABLE
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The
Management Fee is calculated and payable monthly in arrears. The Fund may invest
in mutual funds, closed-end funds and ETFs advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. To the extent the Fund invests any assets
in an affiliated investment company, the Investment Adviser undertakes to waive a portion of the Management Fee equal to the advisory
fee it receives from such affiliated investment company on those assets. |
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The
Management Fee is paid to the Investment Adviser out of the Fund’s assets, and therefore decreases the net profits or increases
the net losses of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser’s fees are paid by the Investment Adviser out of the Management Fee it receives from
the Fund. |
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Incentive
Fee |
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In
addition to the Management Fee, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an income-based
incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement. The Incentive Fee is based on income, whereby the Fund pays the
Adviser quarterly in arrears 10% of its Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined below)for each calendar quarter, subject to
a hurdle rate, expressed as a rate of return on the Fund’s Net Assets equal to 1.25% per quarter (or an annualized hurdle rate
of 5%), subject to a “catch-up” feature. |
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For
this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means, interest income,
dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting
fees or other fees that the Fund (or its wholly-owned Subsidiaries)) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Fund’s operating
expenses accrued for the quarter (including the Management Fee, expenses payable under the administration agreement with the Administrator
(as defined below), and any interest expense or fees on any credit facilities or outstanding debt and dividends paid on any issued and
outstanding preferred shares, but excluding the Incentive Fee and any distribution or shareholder servicing fees). Pre-Incentive Fee Net
Investment Income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments
with payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest and zero-coupon securities), accrued income
that the Fund has not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized
capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. |
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The
“catch-up” provision is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 10% on all of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive
Fee Net Investment Income when the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches 1.3889% of Net Assets in any calendar
quarter. |
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Thus,
each calendar quarter the Fund will compare its Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s
Net Assets in respect of the relevant calendar |
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TABLE
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quarter,
to a hurdle rate of 1.25%. If the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is less than the hurdle rate, then the Adviser
will not be paid the Incentive Fee in respect of that quarter. If the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is between
1.25% and 1.3889% (the “Catch-up Range”), then the Adviser will be paid the Incentive
Fee in respect of that quarter in an amount equal to 100% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income within the Catch-up
Range (the “Catch-up Amount”). If the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income exceeds 1.3889%, then the Adviser will be paid the Incentive Fee in respect of that quarter in an amount equal to the Catch-up
Amount plus 10% of net investment income above 1.3889%. |
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The
impact of payments and recoupments made in connection with the Expense Limitation Agreement (as
defined below) into which the Fund has entered will be excluded from Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income. |
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Expense
Limitation Agreement |
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The
Investment Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) with the
Fund, whereby the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive fees that it would otherwise be paid, and/or to assume expenses of the Fund,
if required to ensure certain annual operating expenses, exclusive of certain “Excluded Expenses” listed below, do
not exceed 0.75% of the average daily Net Assets of Institutional Class Shares, Class A-1 Shares, and Class A-2 Shares
(the “Expense Limitation”). “Excluded Expenses” include: (i) the Management Fee; (ii) the Incentive
Fee; (iii) any Distribution and Servicing Fee; (iv) all fees and expenses of special purpose entities and securitization vehicles
in which the Fund or a subsidiary invests (including management fees, performance-based incentive fees, and administrative service fees);
(v) fees payable to third parties in connection with the sourcing or identification of portfolio investments; (vi) acquired fund fees
and expenses of the Fund or a subsidiary; (vii) interest payments incurred by the Fund or a subsidiary; (viii) fees and expenses incurred
in connection with any credit facilities obtained by the Fund or a subsidiary; (ix) taxes of the Fund or a subsidiary; (x) transactional
costs associated with consummated and unconsummated transactions, including legal costs, sourcing fees, servicing fees and brokerage commissions,
associated with the acquisition, disposition and maintenance of investments; (xi) fees payable to data management and financial operations
platforms used in connection with the Fund’s investments; (xii) valuation service providers; and (xiii) extraordinary expenses
(expenses resulting from events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence). |
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In
addition, under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has agreed that the aggregate organizational and offering expenses
of the Fund shall be borne by the Adviser until, and only if, the Fund has reached the following thresholds |
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TABLE
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in
net assets: $200 million, $300 million, and $400 million; at each threshold, 1/3 of the total amount of the aggregate organizational
and offering expenses of the Fund shall become an expense obligation of the Fund and the Fund agrees to repay the Adviser
such amount. If the Fund does not reach such thresholds in net assets, the organizational and offering expenses borne
by the Adviser are not subject to repayment from the Fund (the “O&O Limitation”). |
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With
respect to each class of Shares, the Fund has agreed to repay the Investment Adviser any fees waived or any expenses the Investment Adviser
reimburses pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement for such class of Shares, provided the repayments do not cause the annual operating
expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were
reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time the Fund repays the Investment Adviser, whichever is lower. Any such repayments
must be made within three years after the month in which the Investment Adviser incurred the expense. For the avoidance of doubt, this
provision applies to both the Expense Limitation and the O&O Limitation. |
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The
Expense Limitation Agreement has a term ending on
April 30, 2027, and the Investment Adviser may extend the term for a period of one year on an annual basis. The Investment
Adviser may not terminate the O&O Limitation without prior approval of the Board and, before April
30, 2027, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the Expense Limitation without prior approval of the Board. |
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Administration
Fee |
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The
Fund has retained U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide it with certain administration
and accounting services. In consideration for these services, the Fund pays the Administrator tiered fees based upon the average Net
Assets of the Fund as well as certain other fixed, per-account or transactional fees (the “Administration Fee”).
The Administration Fee is paid to the Administrator out of the assets of the Fund and therefore decreases the net profits or increases
the net losses of the Fund. The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses. See “Administration
and Accounting Services.” |
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Distribution
and Servicing Fee |
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Class
A-1 and Class A-2 Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and shareholder servicing fee (the “Distribution and Servicing
Fee”) to compensate financial industry professionals for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing
services in respect of Shareholders who own Class A-1 or Class A-2 Shares of the Fund, respectively. Under the terms of the
SEC exemptive relief that the Fund relies on to offer multiple classes of Shares,
the Fund is subject to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the Fund has adopted a distribution and servicing plan for each
of its Class A-1 Shares and Class A-2 Shares (each, a “Distribution |
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TABLE
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and
Servicing Plan”) and pays the Distribution and Servicing Fee with respect to its Class A-1 and
Class A-2 Shares. Each Distribution and Servicing Plan operates in a manner consistent with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. |
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Class
A-1 Shares and Class A-2 Shares each pay a Distribution and Servicing Fee at an annual rate of 0.75% based on the aggregate Net
Assets of the Fund attributable to such class to the Distributor. For purposes of determining the Distribution and Servicing Fee,
the Fund’s NAV will be calculated prior to any reduction for any fees and
expenses, including, without limitation, the Distribution and Servicing Fee payable. |
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Institutional
Class Shares are not subject to a Distribution and Servicing Fee. |
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Dividend
Reinvestment Plan |
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The
Fund has adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan (the “DRIP”).
Shareholders that wish to participate in the DRIP will not be required to take any action. A participating Shareholder’s distribution
amount will purchase Shares at the NAV of the Fund. Shareholders that wish to receive their distributions in cash may do so by making
a written election to not participate in the DRIP by contacting the plan administrator, SS&C GIDS, Inc. who serves as the Fund’s
transfer agent. |
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Risk
Factors |
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Investing
in the Fund involves risks, including the risk that a Shareholder may receive little or no return on its investment or that a Shareholder
may lose part or all of its investment. Accordingly, the Fund should be considered a speculative investment that entails substantial risks,
and a prospective investor should invest in the Fund only if it can sustain a complete loss of its investment. |
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Below
is a summary of some of the principal risks of investing in the Fund. For a more complete discussion of the risks of investing in the
Fund, see “Risks.” |
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• The
Fund is a recently organized, closed-end investment company with limited operating
history. |
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•Unlike
some closed-end funds, the Fund’s Shares will not be listed on any securities exchange. |
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• Although
the Fund has implemented a quarterly share repurchase program, there is no guarantee
that a Shareholder will be able to sell all of the Shares that the Shareholder desires to sell. The Fund should therefore be considered
to offer limited liquidity. |
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•The
Fund is subject to significant credit risk (i.e., the risk that an issuer or borrower will default
in the payment of principal and/or interest on an instrument) in light of its investment strategy. Financial strength and solvency of
an issuer or borrower are the primary factors influencing |
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credit
risk. In addition, degree of subordination, lack or inadequacy of collateral or credit enhancement for a debt instrument may affect its
credit risk. |
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•Certain
investments may be exposed to the credit risk of the counterparties with whom the Fund deals. |
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•Interest
rate risk refers to the risks associated with market changes in interest rates. In general, rising interest rates will negatively impact
the price of fixed rate debt instruments and falling interest rates will have a positive effect on the price of such debt instruments.
Interest rate sensitivity is generally more pronounced and less predictable in instruments with uncertain payment or prepayment schedules.
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•The
value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than, and can perform differently from, the market
as a whole. Lower-quality debt securities (those of less than investment-grade quality, also referred to as “high yield”
securities or “junk bonds”), involve greater risk of default on interest and principal payments or price changes due to
changes in the credit quality of the issuer. The value of lower-quality debt securities can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity
to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. |
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•Investments
in consumer loans may be subject to particular risks related to nonperformance. Secured consumer loans may involve collateral that is
too highly leveraged, or limited by rehabilitation needs or poor management. Non-performing consumer loans may also involve loan modifications
that could reduce the loan’s principal or interest rate, among other options. Consumer bankruptcy may also render a consumer loan
partially or fully uncollectable. Additionally, there may be a limited market for the sale of consumer loans, or the collateral of defaulted
consumer loans. A limited secondary market could prevent the recovery of adequate value for these assets. |
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•The
Fund may originate loans to, or purchase, assignments of or participations in loans made to, various issuers, including distressed loans.
Such investments may include senior secured, junior secured and mezzanine loans and other secured and unsecured debt that has been recently
originated or that trade on the secondary market. The value of the Fund’s investments in loans may be detrimentally affected to
the extent a borrower defaults on its obligations, there is insufficient collateral and/or there are extensive legal and other costs incurred
in collecting on a defaulted loan. |
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•ABS
are primarily exposed to the performance and credit risk of the underlying collateral, which may include consumer receivables, commercial
loans, investment grade credit, high- yield credit and leveraged loans. ABS can also be subject to interest rate, foreign exchange, liquidity
and counterparty risk. |
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•The
Fund may be materially adversely affected by market, economic and political conditions and natural and man-made disasters, including pandemics,
wars and supply chain disruptions, globally and in the jurisdictions and sectors in which the Fund invests. |
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•To
qualify and remain eligible for the special tax treatment accorded to RICs and their shareholders under the Code, the Fund must meet certain
source-of-income, asset diversification and annual distribution requirements, and failure to do so could result in the loss of RIC status.
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Taxes;
RIC Status |
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The
Fund has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends
to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S.
federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that is currently distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax
purposes to Shareholders, as applicable. To qualify for and maintain its treatment as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the
Fund is required to meet certain specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and is required to distribute dividends
for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of its net ordinary income and realized net short-term
capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses each tax year to Shareholders, as applicable. |
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For
a discussion of certain tax risks and considerations relating to an investment in the Fund, see “Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
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Prospective
investors are urged to consult their tax advisers with respect to the specific U.S. federal, state, local, U.S. and non-U.S. tax consequences,
including applicable tax reporting requirements. |
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Reports
to Shareholders |
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The
Fund will provide Shareholders with an audited annual report and an unaudited semi-annual report within 60 days after the close of the
reporting period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act. Shareholders will also receive periodic
reports and commentary regarding the Fund’s operations and investments. |
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As
soon as practicable after the end of each calendar year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV identifying the sources of the distributions paid
by the Fund to Shareholders for tax purposes will be furnished to Shareholders subject to Internal Revenue Service reporting. |
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Fiscal
Year |
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For
accounting purposes, the Fund’s fiscal year and tax year end is the 12-month period ending on December 31. |
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Term |
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The
Fund’s term is perpetual unless the Fund is otherwise terminated under the terms of the Fund’s Declaration of Trust. |
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Custodian
and Transfer Agent |
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U.S.
Bank National Association serves as the Fund’s custodian, and SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves as the Fund’s transfer agent. |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
OF FEES AND EXPENSES
The
fee table below is intended to assist Shareholders in understanding the various costs and expenses that the Fund expects to incur, and
that Shareholders can expect to bear, by investing in the Fund.
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Maximum
Upfront Sales Load (as a percentage of investment
amount)(1) |
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None |
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3.50% |
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None |
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Maximum Early Repurchase Fee (as a percentage of repurchased amount) |
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2.00% |
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2.00% |
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2.00% |
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Management
Fee(2) |
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1.00% |
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1.00% |
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1.00%
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Incentive
Fee(3) |
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1.49% |
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1.49% |
|
|
1.49%
|
|
Distribution
and Servicing Fee(4) |
|
|
None |
|
|
0.75% |
|
|
0.75%
|
|
Interest
Payments on Borrowed Funds(5) |
|
|
2.84% |
|
|
2.84% |
|
|
2.84%
|
|
Other
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan
Servicing Fees(6) |
|
|
0.32% |
|
|
0.32% |
|
|
0.32%
|
|
All
Other Expenses(7) |
|
|
1.08% |
|
|
1.08% |
|
|
1.08%
|
|
Acquired
Fund Fees and Expenses |
|
|
0.01%
|
|
|
0.01%
|
|
|
0.01% |
|
Total
Annual Expenses |
|
|
6.74% |
|
|
7.49% |
|
|
7.49%
|
|
Fee
Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(8) |
|
|
(0.46)% |
|
|
(0.46)% |
|
|
(0.46)%
|
|
Total
Annual Expenses (After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement) |
|
|
6.28% |
|
|
7.03% |
|
|
7.03% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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The
purpose of the fee table above and the example below is to assist prospective investors in understanding the various costs and expenses
Shareholders will bear.
The
following 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 all distributions are reinvested at NAV and that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Expenses remain the same (except
that the example incorporates the Fee Waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements from the Expense Limitation Agreement for only the
one-year example and the first year of the three-, five- and ten-year examples). The assumption in the hypothetical example of a 5% annual
return is required by regulation of the SEC and applicable to all registered investment companies. The assumed 5% annual return is not
a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance of the Fund.
Example
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You
would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Class A-1 investment, assuming a 5% annual return: |
|
|
$102
|
|
|
$240
|
|
|
$372
|
|
|
$672
|
|
You
would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Class A-2 investment, assuming a 5% annual return: |
|
|
$ 70
|
|
|
$213
|
|
|
$349
|
|
|
$660
|
|
You
would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Institutional Class investment, assuming a 5% annual return: |
|
|
$ 62
|
|
|
$193
|
|
|
$319
|
|
|
$616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Example above is based on the annual fees and expenses set forth on the table above. It should not be considered a representation of future
expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown, and the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less
than the hypothetical 5.0% return assumed in the example. A greater rate of return than that used in the Example would increase the dollar
amount of the asset-based fees paid by the Fund. In addition to the fees and expenses described above, Shareholders may also be required
to pay transaction or other fees charged by selling agents or financial intermediaries on purchases of Class A-2 Shares of the Fund,
which are not reflected in the example.
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The
financial highlights table is intended to help an investor understand the Fund’s financial performance. The information in this
table for the Fund’s fiscal period ended December 31, 2025 has been derived from the Fund’s financial statements, which have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements,
is included in the Fund’s Annual Report dated December 31, 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
Share Data:
|
|
|
|
|
Net
asset value, beginning of period |
|
|
$10.00
|
|
Income
from investment operations
|
|
|
|
|
Net
investment income(1) |
|
|
0.55
|
|
Net
realized and unrealized gains (losses) |
|
|
(0.20)
|
|
Total
from investment operations |
|
|
0.35
|
|
Less
distributions to shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions
from net investment income |
|
|
(0.40)
|
|
Total
distributions |
|
|
(0.40)
|
|
Net
asset value, end of period |
|
|
$9.95
|
|
Total
return(2)(3) |
|
|
3.54%
|
|
Supplemental
Data and Ratios:
|
|
|
|
|
Net
assets, end of period (000s) |
|
|
$
72,635 |
|
Ratio
of expenses to average net assets (before expense waivers/reimbursements)(4)(5) |
|
|
11.42%
|
|
Ratio
of expenses to average net assets (after expense waivers/reimbursements)(4)(5) |
|
|
7.65%
|
|
Ratio
of net investment income to average net assets (before expense waivers/
reimbursements)(4)(5)
|
|
|
10.97%
|
|
Ratio
of net investment income to average net assets (after expense waivers/
reimbursements)(4)(5)
|
|
|
14.75%
|
|
Portfolio
turnover rate(3) |
|
|
24.26%
|
|
Senior
security (line of credit), end of period (000’s) |
|
|
$
28,500 |
|
Asset
coverage, per $1,000 of senior security principal amount(6) |
|
|
$3,549
|
|
Asset
coverage ratio of senior security(6) |
|
|
355% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Net
investment income per share has been calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
|
(2)
|
Total
return represents the rate that an investor w ould have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund during the period (assuming the
reinvestment of all distributions). |
|
(5)
|
Includes
incentive fee expense of 1.63%. |
|
(6)
|
Represents
value of total assets less all liabilities not represented by senior securities at the end of the period divided by senior security principal
outstanding at the end of the period. |
The
Fund is a Delaware statutory trust formed on September 5, 2024 and registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end, non-diversified,
management investment company. The Fund is structured as an “interval fund” and continuously offers its Shares.
The
Fund’s Board of Trustees, which is comprised of a majority of Independent Trustees, has overall responsibility for the management
and supervision of operations of the Fund. The Board, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may delegate any of its rights, powers
and authority to, among others, the officers of the Fund, any committee of the Board or the Adviser.
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Neuberger
Berman Investment Advisers LLC serves as the Fund’s Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser has engaged NB Alternatives Advisers
LLC as Sub-Adviser to assist with investment decisions.
The
Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, and are each registered as
an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. Neuberger’s voting equity is
owned by NBSH Acquisition, LLC (“NBSH”). NBSH is owned by portfolio managers, members of the Neuberger’s
management team and certain of Neuberger’s key employees and senior professionals.
The
proceeds from the sale of Shares of the Fund, not including the amount of any sales loads and the Fund’s fees and expenses (including,
without limitation, offering expenses), will be invested by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies
as soon as practicable after receipt of such proceeds, consistent with market conditions
and the availability of suitable investments. Based on current market conditions, the Fund anticipates that it may take six months or
less for the Fund to invest proceeds from the sale of Shares, depending on the availability
of investment opportunities that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies, the time needed to identify,
negotiate and execute investments that the Fund selects and due to the fact that it will be difficult to commit to investments prior to
the receipt of such capital. However, if market conditions change, it may take longer for the Fund to fully invest its available capital.
Pending
the investment of the proceeds pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and policies, the Fund may invest a portion of the proceeds
of the continuous offering, which may be a substantial portion,
in short-term, high quality debt securities, money market securities, cash or cash equivalents. In addition, the Fund may maintain a portion
of the proceeds of the continuous offering in cash to meet operational needs. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective, or otherwise
fully satisfy its investment policies, during such periods in which the Fund’s assets are not able to be substantially invested
in accordance with its investment strategies.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGY
The
Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide a high level of current income through an actively managed portfolio of asset-based
credit investments. The Fund seeks to create a portfolio focused on short duration (i.e., with
a weighted average duration of approximately 1.5 years), asset-based credit assets (e.g., various
forms of consumer and small business loans and receivables, trade and receivables finance, real estate, and other asset-backed securities).
Under
normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Net Assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in Asset-Based
Credit Investments, which derive returns from interest incomes, recurring revenues, fees or other types of cash flows of underlying financial
and physical assets. This will include the acquisition of loans from specialty finance originators and other marketplace lending platforms
(discussed in greater detail below), and origination of newly issued credit assets, such as loans. Asset-Based Credit Investments include,
among other investments:
|
• |
Consumer
and Small Business-Related Assets: acquisition-of and direct origination of loans or receivables backed by consumers and small
businesses, including the acquisition of distressed or nonperforming loans; various forms of non-mortgage household debt such as: automobile
loans, credit card receivables, student loans, personal installment loans, point of sale loans and small business loans; |
|
• |
Corporate
Asset-Based Credit: acquisition and direct origination of asset-based corporate credit secured by real estate, equipment, loans,
receivables, inventory, intellectual property rights, and recurring subscriptions, among other assets; |
|
• |
Royalty
/ Receivable Backed Credit: acquisition and direct origination of loans secured by rights to future cash flows, including but not
limited to, cash flows from film, music, television, litigation-related financing, patents, or various other intellectual property; |
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|
• |
Physical
Assets: acquisition and direct origination of loans and leases backed by equipment, real estate, commodities, aircraft and aviation
assets, shipping vessels and other transportation assets, infrastructure, or other tangible assets; and |
|
• |
Liquid
Securitized Credit: securities backed by residential real estate or RMBS, commercial real estate or CMBS, collateralized mortgage
obligations or CMOs, collateralized loan obligations or CLOs and asset-backed securities or ABS. |
The
Fund will focus on the acquisition and financing of Asset-Based Credit Investments within the consumer finance, consumer lending, small
business finance, trade finance, receivables finance and other related segments, to build a portfolio of short duration income producing
assets. The portfolio is targeted to have a weighted average duration of approximately 1.5 years. The Adviser will seek to leverage its
extensive industry relationships and due diligence capabilities to enter into loan purchase and service agreements with what it believes
to be high-quality lending platforms, commonly known as specialty finance originators, and other marketplace lending platforms. These
lending platforms typically are often referred to as financial technology or “fintech” companies that offer digital or web
based financial services, such as lending. The Fund seeks to invest with lending platforms that have strong underwriting and servicing
capabilities and can originate or source pools of loans that can meet certain criteria set by the Adviser (such as return profile, default
probabilities, credit quality, geographic regions, maturities and durations, prepayment probabilities, borrower and loan types, and scalability).
The
lending platforms source borrowers, which include a wide range of individuals and businesses, through various marketing channels and partnerships.
Many of these lending platforms leverage technology in a number of ways to streamline the loan approval and underwriting process, such
as using an online application process, utilizing third-party data sources and technology to connect a borrower’s bank and credit
agencies to integrate borrower information, and developing their data analytic capabilities in order to more efficiently underwrite borrowers
and analyze loan performance. The Fund may invest in instruments purchased from lending platforms without limitation.
The
Fund also may originate loans or acquire loans by participating in the initial issuance of the loan as part of a syndicate of banks and
financial institutions or receive its interest in a loan directly from the borrower. An originated loan is a loan where the Fund lends
directly to the borrower and holds the loan generally on its own or only with other accounts managed by the Adviser. Loan originations
are typically sourced through direct dialogue with borrowers or other counterparties, as opposed to through intermediaries such as banks
or brokers. This is distinct from a syndicated loan, which is generally originated by a bank and then syndicated, or sold, in several
pieces to other investors, where influence on the economics and structure can be limited. Originated loans are generally held until maturity
or until they are refinanced by the borrower and an active secondary market for such loans is not expected to develop. Syndicated loans
often have liquid markets and can be traded by investors. The Fund is not limited in the amount or number of originations it may enter
into. The loans originated by the Fund will include both loans to special purposes entities and corporate borrowers and the primary collateral
typically includes loans and receivables secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, inventory, intellectual property rights and recurring
subscriptions, among other assets. The loans to corporate borrowers typically are first lien senior secured loans or junior secured loans
with maturities ranging from two years to five years and the loans to special purposes entities typically are senior secured loans or
mezzanine loans with maturities ranging from two to three years followed by amortization periods ranging from one year to two years. A
lender in a senior secured loan will have a priority secured claim on all or a subset of all tangible and intangible assets of the borrower,
including the proceeds of all or a subset of all sales of assets, should the borrower default on its obligations under such senior secured
loan. Mezzanine loans are high yield, subordinated debt securities that may be issued together with an equity security (e.g.,
with attached warrants). The Fund may invest in newly originated loans without limitation.
The
Fund expects to invest in a wide spectrum of credit instruments that will include the following:
|
• |
loans, including whole
loans, term loans (i.e., loans that are generally fully funded at the time of the Fund’s
investment and repaid on a specified schedule), delayed draw term loans, revolving loans, senior secured loans, junior secured loans,
mezzanine loans, distressed loans and unsecured loans. When the Fund invests in whole loans, it will typically purchase all rights, title
and interest in the loans pursuant to a loan purchase agreement directly from the lender or its affiliate; |
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|
• |
securities issued by
SPVs, which may include SPVs sponsored by the Fund or third-party lenders/originators. These SPVs would issue securities the payments
on which are funded by payments received on such entities’ underlying investments (e.g.,
whole loans). Such securities may be issued in different tranches of debt and residual equity interests with different rights and preferences.
The managers of such SPVs may be entitled to receive management fees, carried interest, or other forms of compensation from investors
in such SPVs. Such SPVs may be levered. The Fund will also seek to sell certain of the loans it acquires by pooling them and selling them
to such SPVs, whether sponsored by the lending platforms or by third parties when the Fund determines it is favorable to do so. Some securitizations
may result in SPVs that are both recourse and non-recourse to the Fund. The Fund may also seek to securitize interests in its investments
(e.g., whole loans) through the creation of SPVs that would be wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Fund. In connection with other factors which the Fund will continually review, the Fund’s investment in, origination of and/or
securitization of loans may also be limited by the requirements the Fund intends to observe under Subchapter M of the Code, in order to
qualify as a RIC; |
|
• |
ABS, which are typically
publicly traded and rated securities but may include below investment grade and unrated tranches. The Fund may hold any tranche of such
ABS. ABS are primarily exposed to the performance and credit risk of the underlying collateral, such as consumer receivables and commercial
loans; |
|
• |
notes or other securities
representing the right to receive principal and interest payments due on fractions of whole loans or pools of whole loans; |
|
• |
participation interests
in loans. When the Fund invests in participation interests, the Fund will typically purchase a fractional or full economic interest in
the underlying loan and the lender retains the legal title to such loans with the Fund having a contractual relationship only with the
lender and not with the borrower. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to
which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the borrower;
|
|
• |
“assignments”
of loans from lenders where the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment will typically succeed to all the rights and obligations under
the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender; and |
|
• |
equity or debt securities
(publicly or privately offered), including common stock, preferred stock, rights and warrants, and convertible securities that may be
converted in whole or in part into common stock or other equity securities, of specialty finance originators and companies that own or
operate lending platforms and financial technology companies. When investing in equity securities, the Fund may invest in entities of
any market capitalization. |
The
Fund typically expects to invest in loans that are of prime and near-prime quality at the time of investment, but reserves the ability
from time to time, to invest in loans that are of subprime quality at the time of investment. “Subprime” does not have a
specific legal or market definition, but is understood in the credit marketplace to signify that a loan has a material likelihood that
it will not be repaid. The Adviser will make the determination that loans purchased by the Fund are not of subprime quality based on the
Adviser’s due diligence of the credit underwriting policies of the originating or sourcing platform, which look to a number of
borrower-specific factors to determine a borrower’s ability to repay a particular loan, including employment status, income, assets,
education and credit bureau data where available Credit bureau data is only one factor, among other factors, considered in determining
the credit quality of a borrower and a loan. When originating loans, the underwriting process is focused on the borrower’s valuation,
asset coverage, capital structure, leverage, the management team and/or venture capital or private equity sponsor if applicable, valuation,
quality of revenue and other financial measures.
For
loans purchased by the Fund, it is expected the Fund’s custodian will typically receive or be provided with access to an executed
loan package. While executed packages may differ for certain investments, they are typically
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comprised
of evidence in the form of a promissory note or similar document, an executed copy of the underlying loan agreement or security instrument
and an executed copy of the loan assignment. Although the Fund’s custodian would have access to loan files, whether in electronic
form or otherwise, it is expected that the enforcement of the loans will generally be handled by the loan servicer.
The
Fund may invest in Asset-Based Credit Investments directly or through Subsidiaries. Certain investments may be held by these Subsidiaries
to help effectuate the investment program of the Fund and while such Subsidiaries will not be registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund
will wholly own and control any Subsidiaries. The Fund will comply with the provisions of (i) Section 8 of the 1940 Act governing
investment policies on an aggregate basis, and (ii) Section 18 of the 1940 Act governing capital structure and leverage on an aggregate
basis with respect each Subsidiary. Subsidiaries will also comply with the provisions of Section 17 of the 1940 Act related to affiliated
transactions and custody. The Fund does not currently intend to create or acquire primary control of any entity which primarily engages
in investment activities in securities or other assets, other than entities wholly-owned by the Fund.
The
Fund may invest in securities of any credit quality, maturity and duration, including securities that are at the time of investment rated
below investment grade, including high-yield securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or unrated securities judged
by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in companies whose financial condition is stressed or in distress. In
addition to securities of domestic issuers, the Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers, including issuers in emerging markets.
The
Fund intends to employ hedging techniques and engage in derivative transactions (such as forward contracts and options thereon, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts and other currency hedging strategies and interest rate swaps) to seek to reduce the risks of adverse
movements in interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange and other factors.
The
Fund intends to utilize leverage in connection with its investment activities. Specifically, the Fund may borrow money through a credit
facility or other arrangements to achieve its investment objective. Subject to prevailing market conditions, the Fund may add financial
leverage if, immediately after such borrowing, it would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of 300% or more (for leverage
obtained through debt) or 200% or more (for leverage obtained through preferred stock). For example, if the Fund has $100 in Net Assets
(as defined below), it may utilize leverage through obtaining debt of up to $50, resulting in $150 in total assets (or 300% asset coverage).
The Fund does not presently intend to obtain leverage through preferred stock. The Fund may use leverage opportunistically and may choose
to increase or decrease its leverage, or use different types or combinations of leveraging instruments, at any time based on the Fund’s
assessment of market conditions and the investment environment. The Fund may obtain leverage through reverse repurchase agreements and
through derivative instruments that afford the Fund economic leverage or other investments that may have embedded leverage. Leverage is
speculative and involves certain risks. In general, the use of leverage by the Fund may increase the volatility of the Fund.
The
Fund may also invest in U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, and other investment grade and below investment grade fixed income
securities, including investment grade short term debt obligations, money market instruments, repurchase agreements, and restricted securities.
The
Fund may hold an amount of liquid assets, including cash or cash equivalents, consistent with prudent liquidity management. For temporary
defensive purposes, liquidity management or in connection with implementing changes in its asset allocation, the Fund may hold a substantially
higher amount of liquid investments, including cash and cash equivalents.
There
can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved or that the Fund’s investment program will be
successful.
Neuberger
Overview
The
Fund’s affiliation with Neuberger affords it a distinct and sustainable competitive advantage with respect to deal sourcing, investment
evaluation and execution. The Fund has access to the resources, relationships and expertise of one of the world’s leading private,
employee-controlled asset management companies. Established in
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1939,
Neuberger is a leader in a broad range of global investment solutions tailored to institutions and individuals through customized separately
managed accounts, mutual funds and alternative investment products. The firm has over 2,900
employees in 26 countries worldwide and, as of March 31, 2026, managed $567 billion
of assets.
NB
Alternative Credit Differentiated Approach
The
Sub-Adviser’s private credit platform (“NB Private
Credit”) has a global presence and manages $51 billion across multiple
private credit strategies, including the Specialty Finance Strategy (“NBSF”), as of March 31, 2026.
NBSF has an experienced investment committee (the “NBSF Investment Committee”) of five senior investment professionals
with a diverse set of backgrounds and underwriting experience in specialty finance sectors. The members of the NBSF Investment Committee
are Peter Sterling, Zhengyuan Lu, David Kupperman, Jeff Majit and Anthony Tutrone, who serve as the Fund’s Portfolio Managers.
In addition to serving as members of the NBSF Investment Committee, Peter Sterling and Zhengyuan Lu are primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management, selection, purchases and realizations of the Fund’s loan portfolio. The NBSF Investment Committee is supported
by an investment team of managing directors, senior vice presidents, vice presidents, associates, and analysts within the NB Private
Credit platform who assist with the review, selection and realization of investments for the Fund. The NBSF investment team will seek
to identify assets within the consumer finance, asset-based finance, receivables finance, consumer lending, and other related segments
with a focus on short duration (i.e., with a weighted average duration of approximately 1.5 years), income producing assets.
The NBSF investment team looks to partner with what it believes to be high-quality originators who have strong underwriting and servicing
capabilities and intend to leverage the scale, operational capabilities and extensive industry relationships developed by Neuberger’s
global investment platform to secure differentiated deal flow and preferential terms with origination platforms. The Adviser believes
that Neuberger’s integrated platform provides the Fund with a competitive
advantage in sourcing, executing, and monitoring investment opportunities.
Portfolio
Construction
The
Fund will focus on the acquisition and financing of Asset-Based Credit Investments within the consumer finance, consumer lending, small
business finance, trade finance, receivables finance, and other related segments, to build a portfolio of short duration, income producing
assets for Shareholders. The portfolio is targeted to have a weighted average duration of approximately 1.5 years.
The
Fund seeks to construct a portfolio that has: (i) variation by asset class, industry sector, company size, geography and other factors;
(ii) capital efficiency (i.e., the ability for an investment to gain exposure to a particular
market while using fewer assets); (iii) and attractive contractual returns, including high cash interest coupons (i.e.,
a bond which pays a relatively large periodic interest payment). The Adviser, as part of its portfolio construction process, performs
diligence on the borrowers it lends to as well as the specialty finance originators and lending platforms from which the Fund purchases
Asset-Based Credit Investments in order to evaluate both the process by which each lender or origination platform extends or sources loans
and provides related services and the characteristics of the overall portfolio of loans made available through that platform.
Established
Investment Process
With
respect to specialty finance originators and origination platforms, the NBSF investment team has a multi-step investment process which
entails a three-step evaluation for investment approval. The first step involves a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental merits of
the originator (access to funding, experience, borrower acquisition capabilities). The second step includes assessing the quantitative
merits (underwriting capabilities and track record). The final step is the operational and regulatory analysis (servicing processes, regulatory
compliance).
In
addition to the NBSF investment team’s own analysis and process, the investment team also utilizes Neuberger’s
Operational Due Diligence group, which vets all external managers for Neuberger. The Operational Due Diligence group performs an independent
evaluation of the originator’s operational and compliance infrastructure. The Operational Due Diligence group may veto an investment
if standards are not up to their satisfaction. Upon completion of all steps of the evaluation process, the investment team presents to
the NBSF Investment Committee for approval.
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Each
deal will typically include:
|
• |
1 member of the deal sourcing
team |
|
• |
1-2 member(s) of the data
analytics team |
|
• |
Operational Due Diligence
group |
|
• |
Investment Committee approval |
The
following diagrams set forth the key elements of the investment process described above.

Approved
lenders and origination platforms will provide the NBSF investment team with pools of loans and accompanying data (terms and ratings of
each loan as well as individual borrower data that includes FICO scores, income, occupation and existing indebtedness, if any) for the
NBSF investment team to evaluate potential investments. These loans will also be pre-screened by the originator to meet a defined set
of credit criteria established by the NBSF investment team. The NBSF investment team will then use its data analytics capabilities to
further analyze the loans by assessing default probability, prepayment probability, loss severity and
duration expectation. The NBSF investment team has the ability to reject a loan
if it does not meet the Fund’s requirements. In addition to serving as members of the NBSF Investment Committee, Peter Sterling
and Zhengyuan Lu are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management, selection, purchases and realizations of the Fund’s loan
portfolio. The NBSF investment team will also monitor the loans of each lender and platform on an ongoing basis. The following diagram
details the loan diligence and loan monitoring process for approved specialty finance originators and origination platforms:
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Loan
originations follow a similar multi-step investment process to the process employed by
the NBSF investment team with respect to due diligence and approving origination platforms: a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental
merits of the borrow, an assessment of the quantitative merits and an in-depth operational and regulatory diligence analysis. When originating
loans, the underwriting process is focused on the borrower’s valuation, asset coverage, capital structure and leverage, the management
team and/or private equity sponsor if applicable, quality of revenue and other financial measures. Loan originations are typically sourced
through direct dialogue with borrowers or other counterparties, as opposed to through intermediaries such as banks or brokers. To find
and maintain direct relationships with potential borrowers, the NBSF investment team seeks to leverage its extensive industry relationships
in the specialty finance industry, as well as the team’s proximity to Silicon Valley and connections to venture capital firms in
that region, and the broader Neuberger’s private markets platform.
Neuberger
Global Resources
Access
to Neuberger’s global resources provides a significant and compelling advantage
to the Fund’s investment sourcing, evaluation, execution and management abilities. NBSF
expects to work closely with the following key groups across Neuberger:
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Research
and Portfolio Analysts: Neuberger maintains a research-driven and performance-focused investment approach. The firm’s public
market and private market investment teams have access to a dedicated team of over 380 research and portfolio analysts. In addition, as
one of the world’s leading independent asset management companies, Neuberger has access to over 250 third-party sell-side research
firms. The firm’s extensive research capabilities provide proprietary, industry specific valuation metrics and market insights
to supplement the NBSF investment team’s analysis and evaluation of investment opportunities. |
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Portfolio
Managers: Neuberger had 790 investment professionals worldwide across public
and private markets, equity, fixed income, alternatives and real estate as of March 31, 2026.
These teams invest across a wide variety of investment strategies and provide investment management and financial |
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advisory
services to clients worldwide. In addition to leveraging the firm’s research and portfolio analysts, the investment teams perform
their own independent research, company visits and management interviews. When evaluating investment opportunities, in accordance firm
policies, NBSF may leverage the industry and company knowledge and investment expertise
of Neuberger’s portfolio managers and research analysts.
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Global
Sales Organization: Neuberger serves a diverse group of global clients through its offices in 39 cities worldwide. The firm
had 788 client service professionals worldwide as of March 31, 2026.
In addition, the firm’s wealth managers cover high net worth individuals, families and their charitable organizations. NBSF
leverages the Neuberger sales organization and wealth managers to help drive significant proprietary deal flow and proactively target
specific sellers worldwide. |
RISKS
AN
INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND THEREFORE SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY INVESTORS WHOSE FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE
SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THEM TO ASSUME THESE RISKS AND TO BEAR THE LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF THEIR INVESTMENT. THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS SHOULD
BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND. THE FUND MAY FACE OTHER RISKS THAT THE FUND HAS NOT YET IDENTIFIED OR
WHICH THE FUND DOES NOT CURRENTLY DEEM MATERIAL. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN FINANCIAL, LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX ADVISORS
PRIOR TO INVESTING IN THE FUND.
The
Fund’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. In considering participation in the Fund, prospective investors
should be aware of certain risk factors, which include the following:
General
Risks of Investing in the Fund
General
Investment Risks
There
is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will be profitable, that there will be proceeds from such investments available
for distribution to Shareholders, or that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is speculative and
involves a high degree of risk. Fund performance may be volatile and a Shareholder could incur a total or substantial loss of its investment.
There can be no assurance that projected or targeted returns for the Fund will be achieved.
Limited
Operating History
The
Fund is a recently organized fund with limited
operating history, and as a result, the Fund has limited financial information on
which investors can evaluate an investment in the Fund or prior performance. Investors must rely on the Adviser to implement the Fund’s
investment policies, to evaluate all of the Fund’s investment opportunities and to structure the terms of the Fund’s investments
rather than evaluating the Fund’s investments in advance. Because investors are not able to thoroughly evaluate the Fund’s
investments in advance of acquiring shares, the offering of shares may entail more risk than other types of offerings. This additional
risk may hinder investors’ ability to achieve their own personal investment objectives related to portfolio diversification, risk-adjusted
investment returns and other objectives. Additionally, the results of any other businesses or companies that have or have had an investment
objective which is similar to, or different from, the Fund’s investment objective are not indicative of the results that the Fund
may achieve. The Fund expects to have a different investment portfolio from other businesses or companies. Accordingly, the Fund’s
results may differ from and are independent of the results obtained by such businesses or companies. Moreover, past performance is no
assurance of future returns.
The
Fund is subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that the Fund will
not achieve its investment objective and that the value of investors’ investments could decline substantially or that investors’
investments could become worthless. The Adviser anticipates, based on the amount of proceeds raised in the initial or subsequent closings
that it could take some time to invest substantially all of the capital expected to be raised due to market conditions generally and the
time necessary to identify, evaluate, structure, negotiate and close suitable investments in private companies. In order to comply with
the RIC diversification requirements during the startup period, the Fund may invest proceeds in temporary investments,
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such
as cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the
time of investment, which may earn yields substantially lower than the interest, dividend or other income that the Fund seeks to receive
in respect of suitable portfolio investments. The Fund may not be able to pay any significant distributions during this period, and any
such distributions may be substantially lower than the distributions expected to be paid when the Fund’s portfolio is fully invested.
The Fund will pay a Management Fee to the Adviser throughout this interim period irrespective of the Fund’s performance. If the
Management Fee and other expenses exceed the return on the temporary investments, the Fund’s returns could be negatively impacted.
Closed-End
Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity
The
Fund is structured as an “interval fund” and designed primarily for long-term investors. The Fund is not intended to be
a typical traded investment. There is no secondary market for the Fund’s Shares and the Fund expects that no secondary market will
develop. An investor should not invest in the Fund if the investor needs a liquid investment. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management
investment companies, commonly known as mutual funds, in that investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares
on a daily basis at a price based on NAV. Although the Fund, as a fundamental policy, will make quarterly offers to repurchase between
5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV, the number of Shares tendered in connection with a repurchase offer may exceed the number
of Shares the Fund has offered to repurchase, in which case not all of your Shares tendered in that offer will be repurchased. In connection
with any given repurchase offer, the Fund currently expects to offer to repurchase 5% of its outstanding Shares but from time to time
may offer to repurchase more Shares in order to provide limited liquidity to Shareholders. Hence, an investor may not be able to sell
its Shares when and/or in the amount that it desires.
Suitability
Investment
in the Fund is suitable only for those persons who, either alone or together with their duly designated representative, have such knowledge
and experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of their proposed investment,
who can afford to bear the economic risk of their investment, who are able to withstand a total loss of their investment and who have
no need for liquidity in their investment and no need to dispose of their Shares to satisfy current financial needs and contingencies
or existing or contemplated undertakings or indebtedness. Potential investors with questions as to the suitability of an investment in
the Fund should consult their professional advisors to assist them in making their own legal, tax, accounting and financial evaluation
of the merits and risks of investment in the Fund in light of their own circumstances and financial condition.
Valuation
Risk
The
Fund is subject to valuation risk, which is the risk that one or more of the securities in which the Fund invests are valued at prices
that the Fund is unable to obtain upon sale due to factors such as incomplete data, market instability, human error or, with respect to
securities for which there are no readily available market quotations, the inherent difficulty in determining the fair value of certain
types of investments. The Adviser may, but is not required to, use an independent pricing service or prices provided by dealers to value
securities at their market value.
Unlike
publicly-traded common stock, which trades on national exchanges, there is no central exchange for fixed-income securities, including
bank loans, to trade. Such fixed-income securities generally trade on an “over-the-counter” market, where the buyer and
seller can settle on a price. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of fixed-income securities, particularly
in the lower tier of the high yield market where there are fewer market makers, may carry more risk than that of publicly-traded common
stock. Uncertainties in the conditions of the financial market, unreliable reference data, lack of transparency and inconsistency of valuation
models and processes may lead to inaccurate asset pricing by third party pricing vendors. Moreover, to the extent that prices or quotations
are not available from such third party pricing vendors, or when the Adviser believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced
by the Fund using fair value procedures approved by the Board. In addition, other market participants may value securities differently
than the Fund. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that when a fixed-income security is sold in the market, the amount received
by the Fund is less than the value of such fixed-income security carried on the Fund’s books.
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The
valuation of the Fund’s investments involves subjective judgment. There can be no assurance that the Fund will value its investments
in a manner that accurately reflects their current market values or that the Fund will be able to sell any investment at a price equal
to the valuation ascribed to that investment for purposes of calculating the Fund’s NAV. Incorrect valuations of the Fund’s
portfolio holdings could result in the Fund’s shareholder transactions being effected at a NAV that does not accurately reflect
the underlying value of the Fund’s portfolio, resulting in the dilution of shareholder interests.
Repurchase
Offers Risk
As
described in “Periodic Repurchase Offers”, the Fund is an “interval fund” and, in order to provide liquidity
to Shareholders, the Fund, subject to applicable law, will conduct quarterly repurchase offers of the Fund’s outstanding Shares
at NAV, subject to approval of the Board. In all cases such repurchases will be for at least 5% and not more than 25% of its outstanding
Shares at NAV, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund currently expects to conduct quarterly repurchase offers for 5%
of its outstanding Shares under ordinary circumstances but from time to time may offer to repurchase more Shares in order to provide limited
liquidity to Shareholders. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to the Fund’s Shareholders,
and repurchases generally will be funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities.
Repurchase
offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain
a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution
in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities (with associated imputed transaction
costs, which may be significant), and, unless offset by sufficient sales of Fund Shares, may limit the ability of the Fund to participate
in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may accumulate cash by holding back (i.e., not reinvesting)
payments received in connection with the Fund’s investments. The Fund believes that payments received in connection with the Fund’s
investments will generate sufficient cash to meet the maximum potential amount of the Fund’s repurchase obligations. If at any
time cash and other liquid assets held by the Fund are not sufficient to meet the Fund’s repurchase obligations, the Fund intends,
if necessary, to sell investments. If the Fund employs investment leverage, repurchases of Shares would compound the adverse effects of
leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect
shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income.
The
repurchase of Shares by the Fund decreases the assets of the Fund and, therefore, may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s
expense ratio. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate, which may result
in increased transaction costs and reduced returns to shareholders.
If
a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, the Board may determine to increase the amount repurchased by up to 2% of the Fund’s outstanding
Shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline. In the event that the Board determines not to repurchase more than the repurchase
offer amount, or if shareholders tender more than the repurchase offer amount plus 2% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares as of the
date of the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and shareholders will have
to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. As a result, shareholders may be unable to liquidate all or
a given percentage of their investment in the Fund during a particular repurchase offer. Some shareholders, in anticipation of proration,
may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter to ensure the repurchase of a specific number of Shares,
thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. A shareholder may be subject to market and other risks, and the NAV of Shares
tendered in a repurchase offer may decline between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the date on which the NAV for tendered Shares is
determined. The NAV on the Repurchase Request Deadline or the Repurchase Pricing Date may be higher or lower than on the date a shareholder
submits a repurchase request. To the extent that the Fund invests a portion of its portfolio in foreign markets, there is the risk of
a possible decrease in Share value as a result of currency fluctuations between the date of tender and the Repurchase Pricing Date.
In
addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may be a taxable event to Shareholders, potentially including even Shareholders who do
not tender any Shares in such repurchase. Furthermore, the Fund’s use of cash to repurchase Shares could adversely affect its ability
to satisfy the distribution requirements for treatment as a RIC.
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The
Fund could also recognize income or gain in connection with its sale or other disposal of portfolio securities to fund Share repurchases.
Any such income would be taken into account in determining whether such distribution requirements are satisfied and would need to be distributed
to shareholders (in taxable distributions) in order to eliminate a Fund-level tax.
Dependence
on the Adviser and Key Personnel
The
Fund will depend on the Adviser’s ability to select, allocate and reallocate effectively the Fund’s assets. The success
of the Fund is thus substantially dependent on the Adviser and its continued employment of certain key personnel. There can be no assurance
that these key personnel will continue to be associated with or available to the Adviser throughout the life of the Fund.
Indemnification
Obligations and Limited Liability of Managers and Adviser
None
of the Managers, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates, principals, members, shareholders, partners, officers, directors,
employees, agents and representatives (each an “Indemnified Person”) shall have
any liability, responsibility or accountability in damages or otherwise to any Shareholder or the Fund for, and the Fund agrees, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify, pay, protect and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against, any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature
whatsoever (including, without limitation, all reasonable costs and expenses of attorneys, defense, appeal and settlement of any and all
suits, actions or proceedings instituted or threatened against the Indemnified Persons or the Fund) and all costs of investigation in
connection therewith which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Indemnified Persons or the Fund in any way relating
to or arising out of, or alleged to relate to or arise out of, any action or inaction on the part of the Fund, on the part of the Indemnified
Persons when acting on behalf of the Fund or otherwise in connection with the business or affairs of the Fund, or on the part of any agents
when acting on behalf of the Fund (collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”);
provided that the Fund shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person for any portion of any Indemnified Liabilities which results from
such Indemnified Person’s willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of his, her or its duties or by
reason of his, her or its reckless disregard of his, her or its obligations and duties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no waiver or release
of personal liability of any Indemnified Person will be effective to waive any liabilities of such Indemnified Persons under the U.S.
federal securities laws to the extent any such waiver or release is void under Section 14 of the Securities Act.
Portfolio
Construction May Vary
While
this Prospectus contains generalized discussions about the Adviser’s current expectations with respect to the make-up of the portfolio
of the Fund, many factors may contribute to changes in emphasis in the construction of the portfolio, including changes in market or economic
conditions or regulations as they affect various industries and sectors and changes in the political or social situations in particular
jurisdictions. The Adviser may modify the implementation of the Fund’s investment strategies, portfolio allocations, investment
processes and investment techniques as compared to predecessor funds based on market conditions, changes in personnel or as the Adviser
otherwise deems appropriate.
There
is no guarantee that the Adviser’s allocation strategy will produce the desired results. The percentage of the Fund’s total
assets allocated to any category of investment may at any given time be significantly less than the maximum percentage permitted pursuant
to the Fund’s investment policies. It is possible that the Fund will focus on an investment that performs poorly or underperforms
other investments under various market conditions. The flexibility of the Fund’s investment policies and the discretion granted
to the Adviser to invest the Fund’s assets across various segments, classes and geographic regions of the securities markets means
that the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may be more dependent on the success of its investment adviser than
other investment companies.
Projections
Projected
operating results of a portfolio company normally will be based primarily on financial projections prepared by each company’s management.
In all cases, projections are only estimates of future results that are based upon information received from the company and assumptions
made at the time the projections are
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developed.
There can be no assurance that the results are set forth in the projections will be attained, and actual results may be significantly
different from the projections. Also, general economic factors, which are not predictable, can have a material effect on the reliability
of projections.
Decision-Making
Authority Risk
Shareholders
have no authority to make decisions or to exercise business discretion on behalf of the Fund, except as set forth in the Fund’s
governing documents. The authority for all such decisions is generally delegated to the Board, which in turn, has delegated the day-to-day
management of the Fund’s investment activities to the Adviser, subject to oversight by the Board.
Management
Risk
The
Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The Adviser will apply investment techniques
and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
The Fund may be subject to a relatively high level of management risk because the Fund invests in private, illiquid instruments, which
may be highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with equities
and bonds.
Reliance
on Service Providers
The
Fund must rely upon the performance of service providers to perform certain functions, which may include functions that are integral to
the Fund’s operations and financial performance. Failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations to the Fund in accordance
with the terms of its appointment, to exercise due care and skill or to perform its obligations to the Fund at all as a result of insolvency,
bankruptcy or other causes could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and returns to Shareholders. The termination
of the Fund’s relationship with any service provider, or any delay in appointing a replacement for such service provider, could
materially disrupt the business of the Fund and could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and returns to Shareholders.
Effect
of Fees and Expenses on Returns (Multiple Levels of Fees and Expenses)
The
Fund may invest in SPVs sponsored by lenders/originators. The third parties managing such SPVs may be entitled to receive administrative
services fees, management fees, carried interest, or other forms of compensation, and so the Fund will bear its proportionate share of
such expenses if it invest in a SPV subject to such fees and expenses. Investments made by the Fund in these SPVs may increase the fees,
costs, and expenses payable by the Fund and indirectly borne by Shareholders and such fees and expenses are expected to reduce the actual
returns to investors of the SPV, including the Fund. In certain cases, such third parties may be paid a fee based on appreciation during
the specific period without taking into account losses occurring in prior periods. With respect to the Fund’s investments in entities
that are subject to such fees and expenses, each Shareholder in the Fund will pay, in effect, two sets of fees, one directly at the Fund
level, and one at the underlying investment level. Fees and expenses of the Fund and the SPVs will generally be paid regardless of whether
the Fund or SPVs produce positive investment returns.
Risks
Relating to Investment Strategies, Fund Investments and the Fund’s Investment Program
Investment
in Receivables Risk
The
Fund may invest in lending-related securities with exposure to receivables or invoice financing, including loans or advances made to businesses,
secured by invoice receivables, originated by specialty finance originators, marketplace lending platforms or other originators. The Fund
will be reliant on the originator’s ability to source suitable deals, detect fraud, assess the credit worthiness of both the borrower
and the obligor on the invoice, manage operational and financial risk and, in the event of default, pursue and collect collateral. In
the event of default, the Fund incurs the risk that it may only rank as an unsecured creditor. The obligor on the invoice may dispute
any aspect of its obligation and delay, reduce or withhold payments, which may affect the value of the collateral.
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In
making such investments, the Fund is dependent upon the originators’ ability to monitor and curtail fraud, including factoring
fraud, which involves the falsification of invoice documents. False invoices can easily be created online to appear as if they have been
issued by legitimate debtors or as if the invoiced amounts are higher than they actually are. Platforms that originate trade receivables
financing loans to corporations usually conduct due diligence but do not always conduct on-site visits to verify that the business exists
and is in good standing. For this reason, the risk of fraud may be greater with corporate trade receivables. Typically, an originator
will seek to validate that the debtor has received the goods or services for which it has been invoiced and is willing to pay the creditor
before making the receivables available for investment, although this may not always be the case. There can be no assurance, however,
that the debtor will not subsequently dispute the quality or price of the goods or services and withhold payments. Fraud, delays or write-offs
associated with such disputes could directly impact the profitability of the Fund’s investments in alternative lending-related
securities with exposure to trade receivables. In the event of insolvency of any debtor owing funds on a receivable that the Fund has
purchased directly or indirectly, the Fund may only rank as an unsecured creditor. In the case of receivables transferred with recourse,
when a debtor defaults on its obligations to the purchaser of the receivable (such as the Fund, directly or indirectly), the seller of
the receivable will become obligated to fulfill any remaining invoice amounts owed to the purchaser. In the case of receivables transferred
without recourse, the Fund or other direct owner of the receivable will have no such “back-up” obligor in the event of a
debtor default. In either scenario, there is a risk that the party with the payment obligation will fail to make payments timely or at
all.
Such
investments may also include credit card receivables, which are generally unsecured and the debtors on such receivables are entitled to
the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off certain amounts
owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
Risks
Related to Specialty Finance Industry
The
technology-enabled or “fintech” specialty finance platform industry represents a more novel approach to borrowing than traditional
banking lenders by leveraging technology in a number of ways to streamline the loan approval and underwriting process, such as by using
an online application process, utilizing third-party data sources and technology to connect a borrower’s bank and credit agencies
to integrate borrower information and developing their data analytic capabilities in order to more efficiently underwrite borrowers and
analyze loan performance. In implementing these processes, it is possible that these platforms may not comply with, among other things,
U.S. federal and state securities laws, borrower protection laws, state lending laws, federal consumer protection laws and the state counterparts
to such consumer protection laws. Borrowers may dispute the enforceability of their obligations under borrower or consumer protection
laws after collection actions have commenced, or otherwise seek damages under these laws. Federal regulatory agencies and their state
counterparts may investigate a platform’s compliance, or the compliance of the platform’s business partners, with these
regulatory obligations, and may undertake enforcement actions with respect to alleged law violations. A failure to comply with such regulatory
regimes could subject specialty finance platforms to more extensive regulation and ultimately impair the Fund’s ability to achieve
its investment objective.
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• |
True Lender Risk.
Specialty finance platforms generally rely on Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)-insured depository institutions
to originate all loans and to comply with various federal, state, and local laws. Under Section 521 of the U.S. Depository Institutions
Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA); Section 85 of the National
Bank Act; federal case law interpreting the National Bank Act such as Tiffany v. National Bank of Missouri, 85 U.S. 409 (1874), and Marquette
National Bank of Minneapolis v. First Omaha Service Corporation, 439 U.S. 299 (1978); and FDIC advisory opinion 92-47, FDIC-insured depository
institutions can, among other things, “export” the interest rate permitted by the laws of the state or U.S. territory where
the institution is located, regardless of the usury limitations imposed by the state law of the borrower’s residence unless the
state has chosen to opt out of the exportation regime with respect to certain types of loan. To date, only three
jurisdictions have opted out of the exportation regime: Iowa, Colorado and Puerto
Rico. |
The
use of FDIC-insured depository institutions to originate loans to platform customers has been subject to challenge in the past and may
be subject to challenge in the future by a regulator or private litigant on the basis that the platform, not the depository institution,
is the “true lender” that originates a loan. If the platform is found to be the “true lender” of a loan the
interest rate “exportation” provisions discussed above may not apply to the loan and any limits on interest rates, fees
and other provisions imposed by the laws of the state of the borrower’s residence
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will
need to be observed by the entity holding and/or servicing the loan by reducing said rates, fees or modifying other provisions. Further,
a loan with an interest rate that exceeds the amount permitted by applicable law may be void or voidable, which means the loan may not
be enforceable against the borrower. Continuing to charge interest rates or fees or otherwise enforcing contractual provisions that are
not permitted by the laws of the state of the borrower’s residence may result in civil and/or criminal action against the holder
and/or servicer of the loan.
Accordingly,
a determination that one or more specialty finance platforms are the “true lenders” of the loans they facilitate could subject
specialty finance platforms to more extensive regulation and ultimately impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
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• |
Risks
Relating to Violations of State Usury Laws. The interest rates charged to borrowers for loans facilitated by specialty finance
platforms may exceed the maximum rates permitted on personal loans in certain jurisdictions. |
If
specialty finance platforms are deemed to be the true lenders regarding the loans they facilitate, specialty finance platforms may not
be protected by principles of federal preemption, which apply to federally regulated issuing banks, and, as such, may be found in violation
of state usury laws. Such violations could expose specialty finance platforms to civil and/or criminal liability.
In
addition to the usury risk posed if the platform is deemed to the “true lender” regarding the loans they facilitate, in
May 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its decision in Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC, 786 F.3d 246 (2d Cir.
2015), cert. denied, 136 S. Ct. 2505 (2016) that interpreted the scope of federal preemption under the National Bank Act and held that
a non-bank assignee of a loan originated by a national bank was not entitled to the benefits of federal preemption of claims of usury.
The Second Circuit’s decision is binding on federal courts located in Connecticut, New York, and Vermont, but the decision
could also be adopted by other courts, and has been relied upon by state regulators in jurisdictions outside of the Second Circuit when
bringing lawsuits against specialty finance platforms. While the decision specifically addressed preemption under the National Bank Act,
it could support future challenges to federal preemption for other institutions, including an FDIC-insured state-chartered institution
like those that originate loans under the bank partnership model discussed above. The Madden decision has created uncertainty as to whether
non-bank entities purchasing loans originated by a bank may rely on federal preemption of state usury laws, and may create an increased
risk of litigation by plaintiffs or regulators challenging the ability of a loan’s holder and/or servicer to collect interest or
fees in accordance with the terms of loan but in excess of what is permitted under the laws of the state in which the borrower resides.
To
address the uncertainty raised by the Madden decision, the OCC and FDIC have issued final rules which adopt the “valid-when-made”
principle by amending their respective preemption regulations to provide that when a loan’s interest rate is permissible at the
time of origination, the interest rate will continue to be enforceable after the assignment of the loan to a third-party. There is no
guaranty that state regulators will not continue to challenge the ability of specialty finance platforms to enforce certain provisions
of loans originated under the bank partnership model.
Usury
violations could result in civil and/or criminal liability and may also result in a reduction of the interest rates or fees that a holder
and/or servicer of a loan could charge. Accordingly, a determination that a loan purchased from a specialty finance platform is subject
to the usury requirements of the state in which the borrower resides could subject specialty finance platforms to more extensive regulation
and ultimately impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
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• |
Evolving
Regulatory Framework. The regulatory framework underlying the specialty finance and consumer finance industries is evolving and
uncertain. If new laws or regulations are adopted, or if existing laws and regulations are interpreted differently, specialty finance
platforms’ ability to interact with consumers and issuing banks could be constrained, which could adversely affect the Fund’s
investment objective. |
By
federal statute the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) has broad authority over lending businesses in which the
Fund may invest. This includes authority to write regulations under federal consumer financial protection laws, such as the Truth in Lending
Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity
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Act,
and to enforce those laws against and examine large financial institutions, such as certain of the Platforms’ funding banks, for
compliance. The CFPB is authorized to prevent “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices” through its regulatory, supervisory
and enforcement authority.
However,
the future of the CFPB’s operations is uncertain. In February 2025, President Trump appointed Russell Vought as Acting Director
of the CFPB and Acting Director Vought subsequently restricted the operations of the agency, directing dismissals or stays of pending
cases, withdrawing policy positions taken by previous administrations, and withdrawing significant volumes of previously issued guidance.
Additionally, the Acting Director has announced plans to reduce the size of the agency through issuing reduction-in-force notices to many
employees.
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• |
Third
Party Litigation Risk. Specialty finance platforms may be subject to claims relating to, among other things, regulatory violations,
government and regulatory investigations, inquiries or requests, and proceedings involving consumer protection, labor and employment,
intellectual property, privacy, data protection, information security, securities, tax, commercial disputes, record retention, and other
matters. The number and significance of these claims are likely to increase as the technology-enabled specialty finance industry matures.
In particular, claims relating to the partnership between specialty finance platforms and the issuing banks with which they partner may
come under additional scrutiny, given the inconsistent outcomes of recent cases. |
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Risks
Related to Fluctuating Interest Rates. The loans facilitated by specialty finance platforms are issued with fixed or variable interest
rates, depending on the type of loan. If Interest rates continue to rise, the volume of loans facilitated by specialty finance platforms
could fall, as potential borrows seek loans from alternative sources. Such decreased loan volume could negatively affect the Fund’s
performance. |
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Risks
Related to Decline in Social and Economic Conditions. Potential borrowers are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and negative
trends in the markets driven by domestic and international social and economic conditions. Factors such as interest rates, unemployment
rates, inflation, and consumer confidence levels may affect the ability or willingness of borrowers to seek new loans or make payments
on existing loans. Such external economic and social conditions could negatively affect the ability of specialty finance platforms to
facilitate new loans and collect on existing loans, which could ultimately impair the Fund’s performance. |
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Risks
of Fraudulent Activity and Cyber Security Incidents. Specialty finance platforms are subject to risks of fraudulent activity and
cyber security incidents associated with the specialty finance and consumer finance industries. Fraudulent activity or cyber-attacks targeting
specialty finance platforms, issuing banks, or third-party vendors could adversely affect specialty finance platforms operations and cause
damage to their brands. Any such fraudulent activity or cyber-security incidents, whether actual or perceived, could negatively affect
the Fund’s performance. |
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Negative
Publicity and Reputational Risk. Negative publicity about the specialty finance and consumer finance industries, including with
respect to the effectiveness, quality, and reliability of certain lending practices, could influence the market’s perception of
the specialty finance and consumer finance industries and result in significant reputational harm to specialty finance platforms. If specialty
finance platforms receive negative publicity or otherwise suffer reputational harm, their performance could be impaired, which could have
an adverse impact on the Fund. |
Fixed-Income
Securities Risks
Fixed-income
securities in which the Fund may invest are generally subject to the following risks:
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Interest
Rate Risk. The market value of bonds and other fixed-income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors.
Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease
as interest rates rise. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on the Fund’s investments and
investment opportunities and accordingly may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investment objectives and returns. Any
declines in interest rates will generally negatively impact yields, and although an increase in interest rates may favorably affect the
Fund’s investment activities, such an |
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increase
may also adversely affect the ability of the portfolio companies underlying the Fund’s investments to service their debt obligations
and cause the value of any investments that are based on fixed rates or which do not adjust to adequately reflect the increase in interest
rates generally, to decline in value relative to other debt investments that reflect such interest rate changes. In addition, an increase
in interest rates could make it more expensive to utilize leverage in making investments. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term
interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by the Adviser.
To
the extent the Fund invests in debt securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor (such as mortgage-related securities),
the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise.
Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate debt securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates
(and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund to the extent that
it invests in floating rate debt securities. These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. Government securities. A security
backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face
value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other fixed-income securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate
in value when interest rates change.
The
Fund may invest in variable and floating rate debt instruments, which generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer
duration fixed rate instruments, but may decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they
pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments
generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. The Fund also may invest in inverse floating rate debt securities, which
may decrease in value if interest rates increase, and which also may exhibit greater price volatility than fixed rate debt obligations
with similar credit quality. To the extent the Fund holds variable or floating rate instruments, a decrease (or, in the case of inverse
floating rate securities, an increase) in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities, which
may adversely affect the NAV of the Fund’s Shares.
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Issuer
Risk. The value of fixed-income securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management
performance, financial leverage, reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services, historical and prospective earnings of the
issuer and the value of the assets of the issuer. |
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Credit
Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more fixed-income securities in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price or
fail to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status. Credit risk
is increased when a portfolio security is downgraded or the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer deteriorates. To the extent the Fund
invests in below investment grade securities, it will be exposed to a greater amount of credit risk than a fund that only invests in investment
grade securities. In addition, to the extent the Fund uses credit derivatives, such use will expose it to additional risk in the event
that the bonds underlying the derivatives default. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on
the terms of the securities. |
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Prepayment
Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled.
For fixed rate securities, such payments often occur during periods of declining interest rates, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower
yielding securities, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to Shareholders. This is known as prepayment
or “call” risk. Below investment grade securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security
at dates prior to its stated maturity at a specified price (typically greater than par) only if certain prescribed conditions are met
(i.e., “call protection”). For premium bonds (bonds acquired at prices that exceed
their par or principal value) purchased by the Fund, prepayment risk may be increased. |
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Reinvestment
Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds
from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings
rate. |
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Duration
and Maturity Risk. Although the Adviser will focus on building a portfolio of short duration, income producing assets (with a weighted
average duration of approximately 1.5 years), the Adviser may seek to adjust the portfolio’s duration or maturity based on its
assessment of current and projected market conditions and all other factors that the Adviser deems relevant. Any decisions as to the targeted
duration or maturity of any particular category of investments or of the Fund’s portfolio generally will be made based on all pertinent
market factors at any given time. The Fund may incur costs in seeking to adjust the portfolio’s average duration or maturity. There
can be no assurance that the Adviser’s assessment of current and projected market conditions will be correct or that any strategy
to adjust the portfolio’s duration or maturity will be successful at any given time. In general, the longer the duration of any
fixed-income securities in the Fund’s portfolio, the more exposure the Fund will have to the interest rate risks described above.
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Spread
Risk. Wider credit spreads and decreasing market values typically represent a deterioration of a debt security’s credit
soundness and a perceived greater likelihood of risk or default by the issuer. |
Yield
and Ratings Risk
The
yields on debt obligations are dependent on a variety of factors, including general market conditions, conditions in the particular market
for the obligation, the financial condition of the issuer, the size of the offering, the maturity of the obligation and the ratings of
the issue. The ratings of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, which are described in Appendix A to the SAI, represent their respective
opinions as to the quality of the obligations they undertake to rate. Ratings, however, are general and are not absolute standards of
quality. Consequently, obligations with the same rating, maturity and interest rate may have different market prices. Subsequent to its
purchase by the Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated. The Adviser will consider such an event in determining whether the Fund
should continue to hold the security.
Corporate
Bonds Risk
The
market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates. The market value of intermediate
and longer term corporate bonds is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market value of shorter term corporate
bonds. The market value of a corporate bond also may be affected by factors directly related to the issuer, such as investors’
perceptions of the creditworthiness of the issuer, the issuer’s financial performance, perceptions of the issuer in the market
place, performance of management of the issuer, the issuer’s capital structure and use of financial leverage and demand for the
issuer’s goods and services. Certain risks associated with investments in corporate bonds are described elsewhere in this Prospectus
in further detail, including under “—Fixed-Income Securities Risks—Credit Risk,” “—Fixed-Income
Securities Risks—Interest Rate Risk,” and “—Fixed-Income Securities Risks—Prepayment Risk.”
There is a risk that the issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the
time called for by an instrument. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality are often high risk and have speculative characteristics
and may be particularly susceptible to adverse issuer-specific developments. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality are subject
to the risks described herein under “—Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.”
Below
Investment Grade Securities Risk
The
Fund may invest in securities that are rated, at the time of investment, below investment grade quality (rated Ba/BB or below, or judged
to be of comparable quality by the Adviser), which are commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds
and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.
The value of high yield, lower quality bonds is affected by the creditworthiness of the issuers of the securities and by general economic
and specific industry conditions. Issuers of high yield bonds are not perceived to be as strong financially as those with higher credit
ratings. These issuers are more vulnerable to financial setbacks and recession than more creditworthy issuers, which may impair their
ability to make interest and principal payments. Lower grade securities may be particularly susceptible to economic
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downturns.
It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value
of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such
securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for such securities.
Lower
grade securities, though often high yielding, are characterized by high risk. They may be subject to certain risks with respect to the
issuing entity and to greater market fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated securities. The secondary market for lower
grade securities may be less liquid than that for higher rated securities. Adverse conditions could make it difficult at times for the
Fund to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Because of the substantial
risks associated with investments in lower grade securities, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, both in the short- term
and the long-term.
The
prices of fixed-income securities generally are inversely related to interest rate changes; however, below investment grade securities
historically have been somewhat less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher quality securities of comparable maturity because
credit quality is also a significant factor in the valuation of lower grade securities. On the other hand, an increased rate environment
results in increased borrowing costs generally, which may impair the credit quality of low-grade issuers and thus have a more significant
effect on the value of some lower grade securities. In addition, the current low rate environment has expanded the historic universe of
buyers of lower grade securities as traditional investment grade oriented investors have been forced to accept more risk in order to maintain
income. As rates rise, these recent entrants to the low-grade securities market may exit the market and reduce demand for lower grade
securities, potentially resulting in greater price volatility.
The
ratings of Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and other rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of the obligations which
they undertake to rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and
principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of such obligations. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion
for selection of portfolio investments, the Adviser also will independently evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of
such securities to pay interest and principal. To the extent that the Fund invests in lower grade securities that have not been rated
by a rating agency, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective will be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit
analysis than would be the case when the Fund invests in rated securities.
The
Fund may invest in securities rated in the lower rating categories (rated as low as D, or unrated but judged to be of comparable quality
by the Adviser). For these securities, the risks associated with below investment grade instruments are more pronounced.
Asset-Backed
Securities Risk
The
Fund invests in ABS or asset-backed securities, including below investment grade and unrated tranches. The Fund may hold any tranche of
ABS. ABS are primarily exposed to the performance and credit risk of the underlying collateral, which may include consumer receivables,
commercial loans, investment grade credit, high-yield credit and leveraged loans. ABS can also be subject to interest rate, foreign exchange,
liquidity and counterparty risk. There may be no established, liquid secondary market for many of the ABS the Fund may purchase. The lack
of such an established, liquid secondary market may have an adverse effect on the market value of such ABS and the Fund’s ability
to sell them. Further, ABS may be subject to certain transfer restrictions that may further restrict liquidity.
Mortgage-Backed
Securities Risk
The
Fund’s investments in securitization vehicles or other SPVs that hold mortgages or mortgage backed securities may involve risks
that differ from or are greater than risks associated with other types of investments. For example, such mortgage-backed securities may
be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates than other securities. The rate of pre-payments on underlying mortgages will
affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-backed security, and may have the effect of shortening or extending the effective duration
of the security relative to what was anticipated at the time of purchase.
Generally,
rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related assets, making them more sensitive to changes in interest
rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, the Fund may exhibit additional volatility since individual mortgage holders
are less likely to exercise prepayment options, thereby putting
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additional
downward pressure on the value of these securities and potentially causing the Fund to lose money. This is known as extension risk. Mortgage-backed
securities can be highly sensitive to rising interest rates, such that even small movements can cause the Fund to lose value. Mortgage-backed
securities, and in particular those not backed by a government guarantee, are subject to credit risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers
may pay off their mortgages sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because the Fund may have to reinvest that money
at the lower prevailing interest rates.
Mortgage-backed
securities are also subject to risks associated with their structure and the nature of the underlying mortgages and the servicing of those
mortgages; for this reason, many of the other risks described herein are relevant to the mortgage-backed securities to which the Fund
has exposure. There is risk that the underlying debt securities will default. In the event of default, the holder of a mortgage-backed
security may not have a security interest in the underlying collateral, and even if such a security interest exists, the recovery on repossessed
collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments on the underlying investments. During periods of deteriorating economic
conditions, such as recessions or periods of rising unemployment, delinquencies and losses generally increase, sometimes dramatically,
with respect to securitizations involving mortgage loans. Payment of interest and repayment of principal on mortgage-backed securities,
as well as the return associated with an equity investment in a mortgage-backed security, is largely dependent upon the cash flows generated
by the underlying mortgages backing the securities. The risks and returns for investors like the Fund in mortgage-backed securities depend
on the tranche in which the investor holds an interest. The debt tranche(s) are entitled to receive payment before the equity if the cash
flow generated by the underlying mortgages is insufficient to allow the vehicle to make payments on all of the tranches. The debt tranche(s),
therefore, may receive higher credit ratings (if rated) and the equity tranche may be considered more speculative. Many mortgage-backed
securities in which the Fund invests may be difficult to value and may be deemed illiquid. Mortgage-backed securities may have the effect
of magnifying the Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of the underlying mortgages and may also result in increased volatility
in the Fund’s NAV. This means the Fund may have the potential for greater gains, as well as the potential for greater losses, than
if the Fund owned the underlying mortgages directly. The value of an investment in the Fund may be more volatile and other risks tend
to be compounded if and to the extent that the Fund is exposed to mortgage-backed securities. In the event that the market for mortgage-backed
securities experiences high volatility and a lack of liquidity, the value of many mortgage-backed securities may decline. Any mishandling
of related documentation by a servicer may also affect the rights of the security holders in and to the underlying collateral.
Consumer
Loans Risk
Investments
in consumer loans may be subject to particular risks related to nonperformance. Secured consumer loans may involve collateral that is
too highly leveraged, or limited by rehabilitation needs or poor management. Non-performing consumer loans may also involve loan modifications
that could reduce the loan’s principal or interest rate, among other options. Consumer bankruptcy may also render a consumer loan
partially or fully uncollectable. Additionally, there may be a limited market for the sale of consumer loans, or the collateral of defaulted
consumer loans. A limited secondary market could prevent the recovery of adequate value for these assets.
The
performance of such investments is affected by, among other things, general economic conditions. Changes in economic conditions have adversely
affected the performance and market value of such investments. Consumer loans are susceptible to prepayment risks and default risks. The
repayment of unsecured consumer loans is dependent upon the ability and willingness of the borrowers to repay. The Fund’s ability
to receive payments in connection with the loan depends primarily on the financial condition of the borrower and whether or not a loan
is secured by collateral, although there is no assurance that the collateral securing a loan will be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligation.
A miscalculation of repayment ability or a material increase in repayment failures on consumer loans, whether due to inflation, macroeconomic
uncertainty and downturn, market volatility, or otherwise, may adversely affect the Fund’s investments in consumer loans. In addition,
consumers who have purchased products or services using buy-now-pay-later loans on platforms that offer such loans may cease payment on
their outstanding balances or request a refund on previous payments if they do not receive the products or services, or change their mind,
which would also negatively impact the Fund’s investments in such loans.
Other
consumer loans, like automobile loans, may be secured by collateral, but the value of that collateral is not guaranteed. Automobile loans
are not typically insured or guaranteed by any other person or entity. Increases in
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unemployment,
decreases in home values or the values of other consumer assets or lack of availability of credit may lead to increased default rates
and may also be accompanied by decreased consumer demand for automobiles and declining values of automobiles securing outstanding automobile
loan contracts, which weakens collateral coverage and increases the amount of a loss in the event of default. The occurrence of any of
any of the foregoing risks could, among other things, adversely affect the consumer loans (or the ABS backed by consumer loans) in which
the Fund may invest.
Certain
consumer advocacy groups, media reports, and federal and state legislators have asserted that laws and regulations should be tightened
to severely limit, if not eliminate, the availability of certain consumer loan products. The consumer advocacy groups and media reports
generally focus on higher cost consumer loans, which are typically made to less creditworthy borrowers, and which bear interest rates
that are higher than the interest rates typically charged by lending institutions to more creditworthy consumers. These consumer advocacy
groups and media reports have characterized these consumer loans as predatory or abusive. If the negative characterization of these types
of loans becomes increasingly accepted by consumers, legislators or regulators, the Fund’s reputation, as a purchaser of such loans,
could be negatively impacted. Furthermore, if legislators or regulators take action against originators of consumer loans or provide for
payment relief for borrowers, the Fund could incur additional losses on the consumer loans it has purchased.
Corporate
Asset-Based Credit Risk
The
Fund may invest in asset-based corporate credit secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, inventory and intellectual property rights.
Investments in asset-based corporate credit is subject to the risk that the companies in whose debt the Fund invests will be unable to
make regular payments (e.g., principal and interest payments) when due, or at all, or otherwise fail to perform. A number of factors may
impact the failure of such companies to make payments on their loans, such as, among other factors, (i) an adverse development in their
business, (ii) an economic downturn, (iii) poor performance by their management teams, (iv) legal, tax or regulatory changes, (v) a change
in the competitive environment, or (vi) a force majeure event. The companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations
in operating results, or may otherwise be experiencing financial distress even when the Adviser expects them to remain stable.
Royalties
Risk
The
Fund may invest in royalties, either directly purchasing the asset generating royalties or providing loans secured by royalties. Investments
in royalties incorporate a number of general market risks along with risks specific to various underlying royalty strategies, such as
oil & gas, music/entertainment and healthcare, among others. Included in those risks could be volatility in commodities, regulatory
changes, delays in government approvals, patent defense and enforcement, product liabilities, product pricing and the dependence on third
parties to market or distribute the product. The market performance of the target products, therefore, may be diminished by any number
of factors that are beyond the Fund’s control.
Transportation
Finance Risk.
The
Fund may invest in transportation finance-related instruments. The transportation finance sector is cyclical in nature and will likely
be dependent upon continued economic growth in the world’s economies. Economic recessions, terrorism, pandemics, the price of fuel,
and newer, more efficient vehicles are all risks to these types of investments. Further, funds operating in these sectors will often have
greater portfolio concentration.
Aircraft
and Aviation Industry Risk
The
Fund may acquire assets related to the aviation industry. Investments in securitizations and other financial instruments backed by aircraft
and aircraft equipment are subject to a number of risks relating to the aviation industry including reduced leasing of aircraft and related
equipment by commercial airlines and the commercial aviation industry generally, reduction in demand for any one aircraft or type of aircraft,
the maintenance and operating history of the specific aircraft or components that back such securities, maintenance or performance issues
with the model and type of aircraft that back such securities, and regulatory risk relating to the aviation industry. Adverse developments
with respect to any of the foregoing may adversely affect the value of securities collateralized or otherwise backed by aircraft or aircraft
equipment. In addition, the bankruptcy of the lessors or
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lessees
of the aircraft or aircraft equipment that back such securities may complicate financial recoveries in connection with such securities
and therefore have a negative impact on their value. Market events such as economic declines and recessions, geopolitical conflicts and
the occurrence or threat of pandemics, terrorism or war may also have an adverse effect on the aviation industry generally and securities
related to the same, especially when such market events cause declines in travel, increases in costs or future uncertainty for airlines,
aircraft or the commercial aviation industry generally. For example, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel substantially declined,
and many airlines became dependent, at least in part, on government aid. There can be no assurance that future events will not have a
negative impact on the aviation industry or securities collateralized or otherwise backed by aircraft or aircraft equipment.
Litigation
Finance Risk
The
Fund may extend a loan to a law firm secured by future fee proceeds from some or all of such firm’s portfolio of litigation matters,
or it may advance funds to a party in a lawsuit or their counsel in return for a share of litigation proceeds or other financial reward
if the party is successful. Where a loan is secured by litigation proceeds, or where the recipient of financing is not obligated to make
any payment unless and until litigation proceeds are actually received by the litigant or their counsel, the Fund could suffer a complete
loss of the capital invested if the matter fails to be resolved in the recipient’s favor. Other risks the Fund may face in connection
with these financing activities include, without limitation: (i) losses from terminated or rejected settlements; (ii) predictive evaluations
of the strength of cases, claims or settlements may turn out to be inaccurate; (iii) losses as a result of inability to collect, or timing
uncertainty relating to collection on, judgments or awards; (iv) lack of control over decisions of lawyers acting pursuant to their professional
duties in connection with formulating and implementing litigation strategies or otherwise; (v) expenses and uncertainties involving reliance
on outside counsel and experts; (vi) changes in law, regulations or professional standards on such financing activities; (vii) poor
case selection and case outcomes; (viii) timing or delays inherent to litigation; (ix) changes in counsel; (x) costs of litigation; (xi) inability
of a defendant to pay a judgement or settlement; (xii) general competition and industry-related risks; (xiii) conflicts of interest;
and (xiv) issues associated with the treatment of these types of investments for tax purposes.
Real
Assets Investments Risk
The
Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities and credit instruments associated with real assets, including infrastructure, digital
infrastructure, datacenters, and aviation, which have historically experienced substantial price volatility. The value of companies engaged
in these industries is affected by (i) changes in general economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in environmental, governmental
and other regulations; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in property
taxes and operating expenses; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi) casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) surplus capacity and depletion
concerns; (viii) the availability of financing; and (ix) changes in interest rates and leverage. In addition, the availability of attractive
financing and refinancing typically plays a critical role in the success of these investments. As a result, such investments are subject
to credit risk because borrowers may be delinquent in payment or default. Borrower delinquency and default rates may be significantly
higher than estimated. The Adviser’s assessment, or a rating agency’s assessment, of borrower credit quality may prove to
be overly optimistic. The value of securities in these industries may go through cycles of relative under-performance and over-performance
in comparison to equity securities markets in general.
Collateralized
Loan Obligations Risk
The
Fund may invest in CLOs, which are another type of asset-backed security. A CLO is a trust or other special purpose entity that is comprised
of or collateralized by a pool of loans, including domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate
corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The loans generate cash flow that
is allocated among one or more classes of securities (“tranches”) that vary in risk and yield. The most senior tranche has
the best credit quality and the lowest yield compared to the other tranches. The equity tranche has the highest potential yield but also
has the greatest risk, as it bears the bulk of defaults from the underlying loans and helps to protect the more senior tranches
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from
risk of these defaults. However, despite the protection from the equity and other more junior tranches, more senior tranches can experience
substantial losses due to actual defaults and decreased market value due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches,
market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class.
The
riskiness of investing in CLOs depends largely on the quality and type of the collateral loans and the tranche of the CLO in which a Fund
invests. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus (such as interest
rate risk and credit risk), CLOs carry risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from the collateral
will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the
Fund may invest in CLO tranches that are subordinate to other tranches; and (iv) the complex structure of the CLO may not be fully understood
at the time of investment or may result in the quality of the underlying collateral not being fully understood and may produce disputes
with the issuer or unexpected investment results. In addition, interest on certain tranches of a CLO may be paid in-kind (meaning that
unpaid interest is effectively added to principal), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments. Certain
CLOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, but such
enhancement may not always be present and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss due to defaults on the collateral.
Structured
Investment Risk
The
Fund may invest in interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of leveraging or restructuring the investment characteristics
of other debt securities. These investments will typically consist of equity or subordinated debt securities issued by a private investment
fund that invests, often on a leveraged basis, in debt instruments directly or through total rate of return swaps or other credit derivatives.
The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued security to create securities with different investment
characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments made with
respect to such securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Certain classes of such securities
may be subordinated to the right of payment of another class, and therefore, such structured investments typically have higher yields
and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured investments.
The
value of an investment in a structured product will depend on the investment performance of the assets in which the structured product
invests and will therefore be subject to all of the risks associated with an investment in those assets. These risks include the possibility
of a default by, or bankruptcy of, the issuers of such assets or a claim that the pledging of collateral to secure any such asset constituted
a fraudulent conveyance or preferential transfer that can be subordinated to the rights of other credits of the issuer of such asset or
nullified under applicable law. The Fund will not own such assets directly and will therefore not benefit from general rights applicable
to the holders of assets, such as the right to indemnity and the rights of setoff, or have voting rights with respect to such assets,
and in such cases, all decisions related to such assets, including whether to exercise certain remedies, will be controlled by the structured
product. Structured products are a relatively recent development in the financial markets. Consequently, there are certain tax and market
uncertainties that present risks relating to investing in structured products.
Volatility
of Collateral Value Risk
In
the case of loans that are secured by collateral, while the Fund generally expects the value of the collateral to be greater than the
value of such loans, the value of the collateral could actually be equal to or less than the value of such loans or could decline below
the outstanding amount of such loans. The Fund’s ability to have access to the collateral could be limited by bankruptcy and other
insolvency laws. Under certain circumstances, the collateral could be released with the consent of the lenders or pursuant to the terms
of the underlying loan agreement with the borrower. There is no assurance that the liquidation of the collateral securing a loan would
satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal, or that the collateral could
be readily liquidated. As a result, the Fund might not receive full payment on a secured loan investment to which the Fund is entitled
and thereby could experience a decline in the value of, or a loss on, the investment.
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Senior
Secured Credit Risk
The
Fund is expected to make senior secured debt Investments. When the Fund makes a senior secured loan, it will generally take a security
interest in the available assets of the borrower, including the equity interests of its subsidiaries, which should help mitigate the risk
that the Fund will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing the Fund’s loans may decrease in value
over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based upon the success
of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the borrower to raise additional capital. In some circumstances,
the Fund’s lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a borrower’s financial
condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the
collateral for the loan. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that the Fund will receive principal and interest
payments according to the loan’s terms, or at all, or that the Fund will be able to collect on the loan should it be forced to
enforce its remedies.
Secured
Loans Risk
While
the Fund may invest in secured loans that may be over-collateralized at the time of the investment, it may nonetheless be exposed to losses
resulting from default and foreclosure. Therefore, the value of the underlying collateral, the creditworthiness of the borrower and the
priority of the lien are each of great importance. The Fund cannot guarantee the adequacy of the protection of the Fund’s interests,
including the validity or enforceability of the loan and the maintenance of the anticipated priority and perfection of the applicable
security interests. Furthermore, the Fund cannot assure that claims may not be asserted that might interfere with enforcement of the Fund’s
rights. In addition, in the event of any default under a secured loan held directly by the Fund, the Fund will bear a risk of loss of
principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the secured loan,
which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s cash flow from operations.
In
the event of a foreclosure, the Fund may assume direct ownership of the underlying asset. The liquidation proceeds upon sale of such asset
may not satisfy the entire outstanding balance of principal and interest on the loan, resulting in a loss to the Fund. Any costs or delays
involved in the effectuation of a foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the proceeds
and thus increase the loss.
Second-Lien
Debt Risk
The
Fund’s investments in second lien loans will entail risks, including (i) the subordination of the liens securing the Fund’s
claims to a senior lien in terms of the coverage and recovery of the collateral and (ii) the prohibition of, or limitation on, the right
to foreclose on a second lien or exercise other rights as a second-lien holder (including unsecured creditors’ rights). In certain
cases, therefore, no recovery may be available from a defaulted second lien loan. The level of risk associated with investments in second
lien loans increases to the extent such investments are loans of distressed or below-investment-grade companies.
Mezzanine
Securities Risk
Mezzanine
securities generally are rated below investment grade and frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as senior loans, second
lien loans and non-investment grade bonds. However, unlike senior loans and second lien loans, mezzanine securities are not a senior or
secondary secured obligation of the related borrower. They typically are the most subordinated debt obligation in an issuer’s capital
structure. Mezzanine securities also may often be unsecured. Mezzanine securities therefore are subject to the additional risk that the
cash flow of the related borrower and the property securing the loan may be insufficient to repay the scheduled after giving effect to
any senior obligations of the related borrower. Mezzanine securities may be an illiquid investment. Mezzanine securities will be subject
to certain additional risks to the extent that such loans may not be protected by financial covenants or limitations upon additional indebtedness.
Investment in mezzanine securities is a highly specialized investment practice that depends more heavily on independent credit analysis
than investments in other types of debt obligations.
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Junior
Capital Investments Risk
The
Fund may make junior debt investments, which involve a high degree of risk with no certainty of any return of capital. Although junior
debt obligations are senior to common stock and other equity securities in the capital structure, they may be subordinated to large amounts
of senior debt and are often unsecured. The ability of the subordinated debt holders to influence a company’s affairs, especially
during periods of financial distress or following insolvency, is likely to be substantially less than that of senior creditors. For example,
under the terms of subordination agreements, senior creditors are typically able to block the acceleration of the junior debt or other
exercises by the subordinated creditors of their rights. Accordingly, the Fund may not be able to take the steps necessary to protect
its investments in a timely manner or at all.
Covenant-Lite
Loans
Some
of the loans in which the Fund may invest may be “covenant-lite” loans. “Covenant-lite” loans refer generally
to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower
companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and
can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial
condition. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund invests in “covenant-lite” loans, the Fund may have fewer rights against
a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance
covenants.
Non-Performing
Investments
The
Fund’s portfolio may include investments whose underlying collateral are “non-performing” and that are typically
highly leveraged, with significant burdens on cash flow and, therefore, involve a high degree of financial risk. During an economic downturn
or recession, securities of financially troubled or operationally troubled issuers are more likely to go into default than securities
or instruments of other issuers. Securities or instruments of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers are less
liquid and more volatile than securities or instruments of companies not experiencing financial difficulties. Investment, directly or
indirectly in the financially and/or operationally troubled issuers involves a high degree of credit and market risk.
These
difficulties may never be overcome and may cause borrowers to become subject to bankruptcy or other similar administrative proceedings.
There is a possibility that the Fund may incur substantial or total losses on its investments and in certain circumstances, subject the
Fund to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of the Fund’s original investment therein.
Unsecured
Loans or Debt Risk
It
is expected that the Fund will invest in both unsecured loans (which are not secured by collateral) and secured loans. In the event of
default on an unsecured loan, the first priority lien holder has first claim to the underlying collateral of the loan. It is possible
that no collateral value would remain for an unsecured holder and therefore result in a loss of investment to the Fund. Because unsecured
loans are lower in priority of payment to secured loans, they are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower may
be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the secured obligations of the borrower. Unsecured loans generally have
greater price volatility than secured loans and may be less liquid.
Assignments
and Participations Risk
The
Fund may purchase “assignments” of loans from lenders. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights
and obligations under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender (including any contingent obligations,
such as the funding of any amounts not fully drawn down by a borrower). Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations
between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ
from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
The
Fund may also invest in “participations” in loans. Participations by the Fund in a lender’s portion of a loan typically
will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such lender, not with the borrower. As a result, the Fund may have
the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled
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only
from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by such lender of such payments from the borrower. In connection with
purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement,
nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other lenders through set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly
benefit from any collateral supporting the bank loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the
credit risk of both the borrower and the lender selling the participation.
Insolvency
of Issuers of Indebtedness Risk
Various
laws enacted for the protection of creditors may apply to indebtedness in which the Fund invests. The information in this and the following
paragraph is applicable with respect to U.S. issuers subject to U.S. federal bankruptcy law. Insolvency considerations may differ with
respect to other issuers. If, in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid creditor or representative of creditors of an issuer of indebtedness,
a court were to find that the issuer did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for incurring the indebtedness
and that, after giving effect to such indebtedness, the issuer (i) was insolvent, (ii) was engaged in a business for which the remaining
assets of such issuer constituted unreasonably small capital or (iii) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay such debts as they mature, such court could determine to invalidate, in whole or in part, such indebtedness as a fraudulent
conveyance, to subordinate such indebtedness to existing or future creditors of such issuer, or to recover amounts previously paid by
such issuer in satisfaction of such indebtedness. The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary. Generally, an issuer
would be considered insolvent at a particular time if the sum of its debts was then greater than all of its property at a fair valuation,
or if the present fair saleable value of its assets was then less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liabilities
on its existing debts as they became absolute and matured. There can be no assurance as to what standard a court would apply in order
to determine whether the issuer was “insolvent” after giving effect to the incurrence of the indebtedness in which the Fund
invested or that, regardless of the method of valuation, a court would not determine that the issuer was “insolvent” upon
giving effect to such incurrence. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of an issuer of indebtedness in which the Fund invests,
payments made on such indebtedness could be subject to avoidance as a “preference” if made within a certain period of time
(which may be as long as one year) before insolvency.
The
Fund does not anticipate that it will engage in conduct that would form the basis for a successful cause of action based upon fraudulent
conveyance, preference or subordination. There can be no assurance, however, as to whether any lending institution or other party from
which the Fund may acquire such indebtedness engaged in any such conduct (or any other conduct that would subject such indebtedness and
the Fund to insolvency laws) and, if it did, as to whether such creditor claims could be asserted in a U.S. court (or in the courts of
any other country) against the Fund.
Indebtedness
consisting of obligations of non-U.S. issuers may be subject to various laws enacted in the countries of their issuance for the protection
of creditors. These insolvency considerations will differ depending on the country in which each issuer is located or domiciled and may
differ depending on whether the issuer is a non- sovereign or a sovereign entity.
Currency
and Exchange Rates Risk
The
Fund’s investments may be exposed to significant currency risk. First, the ability to convert freely between the U.S. dollar
and the local currencies may be restricted or limited from time to time. Second, in some instances, exchange rates and currency conversion
may be controlled directly or indirectly by governments or other regulatory bodies. Third, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection
with conversions between various currencies. Finally, hedging many currencies may be impractical or expensive.
Derivatives
Risk
Use
of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects
greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex
and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, which can magnify the impact of a decline
in the value of the reference instrument underlying the derivative, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. Derivatives
can have the
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potential
for unlimited losses, for example, where the Fund may be called upon to deliver a security it does not own. Derivatives may at times be
highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Derivatives
can be difficult to value and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. There may be imperfect correlation between the
behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative, and the reference instrument may not perform
as anticipated. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks
different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. Suitable derivatives
may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other
risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives may involve fees, commissions, or other costs that may reduce the Fund’s
gains or exacerbate losses from the derivatives. In addition, the Fund’s use of derivatives may have different tax consequences
for the Fund than an investment in the reference instruments, and those differences may increase the amount and affect the timing of income
recognition and character of taxable distributions payable to Shareholders. Thus, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements. Certain aspects of the regulatory treatment of derivative instruments,
including federal income tax, are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, or other legally binding
authority.
Derivatives
involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply
with the terms of the derivative. Counterparty risk may arise because of market activities and developments, the counterparty’s
financial condition (including financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), or other reasons. Not all derivative transactions require
a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Counterparty
risk is generally thought to be greater with OTC derivatives than with derivatives that are exchange traded or centrally cleared. However,
derivatives that are traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations involve the possibility that the futures commission
merchant or clearing organization will default in the performance of its obligations.
When
the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets; these
practices are intended to satisfy contractual undertakings and regulatory requirements and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses
on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral and/ or segregate assets could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other
opportunities as they arise. Segregated assets are not available to meet redemptions. The amount of assets required to be segregated will
depend on the type of derivative the Fund uses and the nature of the contractual arrangement. If the Fund is required to segregate assets
equal to only the current market value of its obligation under a derivative, the Fund may be able to use derivatives to a greater extent,
which would increase the degree of leverage the Fund could undertake through derivatives and otherwise, than if it were required to segregate
assets equal to the full notional value of such derivative. Derivatives that have margin requirements involve the risk that if the Fund
has insufficient cash or eligible margin securities to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities or other
instruments from its portfolio at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund normally will remain obligated to meet margin
requirements until a derivatives position is closed.
Rule 18f-4
under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions
on the issuance of “senior securities” under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Fund has adopted a derivatives risk management
program which includes value-at-risk modeling, stress tests, backtests, and additional disclosures to the SEC in compliance with Rule 18f-4
under the 1940 Act. The requirements of the rule and the Fund’s derivatives risk management program may restrict the Fund’s
ability to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the cost of such transactions, which could adversely affect the
performance of the Fund.
The
hedging instruments the Fund intends to enter into may not perform as expected and could produce losses.
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Forward
Contracts Risk. The Fund may enter into forward contracts and options thereon which are not traded on exchanges and are generally
not regulated. There are no limitations on daily price moves of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with whom the Fund may maintain
accounts may require the Fund to deposit margin with respect to such trading, although margin requirements are often minimal or nonexistent.
The Fund’s counterparties are not required to continue to make markets in such contracts and these contracts can experience periods
of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue
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contracts
or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the difference between the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and
that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and
liquidity problems therefore might be greater than such arrangements that were made with numerous counterparties. The imposition of credit
controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than that which the Adviser would otherwise employ, to the
possible detriment of the Fund. In addition, disruptions can occur in any market traded by the Fund due to unusually high trading volume,
political intervention or other factors. Market illiquidity or disruption could result in major losses to the Fund. In addition, the Fund
may be exposed to credit risks with regard to counterparties with whom it trades as well as risks relating to settlement default. Such
risks could result in substantial losses to the Fund.
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Options
Risk. The Fund may purchase and sell (“write”) options on various instruments, including options on currencies and
other instruments. The seller (“writer”) of a put or call option which is uncovered (i.e., the writer has effectively a
long or a short position in, e.g., the underlying currency) assumes the risk (which theoretically may be unlimited in the case of a written
call option) of a decrease or increase in the market price of the underlying currency or instrument below or above the sale or purchase
price. Trading in options is a highly specialized activity and although it may increase total return, it may also entail significantly
greater-than-ordinary investment risk. |
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Interest Rate Swaps
Risk. Interest rate swaps typically involve the exchange of the two parties’ respective commitments to pay or receive interest
on a notional principal amount (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments). In particular, the Fund may seek
to realize capital appreciation by entering into interest rate swaps designed to, among other things, appreciate in value in the event
yields on referenced interest rates increase. Such swaps may include interest rate swaps based on SOFR
or another benchmark rate, pursuant to which the Fund would receive SOFR or such
other benchmark rate and would pay a fixed interest rate determined at the time the swap is entered into. Other terms of interest rate
swap agreements in which the Fund may invest include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make
payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; interest rate floors, under which,
in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate,
or “floor”; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt
to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. |
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Interest rate swaps are
subject to the risks generally applicable to other derivative instruments. In particular, whether the Fund’s use of interest rate
swaps will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether
certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. The Fund will also bear the risk that the Adviser
will not accurately forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other economic factors in establishing
interest rate swap positions for the Fund. There is no assurance that interest rate swaps will be available for utilization by the Fund,
or that they will be successful in any of their intended objectives. Any termination of an interest rate swap transaction could also result
in a termination payment by or to the Fund. |
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Reverse
Repurchase Agreements Risk. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio securities to another party and agrees
to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price and date, which reflects an interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements involve
the risk that the other party will fail to return the securities in a timely manner, or at all, which may result in losses to the Fund.
The Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Fund is less than the
value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve
the risk that the market value of the securities sold will decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase them.
When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities transferred to
another party or the securities in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. During
the term of the agreement, the Fund may also be obligated to pledge additional cash and/or securities in the event of a decline in the
fair value of the transferred security. The Adviser |
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monitors
the creditworthiness of counterparties to reverse repurchase agreements. With respect to reverse repurchase agreements or other similar
financing transactions in particular, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to enter into such transactions if the Fund
either (i) complies with the asset coverage requirements of Section 18 of the 1940 Act (that is, the value of the Fund’s total
assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (for these purposes, “total net assets”)
is at least 300% of the senior securities representing indebtedness) or (ii) treats all such transactions as derivatives transactions
for all purposes under Rule 18f-4.
Forward
Commitments and “When-Issued” Transactions Risk
The
Fund may purchase and sell securities or other instruments on a “when-issued” and “delayed delivery” basis.
The payment obligation and the interest rate receivable on a forward commitment, delayed delivery or when-issued security are fixed when
the Fund enters into the commitment, but the Fund does not make payment until it receives delivery from the counterparty. No income accrues
to the Fund on such securities in purchase transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of the securities.
When
purchasing or otherwise receiving a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis (which may occur in bankruptcy
or otherwise), the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations.
When the Fund sells a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis, the Fund does not participate in future
gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the Fund
could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or could suffer a loss.
U.S.
Debt Securities Risk
U.S.
debt securities generally involve lower levels of credit risk than other types of fixed income securities of similar maturities, although,
as a result, the yields available from U.S. debt securities are generally lower than the yields available from such other securities.
Like other fixed income securities, the values of U.S. debt securities change as interest rates fluctuate. On August 5, 2011, S&P
lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on U.S. debt securities to AA+ from AAA. On August 1, 2023, Fitch Ratings downgraded
its U.S. long-term credit rating from AAA to AA+. These downgrades and any future downgrades by other rating agencies could increase volatility
in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase borrowing costs generally. These
events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on securities issuers
and the Fund. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets
or on the Fund’s portfolio.
U.S.
Government Securities Risk
Although
the Fund may hold securities that carry U.S. government guarantees, these guarantees do not extend to Shares of the Fund itself and do
not guarantee the market prices, including due to changes in interest rates, of the securities. Furthermore, not all securities issued
by the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed
by the issuer’s right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while others are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality.
These securities carry at least some risk of nonpayment or default by the issuer. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some
U.S. government securities may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury.
It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. There is no assurance that
the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In recent
periods, the values of U.S. government securities have been affected substantially by increased demand for them around the world. Increases
or decreases in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of
those securities.
Warrants
and Rights Risk
Warrants
and rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holder
to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more
speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the
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value
of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities. The Fund could lose the value of a warrant
or right if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not exercised prior to the warrant’s or right’s expiration date.
The market for warrants and rights may be very limited and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for warrants and rights.
Payment-in-Kind
(“PIK”) Income Risk
The
Fund may hold investments that result in PIK income or PIK dividends. PIK income may have a negative impact on liquidity, as it represents
a non-cash component of the Fund’s taxable income that may require cash distributions to Shareholders in order to maintain the
Fund’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. Similarly, all things being equal, the deferral associated with PIK income also increases
the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate. The market prices of PIK securities generally are more volatile than the market prices
of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities
having similar maturities and credit quality. Because PIK income results in an increase in the size of the PIK securities held, the Fund’s
exposure to potential losses increases when a security pays PIK income.
Other
Risks Relating to the Fund
Market
Fluctuations and Changes
General
fluctuations in the market prices of securities may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. Instability in the securities markets
also may increase the risks inherent in the Fund’s investments. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant
volatility in recent months and years. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates
the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the
interconnectedness of economies and/or markets may be diminishing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be
foreseen at this time.
Inflation
and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had in the past, and may in the future have, negative effects on the economies and financial
markets. For example, wages, and prices of inputs increase during periods of inflation, which can negatively impact returns on investments.
Certain countries, including the United States, have recently seen increased levels of inflation and there can be no assurance that continued
and more widespread inflation will not become a serious problem in the future and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s returns.
There can be no assurance that inflation will not become a serious problem in the future and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s
returns.
Additionally,
various economic and political factors could cause the Federal Reserve or other foreign central banks to change their approach in the
future and such actions may result in an economic slowdown both in the U.S. and abroad. Unexpected increases in interest rates could lead
to market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may, in turn, increase
the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce bank
balance sheets. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility or reduce liquidity across various markets.
Some
countries, including the U.S., have in recent years adopted more protectionist trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise
in protectionist trade policies, changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade agreement between
the United Kingdom and the European Union, and the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, could affect the economies
of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. In addition, the current strength of the U.S. dollar
may decrease foreign demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or industries.
Actual
events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional
counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors
about any events of these kinds or other similar risks amplified by digital communications, have in the past and may in the future lead
to market-wide liquidity problems which could adversely affect the Fund and the Fund’s investments. If any parties with which the
Fund and the
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Adviser
conduct business were unable to access deposits with another financial institution, or were unable to access funds pursuant to instruments
or lending arrangements with such a financial institution, such parties’ credit quality, ability to pay their obligations, or ability
to enter into new commercial arrangements requiring additional payments to the Fund or the Adviser could be adversely affected.
In
recent periods there has been increased negative publicity with respect to the broader private credit industry. This negative publicity
has coincided with increased investor repurchase requests across certain funds pursuing private credit strategies that conduct periodic
repurchase offers. Negative publicity, press speculation and concerns surrounding the private credit industry generally, whether or not
valid, could lead to increased repurchase requests from certain of the Fund’s shareholders, heighten scrutiny on the Fund and the
Adviser’s business, encourage litigation and regulatory inquiries, harm the Fund or Adviser’s reputation or adversely affect
fundraising efforts. If this trend of increased investor repurchase requests persists, funds facing elevated repurchase requests may
determine to sell investments to generate liquidity, which could place downward pressure on the market value of certain investments held
by those funds.
Epidemics,
Pandemics, Outbreaks of Disease and Public Health Issues
Certain
illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. Outbreaks such as COVID-19 or
other similarly infectious diseases may have material adverse impacts on the Fund and its investments. Epidemics and/or pandemics, such
as the coronavirus, have and may further result in, among other things, closing borders, extended quarantines and stay-at-home orders,
order cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, widespread business closures and layoffs, as well as general
concern and uncertainty. The impact of this virus, and other epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future, has negatively affected
and may continue to affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including
their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. The impact of any outbreak may last for an extended
period of time.
Market
Disruption and Geopolitical Risk
The
occurrence of events similar to those in recent years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing epidemics and pandemics of
infectious diseases and other global health events, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world,
social and political discord, debt crises, sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the United States and a
number of foreign countries, new and continued political unrest in various countries and regions, including the Middle East, the exit
or potential exit of one or more countries from the European Union (“EU”), continued
changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns and other factors,
may result in market volatility, may have long term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic
uncertainties in the U.S. and worldwide.
China
and the United States have each imposed tariffs on the other country’s products. These actions may trigger a significant reduction
in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual
companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance.
U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales in China would be particularly vulnerable
to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions and the potential for a trade war could cause
the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the Euro. Events such as these and their consequences
are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken in the future.
Russia’s
invasion of the Ukraine, and corresponding events since late February 2022, have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse
effects on regional and global economic markets for securities and commodities. Following Russia’s actions, various governments,
including the United States, have issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia, including, among other actions, (i) a prohibition
on doing business with certain Russian companies, large financial institutions, officials and oligarchs; (ii) the removal by certain countries
and the EU of selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), the electronic banking
network that connects banks globally; and (iii) restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of
the sanctions. The current events, including sanctions and the potential for future sanctions, including any impacting Russia’s
energy sector, and other actions, and Russia’s retaliatory responses to
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those sanctions and actions, may continue to adversely
impact the Russian economy and may result in the further decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a continued weakening
of the ruble and continued exchange closures, and may have other adverse consequences on the Russian economy and Europe’s economic
growth.
Moreover,
those events have, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on global markets performance and liquidity, thereby negatively affecting
the value of the Fund’s investments beyond any direct exposure to Russian issuers. The duration of ongoing hostilities and the
vast array of sanctions and related events cannot be predicted.
The
occurrence of any of these above events could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio.
The Fund does not know how long the securities markets may be affected by similar events and cannot predict the effects of similar events
in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. There can be no assurances that similar events and other market disruptions
will not have other material and adverse implications.
Cyber
Security Risk
With
the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security
and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but
are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding)
for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may
also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites
(i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures by or breaches of the Adviser and other
service providers (including, but not limited to, fund accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators), and the issuers of
securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial
losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of Shareholders to transact
business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation
costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future.
While the Fund has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber-attacks,
there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore,
the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund
invests. As a result, the Fund or its Shareholders could be negatively impacted.
Tax
Considerations for the Fund
The
Fund will elect to qualify, and intends to continue to qualify, to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund
must satisfy, among other requirements, certain ongoing asset diversification, source-of-income and annual distribution requirements.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC, it will become subject to corporate-level income tax, and the resulting corporate taxes could substantially
reduce the Fund’s Net Assets, the amount of income available for distributions to Shareholders, the amount of distributions and
the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on the Fund and the Shareholders.
The Fund’s qualification and taxation as a RIC depends upon the Fund’s ability to satisfy on a continuing basis, through
actual, annual operating results, distribution, income and asset, and other requirements imposed under the Code. However, no assurance
can be given that the Fund will be able to meet the complex and varied tests required to qualify as a RIC or to avoid corporate level
tax. In addition, because the relevant laws may change, compliance with one or more of the RIC requirements may be impossible or impracticable.
See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
Tax
Laws Subject to Change
All
statements contained herein concerning the U.S. federal income tax (or other tax) consequences of an investment in the Fund are based
on existing law and interpretations thereof. Changes in and/or the enactment of new U.S. federal income tax and other tax laws, regulations
or other administrative guidance and interpretations thereof could occur during the life of the Fund. The nature of additional changes
in U.S. federal or non-U.S. income tax law, if any, cannot be determined prior to enactment of any new tax legislation. However, such
legislation could
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significantly alter the tax consequences and decrease the after tax rate of return of an investment in the Fund. Potential
investors therefore are urged to seek, and must rely on, the advice of their tax advisers with respect to the possible impact on their
investments of recent legislation, as well as any future proposed tax legislation or administrative or judicial action.
Best-Efforts
Offering Risk
This
offering is being made on a reasonable best efforts basis, whereby the Distributor is only required to use its reasonable best efforts
to sell the Shares and neither it nor any selling agent has a firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the Shares. To the extent
that less than the maximum number of Shares is subscribed for, the opportunity for the allocation of the Fund’s investments among
various issuers and industries may be decreased, and the returns achieved on those investments may be reduced as a result of allocating
all of the Fund’s expenses over a smaller capital base. As a result, the Fund may be unable to achieve its investment objective
and a Shareholder could lose some or all of the value of his, her or its investment in the Shares. The Distributor is an affiliate of
the Fund and the Adviser. As a result, the Distributor’s due diligence review and investigation of the Fund and this Prospectus
cannot be considered to be an independent review.
RIC-Related
Risks of Investments Generating Non-Cash Taxable Income
Certain
of the Fund’s investments will require the Fund to recognize taxable income in a tax year in excess of the cash generated on those
investments during that year. The Fund intends to be treated as a “dealer in securities” within the meaning of Section 475(c)(1)
of the Code. Section 475 of the Code requires that a dealer must generally “mark to market” all the securities which
it holds at the close of any taxable year, other than any securities identified as held for investment. As a result, the Fund will be
required to take into account gain or loss (treated as ordinary income or loss) each year based on the appreciation or depreciation in
the value of such loans and other securities, and any gain or loss recognized on the sale of any such loan or security would be treated
as ordinary income or loss. In addition, the Fund expects to invest in loans and other debt instruments that will be treated as having
“market discount” and/or original issue discount (“OID”) (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in
certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with equity or warrants) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if not subject to the
mark to market rules. The Fund may also have to include in its taxable income other amounts that it has not yet received in cash but has
been allocated to it as a result of its investments in entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because
the Fund may be required to recognize income in respect of these investments before, or without receiving, cash representing such income,
either as a result of “marking to market” its assets or as a result of the rules governing “market discount”
or OID or investments in partnerships, the Fund may have difficulty satisfying the annual distribution requirements applicable to RICs
and avoiding Fund-level U.S. federal income and/or excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may be required to sell assets, including at potentially
disadvantageous times or prices, raise additional debt or equity capital, make taxable distributions of Shares or debt securities or reduce
new investments, to obtain the cash needed to make these income distributions. Market prices of OID instruments are more volatile because
they are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes than instruments that pay interest periodically in cash. Further, the interest
rates on PIK loans may be higher to reflect the time-value of money on deferred interest payments and the higher credit risk of borrowers
who may need to defer interest payments. If the Fund is not able to obtain cash from other sources, the Fund may be
subject to corporate tax on any undistributed income and gains and the Fund may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus
become subject to corporate-level income tax. In addition, if the Fund liquidates assets to raise cash, it is possible that the Fund may
realize additional gain or loss on such liquidations, and that Shareholders may receive larger capital gain distributions than they would
in the absence of such transactions.
Instruments
that are treated as having OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require
judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any collateral. Loans that are treated as having OID generally
represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans. Accruals on such instruments may create uncertainty about the source of
Fund distributions to Shareholders. OID creates the risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Adviser based on accruals that may never
be realized. In addition, the deferral of PIK interest also reduces a loan’s loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.
As
discussed above, the Fund intends to be treated as a “dealer in securities” within the meaning of Section 475(c)(1)
of the Code. Section 475 of the Code requires that a dealer must generally “mark to market” all
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the securities which
it holds at the close of any taxable year, other than any securities identified as held for investment. As a result, the Fund will be
required to take into account gain or loss (treated as ordinary income or loss) each year based on the appreciation or depreciation in
the value of such loans and other securities, and any gain or loss recognized on the sale of any such loan or security would be treated
as ordinary income or loss. No assurances can be provided that the Fund will be a “dealer in securities” in any given year.
If the Fund were to determine
that its activities did not support being treated as a “dealer in securities” or if the IRS were to challenge the Fund’s
status as a “dealer in securities,” the Fund may be required to recognize more income and/or recognize income in an earlier
period, which could affect its ability to satisfy the annual distribution requirement or distribute enough income to avoid paying a 4%
excise tax. The Fund’s qualification and taxation as a RIC depends on the Fund’s ability to satisfy, among other things,
the annual distribution requirement; if the Fund were not to be treated not as a “dealer in securities” no assurances can
be given that the Fund would be able to meet the annual distribution requirement.
POTENTIAL
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The
Adviser is accountable to the Fund as a fiduciary, and consequently, must operate the Fund prudently, in good faith and in the interest
of and for the benefit of the Shareholders. The Adviser does manage the assets of other clients and funds and, therefore, prospective
investors should be aware of potential conflicts of interest before investing. To mitigate any such conflicts, the Adviser will seek to
apportion or allocate business opportunities among persons or entities to or with which it or its affiliates have fiduciary duties and
other relationships on a basis that is fair and equitable to the maximum possible extent to each of such persons or entities, including
the Fund.
Neuberger
Berman is a large participant in the equity and fixed income markets and engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial
advisory services, research, sponsoring and managing public and private investment funds and accounts and other activities. In the ordinary
course of its investment activities, Neuberger Berman’s activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other
accounts or funds managed by Neuberger Berman, may conflict with the transactions and strategies employed on behalf of the Fund. Neuberger
Berman’s trading activities are carried out generally without reference to positions held by the Fund and may have an effect on
the value of the positions so held, or may result in Neuberger Berman having an interest in the issuer adverse to that of the Fund (e.g.,
Neuberger Berman may have a short position in a security held long by the Fund). Neuberger Berman’s interests or the interests
of its clients may conflict with the interests of the Shareholders, notwithstanding Neuberger Berman’s direct or indirect participation
in the Fund’s investments. By purchasing Shares, each Shareholder will be deemed to have acknowledged the existence of such actual,
apparent and potential conflicts of interest and to have waived any claim with respect to the existence of such actual, apparent and potential
conflicts of interest.
Actual
or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than
one fund or other account. The management of multiple funds and accounts (including proprietary accounts) may give rise to actual or potential
conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different or similar objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as the Portfolio
Manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. The Portfolio Manager may execute transactions
for another fund or account that may adversely impact the value of securities or instruments held by the Fund, and which may include transactions
that are directly contrary to the positions taken by the Fund. A conflict of interest may also arise if the Adviser and a Portfolio Manager
have a financial incentive to favor one account over another, such as a performance-based management fee that applies to one account but
not all funds or accounts for which a Portfolio Manager is responsible. Further,
the Adviser may take an investment position or action for a fund or account that may be different from, inconsistent with, or have different
rights than (e.g., voting rights, dividend or repayment priorities or other features that may conflict with one another), an action or
position taken for one or more other funds or accounts, including the Fund, having similar or different objectives. Investments may involve
(directly or indirectly) new or follow-on investments in entities in which other funds or accounts sponsored or managed by Neuberger Berman
or the Adviser have made or will make investments or capital commitments. Such investments or capital commitments will from time to time
be made at different prices and on different terms and in a different type of security of such entity. A conflict may also be created
by investing in different parts of an issuer’s capital structure (e.g., equity or debt, or different positions in the debt structure).
Those positions and actions may adversely impact, or in some instances benefit, one or more affected accounts, including the Fund. For
example, if the Fund holds debt instruments of an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser holds equity instruments of the same issuer,
then if the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, the Fund,
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which holds the debt securities, may seek a liquidation
of the issuer, whereas such other fund or account, which holds the equity instruments, may prefer a reorganization of the issuer. As a
result, the interest of the other fund and account sponsored or managed by Neuberger Berman, on the one hand, and the interest of the
Fund, on the other hand, in restructuring, exercising rights with respect to or realizations from an investment will from time to time
differ.
Potential
conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions and related actions regarding a position held for a Fund or another account may not
be in the best interests of a position held by another fund or account having similar or different objectives. If one account were to
buy or sell portfolio securities or instruments shortly before another account bought or sold the same securities or instruments, it could
affect the price paid or received by the second account. Securities selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform
the securities selected for the Fund.
Each
of Neuberger Berman and the Adviser and their respective affiliates manages and advises other investment vehicles, accounts and clients,
and offers, on an agency basis for third parties’ interests in, other investment vehicles, having objectives similar, in whole
or in part, to those of the Fund, including other collective investment vehicles in which Neuberger Berman or the Adviser, as applicable,
has or will have an equity interest. Each of Neuberger Berman and the Adviser holds interests in, and furnishes advisory, consulting and/or
management services to, other persons or entities with respect to investments similar to or different from investments of the Fund. Each
of Neuberger Berman and the Adviser manages, on an independent and autonomous basis, a number of investment vehicles on behalf of third-party
investors, and/or eligible employees. In addition, each of Neuberger Berman and the Adviser from time to time forms or advises new investment
vehicles or accounts with the same, similar or different investment strategies (including funds or accounts advised by Neuberger Berman
or the Adviser). The Fund will not have any rights to investment opportunities in relation to the rights of such other vehicles or accounts.
Neuberger
Berman, the Investment Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser will, from time to time, be presented with investment opportunities that fall within
the investment objective of the Fund. In such circumstances, there can be no assurance that the Fund will have an opportunity to participate
in such investments and Neuberger Berman or the Adviser as applicable, will be under no obligation to make such investments available,
in whole or in part, to the Fund, subject to the Adviser’s protocols with respect to allocations investment opportunities.
There
may be regulatory limitations that prevent the Fund from participating in a transaction that another fund or account managed or sponsored
by the Adviser will invest. The 1940 Act prohibits the Fund from participating in certain transactions with certain of its affiliates.
The Fund generally will be prohibited, for example, from buying or selling any securities from or to another client of the Investment
Adviser, Sub-Adviser or Neuberger Berman. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of the Fund’s
affiliates, which in certain circumstances could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times
to the extent the transaction involves jointness). If a person acquires more than 25% of the Fund’s voting securities, the Fund
will be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such person or certain of that person’s affiliates, or entering
into prohibited joint transactions with such persons. Similar restrictions limit the Fund’s ability to transact business with its
officers or Independent Trustees or their affiliates. The SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act rules governing transactions with affiliates
to prohibit certain “joint transactions” involving entities that share a common investment adviser. The prohibition on “joint”
transactions may limit the ability of the Funds to participate alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions unless the
transaction is otherwise permitted under existing regulatory guidance and may reduce the amount of privately negotiated transactions that
the Funds may participate. As a result of these restrictions, the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available
to the Fund may be limited.
Additionally,
if the Adviser identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, the Fund may
not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity. Other funds or accounts managed or sponsored by the Adviser may be interested
in some of the same investment opportunities as the Fund. Accordingly, another fund or account managed or sponsored by the Adviser may
make an investment that would otherwise be appropriate for the Fund. As among the Fund and the Adviser’s other fund vehicles or
other clients, investment opportunities presented to the Adviser will be allocated pursuant to an allocation methodology that seeks to
equitably distribute investment opportunities among relevant pooled investment funds or accounts. In the allocation of investment opportunities,
no single fund or account will be favored by the Adviser over another by reason of its identity, affiliation, account performance, fee
structure, or other similar attributes. Investment
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opportunities will be allocated in a fair and equitable manner among the Adviser’s
existing fund vehicles and clients, taking into consideration the investment objectives, regulatory guidelines, investor base, structural
profile, investment criteria, existing portfolio positions, allocation targets, tax posture, activity limitations, income sensitivities
and liquidity and leverage targets. Opportunities that are suitable for more than one of the Adviser’s fund vehicles, including
the Fund, for which there is insufficient capacity to fulfill each fund vehicle’s need, will be allocated among such fund vehicles
based on the Adviser’s allocation methodology, which may be amended from
time to time by the Adviser in its discretion without notice to or the consent of Shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund
will be offered its full investment bite size for any specific investment opportunities.
From
time to time, service providers engaged by Neuberger Berman or the Fund may include: (i) Neuberger Berman or a related person of Neuberger
Berman (which may include a portfolio company of another fund managed by Neuberger Berman); or (ii) an entity with which Neuberger Berman
or its affiliates has a relationship, passive interest or from which Neuberger Berman or its affiliates of their personnel otherwise derives
financial or other benefit. For example, Neuberger Berman may in the future engage service providers that will provide financing and/or
other services to a fund or portfolio company in connection with the Fund’s investments. This discretion subjects Neuberger Berman
to conflicts of interest, because, although Neuberger Berman selects service providers that it believes are appropriate for the services
provided, Neuberger Berman can benefit from recommending such service provider because of financial or other business interests.
Board
of Trustees
The
Role of the Board
The
Board is responsible for the overall management of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser. As is the case
with virtually all investment companies (as distinguished from operating companies), service providers to the Fund, primarily the Investment
Adviser and Sub-Adviser, have responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the Fund. The Board does not have responsibility
for the day-to-day management of the Fund, and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund’s investments
or activities. The Board has appointed various individuals of the Adviser as officers of the Fund with responsibility to monitor and report
to the Board on the Fund’s operations. In conducting its oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and
from other senior officers of the Adviser regarding the Fund’s operations.
Board
Structure and Committees
The
Board consists of six members, all of whom are considered Independent Trustees.
The Trustees are subject to removal or replacement in accordance with Delaware law and the Declaration of Trust.
The
Board has established two standing committees: an Audit Committee and a Nominating Committee.
The
Board has formed an Audit Committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees, the functions of which are:
|
1.
|
to oversee the Fund’s
accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as the Audit Committee may deem necessary or appropriate,
the internal controls of certain of the Fund’s service providers; |
|
2.
|
to oversee the quality
and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of those statements; |
|
3.
|
to assist the Board in
selecting the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, to directly supervise the compensation and performance of such
independent registered public accountants and generally to act as a liaison between the independent registered public accountants and
the Board; and |
|
4.
|
to review and, as appropriate,
approve in advance non-audit services provided by such independent registered public accountants to the Fund, the Adviser, and, in certain
cases, other affiliates of the Fund. |
The
Board has formed a Nominating Committee composed of all of the Independent Trustees, whose function, subject to the oversight of the Board,
is to select and nominate persons for elections or appointment by the Board
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as Managers of the Fund. The Nominating Committee will act
in accordance with the Fund’s Nominating Committee Charter. The Nominating Committee may consider nominees recommended by Shareholders.
The Nominating Committee will consider recommendations for trustee nominees from
Shareholders sent to the Secretary of the Fund, Claudia Brandon, at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. A nomination
submission must include all information relating to the recommended nominee that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 22(b)
of Schedule 14A, as well as information sufficient to evaluate the factors listed in the
Fund’s Nominating Committee Charter (the character and integrity of the person; whether or not the person is qualified under applicable
laws and regulations to serve as a Manager of the Fund; whether or not the person has any relationships that might impair his or her service
on the Board; whether nomination of the person would be consistent with Fund policy and applicable laws and regulations regarding the
number and percentage of Independent Managers on the Board; whether or not the person serves on boards of, or is otherwise affiliated
with, competing financial service organizations or their related fund complexes; whether or not the person is willing to serve and is
willing and able to commit the time necessary for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of a Manager of the Fund; and a demonstrated
record of professional accomplishment). Nomination submissions must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for
election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by Shareholders, and such additional information must be provided regarding
the recommended nominee as reasonably requested by the Nominating Committee.
Board
Oversight of Risk Management
As
part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various reports relating to risk management. Because risk management is
a broad concept comprised of many different elements (including, among other things, investment risk, valuation risk, credit risk, compliance
and regulatory risk, business continuity risk and operational risk), Board oversight of different types of risks is handled in different
ways. For example, the full Board could receive and review reports from senior personnel of the Adviser (including senior compliance,
financial reporting and investment personnel) or their affiliates regarding various types of risks, such as operational, compliance and
investment risk, and how they are being managed. The Audit Committee may participate in the oversight of risk management in certain areas,
including meeting with the Fund’s financial officers and with the Fund’s independent public auditors to discuss, among other
things, annual audits of the Fund’s financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon and the auditor’s annual
report on internal control.
Board
of Managers and Officers
Any
vacancy on the Board may be filled by the remaining Trustees,
except to the extent the 1940 Act requires the election of Trustees by the Shareholders.
The Fund’s officers are appointed by the Trustees and oversee the management
of the day-to-day operations of the Fund under the supervision of the Board. All of the officers of the Fund are directors, officers or
employees of the Adviser or its affiliates. The Trustees and officers of the Fund
are also directors and officers of other investment companies managed or advised by the Adviser. To the fullest extent allowed by applicable
law, including the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust indemnifies the Trustees and officers for all costs, liabilities and expenses that
they may experience as a result of their service as such.
The
name and business address of the Trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past
five years are set forth under “Management of the Fund” in the SAI.
Portfolio
Management
Investment
Adviser and Sub-Adviser
Neuberger
Berman Investment Advisers LLC, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, serves as the Investment Adviser to the Fund. The Investment
Adviser has engaged NB Alternatives Advisers LLC, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, as Sub-Adviser to assist with investment
decisions on behalf of the Fund.
The
Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are both registered as investment advisers under the Advisers Act. The Investment Adviser and the
Sub-Adviser are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Neuberger and provide investment advisory services to the Neuberger open-and closed-end
funds that are registered under the 1940 Act. Neuberger’s voting equity is
owned by NBSH. NBSH is owned by portfolio managers, members of the Neuberger’s
management team and certain of Neuberger’s key employees and senior professionals.
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Investment
Personnel
The
five members of the NBSF Investment Committee (Peter Sterling, Zhengyuan Lu, David Kupperman, Jeff Majit and Anthony Tutrone) are responsible
for the management of the Fund’s portfolio and serve as the Fund’s Portfolio Managers. The NBSF Investment Committee operates
on a majority vote basis and is supported by an experienced investment team of managing directors, senior vice presidents, vice presidents,
associates and analysts who
execute on the team’s rigorous due diligence process. In addition to serving as members of the NBSF Investment Committee, Peter
Sterling and Zhengyuan Lu are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management, selection, purchases, monitoring and realizations of
the Fund’s loan portfolio. The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about Portfolio Manager compensation,
other accounts managed and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.
Below
is biographical information relating to the Investment Committee, who serves as the Fund’s portfolio managers:
Peter
Sterling, Managing Director, is Head of Neuberger’s
Specialty Finance team. Prior to joining the firm in 2018, Peter served as President of Coastland Capital, an asset manager within the
relative value and specialty finance strategies. Peter served as the portfolio manager for Coastland’s specialty finance vehicle
which invested across consumer and small business loans/receivables with an emphasis on the Fintech space. The group underwrote and purchased
several hundred million dollars of varying assets across the whole loan, receivable, and securitized ABS markets. Prior to joining Coastland,
Peter underwrote and purchased non-performing loan investments within the consumer and commercial credit card industries. From 2001-2005,
Peter served as a portfolio manager focusing on credit arbitrage strategies at Marin Capital and previously at KBC Alternative Investment
Management Ltd., a multi-strategy asset manager with several billion dollars under management. During his tenure, Peter co-managed a large
credit portfolio focused on capital structure arbitrage. Previous to that, Peter was initially hired into D.E. Shaw’s Financial
Products group which was subsequently sold to KBC Bank, managing their U.S. convertible bond arbitrage portfolio. Prior to that, Peter
traded equity derivatives for Gateway Partners on the floors of the American and Philadelphia Stock Exchanges. Peter received a BA with
a dual major in Economics and Psychology from Cornell University.
Zhengyuan
Lu, Managing Director, is a senior member of the Neuberger’s
Specialty Finance team and a member of the NBSF Investment Committee. Prior to joining Neuberger, Lu was a Managing Director and head
of the Warehouse Financing Group with SVB Financial Group, where he was responsible for debt investments in the FinTech sector. Prior
to SVB Financial Group, Lu was in a similar capacity with Victory Park Capital. Prior to that, Lu was a senior vice president and head
of Capital Markets and Treasury at OnDeck, where he spearheaded all capital markets and fundraising activities. This also included the
management of OnDeck Marketplace, the crowd funding platform of OnDeck and Treasury and Cash Management. As a member of OnDeck’s
Executive and Management Committee, Lu was involved in all aspects of its strategic and operational initiatives. Prior to that, he was
a managing director and head of the Asset Financing Group at Gleacher & Company, where he was responsible for the origination and
financing of esoteric assets. Before joining Gleacher, Lu was a managing director and head of Structured Products Group at Keefe, Bruyette
& Woods (now Stifel Financial), where he ran all banking and trading activities for structured products. He was a senior vice president/executive
director with Fortis Bank and WestLB AG. Lu was also a portfolio manager at PPM America (asset management arm of Prudential U.K.). Lu
holds a B.A in Economics and Computer Science from Middlebury College.
David
Kupperman, PhD, Managing Director, is Co-head of the NB Alternative Investment Management team. He
is a member of the NBSF Investment Committee and co-founded the Neuberger Berman Specialty Finance Group. He is also the Chairman of the
NB Insurance-Linked Strategies Underwriting Committee and a Director of NB Reinsurance Ltd. David also sits on the firm’s Asset
Allocation Committee and the Investment Risk Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, David was a partner and member of the investment
committee at Alternative Investment Management, LLC. Before that, he was a managing director and member of the executive committee at
Paloma Partners Management Company, a multi-strategy hedge fund focused on relative value trading strategies. Previously, David was a
principal at The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest alternative investment managers. Prior to joining Carlyle, he was a
vice president in both the private equity and portfolio strategy groups at Goldman, Sachs & Co. David is on The Johns Hopkins Physics
& Astronomy Advisory Council and the Krieger School Advisory Board. David holds an MA and a PhD in physics from Johns Hopkins University
and a BA and an ME from Cornell University.
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Jeff
Majit, CFA, Managing Director, is Co-head of the NB Alternative Investment Management team. He is a
member of the NBSF Investment Committee. Jeff is also Co-PM of the Tactical Private Income strategy. Prior to co-founding NB Alternative
Investment Management in 2002, Jeff was in the global power and project finance group within the investment banking division of Lehman
Brothers, where he worked on M&A advisories as well as capital markets financings. Jeff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Amherst College,
earning a BA with concentrations in economics and Asian languages and civilizations. Jeff has been awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst
designation.
Anthony
Tutrone, Managing Director, is the Global Head of NB Alternatives. He is a member of all Neuberger
Berman Private Equity’s Investment Committees, including the NBSF Investment Committee. Anthony is also a member of Neuberger Berman’s
Partnership, Operating, and Asset Allocation Committees. Prior to Neuberger Berman, from 1994 to 2001, Anthony was a Managing Director
and founding member of The Cypress Group, a private equity firm focused on middle market buyouts. Anthony began his career at Lehman Brothers
in 1986, starting in Investment Banking and in 1987 becoming one of the original members of the firm’s Merchant Banking Group.
He has been a member of the board of directors of several public and private companies and has sat on the advisory boards of several private
equity funds. Anthony earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from Columbia University.
INVESTMENT
ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The
Investment Adviser, subject to supervision by the Board, has overall responsibility for the investment selection, management and operation
of the Fund, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and
the Investment Adviser.
In
consideration of the investment advisory and management services provided by the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser
a monthly Management Fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily value of the Fund’s Net Assets. The Management Fee will
be calculated and payable monthly in arrears. The Management Fee is paid to the Investment Adviser out of the Fund’s assets, and
therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. This Management Fee is separate from the Incentive Fee that
the Investment Adviser receives from the Fund. The Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its Advisory Fee to an annual
rate of 0.50% until April 30, 2027 (the “Fee Waiver”). Unless
otherwise extended by agreement between the Fund and the Investment Adviser, the Advisory Fee payable by the Fund after the expiration
of the Fee Waiver will be at the annual rate of 1.00%.
In
addition to the Management Fee, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser an Incentive
Fee pursuant to the investment advisory agreement. The Incentive Fee is based on income, whereby the Fund pays
the Adviser quarterly in arrears 10% of its Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for each calendar quarter, subject to a hurdle rate,
expressed as a rate of return on the Fund’s Net Assets, equal to 1.25% per quarter (or an annualized hurdle rate of 5%), subject
to a “catch-up” feature. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means, interest income,
dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment,
origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Fund (or its wholly-owned Subsidiaries)) accrued during
the calendar quarter, minus the Fund’s operating expenses accrued for the quarter (including the Management Fee, expenses payable
under the administration agreement, and any interest expense or fees on any credit facilities or outstanding debt and dividends paid on
any issued and outstanding preferred shares, but excluding the Incentive Fee and any distribution or shareholder servicing fees). Pre-Incentive
Fee Net Investment Income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt
instruments with PIK interest and zero-coupon securities), accrued income that the Fund has not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee
Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital
losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
The
impact of payments and recoupments made in connection with the Expense Limitation Agreement into which the Fund has entered is
excluded from Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.
If
the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is between 1.25% and 1.3889% (the “Catch-up Range”), then
the Adviser will be paid the Incentive Fee in respect of that quarter in an amount equal to 100% of the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee
Net Investment Income within the Catch-up Range (the “Catch-up Amount”). If the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net
Investment Income exceeds 1.3889%, then the Investment Adviser will be paid the
Incentive Fee in respect of that quarter in an amount equal to the Catch-up Amount plus 10% of net investment income above 1.3889%.
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The
calculation of the Incentive Fee for each calendar quarter is as follows:
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• |
No Incentive Fee is payable
to the Investment Adviser if the Fund’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s
Net Assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, does not exceed the quarterly hurdle rate of 1.25% (5% annualized); |
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• |
100% of the portion of
the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 1.3889% (the “Catch-up”)
is payable to the Investment Adviser if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net
investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s Net Assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, exceeds the
hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 1.3889% (5.5556% annualized). The “Catch-up” provision is intended to provide the
Investment Adviser with an incentive fee of 10% on all of the Fund’s pre-incentive
fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 1.3889% in any calendar quarter; and |
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• |
10% of the portion of
the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the “Catch-up” is payable to the Adviser if the Fund’s
pre- incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s Net Assets in respect of the relevant calendar
quarter, exceeds 1.3889% (5.5556% annualized). As a result, once the hurdle rate is reached and the Catch-up is achieved, 10% of all the
Fund’s pre- incentive fee net investment income thereafter is allocated to the Investment
Adviser. |
The
following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the Incentive Fee (expressed
as a percentage of the Fund’s Net Assets per quarter):

The
Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice: by a majority vote of the Board;
by vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or by the Investment Adviser. After
the initial term of two (2) years, the Investment Advisory Agreement may continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved
annually by either the Board or the vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund;
provided that in either event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Managers by vote cast in person (or as
otherwise permitted by the SEC) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement also
provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder.
In
addition to the fees and expenses to be paid by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates are entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the Investment
Adviser’s and its affiliates’ cost of providing the Fund with certain non-advisory services. If persons associated
with or employed by the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, including persons
who may be officers of the Fund, provide accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative services to the Fund as approved by
the Board, the Fund will reimburse the Investment Adviser and its affiliates for
their costs in providing such accounting, legal, clerical, compliance or administrative services to the Fund (which costs may include
an allocation of overhead including rent and the allocable portion of the salaries and benefits of the relevant persons and their respective
staffs, including travel expenses), using a methodology for determining costs approved by the Board. If the Investment
Adviser or its affiliates seek reimbursements of such costs, such action may cause the Fund’s expenses to be higher than
the expenses shown herein, perhaps by a material amount. The Investment Adviser
may, in its sole discretion, waive or not seek reimbursement for accounting, legal, clerical or administrative services to the Fund.
The
Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
its duties to the Fund, the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other legal representatives
will not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law or for any act or omission by such person or any sub-adviser
in connection with the performance of services to the Fund. The Investment Advisory Agreement also provides that the Fund will indemnify,
to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers or employees
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and
their respective affiliates, executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives, against any liability or expense to
which such person may be liable which arise in connection with the performance of services to the Fund, provided that the liability or
expense is not incurred by reason of the person’s willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
duties to the Fund.
To
the extent the Fund invests any assets in an affiliated investment company, the Investment Adviser undertakes to waive a portion of the
Management Fee equal to the advisory fee it receives from such affiliated investment company on those assets.
Pursuant
to the Expense Limitation Agreement with the Fund, the Investment Adviser has agreed to waive fees that it would otherwise be paid, and/or
to assume expenses of the Fund, if required to ensure certain annual operating expenses, exclusive of certain “Excluded Expenses”
do not exceed 0.75% of the average daily Net Assets of Institutional Class Shares, Class A-1 Shares, and Class A-2 Shares. “Excluded
Expenses” include: (i) the Management Fee; (ii) the Incentive Fee; (iii) any Distribution and Servicing Fee; (iv) all fees and
expenses of special purpose entities and securitization vehicles in which the Fund or a subsidiary invests (including management fees,
performance-based incentive fees, and administrative service fees); (v) fees payable to third parties in connection with the sourcing
or identification of portfolio investments; (vi) acquired fund fees and expenses of the Fund or a subsidiary; (vii) interest payments
incurred by the Fund or a subsidiary; (viii) fees and expenses incurred in connection with any credit facilities obtained by the Fund
or a subsidiary; (ix) taxes of the Fund or a subsidiary; (x) transactional costs associated with consummated and unconsummated transactions,
including legal costs, sourcing fees, servicing fees and brokerage commissions, associated with the acquisition, disposition and maintenance
of investments; (xi) fees payable to data management and financial operations platforms used in connection with the Fund’s investments;
(xii) valuation service providers; and (xiii) extraordinary expenses (expenses resulting from events and transactions that are distinguished
by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence).
In
addition, under the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Investment Adviser has agreed
that the aggregate organizational and offering expenses of the Fund shall be borne by the Investment
Adviser until, and only if, the Fund has reached the following thresholds in net assets: $200 million, $300 million, and $400 million;
at each threshold, 1/3 of the total amount of the aggregate organizational and offering expenses of the Fund shall become an expense
obligation of the Fund and the Fund agrees to repay the Investment Adviser such
amount. If the Fund does not reach such thresholds in net assets, the organizational and offering expenses borne by the Investment
Adviser are not subject to repayment from the Fund.
With
respect to each class of Shares, the Fund has agreed to repay the Investment Adviser any fees waived or any expenses the Investment Adviser
reimburses pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement for such class of Shares, provided the repayments do not cause the annual operating
expenses for that class of Shares to exceed the Expense Limitation in place at the
time the fees were waived and/or the expenses were reimbursed, or the Expense Limitation
in place at the time the Fund repays the Investment Adviser, whichever is lower. Any such repayments must be made within three years after
the month in which the Investment Adviser incurred the expense. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision applies to both the Expense
Limitation and the O&O Limitation.
The
Expense Limitation Agreement has a term ending on
April 30, 2027, and the Investment Adviser may extend the term for a period of one
year on an annual basis. The Investment Adviser may not terminate the O&O Limitation without prior approval of the Board and, before
April 30, 2027, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the Expense Limitation
without prior approval of the Board.
The
Investment Advisory Agreement was initially approved by the Board at the Fund’s organizational meeting held on January 23,
2025. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is
available in the Fund’s annual report to Shareholders for the period ended December
31, 2025.
During
the fiscal period ended December 31, 2025, the Fund incurred Management Fees totaling $230,278, of which $115,139 were waived
by the Investment Adviser, resulting in net Management Fees paid to the Investment Adviser of $115,139. During the fiscal period ended
December 31, 2025, the Fund incurred $376,145 in Incentive Fees payable to the Investment Adviser.
The
Investment Adviser may engage one or more of foreign affiliates that are not registered under the 1940 Act (“participating affiliates”)
in accordance with applicable SEC no-action letters. As participating affiliates, whether or not registered with the SEC, the affiliates
may provide designated investment personnel to associate with the
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Investment
Adviser as “associated persons” of the Investment Adviser and perform specific advisory services for the Investment Adviser,
including services for the Fund, which may involve, among other services, portfolio management and/or placing orders for securities and
other instruments. The designated employees of a participating affiliate act for the Investment Adviser and are subject to certain policies
and procedures of the Investment Adviser as well as supervision and periodic monitoring by the Investment Adviser. The Fund will pay no
additional fees and expenses as a result of any such arrangements. Neuberger Berman Europe Limited is considered a participating affiliate
of the Investment Adviser pursuant to applicable regulatory guidance.
INVESTMENT
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The
Investment Adviser has engaged the Sub-Adviser to assist with investment decisions with respect to the Fund pursuant to an investment
sub-advisory agreement between the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Investment
Sub-Advisory Agreement”).
In
consideration for the services provided under the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a quarterly
fee equal to 90% of the Management Fee and 100% of the Incentive Fee received from the Fund. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice: by the Board; by vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act)
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; or by the Investment Adviser or the Sub-Adviser. After the initial term of two (2) years,
the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement may continue in effect from year to year if such continuance is approved annually by either the
Board or the vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; provided that in either
event the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Managers by vote cast in person (or as otherwise permitted by
the SEC) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement also provides that it will
terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, or if the
Investment Advisory Agreement terminates with respect to the Fund.
The
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its duties with respect to the Fund, the Sub-Adviser, its directors, officers or employees and its affiliates, successors or other
legal representatives, will not be liable to the Fund for any error of judgment, for any mistake of law or for any act or omission by
such person in connection with the performance of services to the Fund. The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement also provides the Fund will
indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Sub-Adviser and its directors, officers or employees and their respective affiliates,
executors, heirs, assigns, successors or other legal representatives, against any liability or expense to which such person may be liable
which arise in connection with the performance of services to the Fund, provided that the liability or expense is not incurred by reason
of the person’s willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties with respect to the Fund.
The
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement was initially approved by the Board at the Fund’s organizational meeting held on January 23,
2025. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement is
available in the Fund’s annual report to Shareholders for the fiscal period ended
December 31, 2025.
The
Fund determines the NAV for each class of Shares daily. The NAV per Share for each
class of Shares is determined by dividing the value of total assets attributable to the class minus liabilities attributable to the class
by the total number of Shares outstanding of the class at the time of calculation.
Under
normal circumstances, the NAV per Share is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Easterm time)
on each day that the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and on days when it 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. The NYSE may change its holiday schedule or hours of operation at
any time.
The
Board has approved procedures pursuant to which the Fund will value its investments. In accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940
Act, the Board has designated the Investment Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee
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(the
“Valuation Designee”) to determine, in accordance with such procedures, fair value in good faith for any or all Fund
investments. The Valuation Designee may seek the assistance of the Sub-Adviser as it deems appropriate. The Valuation Designee uses the
best information it has reasonably available to determine or estimate fair value. The Valuation Designee generally will value the Fund’s
investments in accordance with Certification Topic ASC 820 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The Investment Adviser, as
Valuation Designee, may face a conflict of interest in valuing the Fund’s investments, as the investments’ value may affect
the Investment Adviser’s compensation or its ability to raise additional funds.
If
a valuation for a security is not available from an independent pricing service or if the Valuation Designee believes in good faith that
the valuation does not reflect the amount the Fund would receive on a current sale of that security, the Fund seeks to obtain quotations
from brokers or dealers. If such quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use a fair value estimate made according to methods
utilized by the Valuation Designee. Prospective Investors should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the value of portfolio
positions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s NAV if the judgments of the Valuation Designee should prove incorrect.
Listed
below is a summary of certain methods generally used currently to value the Fund’s investments under the approved procedures:
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• |
Publicly traded equity
securities are valued using the last sale prices at the official close as reported on the exchanges where those securities are primarily
traded. If no sales of a security are reported on a particular day, the security will be valued based on its bid price for a security
held long, or its ask price for a security held short, as reported by those exchanges. In the absence of such sales or quotations, other
publicly offered securities will be valued at their bid prices (or asked prices in the case of securities held short) as obtained from
one or more dealers making markets for those securities. |
|
• |
Exchange-traded derivatives,
such as futures, interest rate swaps, and options, are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or the mean
of the bid and asked price. Financial futures will generally be valued at the settlement price. Interest rate swaps will generally be
valued at the settlement price or the mean of the bid and asked price. Exchange-traded options will generally be valued at the latest
reported sale price on the exchange on which they trade, or if there is no reported sale, the option will generally be valued at the mean
between the latest bid and asked prices. |
|
• |
Non-exchange traded derivatives
are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by independent third-party pricing vendors or, if vendor prices are unavailable,
quoted by an active broker-dealer. |
|
• |
Whole
loans are fair valued by the Valuation Designee using a discounted cash flow (DCF) method which
projects contractual cash flows for each loan for its remaining term. Contractual cash flows are adjusted for expected
charge-off (defaults), recovery (given default), and early prepayments. This method
calculates expected loss and prepayment by employing loan-level statistical models that take into account both contractual features
of loans and credit characteristics of borrowers. The models also take into account the delinquency of loans as a predictor of
default. So delinquent loans are marked down according to estimates of “roll rate” probabilities from transition
models. The models are calibrated (on a regular basis) using actual loan performance of similar loans in the market. As a final
step in valuation, projected risk-adjusted cash flows are discounted at the required market rate of return – which is
calculated as par purchase (yield) for new issuance in each credit segment. The Valuation
Designee has engaged a third-party valuation agent to calculate the fair values using the DCF method. The valuation agent
receives the underlying data related to their valuation work directly from lender/originating platforms. The data includes the
historical performance of all loans on each platform (for calibrating their credit model) as well as the Fund’s investments
(which includes loan tapes with loan and borrower attributes, and the latest performance for each loan). |
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The Fund is
permitted to invest in funded and unfunded revolving credit facilities (“Revolvers”). Revolvers
are fair valued by the Valuation Designee using DCF models to compute loan-level cash flow projections for the underlying
collateral. Valuation of the given tranche is performed primarily by analyzing the underlying loan collateral performance, delinquency
rate, and pre-payment rates. The |
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collateral cash flow is then allocated to various tranches (if more than one) of the complete revolving
loan structure per the waterfall priority of payments. The models also takes into account
the excess spread and interest coverage as well as the remaining first loss protection to determine a final valuation for the given loan/tranche.
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• |
For assets owned through
a loan participation arrangement with another manager, the Valuation Designee could utilize that manager’s valuation. |
|
• |
Other fixed
income and credit securities, including certain ABS, corporate and government debt
securities, mortgage-backed securities, and loans are valued by an independent pricing service on the basis of market quotations.
The Valuation Designee will monitor the reasonableness of valuations provided by the pricing service. |
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• |
Certain
ABS are fair valued by the Valuation Designee using DCF models to compute loan-level cash flow projections for the underlying
collateral. The collateral cash flow is then allocated to various tranches of securitization structure per the waterfall priority
of payments. Valuation of various tranches is then performed by discounting projected cash flows at the appropriate market required
rate of return. Given the sensitivity of residuals’ expected cash flows to estimates of default and prepayments rates,
the models compute the value of residuals over a set of scenarios to capture alternative
views. As for whole loans, proprietary models (to project collateral cash flows) get recalibrated with most recent performance
data on a regular basis. |
|
• |
Warrants
are fair valued by the Valuation Designee based on a combination of primary factors including the underlying terms of the warrant, last round valuation of the company,
and timing. Additionally, secondary factors such as comparable company pricing, overall health of the underlying company, and potential
private vs public discount may be considered. |
|
• |
A substantial portion
of the Fund’s investments are U.S. dollar denominated investments. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies
will be converted into U.S. dollars using foreign exchange rates obtained from pricing services. Trading in foreign securities generally
is completed, and the values of foreign securities are determined, prior to the close of the securities markets in the U.S. Foreign exchange
rates are also determined prior to such close. |
The
Fund accounts for loans purchased from lending platforms at the individual loan level for valuation purposes, and such loans are fair
valued using inputs that take into account borrower-level data that is updated as often as the NAV is calculated to reflect new information
regarding the borrower and loan. Such borrower-level data will include the borrower’s payment history, including the payment, principal
and interest amounts of each loan and the current status of each loan, which will allow the Valuation Designee to determine, among other
things, the historical prepayment rate, charge-off rate, delinquency and performance with respect to such borrower/loan.
The
Fund, in accordance with the investment limitations approved by the Board, will limit its investments in such loans to those originated
by platforms that will provide the Fund with individual loan-level data on an ongoing basis throughout the life of each individual loan
that is updated periodically as often as the NAV is calculated to reflect new information regarding the borrower or loan. The Fund will
not invest through platforms where it cannot evaluate the completeness and accuracy of the individual loan data provided by the platforms
relevant to the existence and valuation of the loans purchased and utilized in the accounting of the loans.
Neuberger
Berman BD LLC, located at 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, acts as the distributor of the Fund’s Shares, pursuant
to the distribution agreement between the Fund and the Distributor (the “Distribution Agreement”),
on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions.
After
the initial term of two (2) years, the Distribution Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Fund for successive one-year
periods, provided that each such continuance is specifically approved by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund, and in either case, also by a majority of the Board members who are not interested persons of the Fund or the Distributor.
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The
Distributor retains additional selling agents or other financial intermediaries to place Shares in the Fund. Such selling agents or other
financial intermediaries may impose terms and conditions on investor accounts and investments in the Fund that are in addition to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Prospectus. Selling agents typically receive the sales load with respect to Class A-1 Shares
purchased by their clients. While neither the Fund nor the Distributor impose an initial sales charge on Institutional Class or Class
A-2 Shares, if a Shareholder buys Class A-2 Shares through certain selling agents or financial intermediaries, such selling agent or financial
intermediary may directly charge Shareholders transaction or other fees in such amount as they may determine. Investors should consult
their financial advisors at such selling agents or financial intermediaries.
Pursuant
to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor shall pay its own costs and expenses connected with the sale of Shares.
The
Fund currently offers three classes of Shares: Institutional Class, Class A-1 and Class A-2 Shares. The Fund relies on an exemptive
order from the SEC that allows it to issue multiple classes of Shares and impose asset-based distribution fees and early-withdrawal
fees as applicable. The Fund may in the future offer other classes of Shares. Shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal pro
rata interest in the Fund and, generally, have identical voting, distribution, liquidation, and other rights, preferences, powers, restrictions,
limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions, except that: (a) each class has a different designation; (b) each class of Shares
bears any class- specific expenses; and (c) each class shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to Shareholders in which
the interests of one class differ from the interests of any other class, and shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted
to Shareholders that relates solely to that class.
Consistent
with the policies of the Shareholder’s financial intermediary, Class A-1 and Class
A-2 Shares of the Fund may be converted for Institutional Class Shares of the Fund if the investor and the relevant financial intermediary
satisfies any then-applicable eligibility requirements for investment in Institutional Class Shares. Any such conversion will be
effected at NAV without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charges by the Fund.
Distribution
and Servicing Plan and Fee
The
Fund has adopted a Distribution and Servicing Plan for each of its Class A-1
Shares and Class A-2 Shares to pay to the Distributor a Distribution and Servicing Fee to compensate financial industry professionals
for distribution-related expenses, if applicable, and providing ongoing services in respect of Shareholders who own such shares. These
activities include marketing and other activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A-1 Shares and Class A-2 Shares and
activities related to administration and servicing of Class A-1 or Class A-2 accounts. Each Distribution and Servicing Plan operates in
a manner consistent with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, which regulates the manner in which an open-end investment company may directly
or indirectly bear the expenses of distributing its shares. Although the Fund is not an open-end investment company, it has undertaken
to comply with the terms of Rule 12b-1, as required by its exemptive relief, permitting the Fund to, among other things, issue multiple
classes of Shares.
Under
each Distribution and Servicing Plan, Class A-1 or Class A-2, as applicable, pays a Distribution and Servicing Fee to the Distributor
at an annual rate of 0.75% based on the aggregate net assets of the Fund attributable to such class. The Distribution and Servicing Fee
is paid out of the relevant class’s assets and decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund solely with respect
to such class. Institutional Class Shares are not subject to the Distribution and Servicing Fee and do not bear any expenses associated
therewith. The Fund did not incur any Distribution and Servicing Fees pursuant to the Distribution
and Servicing Plan for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2025.
Sales
Load – Class A-1 Shares
Unless
eligible for a sales load waiver, investors purchasing Class A-1 Shares will pay a sales load based on the amount of their investment
in the Fund. The sales load payable by each Shareholder depends upon the amount invested by such Shareholder in the Fund, but may be up
to 3.50% of the investment amount.
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The
sales load for Class A-1 Shares will be deducted out of the Shareholder’s investment amount, and will not constitute part of Shareholder’s
investment in the Fund or part of the assets of the Fund. No sales load may be charged without the consent of the Distributor.
Investors
may be able to buy Class A-1 Shares without a sales load, if applicable (i.e., “load-waived”), when they are:
|
(i)
|
reinvesting distributions;
|
|
(ii)
|
a current or former director
of the Fund; |
|
(iii)
|
an employee (including
the employee’s spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings or any dependent of the employee,
as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code) of the Adviser or its affiliates or of a broker-dealer authorized to sell Class A-1
Shares of the Fund; or |
|
(iv)
|
purchasing Class A-1
Shares through a financial services firm that has a special arrangement with the Fund. |
In
addition, the Fund will combine purchases of Class A-1 Shares made by a Shareholder, the Shareholder’s spouse or domestic
partner, and dependent children when it calculates the applicable sales load.
It
is the Shareholder’s responsibility to determine whether a reduced sales load would apply pursuant to the listed sales load waivers
listed above, including by communicating with his or her employer or purchasing financial services firm, as applicable. The Fund is not
responsible for making such determination. To receive a reduced sales load, notification must be provided at the time of the purchase
order. Notice should be provided to the selling agent or financial intermediary through whom the purchase is made so they can notify the
Fund and give the Fund sufficient information to permit the Distributor to confirm that the Shareholder qualifies for such a waiver.
Payments
to Financial Intermediaries
The
Adviser, or its affiliates, including the Distributor, may pay additional compensation out of its own resources (i.e., not Fund assets)
to certain selling agents or financial intermediaries in connection with the sale of Shares. The additional compensation may differ among
selling agents or financial intermediaries in amount or in the amount of calculation. Payments of additional compensation may be fixed
dollar amounts or, based on the aggregate value of outstanding Shares held by Shareholders introduced by the broker or dealer, or determined
in some other manner. Payments may be one-time payments or may be ongoing payments. As a result of the various payments that financial
intermediaries may receive from the Adviser or its affiliates, the amount of compensation that a financial intermediary may receive in
connection with the sale of Shares may be greater than the compensation it may receive for the distribution of other investment products.
The receipt of the additional compensation by a selling broker or dealer may create potential conflicts of interest between an investor
and its broker or dealer who is recommending the Fund over other potential investments.
Other
Payments
Under
the Additional Share Program, the Investment Adviser or its affiliate may contribute cash to the Fund in order to cause Additional Shares
to be issued by the Fund to investors that purchase Shares during the Additional Share Period, as described below. At the end of the Additional
Share Period, investors will receive Additional Shares in an amount equal to 3.00% of the number of Fund shares held by such investor
on the Additional Share Period End Date (as defined below). Such Additional Shares will have the same rights as other Shares of the same
Share class and all Share classes are eligible to participate in the Additional Share Program. The Additional Share Program will continue
until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2026 or (ii) the date that the Fund receives $300 million of subscriptions (exclusive of affiliated
seed investments) (such date, the “Additional Share Period End Date”). In order to be eligible for Additional Shares,
an investor must hold Shares on the Additional Share Period End Date as Additional Shares will be issued based on the number of Shares
held by such investor on the Additional Share Period End Date.
Additional
Shares will be issued to eligible Shareholders on the earlier of (i) the first business day following the quarter-end during which the
Fund receives $300 million of subscriptions (exclusive of affiliated seed
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investments);
or (ii) during the first week of January 2027, if by December 31, 2026 the Fund has not received $300 million of subscriptions (exclusive
of affiliated seed investments) (such date, the “Additional Shares Payment Date”) and will be issued at the Fund’s
NAV on the Additional Shares Payment Date.
The
payments from the Investment Adviser will be made from its own assets (and not the Fund’s assets). The Additional Share Program
may create an incentive for Shareholders to invest additional amounts in the Fund during the Additional Share Period. There is a risk
that Shareholders may submit their Shares for repurchase by the Fund, particularly after they have received all of their Additional Shares.
As with repurchase requests by other Shareholders, such repurchases could have a significant negative impact on the Fund, including on
the Fund’s liquidity. In addition, potential investors should consult their financial intermediaries and tax advisors for additional
information about the receipt of Additional Shares and related tax implications of receipt of Additional Shares.
The
following section provides basic information about how to purchase Shares of the Fund. The Distributor acts as the distributor of the
Shares of the Fund on a reasonable best efforts basis, subject to various conditions, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement.
The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Shares of the Fund. The Shares are continuously offered through the Distributor.
Prospective investors who purchase Shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through
which they purchase Shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different
from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary
through which they purchase Shares. Prospective investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint
themselves with their financial intermediaries’ procedures and should read this Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and
information provided by their financial intermediaries.
Share
Class Considerations
When
selecting a Share class, prospective investors should consider the following:
|
• |
which Share classes are
available; |
|
• |
how much an investor intends
to invest; |
|
• |
how long the investor expects
to own the Shares; and |
|
• |
total costs and expenses
associated with a particular Share class. |
Each
investor’s financial considerations are different. Prospective investors should speak with their financial intermediary to help
select a Share class. Not all financial intermediaries offer all classes of Shares. If a financial intermediary offers more than one class
of Shares, prospective investors should carefully consider which class of Shares to purchase.
Class A-1,
Class A-2 and Institutional Class Shares may be purchased through financial intermediaries offering such Shares. Orders will
be priced at the appropriate price next computed after they are received by a financial intermediary and received
by the Fund. A financial intermediary may hold Shares in an omnibus account in the financial intermediary’s name or the financial
intermediary may maintain individual ownership records. The Fund may pay the financial intermediary for maintaining individual ownership
records as well as providing other shareholder services. Financial intermediaries are responsible for placing orders correctly and promptly
with the Fund, and forwarding payment promptly. The Fund accepts initial and additional purchases of Shares on each day that the NYSE
is open for business. Orders will be priced based on the Fund’s NAV next computed (at the close of regular trading (generally 4:00
p.m., Eastern Time) on a day that the NYSE is open for business) after it is received by the transfer agent. Except as otherwise permitted
by the Board, initial and subsequent purchases of Shares will be payable in United States dollars.
For
prospective investors purchasing Class A-2 Shares through certain financial intermediaries,
such intermediaries may directly charge transaction or other fees in such amount
as they may determine. Please consult your financial firm for additional information. Investors in Class A-1, Class A-2 and Institutional
Class Shares may
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be
subject to purchase deadlines set by their financial intermediary. Please consult your financial firm for additional information. Financial
intermediaries who miss the Fund’s deadlines on behalf of their clients on any day may have their purchases delayed until the next
day that the Fund accepts purchases orders.
The
minimum initial investment in the Fund by any investor is $2,500 for Institutional Class Shares and $2,500 for Class A-1 and
Class A-2 Shares, except for additional purchases pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan. The Board reserves the right to accept lesser
amounts below these minimums, including for Trustees of the Fund and employees of
Neuberger Berman and vehicles controlled by such employees and their extended family members. The purchase price of the Shares is based
on the net asset value as of the date such Shares are purchased.
Investors
may purchase Institutional Class Shares directly from the Fund in accordance with the instructions below. Each initial or subsequent
purchase of Shares will be payable in one installment and requires the prospective investor complete and execute a subscription document.
The subscription document is designed to provide the Fund with important information about the prospective investor. The Fund reserves
the right to accept or reject, in its sole discretion, any request to purchase Shares at any time. The
Fund reserves the right to redeem Shares, close an account, or suspend account privileges, including freezing an account, if the Fund
believes or suspects that not doing so could result in a suspicious, fraudulent or illegal transaction. The Fund also reserves
the right to suspend or terminate offerings of Shares at any time. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, any amount received in
advance of a purchase ultimately rejected by the Fund will be returned promptly to the prospective investor without the deduction of
any sales load, fees or expenses. In the event that cleared funds and/or a properly completed subscription document are not received
from a prospective investor prior to the cut-off time, prospective investors may have their purchases delayed until the next day that
the Fund accepts purchases orders.
An
existing Shareholder generally may purchase additional Shares by contacting their financial intermediary. The price of the Shares during
the Fund’s continuous offering will fluctuate over time with the NAV of the Shares. Subsequent investments may be processed by
contacting your financial intermediary.
CLOSED-END
FUND STRUCTURE; NO RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
The
Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds in that closed-end funds
do not redeem their shares at the request of an investor. No Shareholder has the right to require the Fund to redeem his, her or its Shares.
Unlike some closed-end funds which list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund
does not currently intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange. No public market for the Shares exists, and
none is expected to develop in the future. As a result, Shareholders may not be able to liquidate their investment other than through
repurchases of Shares by the Fund, as described below. Accordingly, Shareholders should consider that they may not have access to the
funds they invested in the Fund for an indefinite period of time.
The
Fund does not currently intend to list its Shares on any securities exchange and does not expect any secondary market for them to develop
in the foreseeable future. Therefore, Shareholders should expect that they will be unable to sell their Shares for an indefinite time
or at a desired price. No Shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to repurchase such Shareholder’s Shares or any portion
thereof, except as permitted by the Fund’s interval structure. Shareholders
may not transfer their investment from the Fund to any other registered investment company. Because no public market exists for the Shares,
and none is expected to develop in the foreseeable future, Shareholders will not be able to liquidate their investment, other than through
the Fund’s share repurchase program, or, in limited circumstances, as a result of transfers of Shares to other investors.
To
provide Shareholders with limited liquidity, the Fund is structured as an “interval fund” and intends to conduct quarterly
offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, unless such
offer is suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory requirements (as discussed below). In connection with any given repurchase
offer, the Fund currently expects to offer to repurchase 5% of its outstanding Shares, but from time to time may offer to repurchase more
Shares in order to provide liquidity to Shareholders.
The
offer to purchase Shares is a fundamental policy that may not be changed without the vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Fund intends to provide
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written notice of quarterly repurchase offers
in the months of January, April, July and October. The Repurchase Offer Notice will be sent to Shareholders at least 21 calendar days
before the Repurchase Request Deadline; however,
the Fund will seek to provide such written notification earlier but no more than 42 calendar days before the Repurchase Request Deadline.
Shareholders may withdraw or modify their requests to tender their Shares for repurchase at any time prior to the Repurchase Request Deadline
as described in the relevant Repurchase Offer Notice. The NAV at which a repurchase is effected will be calculated no later than the Repurchase
Pricing Date, which will be no later than 14 calendar days after the Repurchase Request Deadline or the next business day if the fourteenth
day is not a business day. The Fund will distribute payment to Shareholders within seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date.
Thus, given the timeframe, the Shares are appropriate only as a long-term investment and the Fund’s repurchase offers may subject
the Fund and Shareholders to special risks.
Determination
of Repurchase Offer Amount
The
Board, in its sole discretion, will determine the number of Shares that the Fund will offer to repurchase (the “Repurchase
Offer Amount”) for a given Repurchase Request Deadline. The Repurchase Offer Amount, however, will be between 5% and 25%
of the total number of Shares outstanding on the Repurchase Request Deadline.
If
Shareholders tender for repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund will repurchase the Shares
on a pro rata basis. However, the Fund may accept all Shares tendered for repurchase by Shareholders who own less than one hundred Shares
and who tender all of their Shares, before prorating other amounts tendered.
Notice
to Shareholders
No
less than 21 days and no more than 42 days before each Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund shall send to each Shareholder of record
and to each beneficial owner of the Shares that are the subject of the repurchase offer a Repurchase Offer Notice. The Repurchase Offer
Notice will contain information Shareholders should consider in deciding whether to tender their Shares for repurchase. The notice also
will include detailed instructions on how to tender Shares for repurchase, state the Repurchase Offer Amount and identify the dates of
the Repurchase Request Deadline, the scheduled Repurchase Pricing Date, and the date the repurchase proceeds are scheduled for payment.
The notice also will set forth the NAV that has been computed no more than seven days before the date of notification, and how Shareholders
may ascertain the NAV after the notification date.
Repurchase
Price
The
repurchase price of the Shares will be the Fund’s NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the Repurchase Pricing
Date. The notice of the repurchase offer also will provide information concerning the NAV, such as the NAV as of a recent date or a sampling
of recent NAVs, and a number for information regarding the repurchase offer.
Repurchase
Amounts and Payment of Proceeds
Shares
tendered for repurchase by Shareholders prior to any Repurchase Request Deadline will be repurchased subject to the aggregate Repurchase
Offer Amount established for that Repurchase Request Deadline. Payment pursuant to the repurchase offer will be directed back to the same
account from where the original investment came from on the Purchase Payment Date, which will be no more than seven calendar days after
the Repurchase Pricing Date. The Board may establish other policies for repurchases of Shares that are consistent with the 1940 Act, regulations
thereunder and other pertinent laws.
If
Shareholders tender for repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund may, but is not required
to, repurchase an additional amount of Shares not to exceed 2% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund on the Repurchase Request Deadline.
If the Fund determines not to repurchase more than the Repurchase Offer Amount, or if Shareholders tender Shares in an amount exceeding
the Repurchase Offer Amount plus 2% of the outstanding Shares on the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Shares
on a pro rata basis up to the Repurchase Offer Amount. However, the Fund may accept
all Shares tendered for repurchase by Shareholders who own less than one hundred Shares and who tender all of their Shares, before prorating
other amounts tendered. With respect to any required minimum distributions from an IRA or other
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qualified retirement plan, it is the obligation
of the Shareholder to determine the amount of any such required minimum
distribution and to otherwise satisfy the required minimum. In the event that Shareholders in the aggregate tender for repurchase more
than the Repurchase Offer Amount for a given repurchase offer, the Fund will repurchase the Shares on a pro rata basis, which may result
in the Fund not honoring the full amount of a required minimum distribution requested by a Shareholder.
Repurchase
Fee on Shares Repurchased within One Year of Purchase
A
2.00% Early Repurchase Fee payable to the Fund will be charged with respect to any repurchase of a Shareholder’s Shares at any
time prior to the one-year anniversary of the Shareholder’s acquisition of Institutional Class, Class A-1 or Class A-2 Shares,
as applicable, on a “first in-first out” basis. The Early Repurchase Fee payable by a Shareholder may be waived by the Fund
in circumstances where the Board determines that doing so is in the best interests of the Fund. To the extent the Fund determines to waive,
impose scheduled variations of, or eliminate an Early Repurchase Fee, it will do so consistently with the requirements of Rule 22d-1 under
the 1940 Act, and the Fund’s waiver of, scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the Early Repurchase Fee will apply uniformly
to all Shareholders regardless of Share class. A prospective investor’s financial adviser or other financial intermediary may charge
service fees for handling Share repurchases. In such cases, there may be fees imposed by the intermediary on different terms (and subject
to different exceptions) than those set forth above. A prospective investor is urged to consult its financial adviser or other financial
intermediary for details.
The
Fund expects to conduct repurchase offers in January, April, July and October of each year.
An illustrative timeline is published and available on the Fund’s website at www.nb.com/NABFX.
Suspension
or Postponement of Repurchase Offers
The
Fund may suspend or postpone a repurchase offer only: (1) if making or effecting the repurchase offer would cause the Fund to lose its
status as a regulated investment company; (2) for any period during which the NYSE or any other market in which the securities owned by
the Fund are principally traded is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which trading in such market is
restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable, or during which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its Net Assets;
or (4) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of Shareholders of the Fund.
The
Fund intends to elect to qualify, and intends to continue to qualify annually, as a RIC under the Code and intends to distribute at least
90% of its investment company taxable income (which
is, generally, the Fund’s net ordinary income plus realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital
losses), if any, earned during the year to its Shareholders on an annual basis.
Distributions may also include net capital gains, if any. The Fund intends to pay distributions quarterly to its Shareholders of
net investment income, after payment of interest on outstanding borrowings, if any. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of
the Board and may depend on the Fund’s earnings, the Fund’s net investment income, the Fund’s financial condition,
maintenance of the Fund’s RIC status, compliance with applicable regulations and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant
from time to time.
In
any year in which the Fund incurs net mark to market losses as a result of Section 475(a)(2),
the Fund may be required to make distributions. To the extent that any portion of the Fund’s distributions are considered a return
of capital to Shareholders, such portion would not be considered dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and would represent a
return of the amounts that such Shareholders invested. Although such return of capital distributions are not currently taxable to Shareholders,
such distributions will have the effect of lowering a Shareholder’s tax basis in such Shares, and could result in a higher tax
liability when the Shares are sold, even if they have not increased in value, or in fact, have lost value. The Fund’s final distribution
for each tax year is expected to include any remaining investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during
the tax year, if any, as well as any undistributed net capital gain realized during the tax year, if any. This distribution policy, may,
under certain circumstances, have adverse consequences to the Fund and its Shareholders
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because
it may result in a return of capital resulting in less of a Shareholder’s assets being invested in the Fund and, over time, increase
the Fund’s expense ratios. The distribution policy also may cause the Fund to sell securities at a time it would not otherwise
do so to manage the distribution of income and gain.
Each
year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV identifying the sources of the distributions (i.e., paid from ordinary income, and/or a return
of capital) will be furnished to Shareholders subject to IRS reporting. Fund ordinary distributions may exceed the Fund’s earnings.
To the extent that the Fund pays distributions that constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it will lower
an investor’s tax basis in his or her Shares. A return of capital generally is a return of an investor’s investment rather
than a return of earnings or gains derived from the Fund’s investment activities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all.
As
discussed in the “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” section, to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment,
the Fund is required to distribute on a timely basis with respect to each tax year dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an
amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of its “investment company taxable income” and net tax-exempt interest income, determined
without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, for such tax year. To avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, the Fund is required
to distribute in respect of each calendar year dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of ordinary income (taking
into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary
losses) generally for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain
net income for previous calendar years that were not distributed during such calendar years and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal
income tax. The Fund can offer no assurance that it will achieve results that will permit the payment of any distributions. If the Fund
issues senior securities, the Fund will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes it to fail to maintain the asset coverage
ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of the Fund’s borrowings. Any such limitations
would adversely impact the Fund’s ability to make distributions to Shareholders.
Shareholders
will automatically have all distributions reinvested in Shares of the Fund issued by the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s dividend
reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN
The
Fund has adopted an “opt-out” dividend reinvestment plan or “DRIP” pursuant to which all Shareholders will
have the full amount of their cash distributions reinvested in additional Shares unless a Shareholder elects otherwise. Any distributions
of the Fund’s Shares pursuant to the DRIP are dependent on the continued registration of the Fund’s securities or the availability
of an exemption from registration in the recipient’s home state. Participants in the DRIP are free to elect to participate or terminate
participation in the DRIP within a reasonable time as specified below.
If
you elect not to participate in the DRIP, you will receive any distributions the Fund declares in cash. For example, if the Board authorizes,
and the Fund declares, a distribution, then unless you have “opted-out” of the DRIP, you will have your cash distributions
reinvested in additional Shares, rather than receiving the cash distributions. Shares issued pursuant to the DRIP will have the same voting
rights as the Fund’s Shares acquired by subscription to the Fund.
If
you wish to participate in the DRIP and receive your distribution in additional Shares, no action will be required on your part to do
so. Shareholders that wish to receive their distributions in cash may do so by making an election in the Fund’s subscription document
or by notifying the transfer agent in writing at the Fund at Neuberger Berman Funds, PO Box 219189, Kansas City, MO 64121-9189. Such
written notice must be received by the transfer agent five days prior to the record date of the distribution or the Shareholder will receive
such distribution in shares through the DRIP. If Shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary, in some circumstances a
Shareholder may “opt out” of the DRIP by notifying its broker or other financial intermediary of such election. Please check
with your broker or other financial intermediary for more details.
There
are no selling commissions, dealer manager fees or other sales charges to you as a result of your participation in the DRIP. The Fund
pays the transfer agent’s fees under the DRIP. If you receive your ordinary cash distributions in the form of Shares as part of
the DRIP, you generally are subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as you would be had you elected to receive
your distributions in cash.
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Your
basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of Shares received in a distribution from the Fund will be equal to the total dollar
amount of the distribution payable in cash. Any Shares received in a distribution will have a holding period for tax purposes commencing
on the day following the day on which the Shares are credited to your account. The Fund reserves the right to suspend or limit at any
time the ability of investors to reinvest distributions, and to require investors to receive all distributions in cash, or to limit the
maximum amount that may be reinvested, either as a dollar amount or as a percentage of distributions. The Fund may determine to do so
if, for example, the amount being reinvested by investors exceeds the available investment opportunities that the Adviser considers suitable
for the Fund. You may terminate your account under the DRIP by notifying the transfer agent at Neuberger Berman Funds, PO Box 219189
Kansas City, MO 64121-9189.
All
correspondence concerning the DRIP should be directed to the transfer agent by mail at Neuberger Berman Funds, PO Box 219189 Kansas
City, MO 64121-9189, or by email to the transfer agent at
[email protected].
The
Fund may elect to make non-cash distributions to Shareholders. Such distributions are not subject to the DRIP, and all Shareholders, regardless
of whether or not they are participants in the DRIP, will receive such distributions in additional Shares of the Fund.
DESCRIPTION
OF SHARES
Shares
of Beneficial Interest
The
Declaration of Trust authorizes the Fund’s issuance of an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001
per share. There is currently no market for Shares and the Fund does not expect that a market for Shares will develop in the foreseeable
future. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust and as permitted by Delaware law, Shareholders are entitled to the same limitation of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private corporations organized for profit under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
as amended, and therefore generally will not be personally liable for the Fund’s debts or obligations.
Under
the terms of the Declaration of Trust, all Shares, when consideration for Shares is received by the Fund, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
Distributions may be paid to Shareholders if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board. Shares will have no preference, preemptive,
appraisal, conversion, exchange or redemption rights, and will be freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by law
or contract. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board shall have the power to repurchase or redeem Shares. In the event of the
Fund’s dissolution, after the Fund pays or adequately provides for the payment of all claims and obligations of the Fund, and upon
the receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements deemed necessary by the Board, each Share will be entitled to receive,
according to its respective rights, a pro rata portion of the Fund’s assets available for distribution, subject to any preferential
rights of holders of the Fund’s outstanding preferred Shares, if any. Each whole Share will be entitled to one vote as to any matter
on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share will be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shareholders shall be entitled
to vote on all matters on which a vote of Shareholders is required by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board.
There will be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Fund is not required to
hold annual meetings of Shareholders. The Fund only expects to hold Shareholder meetings to the extent required by the 1940 Act or pursuant
to special meetings called by the Board or a majority of Shareholders.
Outstanding
Securities
The
following table shows, for each class of authorized securities of the Fund, the amount of (i) shares authorized and (ii) shares outstanding,
each as of March 31, 2026:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Institutional
Class Shares |
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
9,041,929 |
|
Class
A-1 Shares |
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
0 |
|
Class
A-2 Shares |
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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ANTI-TAKEOVER
AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION
AND
AGREEMENT OF TRUST
The
Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of
the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status.
The
Trustees are elected for indefinite terms and do not stand for reelection. A Trustee may be removed from office with or without cause
by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of Shares. These voting thresholds
are not required under Delaware or federal law. The anti-takeover provisions in the Declaration of Trust promote stability in the governance
of the Fund and limit the risk that the Fund will be subject to changes in control, operational changes or other changes that may not
be in the best interests of Shareholders.
The
Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the Shares of the Fund to approve, adopt
or authorize an amendment to the Declaration of Trust that makes the Shares a “redeemable security” as that term is defined
in the 1940 Act, unless such amendment has been approved by a majority of the Trustees then in office, in which case approval by the vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, is required, notwithstanding any provisions of the By-Laws.
Upon the adoption of a proposal to convert the Fund from a “closed-end company” to an “open-end company”,
as those terms are defined in the 1940 Act, and the necessary amendments to the
Declaration of Trust to permit such a conversion of the Fund’s outstanding Shares entitled to vote, the Fund shall, upon complying
with any requirements of the 1940 Act and state law, become an “open-end” investment company. Such affirmative vote or consent
shall be in addition to the vote or consent of the holders of the Shares otherwise required by law, or any agreement between the Fund
and any national securities exchange.
The
Declaration of Trust also places certain limitations on the ability of a Shareholder to sue the fund or bring a derivative action on behalf
of the Fund, except with respect to claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws. In order to bring a derivative action on the
Fund, among other conditions, the Shareholder must make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort
to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed. A demand on the Trustees shall only be deemed not likely to succeed
and therefore excused if a majority of the Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action,
is composed of Trustees who are not “independent trustees” (as that term is defined under Delaware law). Additionally, unless
a demand is not required, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such Shareholder request and to investigate
the basis of such claim. The Declaration of Trust also includes an irrevocable waiver of the right to trial by jury in all such claims,
suits, actions and proceedings.
The
Trustees may from time to time grant other voting rights to Shareholders with respect to these and other matters in the By-Laws, certain
of which are required by the 1940 Act.
The
overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of the assumption of control of the Fund by a third
party and/or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. The Trustees have
considered the foregoing provisions and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Fund and its Shareholders.
The
foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws, both of which are on
file with the SEC. Material provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws have been described herein.
MATERIAL
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The
following discussion is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Fund, to its qualification
and taxation as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code and to an investment in the Fund’s Shares,
and to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the Fund’s Shares. This discussion applies only to beneficial owners that
acquire the Fund’s Shares in this initial offering at the offering price.
This
discussion does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to such an investment. For example,
this discussion does not describe tax consequences that the Fund has assumed to be generally known by investors or certain considerations
that may be relevant to certain types of holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws, including persons who
hold the Fund’s shares as part of a
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straddle,
hedging, or other risk reduction strategy, conversion transaction or other integrated investment, constructive sale transaction for U.S.
tax purposes, Shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations, banks, insurance
companies, brokers or dealers in securities or currencies, dealers in securities, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market
method of accounting for securities holdings, traders in securities or commodities that elect mark to market treatment, pension plans
and trusts, Shareholders whose functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) is not the U.S. dollar, Shareholders who
are not entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty, U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents
of the United States, Shareholders and U.S. Persons that are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, RICs, real estate investment trusts,
personal holding companies, persons required to accelerate the recognition of gross income as a result of such income being recognized
on an applicable financial statements, persons who acquire an interest in the Fund in connection with the performance of services, Shareholders
and investors in pass through entities, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income
tax purposes and their partners, members and owners, Shareholders that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes
(and investors therein), non-U.S. Shareholders (as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United States, persons who have
ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as residents of the United States, “controlled foreign corporations” (“CFCs”),
passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), and corporations that accumulate
earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, persons subject to the three-year holding period rule in Section 1061 in the Code, persons
who hold or receive Shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, and tax qualified retirement
plans, and financial institutions. In addition, this discussion does not discuss any aspect of U.S. state or local tax, the federal estate
or gift tax or non-U.S. tax.
Such
persons are urged to consult with their tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund, which
may differ substantially from those described herein.
This
discussion assumes that Shareholders hold the shares as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code (generally, property held for investment). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion applies only to U.S. Shareholders that hold Shares
as capital assets.
The
discussion is based upon the current provisions of the Code, existing and proposed Treasury regulations, its legislative history, published
rulings and court decisions, and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as of the date of this Prospectus and all of which
are subject to change, possibly retroactively, which could affect the continuing validity of this discussion. This Fund is under no obligation
to provide information to an investor with respect to changes in law or facts affecting this discussion after the date hereof.
The
Fund has not sought and will not seek any ruling from the IRS regarding the offerings pursuant to this Prospectus or pursuant to any accompanying
Prospectus supplement unless expressly stated therein, and this discussion is not binding on the IRS. Prospective investors should be
aware that the IRS may not agree with the Fund’s tax positions and, if challenged by the IRS, such tax positions might not be sustained
by the courts. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not assert, and that a court would not sustain, a position contrary
to any of the tax consequences discussed herein.
For
purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Shareholder” generally is a beneficial owner
of the Fund’s shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
|
• |
an individual who is
a citizen of the United States or is treated as a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, |
|
• |
a domestic corporation,
or other domestic entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, |
|
• |
any estate the income of
which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, and |
|
• |
any trust if —
(i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of a trust, and (ii) one or more
United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. |
A
“Non-U.S. Shareholder” is any beneficial owner of Shares that is not a U.S. Shareholder
nor classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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If
a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Shares, the tax treatment of a
partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership, and certain determinations
made at the partner level. Any partner of a partnership holding Shares is urged to consult its tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition (including by reason of a repurchase) of the Fund’s Shares,
as well as the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws, and the effect of any possible changes in tax laws.
Tax
matters are complicated and the tax consequences to a Shareholder of an investment in the Fund’s Shares will depend on the facts
of such Shareholder’s particular situation.
Election
to be Taxed as a Regulated Investment Company
The
Fund intends to elect to be treated, and to continuously qualify each year thereafter, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under
Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income
or capital gains that the Fund timely distributes (or is deemed to timely distribute) to its Shareholders as dividends. Instead, dividends
the Fund distributes (or is deemed to timely distribute) to Shareholders generally will be taxable to Shareholders, and any net operating
losses, foreign tax credits and most other tax attributes generally will not pass through to Shareholders. The Fund will be subject to
U.S. federal corporate-level income tax on any undistributed income and gains. To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things,
meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, the Fund must distribute to its
Shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (which generally is the Fund’s net ordinary
taxable income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard
to the dividends paid deduction) (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”) for any taxable year. The following discussion
assumes that the Fund qualifies as a RIC.
The
Fund’s qualification and taxation as a RIC depends upon the Fund’s ability to satisfy on a continuing basis, through actual,
annual operating results, distribution, income and asset, and other requirements imposed under the Code. However, no assurance can be
given that the Fund will be able to meet the complex and varied tests required to qualify as a RIC or to avoid corporate level tax. In
addition, because the relevant laws may change, compliance with one or more of the RIC requirements may be impossible or impracticable.
The
Fund may hold certain investments through subsidiaries that are treated as disregarded entities or as partnerships for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. Alternatively, the Fund may hold certain investments through subsidiaries that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. The Fund may choose (but is not required) to hold investments through a corporate subsidiary for various reasons.
Some corporate subsidiaries, such as U.S. corporate subsidiaries, may be subject to U.S. federal, state or local tax.
Qualification
as a Regulated Investment Company
If
the Fund:
|
• |
qualifies as a RIC; and
|
|
• |
satisfies the Annual Distribution
Requirement, |
then
the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal or state income tax on the portion of the Fund’s taxable income and net capital gain
(realized net long-term capital gain in excess of realized net short-term capital loss) the Fund timely distributes (or is deemed to distribute,
except with respect to certain retained capital gains as described below) to Shareholders. The Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to the Fund’s Shareholders.
If
the Fund fails to distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar
year, (2) 98.2% of its net capital gain income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar
year (or November 30 or December 31 of that year if the Fund is permitted to elect or so elects) and (3) any income realized, but not
distributed, in the preceding years (to the extent that income tax was not imposed on such amounts) less certain over-distributions in
prior years (the “Excise Tax Distribution Requirement”), the Fund will be subject to a 4% non-deductible federal excise
tax on the portion
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of
the undistributed amounts of such income that are less than the amounts required to be distributed based on the Excise Tax Distribution
Requirements. The Fund may be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the foregoing distribution
requirement.
For
this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax for
the tax year ending in that calendar year will be considered to have been distributed by year end (or earlier if estimated taxes are paid).
In order to meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement for a particular year, the Fund will need to receive certain information from
its underlying investments, which it may not timely receive, in which case the Fund will need to estimate the amount of distributions
it needs to make to meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. If the Fund underestimates that amount, it will be subject to the excise
tax. In addition, the Fund may choose to retain its net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, and pay the associated
U.S. federal corporate income tax, including the U.S. federal excise tax, thereon. In either event described in the preceding two sentences,
the Fund will only pay the excise tax on the amount by which the Fund does not meet the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement.
In
order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund must, among other things:
|
• |
elect to be treated and
qualify as a registered management company under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year; |
|
• |
derive in each taxable
year at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock or securities (as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act) or foreign currencies, or other
income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing
in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the “90%
Gross Income Test”); and |
|
• |
diversify its holdings so
that at the close of each quarter of the taxable year: |
|
• |
at least 50 percent of
the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by of cash, and cash items (including receivables), Government securities and
securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities for purposes of this calculation are limited, in respect of any
one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5 percent of the value of the total assets of the taxpayer and to not more than 10
percent of the outstanding voting securities of each issuer, and |
|
• |
not more than 25 percent
of the value of its total assets is invested in (i) the securities (other than Government securities or the securities of other regulated
investment companies) of any one issuer, (ii) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two
or more issuers which the taxpayer controls and which are determined, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to be engaged in
the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or (iii) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded
partnerships (the “Diversification Tests”). |
An
entity that is properly classified as a partnership, rather than an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation,
is not itself subject to U.S. federal income tax. Instead, each partner of the partnership must take into account its distributive share
of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and credits (including all such items allocable to that partnership from
investments in other partnerships) for each taxable year of the partnership ending with or within the partner’s taxable year, without
regard to whether such partner has received or will receive corresponding cash distributions from the partnership. For the purpose of
determining whether the Fund satisfies the 90% Gross Income Test and the Diversification Tests, the character of the Fund’s distributive
share of items of income, gain, losses, deductions and credits derived through any investments in companies that are treated as partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes (other than certain publicly traded partnerships), or are otherwise treated as disregarded from the
Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally will be determined as if the Fund realized these tax items directly.
Some
of the income and fees that the Fund may recognize may not satisfy the 90% Gross Income Test. In order to meet the 90% Gross Income Test,
the Fund may structure certain investments in a way that could increase the taxes imposed thereon or in respect thereof. For example,
the Fund may be required to hold such investments or receive fees through a subsidiary that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. In such a case, any
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income
from such investments is generally not expected to adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the 90% Gross Income Test, although
such income generally would be subject to U.S. corporate federal income tax (and possibly state and local taxes), which the Fund would
indirectly bear through its ownership of such subsidiary. Distributions from such corporate subsidiary are generally expected to be treated
as return of capital or qualified dividend income prior to liquidation of such corporate subsidiary. Distributions in liquidation of the
corporation are generally expected to be treated as capital gain.
Further,
for purposes of calculating the value of the Fund’s investment in the securities of an issuer for purposes of determining the 25%
requirement of the Diversification Tests, the Fund’s proper proportion of any investment in the securities of that issuer that
are held by a member of the Fund’s “controlled group” must be aggregated with the Fund’s investment in that
issuer. A controlled group is one or more chains of corporations connected through stock ownership with the Fund if (a) at least 20% of
the total combined voting power of all classes of voting stock of each of the corporations is owned directly by one or more of the other
corporations, and (b) the Fund directly owns at least 20% or more of the combined voting stock of at least one of the other corporations.
The
Fund may have investments, either directly or through entities that are treated as partnerships in which the Fund invests, that require
income to be included in investment company taxable income in a year prior to the year in which the Fund actually receives a corresponding
amount of cash in respect of such income. The Fund intends to be treated as a “dealer
in securities” within the meaning of Section 475(c)(1) of the Code. Section 475 of the Code requires that a dealer must
generally “mark to market” all the securities which it holds at the close of any taxable year, other than any securities
identified as held for investment. As a result, the Fund will be required to take into account gain or loss (treated as ordinary income
or loss) each year based on the appreciation or depreciation in the value of such loans and other securities, and any gain or loss recognized
on the sale of any such loan or security would be treated as ordinary income or loss. In addition, the Fund expects to invest in loans
and other debt instruments that will be treated as having “market discount” and/or original issue discount (“OID”)
(such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with equity or warrants) for U.S.
federal income tax purposes if not subject to the mark to market rules. The Fund may also have to include in its taxable income other
amounts that it has not yet received in cash but has been allocated to it as a result of its investments in entities treated as partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because any amounts accrued will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income
for the year of accrual, the Fund may be required to make a distribution to the Fund’s Shareholders in order to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement, even though it will not have received the corresponding cash amount.
As
described above, the Fund will invest in Asset-Based Credit Investments sourced from lending platforms. For purposes of the Diversification
Tests, in some cases, it may be uncertain whether the issuer of such whole loans made by the Fund is the lending platform, or the underlying
borrowers with respect to such investments. Asset-Based Credit Investments sourced from lending platforms acquired by the Fund are expected
to be treated as issued by the underlying borrower for the purposes of the Diversification Tests because the Fund is exposed only to the
credit risk of the underlying borrower and the interest and principal of the Asset-Based Credit Investments is repayable solely from the
assets of the underlying borrower, however, this position is not free from doubt. Additionally, income and gains realized in respect of
such Asset-Based Credit Investments are expected to be treated as “qualifying income” for purposes of the income test applicable
to RICs. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take contrary positions or that a court would agree with such position
if litigated. While the Fund intends to invest in loans sourced by various lending platforms, there may be times where a substantial portion
of its Asset-Based Credit Investments will be sourced from one platform. Thus, a determination or future guidance by the IRS that the
issuer of such Asset-Based Credit Investments is the lending platform may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the Diversification
Tests and qualify as a RIC.
A
RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally,
ordinary income plus the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long- term capital losses). If the Fund’s deductible expenses
in a given year exceed investment company taxable income, the Fund would experience a net operating loss for that year. However, a RIC
is not permitted to carry forward net operating losses to subsequent years, so these net operating losses generally will not pass through
to Shareholders. In addition, expenses can be used only to offset investment company taxable income, and may not be used to offset net
capital gain. Due to these limits on the deductibility of expenses, the Fund may, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, have aggregate
taxable income for several years that it is required to distribute and that is taxable to its Shareholders even if such income is greater
than the aggregate net income it actually earned during those years. As a RIC, the Fund may not use any net capital losses (that is, realized
capital losses in excess of realized capital gains) to offset its
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investment
company taxable income, but may carry forward those losses, and use them to offset future capital gains, indefinitely. Further, the Fund’s
deduction of net business interest expense is generally limited to 30% of its “adjusted taxable income” plus “floor
plan financing interest expense.” It is not expected that any portion of any underwriting or similar fee will be deductible for
U.S. federal income tax purposes to the Fund or the Shareholders. Due to these limits on the deductibility of expenses, net capital losses
and business interest expenses, the Fund may, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, have aggregate taxable income for several years that
it is required to distribute and that is taxable to Unitholders even if this income is greater than the aggregate net income the Fund
actually earned during those years.
In
order to enable the Fund to make distributions to Shareholders that will be sufficient to enable the Fund to satisfy the Annual Distribution
Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements, the Fund may need to liquidate or sell some of its assets at times or at prices
that the Fund would not consider advantageous, the Fund may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, the Fund may need to take
out loans, or the Fund may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to the Fund’s
business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to its business). Even if the Fund is authorized to borrow and to sell assets
in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements, under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally
is not permitted to make distributions to its Shareholders while its debt obligations and senior securities are outstanding unless certain
“asset coverage” tests or other financial covenants are met.
If
the Fund is unable to obtain cash from other sources to enable the Fund to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, the Fund may fail
to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income
tax (and any applicable state and local taxes). Although the Fund expects to operate in a manner so as to qualify continuously as a RIC,
the Fund may decide in the future to be taxed as a “C” corporation, even if the Fund would otherwise qualify as a RIC, if
the Fund determines that such treatment as a C corporation for a particular year would be in the Fund’s best interest.
Tax
Consequences of a Period Prior to RIC Qualification; Failure to Qualify as a RIC
While
the Fund intends to elect to be treated as a RIC, there may be a period during which the Fund does not qualify as a RIC. If the Fund has
net taxable income prior to the Fund’s qualification as a RIC, the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal or state income tax on
such income. The Fund would not be able to deduct distributions to Shareholders, nor would they be required to be made. Distributions,
including distributions of net long-term capital gain, would generally be taxable to the Fund’s Shareholders as ordinary dividend
income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code,
corporate Shareholders would be eligible to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to such dividend; non-corporate Shareholders
would generally be able to treat such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” which is subject to reduced rates of U.S.
federal income tax. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as
a return of capital to the extent of the Shareholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital
gain. In order to qualify as a RIC, in addition to the other requirements discussed above, the Fund would be required to distribute all
of the Fund’s previously undistributed earnings and profits attributable to any period prior to the Fund becoming a RIC by the
end of the first year that it intends to qualify as a RIC. If the Fund has any net built-in gains in its assets (i.e., the excess of the
aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Fund
had been liquidated) as of the beginning of the first year that the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund would be subject to a corporate-level
U.S. federal income tax on such built-in gains if and when recognized over the next five years. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to recognize
such built-in gains immediately prior to the Fund’s qualification as a RIC.
If
the Fund has previously qualified as a RIC but fails to satisfy the 90% Gross Income Test for any taxable year or the Diversification
Tests for any quarter of a taxable year, the Fund may continue to be taxed as a RIC for the relevant taxable year if certain relief provisions
of the Code apply (which might, among other things, require the Fund to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal taxes or to dispose of
certain assets). If the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for more than two consecutive taxable years and then seeks to re-qualify as a RIC,
the Fund would generally be required to recognize gain to the extent of any unrealized appreciation in its assets unless the Fund elects
to pay U.S. corporate income tax on any such unrealized appreciation during the succeeding 5-year period.
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If,
before the end of any quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund believes that it may fail the Diversification Tests, the Fund
may seek to take certain actions to avert a failure. However, the action frequently taken by RICs to avert a failure, the disposition
of non-diversified assets, may be difficult for the Fund to pursue because of the limited liquidity of its investments.
If
the Fund has previously qualified as a RIC but fails to qualify for treatment as a RIC in any taxable year and is not eligible for relief
provisions, the Fund would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on all of its taxable income at the regular corporate U.S. federal income
tax rate and would be subject to any applicable state and local taxes, regardless of whether the Fund makes any distributions to Shareholders.
Additionally, the Fund would not be able to deduct distributions to its Shareholders, nor would distributions to Shareholders be required
to be made for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distributions the Fund makes generally would be taxable to Shareholders as ordinary
dividend income and, subject to certain limitations under the Code, would be eligible for the current maximum rate applicable to qualified
dividend income of individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Shareholders, to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings
and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, U.S. Shareholders that are corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes
would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings
and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Fund’s
Shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as capital gain.
The
remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will continuously qualify as a RIC for each taxable year and will satisfy the Annual
Distribution requirement.
Taxation
of the Fund’s Investments
The
Fund expects its investments to consist primarily of loans. These investments are expected to generate income in the form of interest,
“original issue discount,” and “market discount.” The Fund intends to be treated as a “dealer in securities”
within the meaning of Section 475(c)(1) of the Code. Section 475 of the Code requires that a dealer must generally “mark
to market” all the securities which it holds at the close of any taxable year, other than any securities identified as held for
investment. As a result, the Fund will be required to take into account gain or loss (treated as ordinary income or loss) each year based
on the appreciation or depreciation in the value of such loans and other securities, and any gain or loss recognized on the sale of any
such loan or security would be treated as ordinary income or loss.
The
Fund’s status as a dealer in securities may affect the amount, timing and character of the Fund’s distributions. It is expected
that substantially all of the Fund’s distributions will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
The
Fund may be required to accrue original issue discount, market discount, or be treated as having sold securities for their fair market
value, all of which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions. Equity interests in
foreign corporations that are PFICs or CFCs or participations in workouts, debt modifications or other debt restructuring could also cause
the Fund to recognize income without receiving any corresponding cash proceeds, impacting the Fund’s ability to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement.
No
assurances can be provided that the Fund will be a “dealer in securities” in any given year. If the Fund were to determine
that it should not be treated as a “dealer in securities” due to its business activities, the Fund may be required to recognize
more income and/or recognize income in an earlier period, which could affect its ability to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement
or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. In addition, if the IRS were to challenge the Fund’s status as a “dealer in
securities,” then similarly the Fund may be required to recognize more income and/or recognize income in an earlier period, which
could affect its ability to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirement. As noted above, the
Fund’s qualification and taxation as a RIC depends on the Fund’s ability to satisfy, among other things, the Annual Distribution
Requirement; if the Fund were not to be treated not as a “dealer in securities” no assurances can be given that the Fund
would be able to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement.
Hedging
and Derivatives Transactions
Certain
of the Fund’s investment practices, including hedging and derivatives transactions, may be subject to special and complex U.S.
federal income tax provisions that may, among other things: (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or
deductions; (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain
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(currently
taxed at lower rates for non-corporate taxpayers) into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income; (iii) convert an ordinary
loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited); (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain
without a corresponding receipt of cash; (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of securities is deemed to occur;
(vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions; (vii) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute
qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income; (viii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the
90% Gross Income Test described above; and, (ix) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate dividends received
deduction as ineligible for such treatment. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax decisions in order to mitigate
the potential adverse effect of these provisions; however, no assurance can be given that the Fund will be eligible for any tax elections
or that any elections it makes will fully mitigate the effects of these provisions.
The
Fund’s investments in non-U.S. securities may be subject to non-U.S. income, withholding and other taxes. In that case, the yield
on those securities would be decreased. Shareholders are not expected to be entitled to claim a U.S. foreign tax credit or deduction with
respect to non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund.
PFIC
Investments
If
the Fund purchases shares in a PFIC and such PFIC is held for investment and therefore not subject to mark to market treatment under Section
475, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” received on, or any gain
from the disposition of, such shares even if the Fund distributes such income as a taxable dividend to Shareholders. Additional charges
in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on the Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution
or gain. If the Fund invests in a PFIC that is not marked to market and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund”
under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, the Fund will be required to include in gross income
each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Any inclusions
in the Fund’s gross income resulting from the QEF election will be considered qualifying income for the purposes of the 90% Gross
Income Test.
Taxation
of U.S. Shareholders
The
following summary generally describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund’s Shares
beneficially owned by U.S. Shareholders. If you are not a U.S. Shareholder this section does not apply to you. Whether an investment in
the Fund’s Shares is appropriate for a U.S. Shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment
in the Fund’s Shares by a U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult tax advisors
about the U.S. tax consequences of investing in the Fund’s shares.
Taxation
of Distributions
The
Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable to U.S. Shareholders as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of the Fund’s
“investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, the Fund’s net ordinary income plus realized net short-term
capital gains in excess of realized net long- term capital losses) will be taxable as ordinary income to U.S. Shareholders to the extent
of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Federal taxes
on the Fund’s distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund is owned or is deemed to have owned the investments
that generated the capital gains, rather than how long a Shareholder has owned the Shares. To the extent such distributions paid by the
Fund to non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) taxed at individual rates are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations
and certain qualified foreign corporations, and if certain holding period requirements are met, such distributions may be eligible for
the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains.
As
a “dealer in securities,” the Fund does not expect to realize material amounts of capital gains. If, despite its status
as a “dealer in securities,” the Fund realizes capital gains, taxes to Shareholders on distributions of such capital gains,
if any, will be determined by how long the Fund owned (and is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having owned) the investments
that generated them, rather than how long a Shareholder has owned his or her Shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the
excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, in each case determined with reference to any loss carryforwards)
that are properly reported by the
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Fund
as capital gain dividends generally will be treated as long-term capital gains includible in a Shareholder’s net capital gains
and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses generally
will be taxable to you as ordinary income.
A
portion of the Fund’s ordinary income dividends paid to corporate U.S. Shareholders may, if the distributions consist of qualifying
distributions received by the Fund and certain other conditions are met, qualify for the 50 percent dividends received deduction to the
extent that the Fund has received dividends from certain corporations during the taxable year, but only to the extent these ordinary income
dividends are treated as paid out of earnings and profits of the Fund. The Fund expects only a small portion of the Fund’s dividends
to qualify for this deduction. A corporate U.S. Shareholder may be required to reduce its basis in its Shares with respect to certain
“extraordinary dividends,” as defined in Section 1059 of the Code. Corporate U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult
tax advisors in determining the application of these rules in their particular circumstances.
In
this regard, it is not expected that a significant amount of distributions paid by the Fund will generally be attributable to dividends
and, therefore, the Fund’s income generally will not qualify for the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains applicable
to qualified dividend income or the dividends-received deduction available to corporations under the Code.
A
distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of any calendar year if it is declared by the Fund in October, November or December
with a record date in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following calendar year. Such distributions will be taxable
to the Shareholder in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in which the distributions
are received. If an investor acquires Shares shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the Shares will include the
value of the distribution and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution even though it represents a return of their investment.
U.S.
Shareholders who have not “opted-out” of the Fund’s DRIP will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically
reinvested in additional Shares, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions. Any dividends or distributions reinvested under
the plan will nevertheless remain taxable to U.S. Shareholders. A U.S. Shareholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional Shares
purchased through the DRIP equal to the dollar amount that would have been received if the U.S. Shareholder had received the dividend
or distribution in cash, unless the Fund were to issue new Shares that are trading at or above net asset value, in which case, the U.S.
Shareholder’s basis in the new Shares would generally be equal to their fair market value. The additional Shares will have a new
holding period commencing on the day following the day on which the Shares are credited to the U.S. Shareholder’s account.
The
Fund expects to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company.” As a “publicly offered regulated
investment company,” in addition to the Fund’s DRIP, the Fund may choose to pay a majority of a required dividend in Shares
rather than cash. In order for the distribution to qualify for the Annual Distribution Requirement, the dividend must be payable at the
election of each Shareholder in cash or Shares (or a combination of the two), but may have a “cash cap” that limits the
total amount of cash paid to not less than 20% of the entire distribution. If Shareholders in the aggregate elect to receive an amount
of cash greater than the Fund’s cash cap, then each Shareholder who elected to receive cash will receive a pro rata share of the
cash and the rest of their distribution in Shares of the Fund. The value of the portion of the distribution made in Shares will be equal
to the amount of cash for which the Shares is substituted, and the Fund’s U.S. Shareholders will be subject to tax on such amount
as though they had received cash.
The
Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate rates on the amount retained.
In such case, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its Shareholders, who will be treated
as if each received a distribution of his pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each Shareholder will (i) be required to report
its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share
of tax paid by the Fund on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution
less the tax credit.
In
order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, the Fund must provide written notice to the Fund’s Shareholders prior to the
expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. The Fund cannot treat any of its investment company taxable income
as a “deemed distribution.”
A
U.S. Shareholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be
required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form to claim a refund with
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respect
to the allocable share of the taxes that the Fund has paid. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a Shareholder
will be increased by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the Shareholder’s gross
income over the tax deemed paid by the Shareholder as described in this paragraph.
Certain
distributions reported by the Fund as Section 163(j) interest dividends may be treated as interest income by Shareholders for purposes
of the tax rules applicable to interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. Such treatment by the Shareholder is
generally subject to holding period requirements and other potential limitations, although the holding period requirements are generally
not applicable to dividends declared by money market funds and certain other funds that declare dividends daily and pay such dividends
on a monthly or more frequent basis. The amount that the Fund is eligible to report as a Section 163(j) dividend for a tax year is
generally limited to the excess of its business interest income over the sum of its (i) business interest expense and (ii) other deductions
properly allocable to its business interest income.
For
any period that the Fund does not qualify as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code,
Stockholders will be taxed as though they received a distribution of some of our expenses. A “publicly offered regulated investment
company” is a RIC whose shares are (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established
securities market, or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year. The Fund anticipates that it will qualify
as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, beginning with the tax year ending December
31, 2025. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will qualify as a “publicly offered regulated investment company”
for any of our taxable years. If the Fund is not a publicly offered RIC for any year, a U.S. Shareholder that is an individual, trust
or estate will be treated as having received as dividend from the Fund in the amount of such U.S.
Shareholder’s
allocable share of the Management Fee and Incentive Fees paid to the Adviser and certain of our other expenses for the year, and these
fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. Stockholder. Most
miscellaneous itemized deductions are disallowed for non-corporate taxpayers.
The
Fund (or if a U.S. Shareholder holds shares through an intermediary, such intermediary) will provide each of its U.S. Shareholders, as
promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice detailing, on a per share and per distribution basis, the amounts includible
in such U.S. Shareholder’s taxable income for such year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the U.S.
federal tax status of each calendar year’s distributions generally will be reported to the IRS. Such distributions may also be
subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. Shareholder’s particular situation. Such distributions
generally will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction otherwise available to certain U.S. corporations or the lower U.S.
federal income tax rates applicable to certain qualified dividends.
The
Code requires reporting of adjusted cost basis information for covered securities, which generally include shares of a RIC acquired after
January 1, 2012, to the IRS and to taxpayers. Shareholders should contact their financial intermediaries with respect to reporting
of cost basis and available elections for their accounts.
Sale
or Other Disposition of the Fund’s Shares
A
U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of his, her or its
Shares. The amount of gain or loss will be measured by the difference between such U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the
shares sold and the amount of the proceeds received in exchange. Any gain arising from such sale or disposition generally will be treated
as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder has held his, her or its shares for more than one year. Otherwise, it will be
classified as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any capital loss arising from the sale or disposition of Shares held for six months
or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of capital gain dividends received, or undistributed capital
gain deemed received, with respect to such Shares. In addition, all or a portion of any loss recognized upon a disposition of shares of
the Fund’s Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares or securities are purchased (whether through reinvestment
of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such case, any disallowed loss is generally added to
the U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis of the acquired Shares.
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Income
from Repurchase of Shares
In
General
A
U.S. Shareholder who participates in a repurchase of Shares will, depending on such U.S. Shareholder’s particular circumstances,
and as set forth further under “Sale or Exchange Treatment” and “Distribution Treatment,” be treated either
as recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of its Shares or as receiving a distribution from the Fund with respect to its Shares.
Under each of these approaches, a U.S. Shareholder’s realized income and gain (if any) would be calculated differently. Under the
“sale or exchange” approach, a U.S. Shareholder generally would be allowed to recognize a taxable loss (if the repurchase
proceeds are less than the U.S. Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares tendered and repurchased).
Sale
or Exchange Treatment.
In
general, the tender and repurchase of the Fund’s Shares should be treated as a sale or exchange of the Shares by a U.S. Shareholder
if the receipt of cash:
|
• |
results in a “complete
termination” of such U.S. Shareholder’s ownership of Shares in the Fund; |
|
• |
results in a “substantially
disproportionate” redemption with respect to such U.S. Shareholder; or |
|
• |
is “not essentially
equivalent to a dividend” with respect to the U.S. Shareholder. |
In
applying each of the tests described above, a U.S. Shareholder must take account of Shares that such U.S. Shareholder constructively owns
under detailed attribution rules set forth in the Code, which generally treat the U.S. Shareholder as owning Shares owned by certain related
individuals and entities, and Shares that the U.S. Shareholder has the right to acquire by exercise of an option, warrant or right of
conversion. U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the constructive ownership rules to
their particular circumstances.
A
sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund generally will result in a “complete termination” if either
(i) the U.S. Shareholder owns none of the Fund’s Shares, either actually or constructively, after the Shares are sold pursuant
to a repurchase, or (ii) the U.S. Shareholder does not actually own any of the Fund’s Shares immediately after the sale of Shares
pursuant to a repurchase and, with respect to Shares constructively owned, is eligible to waive, and effectively waives, constructive
ownership of all such Shares. U.S. Shareholders wishing to satisfy the “complete termination” test through waiver of attribution
are urged to consult their tax advisors.
A
sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund will result in a “substantially disproportionate” redemption
with respect to a U.S. Shareholder if the percentage of the then outstanding Shares actually and constructively owned by such U.S. Shareholder
immediately after the sale is less than 80% of the percentage of the Shares actually and constructively owned by such U.S. Shareholder
immediately before the sale. If a sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase fails to satisfy the “substantially disproportionate”
test, the U.S. Shareholder may nonetheless satisfy the “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” test.
A
sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund will satisfy the “not essentially equivalent to a dividend”
test if it results in a “meaningful reduction” of the U.S. Shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund. A sale
of Shares that actually reduces the percentage of the Fund’s outstanding Shares owned, including constructively, by such Shareholder
would likely be treated as a “meaningful reduction” even if the percentage reduction is relatively minor, provided that
the U.S. Shareholder’s relative interest in Shares of the Fund is minimal (e.g., less than 1%) and the U.S. Shareholder does not
exercise any control over or participate in the management of the Fund’s corporate affairs. Any person that has an ownership position
that allows some exercise of control over or participation in the management of corporate affairs will not satisfy the meaningful reduction
test unless that person’s ability to exercise control over or participate in management of corporate affairs is materially reduced
or eliminated.
Substantially
contemporaneous dispositions or acquisitions of Shares by a U.S. Shareholder or a related person that are part of a plan viewed as an
integrated transaction with a repurchase of Shares may be taken into account in determining whether any of the tests described above are
satisfied.
If
a U.S. Shareholder satisfies any of the tests described above, the U.S. Shareholder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to
the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and such U.S. Shareholder’s tax
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basis
in the repurchased Shares. Any such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding
period of the Shares exceeds one year as of the date of the repurchase. Specified limitations apply to the deductibility of capital losses
by U.S. Shareholders. However, if a U.S. Shareholder’s tendered and repurchased Shares have previously paid a long-term capital
gain distribution (including, for this purpose, amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain) and such Shares were held for six months
or less, any loss realized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent that it offsets the long-term capital gain distribution.
Any
loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the Shares disposed of are replaced within a 61-day period beginning
30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the Shares. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired will be increased
to reflect the disallowed loss.
Distribution
Treatment
If
a U.S. Shareholder does not satisfy any of the tests described above, and therefore does not qualify for sale or exchange treatment, the
U.S. Shareholder may be treated as having received, in whole or in part, a taxable dividend, a tax-free return of capital or taxable capital
gain, depending on (i) whether the Fund has sufficient earnings and profits to support a dividend and (ii) the U.S. Shareholder’s
tax basis in the relevant Shares. The amount of any distribution in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits,
if any, would be treated as a non-taxable return of investment to the extent, generally, of the U.S. Shareholder’s basis in the
Shares remaining. If the portion not treated as a dividend exceeds the U.S. Shareholder’s basis in the Shares remaining, any such
excess will be treated as capital gain from the sale or exchange of the remaining Shares. Any such gain will be capital gain and will
be long-term capital gain if the holding period of the Shares exceeds one year as of the date of the exchange. If the tendering U.S. Shareholder’s
tax basis in the Shares tendered and repurchased exceeds the total of any dividend and return of capital distribution with respect to
those Shares, the excess amount of basis from the tendered and repurchased Shares will be reallocated pro rata among the basis of such
U.S. Shareholder’s remaining Shares. The tax treatment of any amount treated as a dividend is described above under “Taxation
of Distributions.”
If
the sale of Shares pursuant to a repurchase of Shares by the Fund is treated as a dividend to a U.S. Shareholder rather than as an exchange,
the other Shareholders, including any non-tendering Shareholders, could be deemed to have received a taxable shares distribution if such
Shareholder’s interest in the Fund increases as a result of the repurchase. This deemed dividend would be treated as a dividend
to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits allocable to it. A proportionate increase in a U.S. Shareholder’s
interest in the Fund will not be treated as a taxable distribution of Shares if the distribution qualifies as an isolated redemption of
Shares as described in Treasury regulations. All Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors about the possibility of deemed
distributions resulting from a repurchase of Shares by the Fund.
Disclosure
of Certain Recognized Losses
Under
applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. Shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to shares in excess of $2 million or more for
a non-corporate, individual U.S. Shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. Shareholder in any single taxable year (or
a greater loss over a combination of years), the U.S. Shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct
U.S. Shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, Shareholders
of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to U.S. Shareholders of most
or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s
treatment of the loss is proper. Significant monetary penalties apply to a failure to comply with this reporting requirement. States may
also have a similar reporting requirement.
Net
Investment Income Tax
An
additional 3.8% surtax applies to the net investment income of non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (other than certain trusts) on the lesser
of (i) the U.S. Shareholder’s “net investment income” for a taxable year and (ii) the excess of the U.S. Shareholder’s
modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of joint filers). For these purposes, “net
investment income” generally includes interest and taxable distributions and deemed distributions paid with respect to Shares,
and net gain attributable to the disposition of Shares (in each case, unless the Shares are held in connection with certain trades or
businesses), but will be reduced by any deductions properly allocable to these distributions or this net gain.
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Taxation
of Tax-Exempt Shareholders
A
U.S. Shareholder that is a tax-exempt organization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and therefore generally exempt from U.S. federal
income taxation may nevertheless be subject to taxation if the Shareholder is considered to derive unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”).
The direct conduct by a tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder of the activities the Fund proposes to conduct could give rise to UBTI. However, a
RIC is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its business activities generally will not be attributed to its Shareholders
for purposes of determining their treatment under current law. Therefore, a tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder generally are not expected to
be subject to U.S. taxation solely as a result of the Shareholder’s ownership of shares and receipt of dividends with respect to
such shares. Moreover, under current law, if the Fund incurs indebtedness, such indebtedness will not be attributed to a tax-exempt U.S.
Shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt Shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in shares of the Fund
if the tax-exempt Shareholder borrows to acquire its shares. A tax-exempt Shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Fund were to recognize
“excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment
conduits or taxable mortgage pools, if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable
income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).
Therefore,
a tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder should not be treated as earning income from “debt-financed property” and dividends the Fund
pays should not be treated as “unrelated debt-financed income” solely as a result of indebtedness that the Fund incurs.
Tax
Shelter Reporting Regulations
Under
U.S. Treasury regulations, if a U.S. Shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Shares of the Fund in excess of $2 million or
more for a non-corporate U.S. Shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. Shareholder in any single taxable year, such
Shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of “portfolio securities”
in many cases are excepted from this reporting requirement, but, under current guidance, equity owners of a RIC are not excepted. The
fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment
of the loss is proper. Significant monetary penalties apply to a failure to comply with this reporting requirement. States may also have
a similar reporting requirement. U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations
in light of their individual circumstances.
Taxation
of Non-U.S. Shareholders
The
following discussion only applies to certain Non-U.S. Shareholders. Whether an investment in the shares is appropriate for a Non-U.S.
Shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in the shares by a Non-U.S. Shareholder may
have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers before investing in the Fund’s Shares.
Distributions
on Our Common Stock; Sales or Other Dispositions of Our Common Stock
Whether
an investment in the Shares is appropriate for a Non-U.S. Shareholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances.
An investment in the shares by a Non-U.S. Shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their
tax advisers before investing in the Shares. The following discussion does not apply to Non-U.S. Shareholders that are engaged in a U.S.
trade or business or hold their shares in connection with a U.S. trade or business. Such Non-U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their
tax advisers to determine the consequences to them of investing in our Shares.
Distributions
of the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” to Non-U.S. Shareholders (including interest income and realized
net short-term capital gains in excess of realized long-term capital losses, which generally would be free of withholding if paid to Non-U.S.
Shareholders directly) will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty)
to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits unless an applicable exception applies. No withholding
is required with respect to certain distributions if (i) the distributions are properly reported as “interest-related dividends”
or “short-term capital gain dividends,” (ii) the distributions are derived from sources specified in the Code for such dividends
and (iii) certain other requirements are satisfied. No assurance can be provided as to whether any of the Fund’s distributions
will be reported as eligible for this exemption and the Fund’s status as a “dealer in securities” subject
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to
mark-to-market treatment under Section 475(a) may affect the extent, if any, to which its distributions qualify for this exemption. If
the distributions are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. Shareholder, the Fund will not be required to
withhold U.S. federal tax if the Non-U.S. Shareholder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, although the
distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. persons. (Special certification requirements
apply to a Non-U.S. Shareholder that is a foreign trust, and to a foreign partnership and such entities are urged to consult their tax
advisors.)
Actual
or deemed distributions of the Fund’s net capital gains to a Non-U.S. Shareholder, and gains realized by a Non-U.S. Shareholder
upon the sale of the Fund’s Shares, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and generally will not be subject
to U.S. federal income tax unless (a) the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
of the Non-U.S. Shareholder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained
by the Non-U.S. Shareholder in the United States), in which case such distributions or gains generally will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. persons or (b) the Non-U.S. Shareholder is an individual, has been present in the United States
for 183 days or more during the taxable year, and certain other conditions are satisfied, in which case the distributions or gains, as
the case may be, generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable
income tax treaty), although the distributions or gains may be offset by U.S. source capital losses, if any, of the non-U.S. Shareholder
provided such holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
Under
the Fund’s DRIP, if a Non-U.S. Shareholder owns the Fund’s Shares registered in its own name, the Non-U.S. Shareholder will
have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund’s common stock unless the Non-U.S. Shareholder
opts out of the DRIP. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” If the distribution is a distribution of the Fund’s investment
company taxable income, is not reported by the Fund as a short-term capital gains dividend or interest-related dividend and it is not
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. Shareholder (or, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is
not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Shareholder), the amount distributed (to the extent of the Fund’s
current or accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by
an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax amount will be reinvested in the Fund’s Shares. Non-U.S. Shareholders who have
not “opted-out” of the Fund’s DRIP will have their cash dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional
Shares, rather than receiving cash dividends and distributions. Any dividends or distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless
remain taxable to Non-U.S. Shareholders. A Non-U.S. Shareholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional Shares purchased through
the DRIP equal to the dollar amount that would have been received if the Non-U.S. Shareholder had received the dividend or distribution
in cash, unless the Fund were to issue new Shares that are trading at or above net asset value, in which case, the Non-U.S. Shareholder’s
basis in the new Shares would generally be equal to their fair market value. The additional Shares will have a new holding period commencing
on the day following the day on which the Shares are credited to the Non-U.S. Shareholder’s account. The tax consequences to Non-U.S.
Shareholders entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty or that are individuals that are present in the U.S. for 183 days
or more during a taxable year may be different from those described herein. Non-U.S. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors
with respect to the procedure for claiming the benefit of a lower treaty rate and the applicability of foreign taxes.
If
the Fund distributes its net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions, a Non-U.S. Shareholder will be entitled
to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the shareholder’s allocable share of the tax the Fund pays on the capital
gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the Non-U.S. Shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification
number and file a refund claim even if the Non-U.S. Shareholder would not otherwise be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification
number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.
For
a corporate Non-U.S. Shareholder, distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized upon the sale of the Fund’s Shares
that are effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch
profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable treaty). Accordingly, investment in the shares
may not be advisable for a Non-U.S. Shareholder.
A
Non-U.S. Shareholder who participates in a repurchase of Shares will, depending on such Non-U.S. Shareholder’s particular circumstances
be treated as either recognizing gain or loss from the disposition of its
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Shares
or as receiving a distribution from the Fund with respect to its Shares. Non-U.S. Shareholders participating in a repurchase of Shares
should review the disclosure under “Taxation of U.S. Shareholders – Income from Repurchase of Shares” for information
regarding the characterization of any proceeds received on a repurchase of Shares.
The
Fund must generally report to its Non-U.S. Shareholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year and the amount
of any tax withheld. Information reporting requirements may apply even if no withholding was required because the distributions were effectively
connected with the Non-U.S. Shareholder’s conduct of a United States trade or business or withholding was reduced or eliminated
by an applicable income tax treaty. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities
in the country in which the Non-U.S. Shareholder resides or is established. Under U.S. federal income tax law, interest, dividends and
other reportable payments may, under certain circumstances, be subject to “backup withholding” at the then applicable rate.
Backup withholding, however, generally will not apply to distributions to a Non-U.S. Shareholder of the Fund’s Shares, provided
the Non-U.S. Shareholder furnishes to the Fund the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN,
IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or IRS Form W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Backup withholding is not an additional tax but can be credited
against a Non-U.S. Shareholder’s federal income tax, and may be refunded to the extent it results in an overpayment of tax and
the appropriate information is timely supplied to the IRS.
Non-U.S.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local
and foreign tax consequences of an investment in the shares.
Foreign
Account Tax Compliance Act
Legislation
commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” or “FATCA,” generally imposes a 30% withholding
tax on payments of certain types of income to foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”)
unless such FFIs either (i) enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to report certain required information with respect to
accounts held by U.S. persons (or held by foreign entities that have U.S. persons as substantial owners) or (ii) reside in a jurisdiction
that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement (“IGA”) with the United States
to collect and share such information and are in compliance with the terms of such IGA and any related laws or regulations implementing
such IGA. The types of income subject to the tax include U.S. source interest and dividends. While existing U.S. Treasury regulations
would also require withholding on payments of the gross proceeds from the sale of any property that could produce U.S. source interest
or dividends, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated its intent to eliminate this requirement in subsequent proposed regulations,
which state that taxpayers may rely on the proposed regulations until final regulations are issued. The information required to be reported
includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder that is a U.S. person and certain transaction activity
within the holder’s account. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, this legislation also imposes a 30% withholding on payments
to a foreign entity that is not a financial institution unless the foreign entity certifies that it does not have a greater than 10% U.S.
owner or provides the withholding agent with identifying information on each greater than 10% U.S. owner. Depending on the status of a
beneficial owner and the status of the intermediaries through which they hold their shares of the Fund’s Shares, beneficial owners
could be subject to this 30% withholding tax with respect to distributions on their shares of the Fund’s Shares and potentially
proceeds from the sale of their shares of the Fund’s Shares. Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner might be eligible
for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
The
Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax (“backup withholding”)
currently at a rate of 24% from all distributions to certain U.S. Shareholders (i) who fail to furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer
identification number or a certificate that such Shareholder is exempt from backup withholding or (ii) with respect to whom the IRS notifies
the Fund that such Shareholder furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number or failed to properly report certain interest and
dividend income to the IRS and to respond to notices to that effect and is subject to backup withholding. An individual’s taxpayer
identification number is his or her social security number. Certain U.S. Shareholders specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder are exempt from backup withholding but may be required to provide documentation to establish their exempt status.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld under backup withholding is allowed as a credit against the U.S. Shareholder’s
federal income tax liability, and may entitle such Shareholder to a refund, provided that proper information is provided to the IRS.
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Other
Taxation
Shareholders
may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes on their distributions from the Shares. Shareholders are urged to consult tax advisors
with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Shares.
ALL
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISERS WITH RESPECT TO THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND WITHHOLDING TAX CONSEQUENCES, AND STATE,
LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES, OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND’S SHARES.
U.S.
Bank National Association serves as the custodian of the assets of the Fund. The custodian’s principal business address is Lunken
Operations Center, CN-OH-L2GL, 5065 Wooster Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226.
ADMINISTRATION
AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES
U.S.
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, whose principal business address is 777 E Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the Fund’s
Administrator.The Administrator performs certain administration and accounting services for the Fund, including, among other things: customary
fund accounting services,including computing the Fund’s NAV and maintaining books, records and other documents relating to the
Fund’s financial and portfolio transactions, and customary fund administration services, including assisting the Fund with regulatory
filings, tax compliance and other oversight activities. In consideration for these services,
the Fund pays the Administrator tiered fees based on the average net asset value of the Fund, subject to a minimum annual fee, as well
as certain other fixed, per-account or transactional fees. The Administration Fee is paid to the Administrator out of the assets of the
Fund and therefore decreases the net profits or increases the net losses of the Fund. The Fund also reimburses the Administrator for certain
out-of-pocket expenses.
SS&C
GIDS, Inc., whose principal business address is 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105, serves as the Fund’s transfer agent
with respect to the Shares.
The
Fund will provide Shareholders with an audited annual report and an unaudited semi-annual report within 60 days after the close of
the reporting period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act. Shareholders will also receive periodic
reports and commentary regarding the Fund’s operations and investments.
The
Fund will furnish to Shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each calendar year information on Form 1099 to assist Shareholders
in preparing their tax returns.
For
accounting purposes, the Fund’s fiscal year is the 12-month period ending on December 31.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst
& Young LLP, whose principal business address is 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116, is the independent registered public accounting
firm of the Fund and is expected to render an opinion annually on the financial statements of the Fund.
Kirkland
& Ellis LLP, located at 601 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, serves as legal counsel to the Fund. No attorney-client relationship
exists, however, between Kirkland & Ellis LLP and any other person solely by reason of such other person investing in the Fund.
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TABLE
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NEUBERGER
ASSET-BASED CREDIT FUND
Institutional
Class Shares
Class A-1
Shares
Class A-2
Shares
PROSPECTUS
April
30, 2026
All
dealers that buy, sell or trade the Fund’s Shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a
prospectus.
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NEUBERGER
ASSET-BASED CREDIT FUND
Institutional
Class Shares
Class A-1
Shares
Class A-2
Shares
Statement
of Additional Information
April
30, 2026
Neuberger
Asset-Based Credit Fund (the “Fund”) is a Delaware statutory trust that is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In
April 2026, the Fund changed its name from “NB Asset- Based Credit Fund.” The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management
investment company that is operated as an “interval fund.”
This
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relating to the Shares does not constitute a prospectus, but should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus relating thereto dated April 30, 2026, as
may be supplemented, amended or restated from time to time. This SAI, which is not a prospectus, does not include all information that
a prospective investor should consider before purchasing Shares, and investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing
such Shares. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (212) 476-8800 or by visiting the Fund’s website
at https://www.nb.com/NABFX. You may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus on the
SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the
Prospectus.
References
to the 1940 Act, or other applicable law, will include any rules promulgated thereunder
and any guidance, interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, including court
interpretations, and exemptive, no-action or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.
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ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The
investment objective and the principal investment strategies of the Fund, as well as the principal risks associated with such investment
strategies, are set forth in the Prospectus. Certain additional information regarding the investment program of the Fund is set forth
below.
Fundamental
Policies
The
Fund has adopted restrictions and policies relating to the investment of the Fund’s assets and its activities. Certain of the restrictions
are fundamental policies of the Fund and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting
securities (as defined by the 1940 Act). For this purpose, under the 1940
Act, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” means the vote, at an annual or special
meeting of the Shareholders duly called, (i) of 67% or more of the Shares represented at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50%
of the outstanding Shares are present in person or represented by proxy or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, whichever
is less. No other policy is a fundamental policy of the Fund, except as expressly stated.
The
Fund’s fundamental investment restrictions are as follows:
|
1.
|
The Fund will not invest
25% or more of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers engaged in any single industry (other than securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities), except that the Fund will invest, directly or indirectly, at
least 25% of its total assets in the specialty finance industry. |
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2.
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The Fund will not borrow
money, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. |
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3.
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The Fund will not issue
senior securities, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. |
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4.
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The Fund will not underwrite
securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in connection with the disposition
of its portfolio securities. |
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5. |
The Fund may not make
loans except to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act and any exemptive order
or other relief issued by the SEC, including, without limitation, through (i) originating loans or purchasing loans and debt investments
in accordance with the Fund’s stated investment strategies; (ii) short positions in any security or financial instrument; or (iii)
lending portfolio securities or entering into repurchase agreements in a manner consistent with the Fund’s investment policies. |
|
6. |
The Fund will not purchase
or sell physical commodities or commodity contracts, except to the extent permitted under the 1940
Act, the rules and regulations thereunder and any applicable exemptive relief or unless otherwise acquired as a result of the ownership
of securities or instruments, but this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing and selling foreign currency, options,
swaps, futures and forward contracts and other financial instruments and contracts, including those related to indexes, and options on
indices, and may invest in commodity pools and other entities that purchase and sell commodities and commodity contracts. For purposes
of the limitation on commodities, the Fund does not consider foreign currencies or forward contracts to be physical commodities. |
|
7.
|
The Fund will not purchase,
hold or sell real estate, except the Fund may purchase, hold and sell securities or other instruments that are secured by, or linked to,
real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts, mortgage-related securities and securities of issuers engaged
in the real estate business, and the Fund may purchase and hold real estate as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments.
|
In
addition, the Fund has adopted the following fundamental policies with respect to repurchase offers that cannot be changed without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (as defined by the 1940
Act) and, if issued, preferred shares voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred
shares voting as a separate class:
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1. |
The Fund will make quarterly
repurchase offers pursuant to Rule 23c-3 of the 1940 Act, as such rule may
be amended from time to time, for at least 5% of the Shares outstanding at NAV, unless suspended or postponed in accordance with regulatory
requirements. |
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2.
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Each repurchase request
deadline will be determined in accordance with Rule 23c-3, as may be amended from time to time. Currently, Rule 23c-3 requires
the repurchase request deadline to be no less than 21 and no more than 42 days after the Fund sends a notification to Shareholders of
the repurchase offer. |
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3.
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Each repurchase pricing
shall occur no later than the 14th calendar day after the repurchase request deadline, or the next business day if the 14th calendar day
is not a business day. |
With
respect to the fundamental policy relating to concentration set forth in (1) above, the 1940
Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment
of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group
of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. The policy in
(1) above will be interpreted to refer to concentration as that term may be interpreted from time to time. The policy also will be interpreted
to give broad authority to the Fund as to how to classify issuers within or among industries. The Adviser will use its best efforts to
assign each issuer to the category which it believes is most appropriate. The Adviser defines the specialty finance industry to generally
consist of the segment of the broader financial market that focuses on financial capital outside of traditional banks including, but not
limited to, (i) loans or receivables acquired from or originated loans to specialty finance originators and other lending platforms; (ii)
loans or securities secured by rights to future cash flow from film, music, television, litigations related financing, accounts receivable,
patents or various other intellectual property rights; and (iii) securities securitized by real estate, commercial real estate, equipment,
loans, and other assets. The Fund treats specialty finance mangers and origination platforms as issuers conducting their principal activities
in the specialty finance industry. The policy also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities
of the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities; tax exempt securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments
and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations.
Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry, except that the Fund will look
through a private activity municipal debt security whose principal and interest payments are derived principally from the assets and revenues
of a non-governmental entity in order to determine the industry to which the investments should be allocated when determining the Fund’s
compliance with its concentration policies. There also will be no limit on investment in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction or
country, subject to the Fund’s concentration on the basis of the industries they are engaged in. Finance companies will be considered
to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents. For purposes
of the Fund’s concentration policy, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies, the Fund will examine the holdings
of such investment companies to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry or group
of industries.
Interpretations
and guidance provided by the SEC staff may be taken into account to determine if a certain practice or the purchase of securities or other
instruments is permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or
applicable orders of the SEC. As a result, the foregoing fundamental investment policies may be interpreted differently over time as the
statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations) that relate to the meaning and effect of these policies change,
and no vote of Shareholders, as applicable, will be required or sought.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all limitations under the Fund’s investment restrictions apply only at the time that a transaction is undertaken.
Any change in the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in certain securities or other instruments resulting from market fluctuations
or other changes in the Fund’s total assets, including changes resulting from the Fund having a smaller base of assets after a
repurchase offer, will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment until the Adviser determines that such disposition is in the Fund’s
best interest. This disclosure does not apply to limits on borrowing.
Non-Fundamental
Investment Restrictions
The
Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental investment restriction, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund:
The
Fund may not change or alter the Fund’s investment objective or 80% policy.
The
Fund has adopted a policy to provide Shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change in the 80% policy. Compliance
with any policy or limitation of the Fund that is expressed as a percentage of assets is determined at the time of purchase of portfolio
securities. The policy will not be violated if these limitations are
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exceeded
because of changes in the market value or investment rating of the Fund’s assets or if a borrower distributes equity securities
incident to the purchase or ownership of a portfolio investment or in connection with a reorganization of a borrower. The Fund interprets
its policies with respect to borrowing and lending to permit such activities as may be lawful for the Fund, to the full extent permitted
by the 1940 Act or by exemption from the provisions therefrom pursuant to an exemptive
order of the SEC.
INVESTMENT
PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES
The
following information supplements the discussion of the Fund’s investment objective, policies and techniques that are described
in the Prospectus. The Fund may invest in the following instruments and use the following investment techniques, subject to any limitations
set forth in the Prospectus. There is no guarantee the Fund will buy all of the types of securities or use all of the investment techniques
that are described herein.
BDCs
and Securities of Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, subject to applicable regulatory limits,
in the securities of other investment companies, including open-end management companies, closed-end management companies (including business
development companies (“BDCs”)) and unit investment trusts. When investing in the securities of other investment
companies, the Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of such investment companies’ portfolio securities. In addition,
as a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would indirectly bear its pro rata share of that investment company’s advisory
fees and other operating expenses. Fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investment in shares of one or
more other investment companies generally are referred to as “acquired fund fees and expenses” and may appear as a separate
line item in the Fund’s prospectus fee table. For certain investment companies, such as BDCs, these expenses may be significant.
The 1940 Act imposes certain restraints upon the operations of a BDC. For example,
BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public
companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a
result, BDCs generally invest in less mature private companies, which involve greater risk than well-established, publicly-traded companies.
In addition, the shares of closed-end management companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above, while the sale of such
securities may be made at substantial discounts from, the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities. Historically, shares of
closed-end funds, including BDCs, have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been
substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.
Certain
money market funds that operate in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act
float their NAV while others seek to reserve the value of investments at a stable NAV (typically $1.00 per share). An investment in a
money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable NAV per share, is not guaranteed, and it is possible for
the Fund to lose money by investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio
deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent
the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market
fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee).
Cash
Equivalents and Short-Term Debt Securities. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up
to 100% of its assets in cash equivalents and short-term debt securities. Short-term debt securities are defined to include, without limitation,
the following:
|
• |
U.S. government securities,
including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury
or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities include securities issued by: (a) the Federal Housing
Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration and Government National
Mortgage Association, the securities of which are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan
Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks and Tennessee Valley Authority, the securities of which are supported by the right of the agency
to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, the securities of which are supported by the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing
Association, the securities of which are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S.
government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that |
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it
always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market
value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate. The economic crisis in the United States during 2008
and 2009 negatively impacted government-sponsored entities. As the real estate market deteriorated through declining home prices and increasing
foreclosure, government-sponsored entities, which back the majority of U.S. mortgages, experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases,
a lack of liquidity. The Adviser will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with
achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
|
• |
Certificates of deposit
issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn
a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus
interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. |
|
• |
Repurchase agreements,
which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time the Fund purchases securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, it simultaneously
agrees to resell and redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the securities at a fixed price
and time. This assures a predetermined yield for the Fund during its holding period, since the resale price is always greater than the
purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available
cash. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
certificates of deposit; or bankers’ acceptances in which the Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to
the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon
sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the Fund is entitled to sell the underlying
collateral. If the value of the collateral declines after the agreement is entered into, and if the seller defaults under a repurchase
agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal
and interest. The Adviser will monitor the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the
term of the repurchase agreement. The Adviser will do so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always equals or exceeds
the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability
of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws. |
Convertible
Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities
that pay interest or dividends and are convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. Convertible securities generally have some
features of common stocks and some features of debt securities. In general, a convertible security performs more like a stock when the
underlying stock’s price is high relative to the conversion price (because it is assumed that it will be converted into the stock)
and performs more like a debt security when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price (because it is
assumed that it will mature without being converted). Convertible securities typically pay an income yield that is higher than the dividend
yield of the issuer’s common stock, but lower than the yield of the issuer’s debt securities.
Distressed
Securities. The Fund may invest in distressed securities, including loans, bonds and notes may involve
a substantial degree of risk. Distressed securities include securities of companies that are in financial distress and that may be in
or about to enter bankruptcy. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for distressed securities or other
instruments. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market movements and above-average
price volatility. It may be difficult to obtain financial information regarding the financial condition of a borrower or issuer, and its
financial condition may be changing rapidly. It may be more difficult to value such securities and the spread between the bid and asked
prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected.
Equity
Securities. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks, preferred stocks,
convertible securities and warrants. Common stocks and preferred stocks represent shares of ownership in a corporation. Preferred stocks
usually have specific dividends and rank after bonds and before common stock in claims on assets of the corporation should it be dissolved.
Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected
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in
a corporation’s stock price. Convertible securities are debt or preferred equity securities convertible into common stock. Usually,
convertible securities pay dividends or interest at rates higher than common stock, but lower than other securities. Convertible securities
usually participate to some extent in the appreciation or depreciation of the underlying stock into which they are convertible. Warrants
are options to buy a stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price anytime during the life of the warrants.
ETFs
and Other Exchange-Traded Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest, subject to applicable regulatory
limits, in the securities of ETFs and other pooled investment vehicles that are traded on an exchange and that hold a portfolio of securities
or other financial instruments (collectively, “exchange-traded investment vehicles”). When investing in the securities of
exchange-traded investment vehicles, the Fund will be indirectly exposed to all the risks of the portfolio securities or other financial
instruments they hold. The performance of an exchange- traded investment vehicle will be reduced by transaction and other expenses, including
fees paid by the exchange- traded investment vehicle to service providers. ETFs are investment companies that are registered as open-end
management companies or unit investment trusts. The limits that apply to the Fund’s investment in securities of other investment
companies generally apply also to the Fund’s investment in securities of ETFs.
Shares
of exchange-traded investment vehicles are listed and traded in the secondary market. Many exchange-traded investment vehicles are passively
managed and seek to provide returns that track the price and yield performance of a particular index or otherwise provide exposure to
an asset class (e.g., currencies or commodities). Although such exchange-traded investment vehicles may invest in other instruments, they
largely hold the securities (e.g., common stocks) of the relevant index or financial instruments that provide exposure to the relevant
asset class. The share price of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not track its specified market index, if any, and may trade
below its NAV. An active secondary market in the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle may not develop or be maintained and
may be halted or interrupted due to actions by its listing exchange, unusual market conditions, or other reasons. There can be no assurance
that the shares of an exchange-traded investment vehicle will continue to be listed on an active exchange.
Fixed
Income Securities. Debt securities may consist of fixed and floating rate obligations of various credit
quality and duration and may be issued by: corporate entities; trusts; domestic issuers, including securities issued or guaranteed as
to principal or interest by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities; foreign issuers, including in emerging markets,
and including foreign governments and supranational entities; and municipal issuers, including within the U.S. and its territories. Such
obligations may include: bonds, loans, inflation-linked debt securities, when-issued and forward-settling securities, commercial paper,
mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities, and hybrid securities (including convertible securities).
Loans.
Loans are a type of debt security that may be made in connection with, among other things, recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged
buyouts, dividend issuances and refinancings. The loans in which the Fund typically invests are structured and administered by a third
party that acts as agent for a group of lenders that make or hold interests in the loan. The Fund may acquire interests in such loans
by taking an assignment of all or a portion of a direct interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation
in an interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution.
Floating
Rate Loans. Floating rate loans are often at the time of investment below investment grade securities
(commonly known as “junk” or “junk bonds”). The Fund considers debt securities to be below investment grade
if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories by at least one independent credit rating agency or, if
unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Floating interest rates vary with and adjust to reflect changes in
a generally recognized base interest rate or the prime rate. The Fund generally seeks to focus on loans of companies that the Adviser
believes have the ability to generate cash flow through a full business cycle, maintain adequate liquidity and have access to both debt
and equity capital, but may invest in loans of distressed companies.
Investments
in Less Established Companies. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in the securities of less
established companies. Certain of the investments may be in businesses with little or no operating history. Investments in such early-stage
growth companies may involve greater risks than are generally associated with investments in more established companies. To the extent
there is any public market for the securities held by the Fund, such securities may be subject to more abrupt and erratic market price
movements than those of larger, more established companies. Less established companies tend to have lower capitalizations and fewer resources
and are, therefore, often more vulnerable to financial failure. Such companies also may have shorter operating histories on
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which
to judge future performance and in many cases, if operating, will have negative cash flow. There can be no assurance that any such losses
will be offset by gains (if any) realized on the Fund’s other investments. In addition, less mature companies could be deemed to
be more susceptible to irregular accounting or other fraudulent practices. In the event of fraud by any company in which the Fund invests,
the Fund may suffer a partial or total loss of capital invested in that company.
The
Fund may invest in issuers that: (i) have little or no operating history, (ii) offer services or products that are not yet ready to be
marketed, (iii) are operating at a loss or have significant fluctuations in operating results, (iv) are engaged in a rapidly changing
business or (v) need substantial additional capital to set up internal infrastructure, hire management and personnel, support expansion
or achieve or maintain a competitive position. Such issuers may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater
financial resources, more extensive capabilities and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel.
Lower-Rated
Debt Securities. Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk” or “junk
bonds”) typically offer investors higher yields than other fixed income securities. The higher yields are usually justified by
the weaker credit profiles of these issuers as compared to investment grade issuers. Lower-rated debt securities may include debt obligations
of all types issued by U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and governmental entities, including bonds, debentures and notes, loan interests and
preferred stocks that have priority over any other class of stock of the entity as to the distribution of assets or the payment of dividends.
Zero-Coupon
Bonds, Step-Ups and Payment-In-Kind Securities. Zero-coupon bonds pay interest only at maturity rather
than at intervals during the life of the security. Like zero-coupon bonds, “step up” bonds pay no interest initially but
eventually begin to pay a coupon rate prior to maturity, which rate may increase at stated intervals during the life of the security.
Payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”)
are debt obligations that pay “interest” in the form of other debt obligations, instead of in cash. Each of these instruments
is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero-coupon bonds, step-ups and PIKs allow an issuer to avoid or delay
the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest
currently or in cash. The Fund would be required to distribute the income on these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund will
not receive the income on a current basis or in cash. The market prices of PIK securities generally are more volatile than the market
prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing
securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
BDC
Risk
A
BDC is a type of closed-end investment company that typically invests in small and medium-sized companies. A BDC’s portfolio is
subject to the risks inherent in investing in smaller companies, including that portfolio companies may be dependent on a small number
of products or services and may be more adversely affected by poor economic or market conditions. Some BDCs invest substantially, or even
exclusively, in one sector or industry group and therefore the BDC may be susceptible to adverse conditions and economic or regulatory
occurrences affecting the sector or industry group, which tends to increase volatility and result in higher risk. The Small Business Credit
Availability Act, which was signed into law in March 2018, permits BDCs to adopt a lower asset coverage ratio, thereby enhancing
their ability to use leverage. Investments in BDCs that use greater leverage may be subject to heightened risks.
The
Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by BDCs in which it invests, in addition
to the fees and expenses regularly borne by the Fund. Fees and expenses of BDCs are generally higher than those of other RICs.
Convertible
Securities Risk
The
value of a convertible security, which is a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), typically
increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks
of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock, when the underlying stock’s price is high relative
to the conversion price, and a convertible security is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to
changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock’s price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks
of debt securities that are common to
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convertible
securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Convertible securities generally have less potential for
gain or loss than common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential
for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible only at the option of the holder.
Many
convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated
debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). Lower-rated debt securities involve greater risks than investment grade
debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield and may fall in price during times when the
economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than
that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities—that
is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities.
If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and the Fund could lose its entire investment.
Distressed
Securities Risk
Distressed
securities are securities of companies that are in financial distress and that may be in or about to enter bankruptcy or some other legal
proceeding. These securities may present a substantial risk of default, including the loss of the entire investment, or may be in default.
The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or
interest on its portfolio holdings. Distressed securities include loans, bonds and notes, many of which are not publicly traded, and may
involve a substantial degree of risk. In certain periods, there may be little or no liquidity in the markets for distressed securities
meaning that the Fund may be unable to exit its position. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities
may be subject to restrictions on resale. In addition, the prices of such securities may be subject to periods of abrupt and erratic market
movements and above-average price volatility. It may be difficult to obtain information regarding the financial condition of a borrower
or issuer, and its financial condition may change rapidly. Also, it may be difficult to value such securities and the spread between the
bid/ ask prices of such securities may be greater than expected. The Fund may lose a substantial portion or all of its investment in distressed
securities or may be required to accept cash, securities or other property with a value less than its original investment.
ETFs
Risk
Subject
to the limitations set forth in the 1940 Act or as otherwise permitted by the SEC,
the Fund may acquire shares in ETFs. The market value of the shares of other investment companies may differ from their net asset value.
As an investor in ETFs, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses, including its investment advisory and
administration fees, while continuing to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses. As a result, shareholders will
be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in ETFs.
Many
ETFs are not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments relating to an index. An index ETF typically
invests in securities included in, or representative of, its index regardless of their investment merits and does not attempt to take
defensive positions in declining markets.
Preferred
Securities Risk
Preferred
securities, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable
rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities, however,
unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred securities are generally payable
at the discretion of the issuer’s board of directors and after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and
other debt securities. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt securities
to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may
be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies. Preferred securities may be less liquid than
common stocks. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for
a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred shareholders may have certain rights if distributions are not
paid but generally have no legal
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recourse
against the issuer and may suffer a loss of value if distributions are not paid. Generally, preferred shareholders have no voting rights
with respect to the issuer unless distributions to preferred shareholders have not been paid for a stated period, at which time the preferred
shareholders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the distributions have been paid to preferred
shareholders, the preferred shareholders no longer have voting rights.
Private
Placements and Other Restricted Securities Risk
Private
placements and other restricted securities are securities that are subject to legal and/or contractual restrictions on their sales. These
securities may not be sold to the public unless certain conditions are met, which may include registration under the applicable securities
laws. These securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. As a result of the absence of a public
trading market, the prices of these securities may be more volatile and more difficult to determine than publicly traded securities and
these securities may involve heightened risk as compared to investments in securities of publicly traded companies. Private placements
and other restricted securities may be illiquid, and it frequently can be difficult to sell them at a time when it may otherwise be desirable
to do so or the Fund may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what the Fund regards as their fair market value. A security
that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid. In addition, transaction costs may be higher for private placements
and other restricted securities. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering such securities for sale and there may be substantial
delays in effecting the registration. If, during such a delay, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailed at the time it decided to seek registration of the securities. In addition, the Fund may get only limited
information about the issuer of a private placement or other restricted security, so it may be less able to anticipate a loss.
Real
Estate Investments Risk
The
Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities and credit instruments of companies in the real estate industry, which has historically
experienced substantial price volatility. The value of companies engaged in the real estate industry is affected by (i) changes in general
economic and market conditions; (ii) changes in the value of real estate properties; (iii) risks related to local economic conditions,
overbuilding and increased competition; (iv) increases in property taxes and operating expenses; (v) changes in zoning laws; (vi)
casualty and condemnation losses; (vii) variations in rental income, neighborhood values or the appeal of property to tenants; (viii)
the availability of financing; and (ix) changes in interest rates and leverage. In addition, the availability of attractive financing
and refinancing typically plays a critical role in the success of real estate investments. As a result, such investments are subject to
credit risk because borrowers may be delinquent in payment or default. Borrower delinquency and default rates may be significantly higher
than estimated. The Adviser’s assessment, or a rating agency’s assessment, of borrower credit quality may prove to be overly
optimistic. The value of securities in this industry may go through cycles of relative under-performance and over-performance in comparison
to equity securities markets in general.
The
Fund’s investments in mortgage loans secured by real estate (including residential and commercial mortgage loans, non-agency mortgage
loans and second-lien mortgage loans) will be subject to risks of delinquency, loss, taking title to collateral and bankruptcy of the
borrower. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by real estate is typically dependent primarily upon the successful operation
of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property
is reduced or is not increased, depending on the borrower’s business plan, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may
be impaired. If a borrower defaults or declares bankruptcy and the underlying asset value is less than the loan amount, the Fund will
suffer a loss.
In
this manner, real estate values could impact the value of the Fund’s mortgage loan investments. Therefore, the Fund’s investments
in mortgage loans will be subject to the risks typically associated with real estate. The Fund may invest in commercial real estate loans,
which are secured by commercial property and are subject to risks of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans
made on the security of single-family residential property.
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Legislative,
regulatory and enforcement actions seeking to prevent or restrict foreclosures or providing forbearance relief to borrowers of residential
mortgage loans may adversely affect the value of certain mortgage loan investments. Legislative or regulatory initiatives by federal,
state or local legislative bodies or administrative agencies, if enacted or adopted, could delay foreclosure or the exercise of other
remedies, provide new defenses to foreclosure, or otherwise impair the ability of the loan servicer to foreclose or realize on a defaulted
mortgage loan. While the nature or extent of limitations on foreclosure or exercise of other remedies that may be enacted cannot be predicted,
any such governmental actions that interfere with the foreclosure process or are designed to protect customers could increase the costs
of such foreclosures or exercise of other remedies in respect of mortgage loans, delay the timing or reduce the amount of recoveries on
defaulted mortgage loans held by the Fund, and consequently, could adversely impact the yields and distributions the Fund may receive
in respect of its ownership of mortgage loans.
Variable
and Floating Rate Instruments Risk
The
market prices of instruments with variable and floating interest rates are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than are
the market prices of instruments with fixed interest rates. Variable and floating rate instruments may decline in value if market interest
rates or interest rates paid by such instruments do not move as expected. Certain types of floating rate instruments, such as interests
in bank loans, may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.
Investments
in Emerging Markets Risk
The
Fund may invest in Non-U.S. securities of issuers in so-called “emerging markets” (or lesser developed countries, including
countries that may be considered “frontier” markets). Such investments are particularly speculative and entail all of the
risks of investing in non-U.S. securities but to a heightened degree. “Emerging market” countries generally include every
nation in the world except developed countries, that is, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located
in Western Europe. Investments in the securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets involve certain additional
risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent
trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of
comparable issuers in more developed capital markets; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability,
increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments;
(iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls,
custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments; (iv) national policies
that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive
to national interests; and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments
and private property.
Foreign
investment in certain emerging market countries may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may
at times limit or preclude foreign investment in certain emerging market issuers and increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. Certain
emerging market countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the amount
of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities
of an issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose
additional taxes on foreign investors.
Emerging
markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition,
many emerging markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets. Since these markets are often small, they
may be more likely to suffer sharp and frequent price changes or long-term price depression because of adverse publicity, investor perceptions
or the actions of a few large investors. In addition, traditional measures of investment value used in the U.S., such as price to earnings
ratios, may not apply to certain small markets. Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets
than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging
capital markets, reporting standards vary widely.
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Many
emerging markets have histories of political instability and abrupt changes in policies and these countries may lack the social, political
and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. As a result, their governments are more likely to take actions that
are hostile or detrimental to private enterprise or foreign investment than those of more developed countries, including expropriation
of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments. In the past, governments of such nations
have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There
is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value
of its investments in the affected market. Some countries have pervasiveness of corruption and crime that may hinder investments. Certain
emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war, and ethnic, religious and racial
conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities
markets, which may impair investment and economic growth. National policies that may limit the Fund’s investment opportunities
include restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In such a dynamic environment, there
can be no assurances that any or all of these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for the Fund.
Emerging
markets may also have differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or
other foreign or U.S. Governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Sometimes, they may lack or be in the relatively
early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. In addition to withholding taxes
on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.
Practices
in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part
because the Fund will need to use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in
some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize
ownership exists in some emerging markets, and, along with other factors, could result in ownership registration being completely lost.
The
Fund would absorb any loss resulting from such registration problems and may have no successful claim for compensation. In addition, communications
between the United States and emerging market countries may be unreliable, increasing the risk of delayed settlements or losses of security
certificates.
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Further
Information Regarding Management of the Fund
Information
regarding the Trustees and officers of the Fund, including brief biographical information, is set forth below.
Board
of Trustees
The
Trustees of the Fund, their ages, addresses, positions held, lengths of time served, their principal business occupations during the past
five years, the number of portfolios in the “Fund Complex” (defined below) overseen by each Trustee and other directorships,
if any, held by the Trustees, are shown below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent
Trustees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
D. Bowden, Trustee
(1953) |
|
|
Trustee
–
Since
Inception |
|
|
Managing
Director, NBAA (2015 – 2023) |
|
|
16 |
|
|
None. |
|
Virginia
G. Breen, Trustee
(1964) |
|
|
Trustee
–
Since
Inception |
|
|
Private
investor and board member of certain entities (as listed herein). |
|
|
16 |
|
|
Trustee/Director
of UBS Registered Fund Complex (41 funds); Director of Calamos Fund Complex (58 funds); Director of Paylocity Holding Corp.; Former Director
of JLL Income Property Trust, Inc.
(2004
– 06/23); Former Director of Tech and Energy Transition Corporation (2021 – 03/23). |
|
Alan
Brott,
Trustee
(1942) |
|
|
Trustee
–
Since
Inception |
|
|
Consultant
(since 1991 – 2018) |
|
|
16 |
|
|
Director
of Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Funds (3 funds); Director of Hedge Fund Guided Portfolio Solution (part of the Grosvenor complex);
Former Director of Stone Harbor Investment Funds (8 funds) (2007 – 2022); Manager of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC
(8/09 to 8/21). |
|
Victor
F. Imbimbo, Jr.,
Trustee
(1952) |
|
|
Trustee
–
Since
Inception |
|
|
President
and CEO of Caring Today, LLC, an information and support resource for the family caregiver market (since 2008). |
|
|
16 |
|
|
Former
Manager of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC (10/00 to 8/21). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
F. McDevitt, Trustee
(1956)
|
|
|
Since
Inception |
|
|
Managing
Partner of Edgewood Capital Partners and President of Edgewood Capital Advisors (since 2002). |
|
|
16
|
|
|
Former
Director of Jones Lang LaSalle Property Trust, Inc. (12/04 to 06/15). |
|
Thomas
G. Yellin,
Trustee
(1954) |
|
|
Since
Inception |
|
|
President
of The Documentary Group (since 2006). |
|
|
16 |
|
|
Director
of Grosvenor Registered Multi-Strategy Funds (3 funds); Director of Hedge Fund Guided Portfolio Solution (part of the Grosvenor complex);
Former Manager of Man FRM Alternative Multi-Strategy Fund LLC (8/09 to 8/21). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
The “Fund Complex”
consists of NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund IV (TI) — Client LLC, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund IV (TE) — Client
LLC, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund IV Holdings LLC, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund V Holdings LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets
Fund V (TE) LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund V (TE) Advisory LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund V (TI) LP, NB Crossroads Private
Markets Fund V (TI) Advisory LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund VI Holdings LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund VI LP, NB Crossroads
Private Markets Fund VI Advisory LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund VII Holdings LP, NB Crossroads Private Markets Fund VII LP, NB
Crossroads Private Markets Fund VII Advisory LP, NB Private Markets Access Fund LLC, and the Fund. |
|
(1)
|
The
business address of each listed person is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. |
|
(2)
|
Each
Trustee serves for an indefinite term (i.e., until their successor is elected and qualified or the earlier of their death, retirement,
resignation or removal, bankruptcy, adjudication of incompetence or other incapacity to perform the duties of the office of a Trustee). |
Officers
The
executive officers of the Fund, their ages, addresses, positions held, lengths of time served and their principal business occupations
during the past five years are shown below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Sterling,
President
(1976)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Head
of Neuberger Berman’s Specialty Finance team, Managing Director, NBAA, since 2018. Formerly, President of Coastland Capital
(2012-2018). |
|
Dean
Winick,
Treasurer
(1982)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Head
of Finance - Private Credit / Direct Equity, Managing Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2023. Formerly Senior Vice President, Neuberger
Berman (2005-2023). |
|
Claudia
A. Brandon, Executive Vice President and Secretary
(1956)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Head
of Mutual Fund Governance, Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2007. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gariel
Nahoum,
Chief
Legal Officer
(only
for purposes of sections 307 and 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
(1983)
|
|
|
Length
— since April 2025 |
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2017, and General Counsel – U.S. Registered Funds, Senior, since March 2025. Formerly Associate
General Counsel – Mutual Funds and Intermediary, Neuberger Berman (2017-2025), and Assistant General Counsel and Vice President,
Neuberger Berman (2014 to 2016). |
|
Scott
Hogan,
Chief
Compliance Officer (1970) |
|
|
Length
— since May 2025 |
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, and Chief Compliance Officer to the registered investment companies for which NBIA acts as an investment
manager and/or administrator, since May 2025. Formerly, Director, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA”),
and Chief Compliance Officer to the registered investment companies for which DIMA acted as an investment manager and/or administrator
(2016 to 2025), and Legal Counsel, DIMA (2007 to 2016). |
|
Brian
Kerrane,
Vice
President
(1969)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Managing
Director, Neuberger Berman, since 2013; Chief Operating Officer – Mutual Funds and Managing Director, NBIA, since 2015. Formerly,
Senior Vice President (2006 to 2014) and Vice President, Neuberger Berman (2008 to 2015). |
|
Rocco
DiBenedetto,
Assistant
Treasurer
(1987)
|
|
|
Length
— since December 2025 |
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, and Finance Director - Registered Private Credit Fund since 2025. Formerly Senior Reporting Analyst,
Strategic Value Partners (2023-2025); Director of Accounting, Prime Meridian Capital Management (2019-2023). |
|
Destinie
Mack,
Assistant
Treasurer
(1995)
|
|
|
Length
— since October 2025 |
|
|
Vice
President, Neuberger Berman, and Controller – Registered Private Credit Fund since 2025. Formerly Vice President, Investcorp (2023-2025);
Audit Manager, Deloitte (2018-2023). |
|
Sheila
James,
Assistant
Secretary
(1965)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Senior
Vice President, Neuberger Berman, since 2023. Formerly, Vice President, Neuberger Berman (2008-2023). |
|
Josephine
Marone,
Assistant
Secretary
(1963)
|
|
|
Length
— since inception |
|
|
Senior
Paralegal, Neuberger Berman, since 2007. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
business address of each listed person is 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104, except for Peter Sterling, whose business address
is 2400 Broadway, Suite 220, Redwood City, CA 94063. |
|
(2)
|
Each
Officer serves for an indefinite term (i.e., until their successor is chosen and qualified). |
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OF CONTENTS
Trustee
Share Ownership
For
each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee in the Fund and in the family of investment companies
overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2025, is set forth in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent
Trustees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virginia
G. Breen |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Alan
Brott |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Victor
F. Imbimbo, Jr. |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Thomas
F. McDevitt |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Thomas
G. Yellin |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Interested
Trustee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James
D. Bowden |
|
|
None
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As
to each Independent Trustee and his or her immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities of an investment
adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund.
As
of December 31, 2025, the Trustees and officers of the Fund, as a group, owned beneficially
or of record none of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund.
Trustee
Compensation
The
Independent Trustees are each paid an annual retainer of $225,000 for serving on the boards of the funds in the Fund Complex, and the
chair of the Audit Committee is paid an additional $20,000 retainer. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with providing services to the Fund. The Board does not have a compensation committee. The Fund does not have any retirement
plan for the Fund’s Trustees. The compensation for the Independent Trustees who
served on the Board for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2025 is set forth below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent
Trustees
|
|
|
Independent
Trustees |
|
|
Independent
Trustees |
|
James
D. Bowden |
|
|
$41,537
|
|
|
$225,000
(16) |
|
Virginia
G. Breen |
|
|
$41,537
|
|
|
$225,000
(16) |
|
Alan
Brott |
|
|
$45,287
|
|
|
$245,000
(16) |
|
Victor
F. Imbimbo, Jr. |
|
|
$41,537
|
|
|
$225,000
(16) |
|
Thomas
F. McDevitt |
|
|
$41,537
|
|
|
$225,000
(16) |
|
Thomas
G. Yellin |
|
|
$41,537
|
|
|
$225,000
(16) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
The total compensation
paid to such persons by the Fund and Fund Complex for the fiscal period ended December
31, 2025. The parenthetical number represents the number of investment companies (including the Fund) from which such person receives
compensation. |
Compensation
of the Portfolio Managers
Neuberger
Berman’s compensation philosophy is one that focuses on rewarding performance and incentivizing our employees. Neuberger Berman
is focused on creating a compensation process that it believes is fair, transparent and competitive with the market.
Compensation
for the Fund’s Portfolio Management Team consists of a fixed base salary and annual discretionary, performance-based bonus, which
is a variable portion of total compensation. Compensation is paid from a portfolio management team compensation pool made available to
the portfolio management team with which the investment
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OF CONTENTS
professional
is associated. The size of the team compensation pool is determined based on a number of factors including the revenue that is generated
by that particular portfolio management team, less certain adjustments. The percentage allocated to individual team participants is based
on a variety of criteria, including investment performance (including the aggregate multi-year track record), utilization of central resources
(including research, sales and operations/support), business building to further the longer term sustainable success of the investment
team, effective team/people management, and overall contribution to the success of Neuberger Berman.
The
terms of our long-term retention incentives are as follows:
|
• |
Employee-Owned
Equity. Neuberger Berman offers a voluntary equity acquisition program which allows employees a direct opportunity to invest in
Neuberger Berman. This program is open to senior employees who meet certain investment criteria. In addition, in prior years, certain
employees may have elected to have a portion of their compensation delivered in the form of equity.
|
For
confidentiality and privacy reasons, Neuberger Berman cannot disclose individual equity holdings or program participation.
|
• |
Contingent
Compensation. Neuberger Berman established the Neuberger Berman Group Contingent Compensation Plan (the “CCP”)
to serve as a means to further align the interests of our employees with the success of the firm and the interests of our clients, and
to reward continued employment. Under the CCP, a percentage of a participant’s total compensation is contingent and tied to the
performance of a portfolio of Neuberger Berman investment strategies as specified by the firm on an employee-by-employee basis. By having
a participant’s contingent compensation tied to Neuberger Berman investment strategies, each employee is given further incentive
to operate as a prudent risk manager and to collaborate with colleagues to maximize performance across all business areas. In the case
of portfolio managers, the CCP is currently structured so that such employees have exposure to the investment strategies of their respective
teams as well as the broader Neuberger Berman portfolio. Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions of the CCP (including conditions
relating to continued employment), contingent compensation amounts vest over three years. Neuberger Berman determines annually which employees
participate in the program based on total compensation for the applicable year. |
|
• |
Restrictive
Covenants. Most investment professionals, including portfolio managers, are subject to notice periods and restrictive covenants
which include employee and client non-solicit restrictions as well as restrictions on the use of confidential information. In addition,
depending on participation levels, certain senior professionals may have non-compete restrictions. |
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OF CONTENTS
Other
Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers
The
following table lists the number and types of accounts, other than the Fund, managed by the Fund’s Portfolio Managers and assets
under management in those accounts, as of December 31, 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony
D. Tutrone
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
Investment Companies |
|
|
5
|
|
|
$3,326,414,846
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$3,326,414,846
|
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
|
69
|
|
|
$70,733,852,227
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
$70,733,852,227
|
|
Other
Accounts |
|
|
163
|
|
|
$75,558,300,561
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
$75,558,300,561
|
|
David
Kupperman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
Investment Companies |
|
|
1
|
|
|
$575,728,005
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
|
16
|
|
|
$5,185,006,161
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$4,049,519,677
|
|
Other
Accounts |
|
|
3
|
|
|
$2,607,493,593
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$4,271,821
|
|
Jeffrey
Majit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
Investment Companies |
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
|
16
|
|
|
$5,185,006,161
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$4,049,519,677
|
|
Other
Accounts |
|
|
2
|
|
|
$2,587,812,582
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
$4,271,821
|
|
Peter
Sterling
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
Investment Companies |
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
|
7
|
|
|
$4,133,548,535
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$3,682,815,870
|
|
Other
Accounts |
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Zhengyuan
Lu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
Investment Companies |
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
Other
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
|
7
|
|
|
$4,133,548,535
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
$3,682,815,870
|
|
Other
Accounts |
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
$0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following table shows the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the Fund’s Portfolio Managers as
of December 31, 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Sterling |
|
|
None
|
|
Zhengyuan
Lu |
|
|
None
|
|
David
Kupperman |
|
|
None
|
|
Jeff
Majit |
|
|
None
|
|
Anthony
Tutrone |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Dollar ranges are as follows:
None, $1–$10,000, $10,001–$50,000, $50,001–$100,000, $100,001–$500,000, $500,001–$1,000,000 or Over
$1,000,000. |
Codes
of Ethics
The
Fund, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940
Act. These codes permit personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held
by the Fund, subject to a number of controls. These codes may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. These codes of ethics
are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website http://www.sec.gov.
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Proxy
Voting Policies
The
Board has delegated the voting of proxies for to the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio to the Investment Adviser pursuant
to the Investment Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures. Under these policies, the Investment Adviser will vote proxies,
amendments, consents or resolutions related to Fund securities in the best interests of the Fund and its Shareholders.
The
Investment Adviser’s proxy voting procedures are included in Appendix B of this SAI. Information regarding how the Investment Adviser
voted proxies related to the Fund’s portfolio holdings during the 12-month period ending June 30 is available, without charge,
upon request by calling collect (212) 476-8800, on the Fund’s website at https://www.nb.com and on the SEC’s website at
http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
In
effecting securities transactions, the Fund seek to obtain the best price and execution of orders. While affiliates of the Investment
Adviser are permitted to act as brokers for the Funds in the purchase and sale of their portfolio securities (other than certain securities
traded on the OTC market) where such brokers are capable of providing best execution, the Funds generally will use unaffiliated brokers.
For Fund transactions which involve securities traded on the OTC market, the Fund purchases and sells OTC securities in principal transactions
with dealers who are the principal market makers for such securities.
Purchases
and sales of certain debt securities generally are transacted with issuers, underwriters, or dealers that serve as primary market-makers,
who act as principals for the securities on a net basis. The Fund typically does not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases and
sales. Instead, the price paid for newly issued securities usually includes a concession or discount paid by the issuer to the underwriter,
and the prices quoted by market-makers reflect a spread between the bid and the asked prices from which the dealer derives a profit.
For
Fund transactions which involve securities traded on the OTC market, the Fund purchases and sells OTC securities in principal transactions
with dealers who are the principal market makers for such securities. Loans will be purchased in individually negotiated transactions
with commercial banks, thrifts, insurance companies, finance companies and other financial institutions. In determining whether to purchase
loans from these financial institutions, the Investment Adviser may consider, among other factors, the financial strength, professional
ability, level of service and research capability of the institution. While financial institutions generally are not required to repurchase
loans which they have sold, they may act as principal or on an agency basis in connection with the Fund’s disposition of loans.
The
Trustees of the Fund periodically review the Investment Adviser’s performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement
of portfolio securities transactions on behalf of the Fund. The Trustees also review the compensation paid by the Fund over representative
periods of time to determine if it was reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund.
Portfolio
Turnover
Portfolio
turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including market conditions, investment strategy changes,
and/or changes in the Adviser’s investment outlook. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage
commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization
of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to common shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally,
in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses.
CERTAIN
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
Persons
who are fiduciaries with respect to an employee benefit plan or other arrangements or entities subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) (an “ERISA
Plan”), and persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an “individual retirement account” (an “IRA”)
or Keogh Plan or another arrangement or entity, which is not subject to ERISA but is subject to the prohibited transaction rules of Section 4975
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (together with
ERISA Plans, “Benefit Plans”) should consider, among other things, the matters described
below before determining whether to invest in the Fund.
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ERISA
imposes certain general and specific responsibilities on persons who are fiduciaries with respect to an ERISA Plan, including prudence,
diversification, an obligation not to engage in a prohibited transaction and other standards. In determining whether a particular investment
is appropriate for an ERISA Plan, U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) regulations provide
that a fiduciary of an ERISA Plan must give appropriate consideration to, among other things, the role that the investment plays in the
ERISA Plan’s portfolio, taking into consideration whether the investment is designed reasonably to further the ERISA Plan’s
purposes, an examination of the risk and return factors, the portfolio’s composition with regard to diversification, the liquidity
and current return of the total portfolio relative to the anticipated cash flow needs of the ERISA Plan, the income tax consequences of
the investment and the projected return of the total portfolio relative to the ERISA Plan’s funding objectives. Before investing
the assets of an ERISA Plan in the Fund, a fiduciary should determine whether such an investment is consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities
and the foregoing regulations. For example, a fiduciary should consider whether an investment in the Fund may be too illiquid or too speculative
for a particular ERISA Plan, and whether the assets of the ERISA Plan would be sufficiently diversified. Fiduciaries of such plans or
arrangements also should confirm that investment in the Fund is consistent, and complies, with the governing provisions of the plan or
arrangement, including any eligibility and nondiscrimination requirements that may be applicable under law with respect to any “benefit,
right or feature” affecting the qualified status of the plan or arrangement, which may be of particular importance for participant-directed
plans given that the Fund sells Shares only to Eligible Investors, as described herein. If a fiduciary with respect to any such ERISA
Plan breaches its responsibilities with regard to selecting an investment or an investment course of action for such ERISA Plan, the fiduciary
itself may be held liable for losses incurred by the ERISA Plan as a result of such breach. Fiduciaries of Benefit Plans that are not
subject to Title I of ERISA but that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code (such as IRAs and Keogh Plans) should consider carefully
these same factors.
The
DOL has adopted regulations, which, along with Section 3(42) of ERISA (collectively, the “Plan Assets Rules”),
treat the assets of certain pooled investment vehicles as “plan assets” for purposes of, and subject to, Title I of ERISA
and Section 4975 of the Code (“Plan Assets”). The Plan Assets Rules provide, however, that, in general, funds
registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act are not deemed to be subject
to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code merely because of investments made in the fund by
Benefit Plans. Accordingly, the underlying assets of the Fund should not be considered to be the Plan Assets of the Benefit Plans investing
in the Fund for purposes of ERISA’s (or the Code’s) fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction rules. Thus, the
Adviser should not be considered a fiduciary within the meaning of ERISA or the Code by reason of its authority with respect to the Fund.
The
Fund will require a Benefit Plan (and each person causing such Benefit Plan to invest in the Fund) to represent that it, and any such
fiduciaries responsible for such Benefit Plan’s investments (including in its individual or corporate capacity, as may be applicable),
are aware of and understand the Fund’s investment objective, policies and strategies, that the decision to invest Plan Assets in
the Fund was made with appropriate consideration of relevant investment factors with regard to the Benefit Plan and is consistent with
the duties and responsibilities imposed upon fiduciaries with regard to their investment decisions under ERISA and/or the Code.
Benefit
Plans may be required to report certain compensation paid by the Fund (or by third parties) to the Fund’s service providers as
“reportable indirect compensation” on Schedule C to IRS Form 5500 (“Form 5500”).
To the extent that any compensation arrangements described herein constitute reportable indirect compensation, any such descriptions are
intended to satisfy the disclosure requirements for the alternative reporting option for “eligible indirect compensation,”
as defined for purposes of Schedule C to Form 5500.
The
provisions of ERISA and the Code are subject to extensive and continuing administrative and judicial interpretation and review. The discussion
of ERISA and the Code contained in this SAI is general, does not purport to be a thorough analysis of ERISA or the Code, may be affected
by future publication of regulations and rulings and should not be considered legal advice. Potential investors that are Benefit Plans
and their fiduciaries should consult their legal advisers regarding the consequences under ERISA and the Code of the acquisition and ownership
of Shares.
Employee
benefit plans that are not subject to the requirements of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (such as governmental plans, non-U.S.
plans and certain church plans) may be subject to similar rules under other applicable laws or documents, and also should consult their
own advisers as to the propriety of an investment in the Fund.
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By
acquiring Shares of the Fund, a Shareholder acknowledges and agrees that any information provided by the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser
or any of their affiliates (including information set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI) is not a recommendation to invest in the Fund
and that none of the Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or any of their respective affiliates is undertaking to provide any investment
advice to the Shareholder (impartial or otherwise), or to give advice to the Shareholder in a fiduciary capacity in connection with an
investment in the Fund and, accordingly, no part of any compensation received by the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser or any of its affiliates
is for the provision of investment advice to the Shareholder.
The
Fund and its affiliates as well as financial intermediaries are subject to various requirements, including anti-money laundering laws
and laws that restrict them from dealing with entities, individuals, organizations and/or investments that are subject to applicable sanctions
regimes. Compliance with legal requirements, including any applicable economic sanctions, antimony laundering, and anti-terrorist financing
laws, may cause the Fund or a financial intermediary to block, freeze, or (in some cases) liquidate an account. For example, if the Fund
is unable to obtain from a Shareholder information it requires to satisfy its anti-money laundering or economic sanctions compliance obligations,
or has reason to suspect that the Shareholder may be engaged in illicit activity, or that the Shareholder’s funds derive from such
activity or sanctioned persons, the Fund may block, freeze, or liquidate a Shareholder’s account.
Each
Shareholder acknowledges that (i) if the Fund or its affiliates reasonably believe that such Shareholder (or any of its underlying beneficial
owners) is the subject or target of relevant economic or trade sanctions program or has used proceeds of crime to fund their investment,
or (ii) if otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, the Fund or its affiliates may, in their sole discretion, undertake appropriate
actions to ensure compliance with applicable law or regulations, including but not limited to closing, segregating or freezing an account,
suspending account privileges or features and/or making disclosures to appropriate regulators. Each Shareholder further acknowledges that
the Fund reserves the right to close, segregate or freeze an account, or suspend account privileges or features, if the Fund believes
or suspects that not doing so could result in a suspicious, fraudulent, or illegal transaction.
An
affected Shareholder shall have no claim against the Fund or any of its affiliates, for any form of damages that result from any of the
aforementioned actions. Shareholders should contact their financial intermediary for its specific policies regarding any of the aforementioned
actions.
CONTROL
PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Except
as noted below, the Fund does not know of any persons who own of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s Shares
as of March 31, 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Neuberger
Berman Group LLC |
|
|
1290
Avenue of the
Americas
New
York NY, 10104 |
|
|
Institutional
Class |
|
|
9,026,663 |
|
|
99% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
so long as Neuberger Berman Group LLC has a greater than 25% interest in the Fund, it may be deemed to be a “control person”
of the Fund for purposes of the Investment Company Act. Control persons could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of a fund
on any matter requiring the approval of shareholders of such fund.
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Appendix A
APPENDIX
A – SECURITIES RATING DESCRIPTIONS
Long-Term
and Short-Term Debt Securities Rating Descriptions
S&P
Global Ratings – Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*:
The
following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.
AAA
– An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity
to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA
– An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s
capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
A
– An obligation rated ‘A’ is 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 commitments on the
obligation is still strong.
BBB
– An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 exposure to adverse conditions.
BB
– An obligation rated ‘BB’ is 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 commitments on the obligation.
B
– An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor
currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments 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
– An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is 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 commitments on the obligation.
CC
– An obligation 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
– An obligation 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
– An obligation 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 the next five business days, in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the
stated grace period or the next 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.
A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
*
Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative
standing within the rating categories.
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Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) — Global Long-Term Rating Scale:
The
following descriptions have been published by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
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.
Fitch
Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) — Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Rating Scale:
The
following descriptions have been published by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
AAA
– 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
– 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
– 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
– 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
– 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
– Highly Speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is
present.
CCC
– Substantial Credit Risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit
risk is present.
CC
– Very High Levels of Credit Risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels
of credit risk.
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C
– Exceptionally High Levels of Credit Risk. ‘C’ indicates exceptionally
high levels of credit risk.
Ratings
in the categories of ‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’ can also relate to obligations or issuers that are
in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only.
DBRS
— Long Term Obligations Rating Scale:
The
following descriptions have been published by DBRS Morningstar.
AAA
– Highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely
affected by future events.
AA
– 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
– 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
– Adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to
future events.
BB
– Speculative, non investment-grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable
to future events.
B
– Highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.
CCC,
CC, C – 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
– 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 Morningstar may also use SD (Selective Default)
in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange. See the Default Definition document on dbrsmorningstar.com
under Understanding Ratings for more information.
S&P
Global Ratings — Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:
The
following descriptions have been published by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.
A-1
– A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s
capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely
strong.
A-2
– A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is 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 commitments
on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3
– A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B
– A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has 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
– A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business,
financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
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D
– A short-term obligation 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 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. A
rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
Dual
ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood
of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component
of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols.
The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’
or ‘A-1+/A-1’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for
the first component of the rating (for example, ’SP-1+/A-1+’).
Moody’s
— Global Short-Term Rating Scale:
The
following descriptions have been published by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
P-1
– Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.
P-2
– Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term 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
— Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations:
The
following descriptions have been published by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
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.
DBRS
— Commercial Paper and Short-Term Debt Rating Scale:
The
following descriptions have been published by DBRS Morningstar.
R-1
(high) – 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) – 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) – Good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations
as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favourable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events,
but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.
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R-2
(high) – 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) – 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) – 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
– Lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is 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
– Speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.
R-5
– 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
– 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 Morningstar may also use SD (Selective Default)
in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a distressed exchange.
See
the Default Definition document on dbrsmorningstar.com under Understanding Ratings for more information.
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Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures
March 2024
|
I.
|
Introduction
and General Principles |
|
A.
|
Certain investment adviser
subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC (“NB”) have been delegated the authority and responsibility to vote the proxies
of their respective investment advisory clients and exercise such responsibility according to these policies and procedures. |
|
B.
|
NB understands that proxy
voting is an integral aspect of investment management. Accordingly, proxy voting must be conducted with the same degree of prudence and
loyalty accorded any fiduciary or other obligation of an investment manager. |
|
C.
|
NB believes that the
following policies and procedures are reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are conducted in the best interest of clients,
in accordance with NB’s fiduciary duties, applicable rules under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, fiduciary standards and responsibilities
for ERISA clients set out in Department of Labor interpretations, the UK Stewardship Code, the Japan Stewardship Code and other applicable
laws and regulations. |
|
D.
|
In instances where NB
does not have authority to vote client proxies, it is the responsibility of the client to instruct the relevant custody bank or banks
to mail proxy material directly to such client. |
|
E.
|
In all circumstances,
NB will comply with specific client directions to vote proxies, whether or not such client directions specify voting proxies in a manner
that is different from NB’s proxy votes for other client accounts. |
|
F.
|
NB will seek to vote
all shares under its authority so long as that action is not in conflict with client instructions. There may be circumstances under which
NB may abstain from voting a client proxy, such as when NB believes voting would not be in clients’ best interests (e.g., not voting
in countries with share blocking or meetings in which voting would entail additional costs). NB understands that it must weigh the costs
and benefits of voting proxy proposals relating to foreign securities and make an informed decision with respect to whether voting a given
proxy proposal is prudent and solely in the interests of the clients and, in the case of an ERISA client and other accounts and clients
subject to similar local laws, a plan’s participants and beneficiaries. NB’s decision in such circumstances will take into
account the effect that the proxy vote, either by itself or together with other votes, is expected to have on the value of the client’s
investment and whether this expected effect would outweigh the cost of voting. |
|
II.
|
Responsibility
and Oversight |
|
A.
|
NB has designated a Governance
& Proxy Committee (“Proxy Committee”) with the responsibility for: |
|
(i)
|
developing, authorizing,
implementing and updating NB’s policies and procedures; |
|
(ii)
|
administering and overseeing
the governance and proxy voting processes; and |
|
(iii)
|
engaging and overseeing
any third-party vendors as voting delegates to review, monitor and/or vote proxies. |
NB,
at the recommendation of the Proxy Committee, has retained Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”) as its proxy voting
service provider.
|
B.
|
The Proxy Committee will
meet as frequently and in such manner as necessary or appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities. |
|
C.
|
The members of the Proxy
Committee will be appointed from time to time and will include the Chief Investment Officer (Equities), the Director of Global Equity
Research, the Head of ESG & Impact Investing, and certain portfolio managers. A senior member of the Legal and Compliance Department
will advise the Proxy Committee and may vote as a full member of the Committee if a vote is needed to establish a quorum or in the event
that a vote is needed to break a tie. The Director of Investment |
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Stewardship
serves in an advisory role to the Proxy Committee but may also vote as a full member of the Committee if a vote is needed to establish
a quorum or in the event that a vote is needed to break a tie. The Proxy Committee may also appoint substitute or additional members if
needed to establish quorum in the absence of one or more members.
|
D.
|
In the event that one
or more members of the Proxy Committee are not independent with respect to a particular matter, the remaining members of the Proxy Committee
shall constitute an ad hoc independent subcommittee of the Proxy Committee, which will have full authority to act upon such matter. |
|
III.
|
Proxy
Voting Guidelines |
|
A.
|
The Proxy Committee developed
the Governance and Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Voting Guidelines”) based on our Governance and Engagement Principles. These
Guidelines are updated as appropriate and generally at least on an annual basis. With input from certain of our investment professionals,
the modifications are intended to reflect emerging corporate governance issues and themes. The Proxy Committee recognizes that in certain
circumstances it may be in the interests of our clients to deviate from our Voting Guidelines. |
|
B.
|
Our views regarding corporate
governance and engagement, and the related stewardship actions, are informed by our ESG Investing group, in consultation with professionals
in the Legal & Compliance and Global Equity Research groups, among others. These insightful, experienced and dedicated groups enable
us to think strategically about engagement and stewardship priorities. |
|
C.
|
We believe NB’s
Voting Guidelines generally represent the voting positions most likely to support our clients’ best economic interests across a
range of sectors and contexts. These guidelines are not intended to constrain our consideration of the specific issues facing a particular
company on a particular vote, and so there will be times when we deviate from the Voting Guidelines. |
|
D.
|
In the event that a portfolio
manager or other investment professional at Neuberger Berman believes that it is in the best interest of a client or clients to vote proxies
other than as provided in NB’s Voting Guidelines, the portfolio manager or other investment professional will submit in writing
to the Proxy Committee the basis for his or her recommendation. The Proxy Committee will review this recommendation in the context of
the specific circumstances of the proxy vote being considered and with the intention of voting in the best interest of our clients. |
|
IV.
|
Proxy
Voting Procedures |
|
A.
|
NB will vote client proxies
in accordance with a client’s specific request even if it is in a manner inconsistent with NB’s proxy votes for other client
accounts. Such specific requests should be made in writing by the individual client or by an authorized officer, representative or named
fiduciary of a client. |
|
B.
|
NB has engaged Glass Lewis
as its proxy voting service provider to: |
|
(i)
|
provide research on proxy
matters; |
|
(ii)
|
in a timely manner, notify
NB of and provide additional solicitation materials made available reasonably in advance of a vote deadline; |
|
(iii)
|
vote proxies in accordance
with NB’s Voting Guidelines or as otherwise instructed and submit such proxies in a timely manner; |
|
(iv)
|
handle other administrative
functions of proxy voting; |
|
(v)
|
maintain records of proxy
statements and additional solicitation materials received in connection with proxy votes and provide copies of such proxy statements promptly
upon request; and |
|
(vi)
|
maintain records of votes
cast. |
|
C.
|
Except in instances where
clients have retained voting authority, NB will instruct custodians of client accounts to forward all proxy statements and materials received
in respect of client accounts to Glass Lewis. |
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|
D.
|
NB retains final authority
and fiduciary responsibility, consistent with applicable law, for proxy voting for clients that have delegated it authority and discretion
to vote proxies. |
|
A.
|
NB shall direct Glass
Lewis to vote proxies in accordance with the Voting Guidelines described in Section III or, in instances where a material conflict
has been determined to exist, NB will generally instruct that such shares be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with
respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements. NB believes that this process is reasonably
designed to address material conflicts of interest that may arise in conjunction with proxy voting decisions. Potential conflicts considered
by the Proxy Committee when it is determining whether to deviate from NB’s Voting Guidelines include, among others: a material
client relationship with the corporate issuer being considered; personal or business relationships between the portfolio managers and
an executive officer; director, or director nominee of the issuer; joint business ventures; or a direct transactional relationship between
the issuer and senior executives of NB. |
|
B.
|
In the event that an
NB Investment Professional believes that it is in the best interest of a client or clients to vote proxies in a manner inconsistent with
the Voting Guidelines described in Section III, such NB Investment Professional will contact a member of the Legal & Compliance
Department advising the Proxy Committee and complete and sign a questionnaire in the form adopted from time to time. Such questionnaires
will require specific information, including the reasons the NB Investment Professional believes a proxy vote in this manner is in the
best interest of a client or clients and disclosure of specific ownership, business or personal relationship, or other matters that may
raise a potential material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy. The Proxy Committee will meet with the NB Investment
Professional to review the completed questionnaire and consider such other matters as it deems appropriate to determine that there is
no material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy in the requested manner. The Proxy Committee shall document its
consideration of such other matters. In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that such vote will not present a material conflict,
the Proxy Committee will make a determination whether to vote such proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional. In the event
of a determination to vote the proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional, an authorized member of the Proxy Committee will
instruct Glass Lewis to vote in such manner with respect to the client or clients. In the event that the Proxy Committee determines that
the voting of a proxy as recommended by the NB Investment Professional would not be appropriate, the Proxy Committee will: |
|
(i)
|
take no further action,
in which case the Committee shall vote such proxy in accordance with the Voting Guidelines; |
|
(ii)
|
disclose such conflict
to the client or clients and obtain written direction from the client with respect to voting the proxy; |
|
(iii)
|
suggest that the client
or clients engage another party to determine how to vote the proxy; |
|
(iv)
|
instruct that such shares
be voted in the same proportion as other shares are voted with respect to a proposal, subject to applicable legal, regulatory and operational
requirements; or |
|
(v)
|
engage another independent
third party to determine how to vote the proxy if voting in the manner described in (iv) is not feasible. |
A
record of the Proxy Committee’s determinations shall be prepared and maintained in accordance with applicable policies.
|
C.
|
In the event that the
Voting Guidelines described in Section III do not address how a proxy should be voted the Proxy Committee will make a determination
as to how the proxy should be voted. The Proxy Committee will consider such matters as it deems appropriate to determine how such proxy
should be voted, including whether there is a material conflict of interest with respect to the voting of the proxy in accordance with
its decision. The Proxy Committee shall document its consideration of such matters, and an authorized member of the Proxy Committee will
instruct Glass Lewis to vote in such manner with respect to such client or clients. |
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|
D.
|
Material conflicts cannot
be resolved by simply abstaining from voting. |
NB
will maintain records relating to the implementation of the Voting Guidelines and these procedures, including:
|
(i)
|
a copy of the Voting
Guidelines and these procedures, which shall be made available to clients upon request; |
|
(ii)
|
proxy statements received
regarding client securities (which will be satisfied by relying on EDGAR or Glass Lewis); |
|
(iii)
|
a record of each vote cast
(which Glass Lewis maintains on NB’s behalf); |
|
(iv)
|
a copy of each questionnaire
completed by any NB Investment Professional under Section V above; and |
|
(v)
|
any other document created
by NB that was material to a determination regarding the voting of proxies on behalf of clients or that memorializes the basis for that
decision. |
Such
proxy voting books and records shall be maintained in an easily accessible place, which may include electronic means, for a period of
five years, the first two by the Legal & Compliance Department. Material conflicts cannot be resolved by simply abstaining from voting.
|
VII.
|
Engagement
and Monitoring |
Consistent
with the firm’s active management strategies, NB portfolio managers and members of the Global Equity Research team continuously
monitor material investment factors at portfolio companies. NB professionals remain informed of trends and best practices related to the
effective fiduciary administration of proxy voting. NB will make revisions to its Voting Guidelines and related procedures document when
it determines it is appropriate or when we observe the opportunity to materially improve outcomes for our clients. Additionally, we will
regularly undertake a review of selected voting and engagement cases to better learn how to improve the monitoring of our portfolio companies
and the effectiveness of our stewardship activities.
Some
NB products or client accounts where NB has authority and responsibility to vote the proxies may participate in a securities lending program
administered by NB. Where a security is currently on loan ahead of a shareholder meeting, NB will generally attempt to terminate the loan
in time to vote those shares. Where a security that is potentially subject to being loaned is eligible to be voted in a stockholder meeting
a portfolio manager may restrict the security from lending. NB maintains the list of securities restricted from lending and receives daily
updates on upcoming proxy events from the custodian.
Neuberger
Berman will publicly disclose all voting records of its co-mingled funds (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities
[UCITS] and mutual funds), which can be found at https://www.nb.com/en/us/esg/nb-votes -- Neuberger Berman cannot publicly disclose vote
level records for separate accounts without express permission of the client. Neuberger Berman will publicly disclose aggregate reporting
on at least an annual basis for all votes cast across co-mingled and separate accounts. Neuberger Berman welcomes the opportunity to discuss
the rationale for a given vote with investee companies as part of our ongoing engagement activities. Neuberger Berman may also choose
to provide broad explanations for certain voting positions on important or topical issues in advance of the vote. Additionally, our proxy
voting guidelines can be found on our website: https://www.nb.com/en/us/esg/nb-votes.
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Proxy
Committee Membership as of March 2024:
Joseph
Amato, President and Chief Investment Officer (Equities)
Jonathan
Bailey, Head of ESG & Impact Investing
Elias
Cohen, Portfolio Manager
Timothy
Creedon, Director of Global Equity Research
Richard
Glasebrook, Portfolio Manager
Brett
Reiner, Portfolio Manager
Amit
Solomon, Portfolio Manager
Corey
Issing*, Legal and Compliance
Caitlin
McSherry*, Head of Investment Stewardship
*
Corey Issing and Caitlin McSherry serve in advisory roles to the Committee. They are ex officio members of the Committee. They will only
vote as full members of the Committee if their votes are needed to establish a quorum or in the event that a vote is needed to break a
tie vote.
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits
| * |
Filed herewith. |
| 1 |
Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit
of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 File No. 333-283996 (the “Registration Statement”), filed
on December 20, 2024. |
| 2 |
Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit
of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2, filed on July 3, 2025. |
| 3 |
Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit
of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2, filed on August 7, 2025. |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
Not applicable.
Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance or Distribution
Not applicable.
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control
with the Registrant
No person is directly or indirectly under
common control with the Registrant, except that the Registrant may be deemed to be controlled by the Investment Adviser. Information regarding
the ownership of the Investment Adviser is set forth in its Form ADV as filed with the SEC (File No. 801-61757). Information regarding
the ownership of the Sub-Adviser is set forth in its Form ADV as filed with the SEC (File No. 801-70009).
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
As of April 1, 2026:
| Title
of Class |
Number of
Record Holders |
| Institutional Class Shares |
5 |
| Class A-1 Shares |
0 |
| Class A-2 Shares |
0 |
Item 30. Indemnification
Reference
is made to Section 5.3 of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, filed herewith. Registrant’s Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust contains provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Registrant’s
Trustees and officers under certain circumstances. The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provision of
the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust in a manner consistent with Release 40-11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) under the 1940 Act so long as the interpretation of Section 17(h) and 17(i) of the 1940 Act remains in effect.
Registrant,
in conjunction with the Investment Adviser and Registrant’s Board of Trustees, maintains insurance on behalf of any person who
is an Independent Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of Registrant, against certain liability asserted against him or her and incurred
by him or her or arising out of his or her position. Registrant will not pay that portion of the premium, if any, for insurance to indemnify
any such person for any act for which Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify.
The Registrant, its Trustees
and officers are insured against certain expenses in connection with the defense of claims, demands, actions, suits, or proceedings, and
certain liabilities that might be imposed as a result of such actions, suits or proceedings.
Insofar as indemnification
for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
and the principal underwriter pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 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
director, trustee, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant and the principal underwriter in connection with the successful defense
of any action, suite or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such director, trustee, officer or controlling person or principal
underwriter in connection with the shares 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Neuberger
Berman Investment Advisers LLC (“NBIA”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, acts as investment
adviser to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this Item 31 to provide a list of the officers and directors
of NBIA, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by
NBIA or those officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference the information contained in the Form ADV
of NBIA filed with the Commission pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (Commission File No. 801-3908).
NB Alternatives
Advisers LLC (“NBAA”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, serves as the investment sub-adviser
to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this Item 31 to provide a list of the officers and directors of NBAA,
together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by NBAA or those
officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference the information contained in the Form ADV of NBAA filed
with the Commission pursuant to the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (Commission File No. 801-70009).
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
The Registrant’s accounts, books or other
documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder are maintained at the offices
of: c/o Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers, LLC, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104; the Custodian at Lunken Operations
Center, CN-OH-L2GL, 5065 Wooster Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226; or the Transfer Agent at 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Wilwaukee, WI 53202.
Item 33. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 34. Undertakings
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1. |
Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its Shares until
it amends the Prospectus filed herewith if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its registration statement, the net asset value declines
more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the registration statement, or (2) the net asset value increases
to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the Prospectus. |
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3. |
Registrant undertakes: |
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a) |
to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to the registration statement: |
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1. |
to include any Prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities
Act; |
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2. |
to reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events after the effective
date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent
a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease
in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation
from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant
to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and |
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3. |
to include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
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b) |
that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
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c) |
to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
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d) |
that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities
Act to any purchaser: |
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2. |
if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C [17 CFR 230.430C]: each
Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than
registration statements relying on Rule 430B or Prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act, shall be deemed
to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that
no statement made in a registration statement or Prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated
or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or Prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as
to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration
statement or Prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first
use; and |
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e) |
that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant
under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary
offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used
to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications,
the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser: |
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1. |
any preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus of the undersigned Registrant
relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; |
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2. |
free writing Prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or
on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; |
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3. |
the portion of any other free writing Prospectus or advertisement
pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.482] relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned
Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and |
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4. |
any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by
the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. |
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6. |
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities 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 director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
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7. |
The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means
designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Prospectus or Statement
of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to the Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York and State of New York on the 30th day
of April, 2026.
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NEUBERGER ASSET-BASED CREDIT FUND |
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By: |
/s/ Peter Sterling |
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Peter Sterling |
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President |
Pursuant to the requirements of
the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and
on the dates indicated.
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Name |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ Peter Sterling |
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President |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Peter Sterling |
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/s/ Dean Winick |
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Treasurer |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Dean Winick |
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/s/ James D. Bowden* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| James D. Bowden |
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/s/ Virginia G. Breen* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Virginia G. Breen |
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/s/ Alan Brott* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Alan Brott |
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/s/ Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr.* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Victor F. Imbimbo, Jr. |
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/s/ Thomas F. McDevitt* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Thomas F. McDevitt |
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/s/ Thomas G. Yellin* |
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Trustee |
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April 30, 2026 |
| Thomas G. Yellin |
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| *By: |
/s/ Peter Sterling |
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Peter Sterling |
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as Attorney-in-Fact |
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EXHIBIT INDEX