Form 485BPOS Natixis Funds Trust I

December 14, 2020 5:31 PM EST

Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

MIROVA U.S. SUSTAINABLE EQUITY FUND

Advisory Agreement

AGREEMENT made as of the 15th day of December 2020, by and between Natixis Funds Trust I, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”), with respect to its Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund series (the “Series”), and Mirova US LLC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser wish to enter into an agreement setting forth the terms upon which the Adviser will perform certain services for the Series;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows:

1.    The Trust hereby employs the Adviser to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets belonging to the Series and to perform the other services herein set forth, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Adviser hereby accepts such employment and agrees, at its own expense, to render the services and to assume the obligations herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided. The Adviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.

2.    In carrying out its obligations to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets belonging to the Series, the Adviser shall:

(a)    obtain and evaluate such economic, statistical and financial data and information and undertake such additional investment research as it shall believe necessary or advisable for the management of the investment and reinvestment of the assets belonging to the Series in accordance with the Series’ investment objective and policies;

(b)    take such steps as are necessary to implement the investment policies of the Series by purchase and sale of securities, including the placing of orders for such purchase and sale with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser;

(c)    regularly report to the Board of Trustees with respect to the implementation of the investment policies of the Series; and

(d)    vote all proxies and exercise all other rights of the Series as a security holder of companies in which the Series from time to time invests.

The Adviser shall manage the Series in conformity with (1) the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Series set forth in the Trust’s prospectus and statement of additional information relating to the Series, (2) any additional policies or guidelines established by the Trust’s trustees that have been furnished in writing to the Adviser, and (3) the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) applicable to “regulated investment companies” (as defined in Section 851 of the Code), all as from time to time in effect (collectively, the “Policies”), and with all


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

applicable provisions of law, including, without limitation, all applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “1940 Act”). Subject to the foregoing, the Adviser is authorized in its discretion to buy, sell, lend and otherwise trade in any stocks, bonds and other securities and investment instruments on behalf of the Series, without regard to the length of time the securities have been held and the resulting rate of portfolio turnover or any tax considerations; and the majority or the whole of the Series may be invested in such proportions of stocks, bonds, other securities or investment instruments, or cash, as the Adviser shall determine.

3.    All activities in connection with the management of the affairs of the Series undertaken by the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be subject to the supervision and control of the Board of Trustees, any duly constituted committee thereof or any officer of the Trust acting pursuant to like authority.

4.    In addition to performing at its expense the obligations set forth in section 2 hereof, the Adviser shall furnish to the Trust at the Adviser’s own expense or pay the expenses of the Trust for the following:

(a)    office space in such place or places as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all necessary office supplies, facilities and equipment;

(b)    necessary executive and other personnel for managing the affairs of the Series (exclusive of those related to and to be performed under contract for custodial, transfer, dividend and plan agency services by the entity or entities selected to perform such services and exclusive of any managerial functions described in section 5); and

(c)    compensation, if any, of Trustees of the Trust who are directors, officers, partners or employees of the Adviser or, as the Adviser may agree from time to time, any affiliated person (other than a registered investment company) of the Adviser.

5.    Except as the Adviser may otherwise agree from time to time, nothing in section 4 hereof shall require the Adviser to bear, or to reimburse the Trust for:

(a)    any of the costs of printing and distributing the items referred to in subsection (n) of this section 5;

(b)    any of the costs of preparing, printing and distributing sales literature;

(c)    compensation of Trustees of the Trust who are not directors, officers, partners or employees of the Adviser or of any affiliated person (other than a registered investment company) of the Adviser;

(d)    registration, filing and other fees in connection with requirements of regulatory authorities;

(e)    the charges and expenses of any entity appointed by the Trust for custodial, paying agent, transfer agent and plan agent services;

(f)    charges and expenses of independent accountants retained by the Trust;


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

(g)    charges and expenses of any transfer agents and registrars appointed by the Trust;

(h)    brokers’ commissions and issue and transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with securities transactions to which the Trust is a party;

(i)    taxes and fees payable by the Trust to Federal, State or other governmental agencies;

(j)    any cost of certificates representing shares of the Series;

(k)    legal fees and expenses in connection with the affairs of the Trust including registering and qualifying its shares with Federal and State regulatory authorities;

(l)    expenses of meetings of shareholders and Trustees of the Trust;

(m)     interest, including interest on borrowings by the Trust;

(n)    the cost of services, including services of counsel, required in connection with the preparation of the Trust’s registration statements and prospectuses, including amendments and revisions thereto, annual, semiannual and other periodic reports of the Trust, and notices and proxy solicitation material furnished to shareholders of the Trust or regulatory authorities; and

(o)     the Trust’s expenses of bookkeeping, accounting, auditing and financial reporting, including related clerical expenses.

6.    The services of the Adviser to the Trust hereunder are not to be deemed exclusive and the Adviser shall be free to render similar services to others, so long as its services hereunder are not impaired thereby.

7.    As full compensation for all services rendered, facilities furnished and expenses borne by the Adviser hereunder, the Trust shall pay the Adviser compensation at the annual percentage rate of 0.65% of the Series’ average daily net assets or such lesser rate as the Adviser may agree to from time to time. Such compensation shall be payable monthly in arrears or at such other intervals, not less frequently than quarterly, as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may from time to time determine and specify in writing to the Adviser. The Adviser hereby acknowledges that the Trust’s obligation to pay such compensation is binding only on the assets and property belonging to the Series.

8.    If the total of all ordinary business expenses of the Series or the Trust as a whole (including investment advisory fees but excluding taxes and portfolio brokerage commissions) for any fiscal year exceeds the lowest applicable percentage of average net assets or income limitations prescribed by any state in which shares of the Series are qualified for sale, the Adviser shall pay any such excess. Solely for purposes of applying such limitations in accordance with the foregoing sentence, the Series and the Trust shall each be deemed to be a separate fund subject to such limitations. Should the applicable state limitation provisions fail to specify how the average net assets of the Trust or belonging to the Series are to be calculated, that figure shall be calculated by reference to the average daily net assets of the Trust or the Series, as the case may be.


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

9.    It is understood that any of the shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust may be a partner, shareholder, director, officer, employee or agent of, or be otherwise interested in, the Adviser, any affiliated person of the Adviser, any organization in which the Adviser may have an interest or any organization which may have an interest in the Adviser; that the Adviser, any such affiliated person or any such organization may have an interest in the Trust; and that the existence of any such dual interest shall not affect the validity hereof or of any transactions hereunder except as otherwise provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust and the Partnership Agreement of the Adviser, respectively, or by specific provisions of applicable law.

10.    This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution, and

(a)    unless otherwise terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the date of execution, and from year to year thereafter only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval;

(b)    this Agreement may at any time be terminated on sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser either by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series;

(c)    this Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment;

(d)    this Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser on ninety days’ written notice to the Trust; and

(e)    if the Adviser requires the Trust or the Series to change its name so as to eliminate all references to “Mirova,” then this Agreement shall automatically terminate at the time of such change unless the continuance of this Agreement after such change shall have been specifically approved by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series and by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this section 10 shall be without payment of any penalty.

11.    This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual consent of the parties, provided that such consent on the part of the Trust shall have been approved by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Series and by vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Adviser, cast in person at a meeting called for the purposes of voting on such approval.

12.    For the purposes of this Agreement, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person,” “affiliated person” and “assignment” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission or guidance issued by its staff under said Act. References in this Agreement to any assets, property or liabilities “belonging to” the Series shall have the meaning defined in the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, each as amended from time to time.


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

13.    In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder, the Adviser shall not be subject to any liability to the Trust, to any shareholder of the Trust or to any other person, firm or organization, for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder.

14.    In accordance with Regulation S-P, if non-public personal information regarding either party’s customers or consumers is disclosed to the other party in connection with this Agreement, the party receiving such information will not disclose or use that information other than as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

15.    No shareholder or any person other than the Trust and the Adviser is a party to this Agreement or shall be entitled to any right or benefit arising under or in respect of this Agreement; there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be read to, (i) create in any shareholder or person other than the Trust (including without limitation any shareholder in the Series) any direct, indirect, derivative or other rights against the Adviser, or (ii) create or give rise to any duty or obligation on the part of the Adviser (including without limitation any fiduciary duty) to any shareholder or person other than the Trust, all of which rights, benefits, duties and obligations are hereby expressly excluded.

16.    Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or the services provided hereunder or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect hereof brought by the other party hereto or its successors or assigns may be brought and determined in the state courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and each party hereto submits with regard to any action or proceeding for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts for any reason other than the failure to lawfully serve process, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from the jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise), and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper and (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.

17.    This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in one or more counterparts, and, if so executed, the separate instruments shall constitute one agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I,
on behalf of its

Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund Series

By:

 

/s/ David L. Giunta

Name: David L. Giunta

Title: President

MIROVA US LLC

By:

 

/s/ Jens Peers

Name: Jens Peers

Title: Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit (d)(1)(xii)

 

A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed with respect to the Trust’s Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund series on behalf of the Trust by officers of the Trust as officers and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property belonging to the Series.

Exhibit (e)(8)

MIROVA U.S. SUSTAINABLE EQUITY FUND

Distribution Agreement

AGREEMENT made this December 15, 2020 by and between NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”), and NATIXIS DISTRIBUTION, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Distributor”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants hereinafter contained, the Trust and the Distributor agree as follows:

 

1.

Distributor. The Trust hereby appoints the Distributor as general distributor of shares of beneficial interest (“Series shares”) of the Trust’s Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund series (the “Series”) during the term of this Agreement. The Trust reserves the right, however, to refuse at any time or times to sell any Series shares hereunder for any reason deemed adequate by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

 

2.

Sale and Payment. Under this agreement, the following provisions shall apply with respect to the sale of and payment for Series shares:

(a)    The Distributor shall have the right, as principal, to purchase Series shares from the Trust at their net asset value and to sell such shares to the public against orders therefor at the applicable public offering price, as defined in Section 3 hereof. The Distributor shall also have the right, as principal, to sell shares to dealers against orders therefor at the public offering price less a concession determined by the Distributor.

(b)    Prior to the time of delivery of any shares by the Trust to, or on the order of, the Distributor, the Distributor shall pay or cause to be paid to the Trust or to its order an amount in Boston or New York clearing house funds equal to the applicable net asset value of such shares. The Distributor shall retain so much of any sales charge or underwriting discount as is not allowed by it as a concession to dealers.

 

3.

Public Offering Price. The public offering price shall be the net asset value of Series shares, plus any applicable sales charge, all as set forth in the current prospectus and statement of additional information (together the “prospectus”) of the Trust relating to the Series shares. In no event shall the public offering price exceed 1000/935 of such net asset value, and in no event shall any applicable sales charge or underwriting discount exceed 6.5% of the public offering price. The net asset value of Series shares shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the agreement and declaration of trust and by-laws of the Trust, each as amended to date, and the current prospectus of the Trust relating to the Series shares.

 

4.

Trust Issuance of Series Shares. The delivery of Series shares shall be made promptly by a credit to a shareholder’s open account for the Series or by delivery of a share certificate. The Trust reserves the right to (a) issue Series shares at any time directly to the shareholders of the Series as a stock dividend or stock split, (b) issue to such shareholders shares of the Series, or rights to subscribe to shares of the Series, as all or part of any dividend that may be distributed to shareholders of the Series or as all or part of any optional or alternative dividend that may be distributed to shareholders of the Series, and (c) to sell Series shares in accordance with the current applicable prospectus of the Trust relating to the Series shares.


Exhibit (e)(8)

 

5.

Redemption or Repurchase. The Distributor shall act as agent for the Trust in connection with the redemption or repurchase of Series shares by the Trust to the extent and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the current applicable prospectus of the Trust relating to the Series shares, and the Trust agrees to reimburse the Distributor, from time to time upon demand, for any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with such redemptions or repurchases.

 

6.

Undertaking Regarding Sales. The Distributor shall use reasonable efforts to sell Series shares but does not agree hereby to sell any specific number of Series shares and shall be free to act as distributor of the shares of other investment companies. Series shares will be sold by the Distributor only against orders therefor. The Distributor shall not purchase Series shares from anyone except in accordance with Sections 2 and 5 and shall not take “long” or “short” positions in Series shares contrary to the agreement and declaration of trust or by-laws of the Trust, each as amended to date.

 

7.

Compliance. The Distributor shall conform to the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the sale of securities laws of any jurisdiction in which it sells, directly or indirectly, any Series shares. The Distributor agrees to make timely filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), FINRA and such other regulatory authorities as may be required, of any sales literature relating to the Series and intended for distribution to prospective investors. The Distributor also agrees to furnish to the Trust sufficient copies of any agreements or plans it intends to use in connection with any sale of Series shares in adequate time for the Trust to file and clear them with the proper authorities before they are put in use (which the Trust agrees to use its best efforts to do as expeditiously as reasonably possible), and not to use them until so filed and cleared.

 

8.

Registration and Qualification of Series Shares. The Trust agrees to execute such papers and to do such acts and things as shall from time to time be reasonably requested by the Distributor for the purpose of qualifying and maintaining qualification of the Series shares for sale under the so-called “Blue Sky” Laws of any state or for maintaining the registration of the Trust and of the Series shares under the federal Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the federal Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), to the end that there will be available for sale from time to time such number of Series shares as the Distributor may reasonably be expected to sell. The Trust shall advise the Distributor promptly of (a) any action of the SEC or any authorities of any state or territory, of which it may be advised, affecting registration or qualification of the Trust or the Series shares, or rights to offer Series shares for sale, and (b) the happening of any event which makes untrue any statement or which requires the making of any change in the Trust’s registration statement or its prospectus relating to the Series shares in order to make the statements therein not misleading.

 

9.

Distributor Independent Contractor. The Distributor shall be an independent contractor and neither the Distributor nor any of its officers or employees as such is or shall be an employee of the Trust. The Distributor is responsible for its own conduct and the employment, control and conduct of its agents and employees and for injury to such agents or employees or to others through its agents or employees. The Distributor assumes full responsibility for its agents and employees under applicable statutes and agrees to pay all employer taxes thereunder.

 

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Exhibit (e)(8)

 

10.

Expenses Paid by Distributor. While the Distributor continues to act as agent of the Trust to obtain subscriptions for and to sell Series shares, the Distributor shall pay the following:

(a)    all expenses of printing (exclusive of typesetting) and distributing any prospectus for use in offering Series shares for sale, and all other copies of any such prospectus used by the Distributor, and

(b)    all other expenses of advertising and of preparing, printing and distributing all other literature or material for use in connection with offering Series shares for sale.

 

11.

Interests in and of Distributor. It is understood that any of the shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust may be a shareholder, director, officer, employee or agent of, or be otherwise interested in, the Distributor, any affiliated person of the Distributor, any organization in which the Distributor may have an interest or any organization which may have an interest in the Distributor; that the Distributor, any such affiliated person or any such organization may have an interest in the Trust; and that the existence of any such dual interest shall not affect the validity hereof or of any transaction hereunder except as otherwise provided in the agreement and declaration of trust or by-laws of the Trust, in the limited partnership agreement of the Distributor or by specific provision of applicable law.

 

12.

Effective Date and Termination. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of its execution, and

(a)    Unless otherwise terminated, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the shares of the Series so long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by the vote of a majority of the votes which may be cast by shareholders of the Series and (ii) by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Distributor or the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

(b)    This Agreement may at any time be terminated on sixty days’ notice to the Distributor either by vote of a majority of the Trust’s Board of Trustees then in office or by the vote of a majority of the votes which may be cast by shareholders of the Series.

(c)    This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.

(d)    This Agreement may be terminated by the Distributor on ninety days’ written notice to the Trust.

Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this section shall be without payment of any penalty.

 

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Exhibit (e)(8)

 

13.

Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)    The “vote of a majority of the votes which may be cast by shareholders of the Series” means (1) 67% or more of the votes of the Series present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Series entitled to vote at such meeting are present; or (2) the vote of the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Series entitled to vote at such meeting, whichever is less.

(b)    The terms “affiliated person,” “interested person” and “assignment” shall have their respective meanings as defined in the 1940 Act subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC under the 1940 Act.

 

14.

Amendment. This Agreement may be amended at any time by mutual consent of the parties, provided that such consent on the part of the Series shall be approved (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the votes which may be cast by shareholders of the Series and (ii) by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Distributor or the Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

15.

Applicable Law and Liabilities. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All sales hereunder are to be made, and title to the Series shares shall pass, in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

16.

Limited Recourse. The Distributor hereby acknowledges that the Trust’s obligations hereunder with respect to the shares of the Series are binding only on the assets and property belonging to the Series.

 

17.

Privacy. In accordance with Regulation S-P, if non-public personal information regarding either party’s customers or consumers is disclosed to the other party in connection with this Agreement, the party receiving such information will not disclose or use that information other than as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.

 

18.

Anti-Money Laundering. Each party to this agreement hereby agrees to abide by and comply with all relevant anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including without limitation the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, and the USA Patriot Act of 2001. Each party represents that it has established an Anti-Money Laundering Program that complies with all material aspects of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and other applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Each party also hereby agrees to comply with any new or additional anti-money laundering laws or regulations.

 

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Exhibit (e)(8)

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I,

on behalf of its MIROVA U.S. SUSTAINABLE EQUITY FUND series

 

By:  

/s/ David L. Giunta

  Name:  David L. Giunta
  Title:    President

 

NATIXIS DISTRIBUTION, L.P.
By:   Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Russell Kane

  Name:  Russell Kane
  Title:    Executive Vice President

 

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Exhibit (e)(8)

 

A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust establishing Natixis Funds Trust I, (the “Trust”), as amended to date, is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed with respect to the Trust’s Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund series (the “Series”) on behalf of the Trust by officers of the Trust as officers and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Series.

 

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Exhibit (e)(9)

 

Natixis Distribution, L.P.

888 Boylston Street

Suite 800, Massachusetts 02199

Dealer Agreement

This dealer agreement (“Dealer Agreement”) is entered into between Natixis Distribution, L.P., (formerly Natixis Distributors, L.P.) (“our”, “us”, or “we”) and the undersigned company (“you”). We offer to sell to you shares of each of the mutual funds distributed by us (the “Funds” and each a “Fund”), for each of which we serve as principal underwriter as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), and from which we have the right to purchase shares.1 Shares are offered pursuant to the then current prospectus, including any supplements or amendments thereto, of each of the Funds (the “Prospectus,” which term as hereinafter used shall include the Statement of Additional Information of the Fund).

With respect to each of the Funds (except for Section 5, which applies only with respect to each Fund having in effect from time to time a service plan, service and distribution plan or other plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, each a “Plan” and together the “Plans”):

1.     For all sales of shares of the Funds you shall act as dealer for your own account, and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act as agent, except as limited agent for purposes of receiving and transmitting orders and instructions regarding the purchase, exchange and redemption of shares of your customers and employees, with no authority to otherwise act as agent for any Fund or for us.

2.     You or your designated agent agree to obtain and provide to your customers the Prospectus(es) of the applicable Fund(s) together with any supplemental sales literature you provide. You agree not to purchase any Fund shares for any customer, unless you deliver or cause to be delivered to such customer, at or prior to the time of such purchase, a copy of the Prospectus of the applicable Fund, or the Prospectus of the applicable Fund. You hereby represent that you understand your obligation to deliver a Prospectus to customers who purchase Fund shares pursuant to federal securities laws and you have taken all necessary steps to comply with such Prospectus delivery requirements.

3.     Orders received from you will be accepted by us only at the public offering price applicable to each order, except for transactions to which a reduced offering price applies as provided in the Prospectus of the Fund(s). The minimum dollar purchase of shares of each Fund by any investor shall be the applicable minimum amount described in the Prospectus of the Fund and no order for less than such amount will be accepted hereunder. The public offering price shall be the net asset value per share plus the sales charge, if any, applicable to the transaction, expressed as a percentage of the public offering price, as determined and effective as of the time specified in the Prospectus of the Fund(s). The procedures relating to the handling of orders shall be subject to any instructions that we shall forward from time to time to you. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by us, or our designated agent, in our sole discretion. You hereby agree to comply with attached Appendix A, Policies and Procedures with Respect to Mutual Fund Trading, as well as with the terms of the Prospectus and the policies and procedures of the Funds. You understand that in recommending the purchase, sale or exchange of any Fund shares to your customers, you must have reasonable grounds for believing that such recommendation is suitable for such customer.

4.     The sales charge applicable to any sale of Fund shares by you and the dealer concession or commission applicable to any order from you for the purchase of Fund shares accepted by us shall be set forth in the Prospectus of the Fund. You shall notify us if you are not eligible to receive a dealer concession or commission. You may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with sales by you of shares of the Fund where you receive all or substantially all of the sales charge as set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus, and therefore you may be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

 

1 

The definition of “Funds” shall not include the following mutual funds, which are distributed by Natixis Distribution, L.P., but which are not available to you through the terms of this Dealer Agreement: Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund; Loomis Sayles Institutional High Income Fund; Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund; Loomis Sayles High Income Opportunities Fund; and Loomis Sayles Securitized Asset Fund.

(a) We are entitled to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on redemptions of applicable classes of shares of the Funds, as described in the Prospectus. You agree that you will sell shares subject to a CDSC and that are to be held in omnibus accounts only if you are a NETWORKING participant with the National Securities Clearing Corporation and if such accounts are established pursuant to a NETWORKING Agreement.

 

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      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

(b) Reduced sales charges or no sales charge may apply to certain transactions, including under letter of intent, combined purchases or investments, reinvestment of dividends and distributions, repurchase privilege, unit investment trust distribution reinvestment or other programs, as described in the Prospectus of the Fund(s). To obtain any such reductions, you must notify us when the sale that would qualify for such reduction takes place.

5.     Rule 12b-1 Plans. The substantive provisions of this Section 5 have been adopted pursuant to the Plans.

(a)     You agree to provide (i) for the Funds with a service plan, personal services to investors in shares of the Funds and/or services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and (ii) for those Funds with a service and distribution plan, both personal services to investors in shares of the Funds and/or services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts and also distribution and marketing services in the promotion of Fund shares. As compensation for these services, we shall pay you, as agent, upon receipt by us from the Fund(s), a quarterly service fee or service fee and distribution fee based on the average daily net asset value of Fund shares at the rate set forth with respect to the relevant Class(es) of shares of the Fund(s) in the Prospectus. This fee will be based on the average daily net asset value of Fund shares that are owned of record by your firm as nominee for your customers or that are owned by those shareholders whose records, as maintained by the Fund or its agent, designate your firm as the shareholder’s dealer of record. Normally, payment of such fee to you shall be made within forty-five (45) days after the close of each quarter for which such fee is payable provided, however, that any other provision of this Dealer Agreement or the Prospectuses to the contrary notwithstanding, we shall not have any obligation whatsoever to pay any amount of distribution and/or service fee with respect to shares of any Fund except to the extent, and only to the extent, that we have actually received payment of at least such amount of distribution and/or service fee from the Funds with respect to such shares pursuant to a Plan in consideration of you furnishing distribution and client services hereunder with respect to your customers that own such class of shares of such Fund, it being understood that our liability to you in respect of such fees is limited solely to the proceeds of such fees received by us from the Funds.

(b)     You shall furnish us and the Fund with such information as shall reasonably be requested by the Trustees of the Fund with respect to the fees paid to you pursuant to this Section 5 and you shall notify us if you are not eligible to receive 12b-1 fees, including without limitation by reason of your failure to provide the services as required in this Section 5.

(c)     The provisions of this Section 5 may be terminated by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Funds who are not interested persons of the Funds and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan, or by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares, on sixty (60) days’ written notice, without payment of any penalty. Such provisions will be terminated also by any act that terminates either the Fund’s Distribution Contract or Underwriting Agreement with us, or this Dealer Agreement under Section 16 hereof or otherwise and shall terminate automatically in the event of the assignment (as that term is defined in the Act) of this Dealer Agreement.

(d)     The provisions of the Distribution Contract or Underwriting Agreement between the Fund and us, insofar as they relate to the Plan, are incorporated herein by reference. The provisions of this Section 5 shall continue in full force and effect only so long as the continuance of the Plan, the Distribution Contract or Underwriting Agreement and these provisions are approved at least annually by a vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreements related to the Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting thereon.

6.     You agree to purchase Fund shares only from us or from your customers. If you purchase Fund shares from us, you agree that all such purchases shall be made only: (a) to cover orders already received by you from your customers; (b) for shares being acquired by your customers pursuant to either the exchange privilege or the reinvestment privilege, as described in the Prospectus of the Fund; or (c) for your own bona fide investment. If you purchase shares from your customers, you agree to pay such customers not less than the applicable redemption price next quoted by the Fund pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus of the Fund.

7.     You shall sell shares only: (a) to customers at the applicable public offering price, except for shares being acquired by your customers at net asset value as described in the Prospectus of the Fund, and (b) to us as agent for the Fund at the redemption price. In such a sale to us, you may act either as principal for your own account or as agent for your customer. If

 

C2 -Internal Natixis    2   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

you act as principal for your own account in purchasing shares for resale to us, you agree to pay your customer not less than the price that you receive from us. If you act as agent for your customer in selling shares to us, you agree not to charge your customer more than a fair commission or fee for handling the transaction, except that you agree to receive no compensation of any kind based on the reinvestment of redemption or repurchase proceeds pursuant to the repurchase privilege, as described in the Prospectus of the Fund.

8.     You hereby certify that all of your customers’ taxpayer identification numbers (“TIN”) or social security numbers (“SSN”) furnished to us by you are correct and that you will not open an account without providing us with the customer’s TIN or SSN. You agree to comply with the provisions of Appendix B, Policies and Procedures with Respect to Rule 22c-2.

9.     You hereby acknowledge that, in the performance of the services contemplated by this Dealer Agreement, you use or have access to records, systems, or operations that include, in tangible or electronic form, information relating to your customers such as their name, address (including email address), phone number, account number, SSN, drivers license number, date of birth, account activity, investments, and other nonpublic personal information (including consumer reports) (collectively, “Personal Information” or “Customer Data”), which is subject to the requirements of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act and Regulation S-P thereunder promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time amended, and other federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the management, use, disposal, and safekeeping of Personal Information and/or Customer Data as well as laws and regulations relating to “know your customer,” anti-money laundering, and similar federal and state regulatory requirements (collectively “Privacy Laws”). You agree to comply with all applicable Privacy Laws relating to Personal Information and Customer Data and to cooperate with us in enabling us to satisfy our regulatory requirements relating to Personal Information.

10.     You shall not withhold placing with us orders received from your customers so as to profit yourself as a result of such withholding; e.g., by a change in the net asset value from that used in determining the public offering price to your customers.

11.     We will not accept from you any conditional orders for shares.

12.     If any Fund shares sold to you or your customers under the terms of this Dealer Agreement are redeemed by the Fund or repurchased by us as agent for the Fund within seven (7) business days after the date of our confirmation of the original purchase by you or your customers, it is agreed that you shall forfeit your right to any dealer concession or commission received by you on such Fund shares. We will notify you of any such repurchase or redemption within ten (10) business days after the date thereof and you shall forthwith refund to us the entire concession or commission allowed or paid to you on such sale. We agree, in the event of any such repurchase or redemption, to refund to the Fund the portion of the sales charge, if any, retained by us and, upon receipt from you of the concession allowed to you on any Fund shares, to pay such refund forthwith to the Fund.

13.     Payment for Fund shares sold to you shall be made on or before the settlement date specified in our confirmation, at the office of our clearing agent, and by check payable to the order of the Fund, which reserves the right to delay issuance, redemption or transfer of shares until such check has cleared. If such payment and all necessary applications and documents are not received by us, we reserve the right, without notice, forthwith either to cancel the sale, or at our option, sell the shares ordered back to the Fund, in which case you shall bear any loss resulting from your failure to make payment as aforesaid.

14.     You will also act as principal in all purchases by a shareholder for whom you are the dealer of record of Fund shares with respect to payments sent directly by such shareholder to the Shareholder Services and Transfer Agent (the “TA”) specified in the Prospectus of the Fund, and you authorize and appoint the TA to execute and confirm such purchases to such shareholders on your behalf. Upon receipt of payment from the Funds, we, as agent, will remit to you, no less frequently than monthly, the amount of any concessions due with respect to such purchases, except that no concessions will be paid to you on any transaction for which your net sales concession is less than $5.00 in any payment cycle. You also represent that with respect to all such direct purchases by such shareholder, you may lawfully sell shares of such Fund in the state designated as such shareholder’s record address.

15.     No person is authorized to make any representations concerning shares of the Funds except those contained in the Prospectuses of the Funds and in sales literature issued by us supplemental to such Prospectuses or approved in writing by us. In purchasing shares from us, you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such Prospectuses and such sales literature. We will furnish you with additional copies of such Prospectuses and such sales literature and other releases and information issued by us in reasonable quantities upon request.

 

C2 -Internal Natixis    3   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

(a)     If, with prior written approval from us, you use any advertisement or sales literature which has not been supplied by us, you are responsible for ensuring that the material complies with all applicable regulations and has been filed with the appropriate authorities.

(b)     You shall indemnify and hold us (and our directors, officers, employees, controlling persons and agents) and the Fund and its Trustees and officers harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (“Losses”) incurred by us or any of them arising out of (i) your dissemination of information regarding any Fund that is alleged to contain an untrue statement of material fact or any omission of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and that was not published or provided to you by or on behalf of us, or accurately derived from information published or provided by or on behalf of us or any of our Affiliates, (ii) any breach by you of any representation, warranty or agreement contained in this Dealer Agreement, (iii) any act or omission, including without limitation any material misstatement by you in connection with any orders or solicitation of orders for, or transactions in, shares of the Funds, or (iv) any willful misconduct or negligence on your part in the performance of, or failure to perform, your obligations under this Dealer Agreement, except to the extent such losses are caused by our breach of this Dealer Agreement or our willful misconduct or negligence in the performance, or failure to perform, our obligations under this Dealer Agreement.

(c)     We shall indemnify and hold you (and your directors, officers, employees, controlling persons and agents) harmless from and against any and all Losses incurred by you arising out of (i) our dissemination of information regarding any Fund that contains an untrue statement of material fact or any omission of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (ii) any breach by us of any representation, warranty or agreement contained in this Dealer Agreement, (iii) any act or omission, including without limitation any material misstatement by us in connection with any orders or solicitation of orders for, or transactions in, shares of the Funds, or (iv) any willful misconduct or negligence on our part in the performance of, or failure to perform, our obligations under this Dealer Agreement, except to the extent such losses are caused by your breach of this Dealer Agreement or your willful misconduct or negligence in the performance, or failure to perform, your obligations under this Dealer Agreement.

(d)    This Section 15 shall survive termination of this Dealer Agreement.

16.     The Fund reserves the right in its discretion and we reserve the right in our discretion, without notice, to refuse any order for the purchase of Fund shares for any reason whatsoever, and to suspend sales or withdraw the offering of Fund shares (or shares of any class(es)) entirely. We reserve the right, by written notice to you, to amend, modify, cancel or assign this Dealer Agreement, including Section 5 hereof, and any appendices that are now or in the future attached to this Dealer Agreement. Notice for all purposes shall be deemed to be given when mailed or electronically transmitted to you.

17.    This Dealer Agreement shall replace any prior agreement between you and us or any of our predecessor entities (including but not limited to Natixis Distributors, L.P., IXIS Asset Management Distributors, L.P., CDC IXIS Asset Management Distributors, L.P., Nvest Funds Distributor, L.P., New England Funds, L.P., TNE Investment Services Corporation, and Investment Trust of Boston Distributors, Inc.) and is conditioned upon your representation and warranty that you are (i) registered as a broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and are a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) or (ii) exempt from registration as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act. Regardless of whether you are a FINRA member, you and we agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations of FINRA, including without limitation Conduct Rules 2310, 2420, 3110, 3510 and 2830, and all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations. You agree to notify us immediately if you cease to be registered as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act (or exempt from registration as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act) and a member of FINRA. You agree to notify us of any material compliance matter related to the services provided by you pursuant to this Dealer Agreement. Should you cease to be registered as a broker/dealer under the 1934 Act (or exempt from such registration) and/or a cease to be a member in good standing of FINRA, you will be removed as broker-dealer of record and this Dealer Agreement will be terminated.

(a)     You will not offer Fund shares for sale in any state (a) where they are not qualified for sale under the blue sky laws and regulations of such state or (b) where you are not qualified to act as a broker/dealer. You agree to offer Fund shares only to U.S. citizens with U.S. addresses.

(b)     If you are a bank, with respect to any and all transactions in shares of the Funds pursuant to this Dealer Agreement, it is understood and agreed in each case that unless otherwise agreed to by us in writing: (i) you shall be acting solely as agent for the account of your customer; (ii) each transaction shall be initiated solely upon the order of your customer; (iii) we shall execute transactions only upon receiving instructions from you acting as agent for your customer; (iv) as between you and your customer, your customer will have full beneficial ownership of all shares; and (v) each transaction shall be for the account of your customer and not for your account.

 

   4   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

18.     Each of the parties represents and warrants that it has enacted appropriate safeguards to protect non-public customer information. If non-public personal information regarding either party’s customers or consumers is disclosed to the other party in connection with this Dealer Agreement, the party receiving such information will not disclose or use that information other than as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Dealer Agreement and in accordance with Regulation S- P.

19.     You hereby represent and certify to us that you are aware of, and in compliance with, all applicable anti-money laundering laws, regulations, rules and government guidance, including the reporting, recordkeeping and compliance requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”), its implementing regulations, and related Securities and Exchange Commission and self-regulatory organization rules and regulations. You hereby certify to us that, as required by the Patriot Act, you have a comprehensive anti-money laundering compliance program that includes: internal policies, procedures and controls for complying with the Patriot Act; a designated compliance officer or officers; an ongoing training program for appropriate employees; and an independent audit function. You also hereby certify to us that, to the extent applicable, you are in compliance with the economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), and have an OFAC compliance program that satisfies all applicable laws and regulations and sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Laws and Regulations. You represent that you have adopted a Customer Identification Program in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and will verify the identity of customers who open accounts with you and who invest in shares of the Funds. Except to the extent restricted by applicable law, you hereby agree to notify the Funds promptly whenever questionable activity or potential indications of suspicious activity or OFAC matches are detected with respect to the Funds. You hereby undertake to notify us promptly if any of the foregoing certifications cease to be true and correct for any reason. You further agree to monitor your employees’ use of web based systems used by you to access customer account information. You agree to notify us should any system ID require reassignment. You agree to remove such access as necessary. You agree that any order to purchase shares shall constitute your continued certification of the matters you have certified in this Section 19.

20.     You hereby agree that all purchases, redemptions and exchanges of shares contemplated by this Dealer Agreement shall be effected by you for your customers in accordance with each Fund’s Prospectus, including, without limitation, the collection of any redemption fees, if applicable, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. You agree that, in the event that it should come to your attention that any of your customers are engaging in a pattern of purchases, redemptions and/or exchanges of Funds that potentially violates the Funds’ frequent trading policy as described in the relevant Fund’s Prospectus, you shall immediately notify us of such pattern and shall cooperate fully with us in any investigation and, if deemed necessary or appropriate by us, terminating any such pattern of trading, including, without limitation, by refusing such customer’s orders to purchase or exchange shares of the Funds.

21.     You hereby represent that you have established and will maintain a business continuity program, in compliance with FINRA Rules 3510 and 3520, designed to ensure that you will at all times fulfill your obligations as set forth in this Dealer Agreement.

22.     You hereby agree to provide any additional material as we may reasonably request to allow us to conduct periodic due diligence reviews and to ensure compliance with this Dealer Agreement.

23.    You hereby acknowledge that each Fund and class of shares thereof may be offered and sold only in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the respective Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information, as may be amended from time to time.

24.     All communications to us should be mailed to the above address and e-mailed to [email protected]. Any notice to you shall be duly given if mailed or faxed to you at the address specified by you.

25.    This Dealer Agreement together with attached appendices shall be effective when accepted by you below and shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

26.     This Dealer Agreement together with attached appendices shall be effective as against you and your successor in interest. All obligations, representations, warranties and covenants made and belonging to you shall be enforceable against your successor in interest to the same extent that such would be enforceable against you.

 

   5   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

Your submission and our acceptance of an order for the Funds, or receipt by us of an executed copy of this Dealer Agreement from you represents your acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Dealer Agreement and its attached appendices.

 

[Name of Dealer]     Natixis Distribution, L. P.
    By: Natixis Distribution Corporation, Its General Partner
By:  

 

    By:  

 

  Authorized Signature of Dealer       Authorized Signature
Name:  

 

    Name:  

 

  (Please print name)      
Title:  

 

    Title:  

 

Address:  

 

    Address:  

888 Boylston Street

Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Date:  

 

    Date:  

 

 

   6   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

Appendix A

Natixis Distribution, L.P.

Policies and Procedures with Respect to Mutual Fund Trading

You shall establish and maintain effective internal policies and controls, including operational and system controls, with respect to the processing of orders of the funds received prior to and after the close of the New York Stock Exchange – normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (“Pricing Time”), for the purchase, redemption and exchange of shares of mutual funds, including the Funds.

For all transactions in the Funds, you shall follow all applicable rules and regulations and shall establish internal policies regarding the timely handling of orders for the purchase, redemption and exchange of shares of the Funds (“Fund Orders”) and maintain effective internal controls over the ability to distinguish and appropriately process Fund Orders received prior to and after the Fund’s Pricing Time, including operational and systems controls. Specifically, you represent as of the date of Dealer Agreement and each time that you accept a Fund Order on behalf of a Fund that:

 

•  

Your policies and procedures provide reasonable assurance that Fund Orders received by you prior to the Fund’s Pricing Time are segregated from Fund Orders received by you after the Fund’s Pricing Time and are properly transmitted to the Funds (or their agents) for execution at the current day’s net asset value (“NAV”).

 

•  

Your policies and procedures provide reasonable assurances that Fund Orders received by you after the Fund’s Pricing Time are properly transmitted to the Funds (or their agents) for execution at the next day’s NAV.

 

•  

Your policies and procedures provide reasonable assurance that transactional information is delivered to the Funds (or their agents) in a timely manner.

 

•  

You have designed procedures to provide reasonable assurance that policies with regard to the receipt and processing of Fund Orders are complied with. Such procedures either prevent or detect, on a timely basis, instances of noncompliance with the policies governing the receipt and processing of Fund Orders.

 

•  

Policies and procedures governing the timely handling of Fund Orders have been designed and implemented effectively by all third parties to whom you have designated the responsibility to distinguish and appropriately process Fund Orders received prior to and after the Fund’s Pricing Time.

To the extent we have entered into related agreements with you regarding your handling of Fund Orders, you acknowledge and agree that this appendix shall apply to your handling of all Fund Orders, whether authorized under the Dealer Agreement or any other agreement with us or our affiliates.

 

   7   
      09-17


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

Appendix B

Natixis Distribution, L.P.

Policies and Procedures with Respect to Rule 22c-2

 

I.

Shareholder Information.

1.     Agreement to Provide Information. You agree to provide to the Fund, upon written request, the taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), the Individual/International Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”), or other government- issued identifier (“GII”), if known, of any or all Shareholder(s) of each account held of record by you and the amount, date, name or other identifier of any investment professional(s) associated with the Shareholder(s) or account (if known), and transaction type (purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange) of every purchase, redemption, transfer, or exchange of Shares held through an account maintained by you during the period covered by the request.

2.     Period Covered by Request. Requests must set forth a specific period, not to exceed ninety (90) days from the date of the request, for which transaction information is sought. The Fund may request transaction information older than ninety (90) days from the date of the request as the Fund deems necessary to investigate compliance with policies established by the Fund for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding shares issued by the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to request the information set forth in Section I. (1) for each trading day and you agree, if so directed by the Fund, to provide the information.

3.     Form and Timing of Response. You agree to provide, promptly upon request of the Fund or its designee, the requested information specified in Section I. (1). If requested by the Fund or its designee, you agree to use best efforts to determine promptly whether any specific person about whom you have received identification and transaction information specified in Section I. (1) is itself a financial intermediary (“indirect intermediary”) and, upon further request of the Fund or its designee, promptly either (i) provide (or arrange to have provided) the information set forth in Section I. (1) for those shareholders who hold an account with an indirect intermediary or (ii) restrict or prohibit the indirect intermediary from purchasing, in nominee name on behalf of other persons, securities issued by the Fund. You additionally agree to inform the Fund whether you plan to perform (i) or (ii). Responses required by this paragraph must be communicated in writing and in a format mutually agreed upon by the parties. To the extent practicable, the format for any transaction information provided to the Fund should be consistent with the NSCC Standardized Data Reporting Format.

4.     Limitations on Use of Information. Fund agrees not to use the information received for marketing or any other similar purpose without your prior written consent.

5.     Agreement to Restrict Trading. You agree to execute written instructions from the Fund to restrict or prohibit further purchases or exchanges of Shares by a Shareholder that has been identified by the Fund as having engaged in transactions of the Fund’s Shares (directly or indirectly through your account) that violate policies established by the Fund for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any dilution of the value of the outstanding Shares issued by the Fund.

6.     Form of Instructions. Instructions to restrict or prohibit trading must include the TIN, ITIN, GII, if known, and the specific restriction(s) to be executed. If the TIN, ITIN, or GII is not known, the instructions must include an equivalent identifying number of the Shareholder(s) or account(s) or other agreed upon information to which the instruction relates.

7.     Timing of Response. You agree to execute instructions as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than five (5) business days after receipt of the instructions by you.

8.     Confirmation. You must provide written confirmation to the Fund that instructions have been executed. You agree to provide confirmation as soon as reasonably practicable, but not later than ten (10) business days after the instructions have been executed.

9.     Definitions. For purposes of this schedule only:

(a)    The term “Fund” includes the fund’s principal underwriter and transfer agent. The term does not include any “excepted funds” as defined in SEC Rule 22c-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.*

 

 

*

As defined in SEC Rule 22c-2(b), the term “excepted fund” means any: (1) money market fund; (2) fund that issues securities that are listed on a national securities exchange; and (3) fund that affirmatively permits short-term trading of its securities, if its prospectus clearly and prominently discloses that the fund permits short-term trading of its securities and that such trading may result in additional costs for the fund

 

   8   
      07-15


Exhibit (e)(9)

 

(b)     The term “Shares” means the interests of Shareholders corresponding to the redeemable securities of record issued by the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940 that are held by you.

(c)     The term “Shareholder” means the beneficial owner of Shares, whether the Shares are held directly or by you in nominee name.

(d)     Note that the term “Shareholder” may have alternative meanings as follows: (1) for Retirement Plan Recordkeepers the term “Shareholder” means the Plan participant notwithstanding that the Plan may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of Shares and (2) for Insurance Companies the term “Shareholder” means the holder of interests in a variable annuity or variable life insurance contract issued by an Intermediary.

(e)     The term “written” includes electronic writings and facsimile transmissions.

 

C2 - Internal Natixis    9   
      07-15

Exhibit (h)(1)(ix)

AMENDMENT

To

Transfer Agency and Service Agreement

Between

Each of the Entities Listed on Appendix A

And

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

This Amendment is made as of this 15th day of December 2020, between each of the investment companies listed below and DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”). In accordance with Section 15.1 (Amendment) and Section 16 (Additional Funds/Portfolios) of the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the parties dated October 1, 2005, as amended (the “Agreement”), the parties desire to amend the Agreement as set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.

Appendix A. The current Appendix A to the Agreement is hereby replaced and superseded with the Appendix A attached hereto, effective as of December 15, 2020; and

 

2.

All defined terms and definitions in the Agreement shall be the same in this Amendment (the “December 15, 2020 Amendment”) except as specifically revised by this Amendment; and

 

3.

Except as specifically set forth in this December 15, 2020 Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this December 15, 2020 Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first above written.

 

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST IV

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS I

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS II

GATEWAY TRUST

    DST ASSET MANAGER SOLUTIONS, INC.

By: /s/ Michael Kardok

   

By: /s/ Mike Sleightholme

Name: Michael Kardok

   

Name: Mike Sleightholme

Title: Treasurer

   

Title: Vice President

As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of

the Funds indicated on Appendix A

   


Exhibit (h)(1)(ix)

APPENDIX A

Funds and Portfolios

Effective Date: December 15, 2020

Natixis Funds Trust I, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Loomis Sayles Core Plus Bond Fund

Mirova Global Green Bond Fund

Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund

Natixis Oakmark International Fund

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

Natixis Funds Trust II, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund

AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund

AlphaSimplex Multi-Asset Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Senior Floating Rate and Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Alpha Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Natixis Oakmark Fund

Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap Fund

Vaughn Nelson Select Fund

Natixis Funds Trust IV, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

AEW Global Focused Real Estate Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2015 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2020 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2025 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2030 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2035 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2040 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2045 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2050 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2055 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2060 Fund

Loomis Sayles Funds I, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Loomis Sayles Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Opportunities Fund

Loomis Sayles Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Loomis Sayles Institutional High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Duration Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Securitized Asset Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund

 

A-1


Exhibit (h)(1)(ix)

APPENDIX A

Funds and Portfolios

Effective Date: December 15, 2020

 

Loomis Sayles Funds II, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Loomis Sayles Credit Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Allocation Fund

Loomis Sayles Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles International Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Limited Term Government and Agency Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Income Fund

Gateway Trust, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Gateway Equity Call Premium Fund

Gateway Fund

 

A-2

Exhibit (h)(3)(viii)

 

December 14, 2020    

Natixis Funds Trust I

888 Boylston Street, Suite 800

Boston, MA 02199-8197

 

Re:

Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Mirova US LLC (“Mirova US”) notifies you that it will waive its management fee and, to the extent necessary, reimburse certain expenses of the Fund listed below through April 30, 2022 in order to limit the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses, exclusive of acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes, and organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses, to the following annual rates:

 

December 15, 2020 through April 30, 2022:
Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund1    1.05% for Class A shares
   1.80% for Class C shares
   0.75% for Class N shares
   0.80% for Class Y shares

 

1

Natixis Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”) will bear a portion of the waiver/reimbursement. The Natixis Advisors portion of the waiver/reimbursement will be equal to the ratio of the Natixis Advisors Support Services Fee divided by the management fee earned by Mirova US.

With respect to the Fund, subject to applicable legal requirements, Mirova US shall be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, management fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed subsequent to the effective date of this undertaking in later periods to the extent that a class’ total annual fund operating expenses fall below the applicable expense limitation for each class; provided, however, that the Fund is not obligated to repay any such waived/reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fee/expense was waived/reimbursed.

During the period covered by this undertaking, the expense cap arrangement set forth above for the Fund may only be modified by a majority vote of the “non-interested” Trustees of the Trust.

For purposes of determining any such waiver or expense reimbursement, expenses shall not reflect the application of balance credits made available by the Fund’s custodian or arrangements under which broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions for the Fund agree to bear some portion of the Fund’s expenses.

We understand and intend that you will rely on this undertaking in preparing and filing the Registration Statements on Form N-1A for the above referenced Fund with the Securities and

 

1


Exhibit (h)(3)(viii)

 

Exchange Commission, in accruing the Fund’s expenses for purposes of calculating its net asset value per share and for other purposes permitted under Form N-1A and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and expressly permit you to do so.

 

Mirova US LLC
By:  

/s/ Jens Peers

Name:   Jens Peers
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

2

Exhibit (h)(3)(ix)

 

December 3, 2020

Natixis Funds Trust I

Natixis Funds Trust II

Natixis Funds Trust IV

Loomis Sayles Funds I

Loomis Sayles Funds II

Gateway Trust

888 Boylston Street, Suite 800

Boston, MA 02199-8197

 

Re:

Reimbursement of Class N Transfer Agency Fees

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Natixis Advisors, L.P. notifies you that it will reimburse any and all transfer agency expenses for Class N shares for the following Funds during the periods indicated below:

 

Fund Name

  Period Covered

AEW Global Focused Real Estate Fund

  June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022

AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Gateway Equity Call Premium Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Loomis Sayles Credit Income Fund

  September 29, 2020 – January 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles Global Growth Fund

  April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles High Income Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Loomis Sayles International Growth Fund

  December 15, 2020 – April 30, 2022

Loomis Sayles Inflation Protected Securities Fund

  February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Duration Bond Fund

  February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles Limited Term Government and Agency Fund

  February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles Senior Floating Rate and Fixed Income Fund

  April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

  February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Mirova Global Green Bond Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund

  December 15, 2020 – April 30, 2022

Natixis Oakmark Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Natixis Oakmark International Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

Vaughan Nelson Select Fund

  April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

  May 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022

During the periods covered by this agreement, the expense reimbursement arrangement set forth above for each of the Funds may only be modified by a majority vote of the “non-interested” Trustees of the Trust affected.

We understand and intend that you will rely on this undertaking in preparing and filing the Registration Statements on Form N-1A for the Funds with the Securities and Exchange


Commission, in accruing the Funds’ expenses for purposes of calculating each Fund’s net asset value per share, and for other purposes permitted under Form N-1A and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and expressly permit you to do so.

 

Natixis Advisors, L.P.
By:   Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Russell Kane

  Russell Kane
  Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk

Exhibit (h)(3)(x)

December 14, 2020

Natixis Funds Trust I

Loomis Sayles Funds I

888 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199

 

Re:

Reimbursement of Class N Transfer Agency Fees

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Natixis Advisors, L.P. notifies you that it will reimburse the Class N shares of the following Funds for any and all transfer agency expenses attributable to accounts admitted to Class N via a prospectus provision that allows Natixis Distribution, L.P., at its sole discretion, to waive the investment minimum for accounts as to which the relevant financial intermediary has provided assurances, in writing, that the accounts will be held in omnibus fashion beginning no more than two years following the establishment date of such accounts in Class N. Such reimbursement will be in effect during the period December 15, 2020 to April 30, 2022.

 

Fund Name

Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund
Loomis Sayles International Growth Fund

During the period covered by this agreement, the expense reimbursement arrangement set forth above may only be modified by a majority vote of the “non-interested” Trustees of the Trust affected.

We understand and intend that you will rely on this undertaking in preparing and filing the Registration Statement on Form N-1A for the Funds with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in accruing the Funds’ expenses for purposes of calculating the Funds’ net asset value per share, and for other purposes permitted under Form N-1A and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and expressly permit you to do so.

 

Natixis Advisors, L.P.
By Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Russell Kane

Name:   Russell Kane
Title:   Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk

Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxviii)

THIRTY-SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Amendment made as of September 11, 2020, by and between Natixis Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”), Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Loomis Sayles Funds I, Loomis Sayles Funds II, Gateway Trust, Natixis ETF Trust and Natixis ETF Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”).

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts are parties to an Administrative Services Agreement dated January 3, 2005, as amended November 1, 2005, January 1, 2006, July 1, 2007, September 17, 2007, February 1, 2008, February 19, 2008, July 1, 2008, September 29, 2008, October 31, 2008, January 9, 2009, July 27, 2009, February 25, 2010, July 1, 2010, September 21, 2010, December 14, 2010, July 1, 2011, September 16, 2011, March 28, 2012, June 29, 2012, November 16, 2012, September 26, 2013, February 10, 2014, July 1, 2014, July 10, 2014, September 30, 2014, December 1, 2014, June 30, 2015, November 30, 2015, March 31, 2016, October 14, 2016, November 30, 2016, February 28, 2017, December 26, 2017, July 1, 2018, December 28, 2018 and July 1, 2019 (together with the amendments, the “Agreement”), governing the terms and conditions under which Natixis Advisors provides certain administrative services to the series of the Trusts;

WHEREAS, Natixis ETF Trust II, a Massachusetts business trust, is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

WHEREAS, Natixis ETF Trust II desires to employ Natixis Advisors to provide certain administrative services to Natixis ETF Trust II in the manner and on the terms set forth in the Agreement and Natixis Advisors wishes to perform such services; and

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and Natixis ETF Trust II desire to amend Schedule A of the Agreement to reflect the addition of Natixis ETF Trust II.

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and Natixis ETF Trust II desire to amend Schedule B of the Agreement to reflect the addition of Proxy Portfolio Services.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained herein, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

A new Trust, the Natixis ETF Trust II, shall be added to this Agreement.

 

  2.

Schedule A of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule A attached hereto.


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxviii)

 

  3.

Schedule B of the Agreement is amended to include the following Proxy Portfolio Services:

 

  86.

calculate or oversee the calculation of the daily portfolio transparency substitute (the “Proxy Portfolio”) for each Fund that is a series of Natixis ETF Trust II (each a “Non-Transparent ETF”) in accordance with the Trust’s exemptive order from the SEC;

 

  87.

review and oversee the calculation of the daily overlap between the holdings of the Proxy Portfolio and the holdings of the Non-Transparent ETF’s actual portfolio (the “Proxy Overlap”);

 

  88.

enter into any agreements necessary to license the methodology and/or data required to calculate the daily Proxy Portfolio for each Non-Transparent ETF;

 

  89.

maintain a website for the Non-Transparent ETFs and publish on such website the daily Proxy Portfolio, daily Proxy Overlap and any other information required by the Trust’s exemptive order from the SEC.

 

  4.

This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxviii)

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed as a sealed instrument in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above written.

 

NATIXIS ADVISORS, L.P.
By Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ David L. Giunta

  David L. Giunta, President and Chief Executive Officer

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST IV

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS I

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS II

GATEWAY TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST II

 

By:  

/s/ Michael C. Kardok

  Michael C. Kardok, Treasurer


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxviii)

 

Schedule A

Trust Portfolios

As of: September 11, 2020

 

Natixis Funds Trust I

Loomis Sayles Core Plus Bond Fund

Mirova Global Green Bond Fund

Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund

Natixis Oakmark International Fund

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

Natixis Funds Trust II

AlphaSimplex Multi-Asset Fund

AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund

AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund

AlphaSimplex Tactical U.S. Market Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Senior Floating Rate and Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Alpha Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Natixis Oakmark Fund

Vaughan Nelson Select Fund

Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap Fund

Natixis Funds Trust IV

AEW Global Focused Real Estate Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2015 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2020 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2025 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2030 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2035 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2040 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2045 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2050 Fund
Natixis Sustainable Future 2055 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2060 Fund


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxviii)

 

Loomis Sayles Funds I

Loomis Sayles Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Opportunities Fund

Loomis Sayles Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Loomis Sayles Institutional High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Duration Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Securitized Asset Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund

Loomis Sayles Funds II

Loomis Sayles Global Allocation Fund

Loomis Sayles Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Limited Term Government and Agency Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Income Fund

Gateway Trust

Gateway Equity Call Premium Fund

Gateway Fund

Natixis ETF Trust

Natixis Seeyond International Minimum Volatility ETF

Natixis Loomis Sayles Short Duration Income ETF

Natixis ETF Trust II

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap ETF

Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxix)

THIRTY-EIGTH AMENDMENT TO

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Amendment made as of September 29, 2020, by and between Natixis Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”), Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Loomis Sayles Funds I, Loomis Sayles Funds II, Gateway Trust, Natixis ETF Trust and Natixis ETF Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”).

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts are parties to an Administrative Services Agreement dated January 3, 2005, as amended November 1, 2005, January 1, 2006, July 1, 2007, September 17, 2007, February 1, 2008, February 19, 2008, July 1, 2008, September 29, 2008, October 31, 2008, January 9, 2009, July 27, 2009, February 25, 2010, July 1, 2010, September 21, 2010, December 14, 2010, July 1, 2011, September 16, 2011, March 28, 2012, June 29, 2012, November 16, 2012, September 26, 2013, February 10, 2014, July 1, 2014, July 10, 2014, September 30, 2014, December 1, 2014, June 30, 2015, November 30, 2015, March 31, 2016, October 14, 2016, November 30, 2016, February 28, 2017, December 26, 2017, July 1, 2018, December 28, 2018, July 1, 2019 and September 3, 2020 (together with the amendments, the “Agreement”), governing the terms and conditions under which Natixis Advisors provides certain administrative services to the series of the Trusts;

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts desire to amend Schedule A of the Agreement to reflect changes in Trust Portfolios;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained herein, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Schedule A of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule A attached hereto.

 

2.

Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and provisions of the Agreement shall continue to apply with full force and effect.

 

3.

This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxix)

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed as a sealed instrument in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above written.

 

NATIXIS ADVISORS, L.P.
By Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ David L. Giunta

  David L. Giunta
  President and Chief Executive Officer

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST IV

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS I

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS II

GATEWAY TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST II

 

By:

 

/s/ Michael C. Kardok

  Michael C. Kardok
  Treasurer


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxix)

 

Schedule A

Trust Portfolios

As of: September 29, 2020

 

Natixis Funds Trust I

Loomis Sayles Core Plus Bond Fund

Mirova Global Green Bond Fund

Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund

Natixis Oakmark International Fund

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

Natixis Funds Trust II

AlphaSimplex Multi-Asset Fund

AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund

AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund

AlphaSimplex Tactical U.S. Market Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Senior Floating Rate and Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Alpha Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Natixis Oakmark Fund

Vaughan Nelson Select Fund

Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap Fund

Natixis Funds Trust IV

AEW Global Focused Real Estate Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2015 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2020 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2025 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2030 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2035 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2040 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2045 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2050 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2055 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2060 Fund


Exhibit (h)(4)(xxxix)

 

Loomis Sayles Funds I

Loomis Sayles Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Opportunities Fund

Loomis Sayles Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Loomis Sayles Institutional High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Duration Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Securitized Asset Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund

Loomis Sayles Funds II

Loomis Sayles Credit Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Allocation Fund

Loomis Sayles Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Limited Term Government and Agency Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Income Fund

Gateway Trust

Gateway Equity Call Premium Fund

Gateway Fund

Natixis ETF Trust

Natixis Seeyond International Minimum Volatility ETF

Natixis Loomis Sayles Short Duration Income ETF

Natixis ETF Trust II

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap ETF

Exhibit (h)(4)(xl)

THIRTY-NINTH AMENDMENT TO

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Amendment made as of December 15, 2020, by and between Natixis Advisors, L.P. (“Natixis Advisors”), Natixis Funds Trust I, Natixis Funds Trust II, Natixis Funds Trust IV, Loomis Sayles Funds I, Loomis Sayles Funds II, Gateway Trust, Natixis ETF Trust and Natixis ETF Trust II (collectively, the “Trusts”).

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts are parties to an Administrative Services Agreement dated January 3, 2005, as amended November 1, 2005, January 1, 2006, July 1, 2007, September 17, 2007, February 1, 2008, February 19, 2008, July 1, 2008, September 29, 2008, October 31, 2008, January 9, 2009, July 27, 2009, February 25, 2010, July 1, 2010, September 21, 2010, December 14, 2010, July 1, 2011, September 16, 2011, March 28, 2012, June 29, 2012, November 16, 2012, September 26, 2013, February 10, 2014, July 1, 2014, July 10, 2014, September 30, 2014, December 1, 2014, June 30, 2015, November 30, 2015, March 31, 2016, October 14, 2016, November 30, 2016, February 28, 2017, December 26, 2017, July 1, 2018, December 28, 2018, July 1, 2019, September 3, 2020 and September 29, 2020 (together with the amendments, the “Agreement”), governing the terms and conditions under which Natixis Advisors provides certain administrative services to the series of the Trusts;

WHEREAS, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts desire to amend Schedule A of the Agreement to reflect changes in Trust Portfolios;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained herein, Natixis Advisors and the Trusts hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Schedule A of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Schedule A attached hereto.

 

2.

Except as specifically superseded or modified herein, the terms and provisions of the Agreement shall continue to apply with full force and effect.

 

3.

This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


Exhibit (h)(4)(xl)

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be executed as a sealed instrument in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above written.

 

NATIXIS ADVISORS, L.P.
By Natixis Distribution Corporation, its general partner
By:  

/s/ David L. Giunta

  David L. Giunta
  President and Chief Executive Officer

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST I

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II

NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST IV

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS I

LOOMIS SAYLES FUNDS II

GATEWAY TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST

NATIXIS ETF TRUST II

 

By:  

/s/ Michael C. Kardok

  Michael C. Kardok
  Treasurer


Exhibit (h)(4)(xl)

 

Schedule A

Trust Portfolios

As of: December 15, 2020

 

Natixis Funds Trust I

Loomis Sayles Core Plus Bond Fund

Mirova Global Green Bond Fund

Mirova Global Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova International Sustainable Equity Fund

Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund

Natixis Oakmark International Fund

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities Fund

Vaughan Nelson Small Cap Value Fund

Natixis Funds Trust II

AlphaSimplex Multi-Asset Fund

AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund

AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Senior Floating Rate and Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Alpha Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund

Natixis Oakmark Fund

Vaughan Nelson Select Fund

Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap Fund

Natixis Funds Trust IV

AEW Global Focused Real Estate Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2015 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2020 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2025 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2030 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2035 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2040 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2045 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2050 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2055 Fund

Natixis Sustainable Future 2060 Fund


Exhibit (h)(4)(xl)

 

Loomis Sayles Funds I

Loomis Sayles Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Opportunities Fund

Loomis Sayles Inflation Protected Securities Fund

Loomis Sayles Institutional High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Intermediate Duration Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Securitized Asset Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Value Fund

Loomis Sayles Funds II

Loomis Sayles Credit Income Fund

Loomis Sayles Global Allocation Fund

Loomis Sayles Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles High Income Fund

Loomis Sayles International Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Investment Grade Bond Fund

Loomis Sayles Limited Term Government and Agency Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund

Loomis Sayles Strategic Income Fund

Gateway Trust

Gateway Equity Call Premium Fund

Gateway Fund

Natixis ETF Trust

Natixis Seeyond International Minimum Volatility ETF

Natixis Loomis Sayles Short Duration Income ETF

Natixis ETF Trust II

Natixis U.S. Equity Opportunities ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap ETF

LOGO   

ROPES & GRAY LLP

PRUDENTIAL TOWER

800 BOYLSTON STREET

BOSTON, MA 02199-3600

WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM

      Exhibit (i)(7)

December 11, 2020

Natixis Funds Trust I

888 Boylston Street. Suite 800

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are counsel to Natixis Funds Trust I (the “Trust”). You have informed us that you propose to register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and to offer and to sell from time to time shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) of Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the Trust.

We have examined the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended to date, on file at the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Declaration of Trust”) and the Trust’s By-Laws and are familiar with the actions taken by the Trust’s trustees in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares. We have also examined such other documents as we deem necessary for the purpose of this opinion.

We assume that upon the issuance and sale of the Shares, the Trust will receive the net asset value thereof.

Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

1. The Trust is a duly organized and validly existing unincorporated association under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of its shares of beneficial interest.

2. Upon the original issue and sale of any such authorized but unissued Shares, the Shares so issued will be validly issued, fully paid and, except as noted in the paragraph below, nonassessable by the Trust.

The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for obligations of any note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking made or issued on


Exhibit (i)(7)

 

behalf of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each such instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or its trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder of the Fund held personally liable solely by reason of his or her being or having been such a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations.

We understand that this opinion is to be used in connection with the registration of an indefinite number of Shares of the Fund for offering and sale pursuant to the Act. We consent to the filing of this opinion with and as part of your registration statement on Form N-1A relating to such offering and sale.

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP

 

- 2 -

Exhibit (m)(9)(a)

MIROVA U.S. SUSTAINABLE EQUITY FUND

Class A 12b-1 Plan

This Plan (the “Plan”) constitutes the Service Plan relating to the Class A shares of Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund (the “Series”), a series of Natixis Funds Trust I, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”).

Section 1. The Trust, on behalf of the Series, will pay to Natixis Distribution, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which acts as the Principal Distributor of the Series’ shares, or such other entity as shall from time to time act as the Principal Distributor of the Series’ shares (the “Distributor”), a fee (the “Service Fee”) for expenses borne by the Distributor in connection with the provision of personal services provided to investors in Class A shares of the Series or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the Series’ average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares. Subject to such limit and subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, the Service Fee shall be as approved from time to time by (a) the Trustees of the Trust and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Service Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Trustees shall determine. All payments of Service Fees are intended to qualify as “service fees” as defined in Rule 2830(b)(9) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (or any successor provision) Conduct Rules as in effect from time to time.

Section 2. The Service Fee may be paid only to reimburse the Distributor for expenses of providing personal services to investors in Class A shares of the Series, including, but not limited to, (i) expenses (including overhead expenses) of the Distributor for providing personal services to investors in Class A shares of the Series or in connection with the maintenance of shareholder accounts and (ii) payments made by the Distributor to any securities dealer or other organization (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) with which the Distributor has entered into a written agreement for this purpose, for providing personal services to investors in Class A shares of the Series or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, which payments to any such organization may be in amounts in excess of the cost incurred by such organization in connection therewith.

Section 3. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of the majority (or whatever other percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) or the rules and regulations thereunder) of both (a) the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.

Section 4. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

Section 5. This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Series.

 

-1-


Exhibit (m)(9)(a)

 

Section 6. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide:

A.    That such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Series, on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the agreement; and

B.    That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

Section 7. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of expenses permitted pursuant to Section 1 hereof without approval by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Series, and all material amendments of this Plan shall be approved in the manner provided for continuation of this Plan in Section 3.

Section 8. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Independent Trustees” shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the term “majority of the outstanding Class A shares of the Series” shall mean the lesser of the 67% or the 50% voting requirements specified in clauses (A) and (B), respectively, of the third sentence of Section 2(a)(42) of the Act, all subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

-2-

Exhibit (m)(9)(b)

MIROVA U.S. SUSTAINABLE EQUITY FUND

Class C Distribution and Service Plan

This Plan (the “Plan”) constitutes the Distribution and Service Plan relating to the Class C shares of Mirova U.S. Sustainable Equity Fund (the “Series”), a series of Natixis Funds Trust I, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”).

Section 1. Service Fee. The Trust, on behalf of the Series, will pay to Natixis Distribution, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which acts as the Principal Distributor of the Series’ shares, or such other entity as shall from time to time act as the Principal Distributor of the Series’ shares (the “Distributor”), a fee (the “Service Fee”) at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the Series’ average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares. Subject to such limit and subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, the Service Fee shall be as approved from time to time by (a) the Trustees of the Trust and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust (as defined in Section 8 below); provided, however, that no Service Fee or other fee that is a “service fee” as defined in Rule 2830(b)(9) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (or any successor provision thereto) Conduct Rules as in effect from time to time (the “FINRA Rule”) shall be paid, with respect to Class C shares of the Series, to Natixis Distribution, L.P (or to any affiliate of Natixis Distribution, L.P, or to any other person in circumstances where substantially all of the services and functions relating to the distribution of Class C shares of the Series have been delegated to, or are being performed by, Natixis Distribution, L.P or an affiliate of Natixis Distribution, L.P), under this Plan or otherwise, if the Distribution Fee is terminated or is reduced below the rate set forth in Section 2. The Service Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Trustees shall determine. The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the Service Fee to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as service fees pursuant to agreements with such organizations for providing personal services to investors in Class C shares of the Series and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, and may retain all or any portion of the Service Fee as compensation for providing personal services to investors in Class C shares of the Series and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. All payments under this Section 1 are intended to qualify as “service fees” as defined in the FINRA Rule.

Section 2. Distribution Fee. In addition to the Service Fee, the Trust, on behalf of the Series, will pay to the Distributor a fee (the “Distribution Fee”) at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Series’ average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares (unless reduced as contemplated by and permitted pursuant to the next sentence hereof) in consideration of the services rendered in connection with the sale of such shares by the Distributor. The Trust will not terminate the Distribution Fee in respect of Series assets attributable to Class C shares, or pay such fee at an annual rate of less than 0.75% of the Series’ average daily net assets attributable to the Class C shares, unless it has ceased, and not resumed, paying the Service Fee (or any other fee that constitutes a “service fee” as defined in the FINRA Rule) to Natixis Distribution, L.P (or to any affiliate of Natixis Distribution, L.P, or to any other person in circumstances where substantially all of the services and functions relating to the distribution of Class C shares of the Series have been delegated to, or are being performed by, Natixis Distribution, L.P or an affiliate of Natixis Distribution, L.P). Subject to such restriction and subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof, the Distribution Fee shall be as approved from time to time by (a) the Trustees of the Trust and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Distribution Fee shall be accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Trustees shall determine.

 

-1-


Exhibit (m)(9)(b)

 

The obligation of the Series to pay the Distribution Fee shall terminate upon the termination of this Plan or the relevant distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust relating to the Series, in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof, but until any such termination shall not be subject to any dispute, offset, counterclaim or defense whatsoever (it being understood that nothing in this sentence shall be deemed a waiver by the Trust or the Series of its right separately to pursue any claims it may have against the Distributor and enforce such claims against any assets of the Distributor (other than its right to be paid the Distribution Fee and to be paid contingent deferred sales charges)).

The right of Natixis Distribution, L.P to receive the Distribution Fee (but not the relevant distribution agreement or Natixis Distribution, L.P’s obligations thereunder) may be transferred by Natixis Distribution, L.P in order to raise funds which may be useful or necessary to perform its duties as principal underwriter, and any such transfer shall be effective upon written notice from Natixis Distribution, L.P to the Trust. In connection with the foregoing, the Series is authorized to pay all or part of the Distribution Fee directly to such transferee as directed by Natixis Distribution, L.P.

The Distributor may pay all or any portion of the Distribution Fee to securities dealers or other organizations (including, but not limited to, any affiliate of the Distributor) as commissions, asset-based sales charges or other compensation with respect to the sale of Class C shares of the Series, and may retain all or any portion of the Distribution Fee as compensation for the Distributor’s services as principal underwriter of the Class C shares of the Series. All payments under this Section 2 are intended to qualify as “asset-based sales charges” as defined in the FINRA Rule.

Section 3. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by votes of the majority (or whatever other percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) or the rules and regulations thereunder) of both (a) the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) the Independent Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan.

Section 4. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Trust pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Trustees of the Trust, and the Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

Section 5. This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C shares of the Series.

 

-2-


Exhibit (m)(9)(b)

 

Section 6. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide:

 

  A.

That such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C shares of the Series, on not more than 60 days’ written notice to any other party to the agreement; and

 

  B.

That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

Section 7. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of expenses permitted pursuant to Sections 1 or 2 hereof without approval by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Class C shares of the Series, and all material amendments of this Plan shall be approved in the manner provided for continuation of this Plan in Section 3.

Section 8. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Independent Trustees” shall mean those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and the term “majority of the outstanding Class C shares of the Series” shall mean the lesser of the 67% or the 50% voting requirements specified in clauses (A) and (B), respectively, of the third sentence of Section 2(a)(42) of the Act, all subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

-3-

Exhibit (o)(5)

Harris Associates L.P., Harris Associates Securities L.P. and Harris Associates Investment Trust Code of Ethics and Statement on Insider Trading

As Amended, Effective as of September 30, 2020

 

I.

DEFINITIONS

 

  A.

Firm or Harris. The term “Firm” or “Harris” shall include Harris Associates L.P. (“HALP”) and Harris Associates Securities L.P. (“HASLP”).

 

  B.

Trust. The term “Trust” shall mean Harris Associates Investment Trust, including any series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (each, a “Fund”).

 

  C.

Employee. The term “Employee” shall include any person employed by the Firm, whether on a full or part-time basis and all partners, officers, shareholders and directors (other than Non-Access Directors (as defined below)) of the Firm.

 

  D.

Access Person. The term “Access Person” shall have the meanings set forth in Section 17j-1(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder (the “Act”) and Section 204A-1(e)(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”).

Accordingly, Access Person includes any director, officer, partner (or managing member) or Advisory Person (as defined below) of the Trust or HALP, and any director, officer or partner of the Trust, HALP or HASLP who has access to nonpublic information regarding any Client’s purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund or who is involved in making securities recommendations to a Client, or who has access to such recommendations that are non-public, but shall not include (1) any trustee of the Trust who is not an “interested person” of the Trust1; (2) any trustee of the Trust who is designated an “interested person”, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, but who is not a director, officer, general partner or Advisory Person of HALP, HASLP or Harris Associates, Inc.; and (3) any Non-Access Director.

 

  E.

Advisory Person. The term “Advisory Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17j-1(a)(2) of the Act. Accordingly, Advisory Person includes any Employee of the Firm, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities (as defined below) by a Client (as defined below), or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to purchases and sales, and any natural person in a control relationship to a Fund or HALP who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund. For the purpose of this Code, each Employee of the Firm with an office at the Firm’s principal place of

 

1 

Independent trustees of the Trust are subject to a separate code of ethics.

 

1


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  business shall be deemed to be an Advisory Person. In addition, the term “Advisory Person” shall include any contractor, consultant, temporary employee or intern (or similar person) engaged by the Firm or employed by the Trust who is designated as an Advisory Person by the Chief Compliance Officer2 as a result of such person’s access to information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities.

 

  F.

Persons Subject to this Code. Each Employee, Access Person and such other individuals as are specifically identified in writing by the Trust’s or HALP’s Chief Compliance Officer as being subject to this Code will be subject to this Code. Non-Access Directors are subject to the following provisions of this Code: II.A, II.B, II.C.i., II.J, and III (except for III.B.3 and the last sentence of III.B.4).

 

  G.

Covered Security. The term “Covered Security” shall have the same meaning as “security” that is set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Act,3 including any right to acquire such security, except that it shall not include securities which are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments (including repurchase agreements), and shares issued by open-end investment companies other than Reportable Funds and ETFs (defined below).

Securities which are direct obligations of the national government of any country other than the United States shall be treated as Covered Securities for reporting purposes only (“Reportable Government Bonds”).

All exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and Reportable Funds, whether registered as open-end management companies or unit investment trusts, shall be treated as Covered Securities for reporting purposes only. Derivative instruments where the reference asset(s) is a broad-based securities index or an ETF shall be treated as Covered Securities for reporting purposes only.

Digital currency shall be treated as Covered Securities when and only when they are to be purchased in an initial offering. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the holding of digital currency nor secondary trading in digital currency implicates this Code.4 Derivative instruments where the reference asset(s) is a digital currency shall be treated as Covered Securities for reporting purposes only.

 

2 

The Chief Compliance Officer may delegate any responsibilities assigned to him or her hereunder to one or more delegates.

3

Sec. 2(a)(36) “Security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre- organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any of the foregoing.

4 

Given the evolving regulatory environment around digital currency generally, Persons Subject to this Code should contact the Compliance Department before trading in digital currency if they are unsure about how such trading is treated under this Code.

 

2


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  H.

Reportable Fund. The term “Reportable Fund” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 204A-1(e)(9) of the Advisers Act. Reportable Fund means any investment company registered under the Act that is advised or sub-advised or distributed by the Firm or any entity that controls HALP, that is controlled by HALP or that is under common control with HALP (e.g. Natixis Asset Management Advisers, Loomis Sayles) other than money market funds. A current list of Reportable Funds is maintained on the Compliance page of the Firm’s intranet site.

 

  I.

Beneficial Interest or Ownership. The term “beneficial interest or ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder, which includes any interest in which a person, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest.

A pecuniary interest is the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from any transaction.

You will be presumed, unless such presumption is determined to have been rebutted by the Firm’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer (or their designee(s)), to have a pecuniary interest, and therefore, beneficial interest or ownership, in all securities held by you or by a member of your “immediate family” (which shall include any of your children, stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, siblings, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, or sisters-in-law and your spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and shall include adoptive relationships) with whom you share the same household and in all accounts through which any such person or you obtain the substantial equivalent of ownership, such as trusts in which he or she is a trustee or beneficiary, partnerships in which he or she is the general partner, corporations in which he or she is a controlling shareholder or any other similar arrangement. For these purposes, the term “spouse” includes any live-in/domestic partner who shares your household and who combines his or her financial resources with you in a manner similar to that of married persons.

Any questions an Employee may have about whether an interest in a security or an account constitutes beneficial interest or ownership should be directed to the Firm’s General Counsel or Compliance Department. Non-exhaustive examples of beneficial interest or ownership are attached as Appendix A.

Note: if an Access Person is authorized to trade in a brokerage account where there is no beneficial interest to the Access Person (e.g., trading in a person’s account (related or not) who does not reside with the Access Person), please contact the Firm’s General Counsel or Compliance Department for further guidance and disclosure. Depending on what is traded in these accounts, certain transactions can appear to bypass the restrictions of the Code of Ethics and present potential conflicts of interest.

 

  J.

Client. The term “Client” shall mean any client of HALP, including any Fund.

 

3


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  K.

Non-Access Director. The term “Non-Access Director” shall mean any person who is a Director of Harris Associates, Inc., the corporate general partner of HALP and HASLP, but who is not an officer or employee of any of HALP, HASLP or Harris Associates, Inc. and who meets all of the following conditions:

 

  i.

He or she, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, does not make, participate in or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a registered investment company, and whose functions do not relate to the making of recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales;

 

  ii.

He or she does not have access to nonpublic information regarding any Client’s purchases or sales of securities (other than information contained in standard account statements or reports that the Firm may furnish to such person in his or her capacity as a Client), or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund; and

 

  iii.

He or she is not involved in making securities recommendations to Clients, and does not have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic (other than information contained in standard account statements or reports that the Firm may furnish to such person in his or her capacity as a Client).

 

  L.

Discretionary Accounts. The term “Discretionary Account” shall mean any account in which you have a beneficial interest or ownership, but over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control. You may be deemed to have direct or indirect influence or control over an account if your adviser consults you, or seeks your input, regarding potential or current investments in the account or if you suggest investments to the individual or institution with influence or control.

Persons Subject to this Code should obtain the written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer regarding a Discretionary Account before relying on the reporting and other exceptions provided herein for the Discretionary Account.

Exceptions: Notwithstanding the above, a “Discretionary Account” shall not include any account in which a Person Subject to this Code has delegated investment discretion to any other Person(s) Subject to this Code.

Assessment of Discretionary Accounts: The Chief Compliance Officer may make inquiries to a Person Subject to this Code and/or such person’s investment professional at any time (including before or after any approval of the Discretionary Account has been provided) in its assessment of whether an account should be treated as, or remains, a Discretionary Account. In doing so, the Chief Compliance Officer may request such person and/or such person’s adviser to certify that such person has no direct or indirect influence or control over the account. Such person shall respond to, or, as requested, arrange for such person’s adviser to respond to, any such inquiries and shall make, or, as requested, arrange for such person’s adviser to make, any such certifications.

 

4


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

II.

CODE OF ETHICS

 

  A.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Harris seeks to foster a reputation for integrity and professionalism. That reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in us by Clients is something that is highly valued and must be protected. The Firm owes a fiduciary duty to its Clients, and the fundamental principle of the Firm is that the Firm should not inappropriately put its interests ahead of its Clients.

The Investment Company Act and rules make it illegal for any person covered by the Code, directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of a security held or to be acquired by a registered investment company that is advised or sub-advised by the Firm (a “RIC”) to:

i.) employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud a RIC;

ii.) make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or in any way mislead a RIC regarding a material fact;

iii.) engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a RIC; or

iv.) engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a RIC.

The restrictions on personal securities transactions contained in this Code are intended to help the Firm monitor for compliance with these prohibitions. To attempt to ensure that each Person Subject to this Code satisfies this Code and the Firm satisfies the relevant record keeping obligations, the Firm has developed the following rules relating to personal securities trading, outside employment, personal investments with external investment managers and confidentiality.

The General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, acting in concert, have the authority to grant written waivers of the provisions of this Code in instances they determine appropriate in their discretion.5

The Firm expects all Persons Subject to this Code to comply with the spirit of the Code as well as the specific rules contained in the Code. Any violations of the Code must be reported promptly to the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer.

 

5 

In performing their various responsibilities under this Code, the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and others assigned powers and/or duties under this Code may consult with the Firm’s President to the extent they deem necessary or desirable.

 

5


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  B.

COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS

More generally, Persons Subject to this Code are required to comply with applicable federal securities laws at all times. Examples of applicable federal securities laws include:

 

  i.)

the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules thereunder;

 

  ii.)

the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and SEC rules thereunder;

 

  iii.)

the Investment Company Act of 1940 and SEC rules thereunder;

 

  iv.)

Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (privacy and security of client non-public information); and

 

  v.)

the Bank Secrecy Act, as it applies to mutual funds and investment advisers, and SEC and Department of the Treasury rules thereunder.

 

  C.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING

It is desirable for Persons Subject to this Code to avoid a transaction in any Covered Security which is also the subject of a Client portfolio purchase or sale if that transaction would be to the disadvantage of that Client. To seek to effect that result, the following specific restrictions apply to all trading activity in Covered Securities and Corporate Bonds in accounts in which a Person Subject to this Code has a beneficial interest or ownership other than Discretionary Accounts:

 

  i.)

Any transaction in a Covered Security in anticipation of Client orders (“frontrunning”) is prohibited;

 

  ii.)

Any transaction in a Covered Security which is the subject of approval by one of the Firm’s stock selection groups for addition to an approved list is prohibited until the tenth business day following the dissemination of that recommendation, or any longer period specified in this Code;

 

  iii.)

Any transaction in a Covered Security which the Person Subject to this Code knows or has reason to believe is being purchased or sold or considered for purchase or sale6 by the Firm on behalf of any Client is prohibited until, subject to extension under II.E., the transaction by such Client has been completed or consideration of such transaction has been abandoned;

 

  iv.)

Any transaction in a security within two business days after any Client has a pending or actual transaction is prohibited. Additionally, if an Access Person places an order for a security prior to a Portfolio Manager or Fund Manager placing a Client order for the same security that day, the Access Person’s order may be cancelled if practicable after notice and if, in the judgment of the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer, such cancellation will prevent Client harm;

 

6 

A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” when the earlier of, a recommendation to purchase or sell has been made and communicated to SSG or the security is placed on the research project list and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.

 

6


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  v.)

Any transaction in derivative instruments that are Covered Securities other than where the reference asset(s) (i) includes only one or more equity securities with a de minimis market capitalization7, (ii) is a broad-based securities index or an ETF or (iii) is a digital currency (together “Permissible Derivative Investments”);

 

  vi.)

The purchase of any Covered Security in an initial public offering;

 

  vii.)

Any transaction in Corporate Bonds8; and

 

  viii.)

Such other transactions in Covered Securities as the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel shall determine in each of their discretion from time to time to effect the purposes of this Code of Ethics.

Additionally, no Person Subject to this Code shall knowingly sell to or purchase from the Funds any security or other property except, in the case of the Funds, securities issued by the Funds. Neither shall the Firm nor any Person Subject to this Code share in the profits or losses in any account of a Client carried by the Firm or any other FINRA member, except to the extent provided for by Rule 205-3 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and/or FINRA Rule 2150, as applicable.

 

D.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT POOLS AND OTHER PRIVATE PLACEMENTS.

No non-Discretionary Account in which an Access Person has a beneficial interest or ownership shall acquire any security issued by a private investment pool (such as a hedge fund, commodity pool, or private equity fund), including by committing capital to an external investment manager’s investment vehicle, or invest in any other limited offering (i.e., a securities offering exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) or 4(a)(5) of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rules 504 or 506 thereunder) without the prior approval of the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. For the avoidance of doubt, this prohibition shall not apply to non-securities offerings, such as (i) direct investments or holdings in real estate (buildings, apartments, residences, or other similar investments that are not securities), (ii) a note secured by a mortgage on a home, (iii) a short-term note secured by a lien on a small business or some of its assets or (iv) an ownership interest in an enterprise whose profits, if any, will come primarily from the Access Person’s own efforts.

In deciding whether to grant approval to a request to purchase a private investment pool or other private placement, consideration will be given to whether the investment (i) is consistent with the Firm’s investment philosophy and guidelines, (ii) is a Firm opportunity that is appropriate for and should be offered to Clients and (iii) creates an actual conflict or the appearance of a conflict of interest for the Firm with respect to its Client(s). An Access Person who holds a security acquired in a private investment pool or in another private placement must disclose that investment to the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer if such Access Person later participates in the consideration of that issuer for inclusion on any list of securities approved for purchase or sale by Clients.

 

7 

An issuer of an equity security has a de minimis market capitalization if the issuer has a market capitalization below the level at which Harris ordinarily invests for client accounts.

8 

With the exception of purchases of deeply distressed corporate bonds that are priced and trade at 20% or less of par value (and the subsequent sale of such), and sales of corporate bonds received as inherited assets; these may be traded after obtaining a Code Waiver.

 

7


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

E.

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION ON FUND MANAGERS OF INVESTMENT COMPANY ACCOUNTS.

Any Access Person who is a fund manager of any RIC is, to the extent the trade is otherwise permitted under this Code, prohibited from buying or selling a covered security for an account in which he or she has a beneficial interest or ownership or as to which he or she has investment discretion within fifteen calendar days before and after the investment company that he/she manages trades in that security. Any profits realized on trades effected within the proscribed periods in violation of this Code shall be required to be disgorged. Any losses realized on a sale within the proscribed periods where the sale is required by the Firm because the purchase was in violation of this Code shall be borne by the fund manager if it was the fund manager’s actions which caused the violation.9

 

F.

CLIENT ACCOUNTS EXEMPT FROM REQUIREMENTS OF CODE.

Any Client accounts (including open-end investment companies and limited partnerships) for which the Firm acts as investment adviser or general partner shall be managed in accordance with the Firm’s trading procedures for a Client account. Any account owned in whole or in part by Persons Subject to this Code shall nonetheless be a Client account and exempt from the provisions of Sections C, D, E and G of Part II of this Code if: (1) the account has been seeded by the Firm or affiliated persons of the Firm and is being managed in anticipation of investments by persons not affiliated with the Firm; or (2) unaffiliated persons of the Firm are also invested in the account; or (3) the account is operated as a model portfolio in contemplation of management of Client accounts in the same or a similar strategy.

 

G.

REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT TRADING RESTRICTIONS AND REPORTING OBLIGATIONS.

 

  1.

Trading in Non-Discretionary Accounts in which an Advisory Person has a Beneficial Interest or Ownership.

Limitation on Non-Discretionary Accounts. All Advisory Persons who have non-Discretionary Accounts that hold or can hold Covered Securities and in which the Advisory Person has a beneficial interest or ownership may maintain such accounts at Pershing LLC (“Pershing”, the Firm’s prime broker) or at any other approved broker-dealer or bank (Approved Firms”).10

Transactions in Covered Securities, other than mutual funds, ETFs, and Reportable Government Bonds (see below), in any non-Discretionary Account in which an Advisory Person has a beneficial interest or ownership (other than accounts held with Pershing) are permitted only after the Advisory Person has (i) obtained the written pre-approval of the Chief Compliance Officer to open the account or place an initial order in the account with such other broker-dealer or bank and (ii) provided such other broker-dealer or bank with a written notice of the Advisory Person’s

 

9 

Any profits required to be disgorged hereunder shall be donated to a charity designated by the Firm or as otherwise directed by the Chief Compliance Officer

10 

Contact Compliance for the list of approved firms. As a general matter trading through non-Approved Firms is not permitted except in unusual cases, such as when a new employee is hired and cannot practically move an account to an Approved Firm

 

8


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

affiliation with Harris and secured the obligation of such other broker-dealer or bank to send copies of confirmations and all periodic statements to the Compliance Department if information is not received through a direct broker feed.

Pre-Approval of Transactions in Covered Securities. Except for those transactions listed below, you must receive pre-approval for every transaction in a Covered Security in any account in which you have a beneficial interest. This requirement applies to purchases, sales, short sales and exposures obtained through entering into derivative instruments where a Covered Security is a reference asset.

Notwithstanding the above, transactions in the following do not require pre-approval:

 

  •  

Mutual Funds;

 

  •  

ETFs;

 

  •  

Derivative instruments where the reference asset(s) is a broad-based securities index;

 

  •  

Reportable Government Bonds;

 

  •  

Discretionary Accounts11;

 

  •  

Digital currencies unless it is a purchase in an initial offering;

 

  •  

Dividend reinvestment plans or systematic purchase plans; or

 

  •  

Securities, or options on securities, of an issuer at which an immediate family member is (or was) employed and that such immediate family member receives as compensation as part of his or her employment, when such transaction is conducted pursuant to a plan specified under Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or similar plan) (“Employee Compensation Plans”)12

Required Provision of Confirmation. If an Advisory Person has obtained approval to open or hold a non-Discretionary Account at a broker-dealer or bank other than with Pershing or another Approved Firm, the Advisory Person must also, after each transaction in that account in Covered Securities other than Reportable Funds, ETFs or Reportable Government Bonds, promptly present Compliance with a confirmation reflecting the details of the transaction completed. Compliance will reconcile the trade confirmations it receives with the pre-clearance requests processed within the automated personal trading system.

Discretionary Application of Pre-Approval Requirement to Non-Advisory Persons. In addition to requiring pre-approval for transactions in Covered Securities by Advisory Persons (as described

 

11 

Discretionary Accounts must be pre-approved before relying on any exception for Discretionary Accounts. See the definition of “Discretionary Account” above.

12 

Such transactions are also not subject to the Restrictions on Trading in Section II.C. Persons subject to this Code are encouraged to provide the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer with advance notice of any participation of an Immediate Family Member in an Employee Compensation Plan.

 

9


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

above), Compliance may require any trade by a Person Subject to this Code to be pre-cleared if such a trade could reasonably be viewed to give rise to, or appear to give rise to, any breach of fiduciary duty owed to any Client or create any actual or potential conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof, between any Client, on the one hand, and the Firm or any Person Subject to this Code, on the other hand.

 

  2.

Monitoring of Trades

Transactions for an account of an Advisory Person that are executed through the Firm’s trading desk are to be monitored by Compliance and reviewed against pre-approval requests processed by the Chief Compliance Officer (or such party to whom he or she delegates). These transactions are non-discretionary transactions for the trading desk, but may not be executed if the trading desk believes they are in conflict with Harris’ discretionary orders for Clients.

The Firm’s Compliance Department obtains and monitors a daily data feed of trade information from Pershing and Approved Firms (including the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security, the date of the transaction, the interest rate and maturity rate (if applicable), the number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security involved, the nature of the transaction (i.e. buy/sell), the price at which the transaction was effected, and the name of any broker-dealer or bank through which the transaction was effected).

Transactions in non-discretionary accounts at brokers or banks other than Pershing and Approved Firms are to be monitored by the Compliance Department. To accomplish this, all Advisory Persons shall submit to the Compliance Department within thirty days after the month end in which any transaction occurred a statement which includes the title and exchange ticker or CUSIP number of the Covered Security, Reportable Fund, ETF, the date of the transaction, the interest rate and maturity rate (if applicable), the number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security, Reportable Fund, ETF, or Reportable Government Bond involved, the nature of the transaction (i.e. buy/sell), the price at which the transaction was effected, the name of any broker-dealer or bank through which the transaction was effected and the date on which the report is submitted. This requirement may be satisfied by opening or maintaining the account(s) at Pershing or an Approved Firm or by having the broker-dealer or bank send the Firm duplicate copies of trade confirmations and all periodic statements, provided that such confirmations and periodic statements contain all of the information required to be provided in the report. The Compliance Department will maintain copies of all such transaction reports.

 

  3.

Cancellation of Trades.

Any transaction for an account of an Advisory Person is subject to cancellation or reversal if it is determined by the Chief Compliance Officer (or such party to whom he or she delegates) – in his or her absolute discretion – that the transaction is or was in conflict with the Code or any applicable trade restriction. A trader may also prevent the execution of orders for an Advisory Person’s account if it appears to the trader that the trade may have to be cancelled or reversed for failure to comply with this Code.

 

10


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  4.

Participation in Dividend Reinvestment Plans and Systematic Purchase Plans.

Advisory Persons may purchase Covered Securities through dividend reinvestment plans or systematic purchase plans without processing such transactions through the Firm’s automated personal trading system or obtaining pre-approval. Purchases through such plans are permitted only if the Advisory Person properly obtained any necessary approvals under the Code prior to opening the relevant account and placing the initial purchase of the Covered Security.

 

  5.

Reporting of Securities Transactions Not Otherwise Reported.

Any transaction in a Covered Security through a non-Discretionary Account in which an Access Person has any beneficial interest or ownership, other than a transaction effected pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan or systematic purchase plan, must be reported to the Compliance Department. Where such a transaction is effected through neither (i) Pershing or an Approved Firm for which the Firm receives a daily data feed of trade information nor (ii) a broker-dealer or bank that sends the Firm duplicate copies of trade confirmations and all periodic statements (e.g., the transaction is in Covered Securities held at stock transfer companies such as Computershare), the Access Person shall submit to the Compliance Department a report within thirty days after the end of each calendar quarter and include: the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security involved, the date of the transaction, the interest rate and maturity rate (if applicable), the number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security involved, the nature of the transaction (i.e. buy/sell), the price at which the transaction was effected, the name of any broker-dealer or bank through which the transaction was effected, and the date on which the report is submitted. This report may be in any form, including a copy of a confirmation or monthly or other periodic statement.

 

  6.

Initial, Quarterly and Annual Reporting Requirements; Questionnaires.

Each Access Person shall initially disclose in writing to the Compliance Department within ten days of becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter, within forty-five days after each calendar year-end, the title and exchange ticker or CUSIP number, type of security, number of shares and principal amount13 of all Covered Securities beneficially owned by such Access Person in a non-Discretionary Account, and the date the Access Person submits the report, with information as of a date that is no more than forty-five days from the date of becoming a Access Person, or as of the preceding December 31 for annual reporting, and the name of each broker-dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which he or she has beneficial ownership of any security.

Additionally, each Access Person shall submit responses to quarterly questionnaires requested by Compliance no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. The questionnaires are intended to satisfy the reporting requirements of
Rule 17j-1(d)(ii) under the Act and Rule 204A-1(b)(2) under the Advisers Act by requiring each Access Person to confirm and, as necessary, supplement the information that the Firm receives from Pershing and Approved Firms through a daily data feed of trade information and from other broker-dealers and banks through the duplicate copies of trade confirmations and periodic statements. Quarterly transaction reports and responses to quarterly questionnaires need not include transactions effected pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan or systematic purchase plan.

 

13 

It shall not be deemed a violation of this Code for any report required hereunder not to include the principal amount of a Covered Security; provided, however, that the Compliance Department may request or require such information where it determines that it is necessary to effect the purposes of this Code.

 

11


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

H.

CONFIDENTIALITY & OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYEES

During the period of employment with the Firm an Employee will have access to certain “confidential information” concerning the Firm and its Clients. This information is a valuable asset and the sole property of the Firm and may not be misappropriated and used outside of the Firm by an Employee or former Employee. “Confidential Information”, defined as all information not publicly available about the business of the Firm, may include, but is not limited to, Client and prospect names and records, research, trading and portfolio information and systems, information concerning externally managed entities or accounts which have been considered or made on behalf of fee paying Clients, and the financial records of the Firm and/or its Employees. In order to protect the interests of the Firm, an Employee or ex-Employee shall not, without the express written consent of the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel, disclose directly or indirectly confidential information to anyone outside of the Firm other than as necessary or appropriate to carry out the Firm’s normal business operations (e.g., disclosure to a third-party vendor of the Firm or a Fund). An Employee should be extremely careful to avoid inadvertent disclosures and to exercise maximum effort to keep confidential information confidential. Any questions concerning the confidentiality of information should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer or the General Counsel. An abuse of the Firm’s policy of confidentiality could subject an Employee to immediate disciplinary action that may include dismissal from the Firm. Nothing in this Code is intended to prevent an Employee from reporting a violation of applicable laws or regulations to an appropriate regulatory authority.

 

I.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT, ASSOCIATIONS AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES; REPORTING OF POSITIONS OF IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS

Harris requires that all Advisory Persons make their positions with the Firm their primary employment. The approval of Harris (and, in some cases, the approval of FINRA) is required before any Advisory Person may hold any outside position with any business organization (for-profit or not-for-profit), or enter into any relationship, or activity, where such outside position, relationship, or activity could influence the investment activities of the Firm or present a conflict of interest with the Advisory Person’s employment with the Firm. All outside positions, regardless of whether such position is compensated or not, must be discussed with Compliance in advance of accepting such a position to assess the existence of a conflict of interest. Any such outside position, relationship, or activity must be approved in advance in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer and the Advisory Person’s supervisor, and a copy of such approval shall be submitted and maintained by the Compliance Department. Any change in the status of such approved position, relationship, investment, or activity must be reported in writing to the Compliance Department and the Advisory Person’s supervisor within the quarter that the change in status occurred or within the certification cutoff period for the quarter. Any income or compensation received by an Advisory Person for serving in such position must be paid in full to the Firm, unless a waiver is granted by the Chief Compliance Officer and the Advisory Person’s supervisor. Under no circumstance may an Advisory Person represent or suggest that Harris has approved or recommended the business activities of the outside organization or any person associated with it. Associations with entities, such as charitable/volunteer and non-profit organizations where the activity is voluntary in nature (e.g., school or condominium board member, Scout leader, Parent/Teacher Association) and does not involve securities-related activities (such as the selection of investments for endowments and foundations), will generally be granted a written exemption (e.g., email) from this section’s pre-approval requirement, and as such will not require written approval nor will it appear in the quarterly certification of outside activities.

 

12


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

An Advisory Person shall not be deemed to be engaged in securities-related activities as the result of the grant of a durable or conditional power of attorney over an investment account until such time as the power of attorney is exercised or the condition has been met.

Reporting of Positions of Immediate Family Members that Involve Conflicts of Interest. To identify actual or potential conflicts of interest, each Advisory Person must disclose in writing to the Compliance Department any position, relationship, investment, or activity that an immediate family member has that to the Advisory Person’s knowledge could present a conflict of interest for the Advisory Person in his or role with the Firm. If an Advisory Person has any questions about any activities and the need for disclosure, the Advisory Person should be cautious and direct any questions to the Firm’s General Counsel or Compliance Department.

 

J.

Certification of Compliance by Access Persons.

In addition to new-hire training on the Code, each Access Person will receive annual training over certain aspects of the Code. The Firm shall distribute the Code to each Employee and Non-Access Director upon inception of employment and whenever the Code is amended, but no less frequently than annually. Each Access Person and Non-Access Director is required to certify in writing annually that (i) he or she has received, read and understands the Code, (ii) recognizes that he or she is subject to the Code, and, in the case of Access Persons, (iii) he or she has disclosed or reported all transactions in which the Access Person has a beneficial interest or ownership that are required to be disclosed or reported under the Code or, alternatively, that the Access Person has not engaged in any personal securities transactions during the preceding year for which a report was required to be filed pursuant to the Code.

 

K.

Annual Report to the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

HALP, as the adviser to the Trust, shall prepare an annual report to the board of trustees of the Trust that:

 

  i.)

summarizes existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in those procedures during the past year;

 

  ii.)

describes issues that arose during the previous year under the Code or procedures concerning personal investing, including but not limited to information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed;

 

  iii.)

certifies to the board that the Trust, the Trust’s adviser (HALP), and the Trust’s principal distributor (HASLP) have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent their Access Persons from violating the Code; and

 

  iv.)

identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon experience under the Code, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable laws or regulations.

 

13


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

III.

POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

 

  A.

BACKGROUND

Trading securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information or improperly communicating that information to others may expose you to stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The SEC can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through the violative trading, obtain a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall and issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. Finally, you may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations.

Regardless of whether a government inquiry occurs, Harris views seriously any violation of this Policy Statement. Such violations constitute potential grounds for disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal.

Cautionary note: The law of insider trading is unsettled; an individual legitimately may be uncertain about the application of the Policy Statement in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can prevent a violation of law or forestall disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You should direct any questions relating to the Policy Statement to the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer or, in their absence, their respective deputies. You also must notify the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer or, in their absence, their respective deputies immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of the Policy Statement has occurred or is about to occur.

 

  B.

POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

Generally, no person to whom this Policy Statement applies may trade, either personally or on behalf of others (such as Clients), while in possession of material, nonpublic information and in breach of a duty of trust or confidence that is owed to the issuer of the security, the shareholders of the issuer, or to any other person who is the source of the material nonpublic information; nor may such persons communicate material, nonpublic information to others in breach of a duty of confidentiality or in violation of the law. This Policy Statement applies to securities trading and information handling by all Employees (including their spouse or domestic/live-in partner, minor children and adult members of their households).

The section below reviews principles important to this Policy Statement.

 

  1.

What is Material Information?

Information is “material” when there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this is information whose disclosure will have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities. No simple “bright line” test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. For this reason, you should direct any questions about whether information is material to the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.

 

14


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

Material information often relates to a company’s results and operations including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.

Material information also may relate to the market for a company’s securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell securities may, in some contexts, be deemed material.

Similarly, prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be deemed material.

 

  2.

What is Nonpublic Information?

Information is “nonpublic” until it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. Tangible evidence of such dissemination is the best indication that the information is public. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other governmental agency, the Dow Jones “tape” or the WALL STREET JOURNAL or some other publication of general circulation, and after sufficient time has passed so that the information has been disseminated widely.

 

  3.

Identifying Inside Information

Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including Clients, you must determine whether you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material, nonpublic information, you should take the following steps:

i.) Immediately alert the Trading Department to restrict trading in the security. No reason or explanation should be given to the Trading Department for the restriction.

ii.) Report the information and proposed trade immediately to the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer.

iii.) Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including Clients.

iv.) Do not communicate the information inside or outside Harris other than to the above individuals.

v.) After the above individuals have reviewed the issue, the Firm will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action(s) the Firm should take.

 

15


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

  4.

Contacts with Public Companies

For Harris, contacts with public companies represent an important part of our research efforts. Harris may make investment decisions on the basis of the Firm’s conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly-available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, an Employee becomes aware of material, nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if a company’s Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst or an investor relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, Harris must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, Clients and the Firm, you should contact the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if you believe that you may have received material, nonpublic information.

 

  5.

Tender Offers

Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company’s securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and “tipping” while in possession of material, nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Employees should exercise particular caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer.

 

  C.

PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

 

  1.

Personal Securities Trading

The restrictions on Employee trading and procedures to implement those restrictions and the Firm’s reporting obligations, which are set forth in Section II above and in the Procedures for Personal Trading, constitute the procedures to implement this Policy Statement. Review those procedures carefully and direct any questions about their scope or applicability to the General Counsel or the Compliance Department.

 

  2.

Restrictions on Disclosures

Employees shall not disclose any nonpublic information (whether or not it is material) relating to Harris or its securities transactions to any person outside Harris (unless such disclosure has been authorized by Harris). Material, nonpublic information may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within Harris, except as provided in Section III(B)(3) above. Such information must be secured. For example, access to files containing material, nonpublic information and computer files containing such information should be restricted, and conversations containing such information, if appropriate at all, should be conducted in private.

 

16


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

IV.

RETENTION OF RECORDS

The Compliance Department or the Secretary of the Trust will maintain the records listed below for a period of five years. Such records shall be maintained at the Firm’s principal place of business in an easily accessible place:

 

  i.)

a list of all Persons Subject to this Code during that period;

 

  ii.)

receipts signed by all Persons Subject to this Code acknowledging receipt of copies of the Code and acknowledging that they are subject to it;

 

  iii.)

a copy of each Code of Ethics that has been in effect at any time during the period;

 

  iv.)

a copy of each report filed pursuant to the Code and a record of any known violations and actions taken as a result thereof during the period as well as a record of all persons responsible for reviewing these reports;

 

  v.)

a copy of any decision and the reasons supporting the decision, to approve the acquisition of Limited Offerings; and

 

  vi.)

a copy of each report required by II.K of this Code.

 

17


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF CODE OF ETHICS AND STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

Code of Ethics.

Harris Associates L.P. (“HALP”), Harris Associates Securities L.P. (“HASLP”) and Harris Associates Investment Trust (the “Trust”) have adopted a written Code of Ethics and Statement on Insider Trading (the “Code”) and Procedures for Personal Trading to address potential conflicts of interest by HALP and HASLP personnel and to govern the use and handling of material non-public information. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Code. Copies of the Code and the Procedures for Personal Trading are attached to this acknowledgement. As a condition of your continued employment with HALP and HASLP, and/or the retention of your position, if any, as an officer of the Trust or a member of the board of HALP’s general partner, you are required to read, understand and abide by the Code and the Procedures for Personal Trading.

Compliance Program.

The Code requires that all Access Persons furnish to the Compliance Department information regarding any investment account in which you have a “beneficial interest or ownership” other than Discretionary Accounts. You are also required to furnish to the Compliance Department copies of your monthly or quarterly account statements, or other documents, showing all purchases or sales, other than those effected pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan or systematic purchase plan, of securities in any such account. Additionally, you are required to furnish a report of your personal securities holdings in Covered Securities within ten calendar days of commencement of your employment with HALP or HASLP and annually thereafter. These requirements apply to any investment account, such as an account at a brokerage house, trust account at a bank, custodial account or similar types of accounts, other than Discretionary Accounts.

This compliance program also requires that Employees report any contact with any securities issuer, government or its personnel, or others, that, in the usual course of business, might involve receipt of what the Employee believes might be material non-public financial information. The Code requires that Employees bring to the attention of the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer any information they receive from any source, which they believe might be material non-public information.

Any questions concerning the Code or Procedures for Personal Trading should be directed to the General Counsel or the Compliance Department.

I affirm that I have received new-hire training covering certain key aspects of the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading from Compliance, and have read and understand the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading. I agree to the terms and conditions set forth in the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading.

If I am acting in the capacity as a contractor, consultant, temporary employee or intern (or similar person) to Harris, I acknowledge that all references to “Employee” in the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading refer to me and shall be construed to mean “agent” and that I may be designated as an Advisory Person and therefore an Access Person as a result of my access to information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. My agreement and affirmation are made in the capacity as an agent, and not as an employee of Harris, and are not intended to impact my status as an independent contractor.

 

 

  

 

Signature    Date


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

ANNUAL AFFIRMATION OF COMPLIANCE FOR ACCESS PERSONS AND NON-ACCESS DIRECTORS

I affirm that:

 

  1.

I have received annual training pertaining to certain aspects of the Code of Ethics and Statement of Insider Trading (the “Code”) and Procedures for Personal Trading, and have again read and, to the best of my knowledge, have complied with provisions of the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading that pertain to me during the past year. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Code.

 

  2.

I have provided to the Compliance Department the names and addresses of each investment account, other than Discretionary Accounts, in which I have a beneficial interest or ownership, as defined in the Code, including, but not limited to, those with broker-dealers, banks and others. (List of known accounts attached.) (Access Persons only)

 

  3.

I have provided to the Compliance Department copies of account statements or other reports showing each and every transaction in any Covered Security in any non-Discretionary Account in which I have a beneficial interest or ownership, as defined in the Code, during the most recently ended calendar year

or

during the most recent calendar year there were no transactions in any security in which I had a beneficial interest or ownership required to be reported pursuant to the Code. (Access Persons only)

 

  4.

I have provided to the Compliance Department a report of my personal securities holdings in Covered Securities in all non-Discretionary Accounts in which I have a beneficial interest or ownership, as defined in the Code, as of the end of the most recent calendar year, including all required information for each Covered Security in which I have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership. (Access Persons only)

 

  5.

With respect to the activities conducted at Harris, I am unaware of any violations of applicable laws or regulations that have not otherwise been reported to the Chief Compliance Officer or an appropriate regulatory authority.

 

  6.

If I am acting in the capacity as a contractor, consultant, temporary employee or intern (or similar person) to Harris, I acknowledge that all references to “Employee” in the Code and Procedures for Personal Trading refer to me and shall be construed to mean “agent” and that I may be designated as an Advisory Person and therefore an Access Person as a result of my access to information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. My agreement and affirmation made herein are made in the capacity as an agent, and not as an employee of Harris, and are not intended to impact my independent contractor status.

 

 

  

 

Signature    Date


Exhibit (o)(5)

 

APPENDIX A

Examples of Beneficial Interest

For purposes of the Code, you will be deemed to have a beneficial interest in a security if you have the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security. Examples of beneficial ownership under this definition include:

 

  •  

securities you own, no matter how they are registered, and including securities held for you by others (for example, by a custodian or broker, or by a relative, executor or administrator) or that you have pledged to another (as security for a loan, for example);

 

  •  

securities held by a trust of which you are a beneficiary (except that, if your interest is a remainder interest and you do not have or participate in investment control of trust assets, you will not be deemed to have a beneficial interest in securities held by the trust);

 

  •  

securities held by you as trustee or co-trustee, where either you or any member of your immediate family has a beneficial interest (using these rules) in the trust.

 

  •  

securities held by a trust of which you are the settlor, if you have the power to revoke the trust without obtaining the consent of all the beneficiaries and have or participate in investment control;

 

  •  

securities held by any partnership in which you are a general partner, to the extent of your interest in the greater of partnership capital or profits;

 

  •  

securities held by a personal holding company controlled by you alone or jointly with others;

 

  •  

securities held, directly or through a trust, by a member of your immediate family who is sharing your home, even if the securities were not received from you and the income from the securities is not actually used for the maintenance of your household; or

 

  •  

securities you have the right to acquire (for example, through the exercise of a derivative security), even if the right is not presently exercisable, or securities as to which, through any other type of arrangement, you obtain benefits substantially equivalent to those of ownership.

You will not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities in the following situations:

 

  •  

portfolio securities held by a limited partnership in which you do not have a controlling interest and do not have or share investment control over the partnership’s portfolio; and

 

  •  

securities held by a foundation of which you are a trustee and donor, provided that the beneficiaries are exclusively charitable and you have no right to revoke the gift.

These examples are not exclusive. There are other circumstances in which you may be deemed to have a beneficial interest in a security. Any questions about whether you have a beneficial interest should be directed to the General Counsel or Compliance Department.

Exhibit (o)(6)

Exhibit C - VNIM Code of Ethics


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P.

Code of Ethics

(Amended as of September 9, 2020)

This is the Code of Ethics of Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. (the “Firm”).

Things You Need to Know to Use This Code

1.    Terms in boldface type have special meanings as used in this Code. To understand the Code, you need to read the definitions of these terms. The definitions are at the end of the Code.

2.    The Firm considers all employees to be Access Persons under this Code.

There are Reporting Forms that Access Persons have to fill out under this Code. You can access the Reporting Forms by logging in to the Firm’s automated compliance solution.

Board members who are not employees of the Firm, do not have to comply with the trading restrictions and blackout provisions in Section B of part II.

Further, certain members of the Firm’s board may be classified as “Non-Access Directors.” See the “Definitions” section of this Code. Non-Access Directors are subject to Parts I.A. and I.B. of this Code, but not to Parts I.C., I.D. or Part II of the Code.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

PART I—Applies to All Personnel

 

A.

General Principles—These Apply to All Personnel (including All Board Members)

The Firm is a fiduciary for its investment advisory and sub-advisory clients. Fiduciaries owe their clients a duty of honesty, good faith and fair dealing. As a fiduciary, an adviser must act at all times in the client’s best interests and must avoid or disclose conflicts of interest. Because of this fiduciary relationship, it is generally improper for the Firm or its personnel to:

 

  •  

use for their own benefit (or the benefit of anyone other than the client) information about the Firm’s trading or recommendations for client accounts; or

 

  •  

take advantage of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available for the Firm’s clients.

As a matter of business policy, the Firm wants to avoid even the appearance that the Firm, its personnel or others receive any improper benefit from information about client trading or accounts, from our positions, or from relationships with our clients or with the brokerage community.

Privacy and Confidentiality

All personnel are required to keep any nonpublic information about clients (including former clients), the Firm or vendors in strict confidence. Employees should treat the following with confidentiality and discretion:

 

  •  

A client’s identity (unless the client consents), the client’s financial circumstances, the securities investments made by the Firm on behalf of a client, information about contemplated securities transactions, or information regarding the firm’s trading strategies (except as required to effectuate securities transactions on behalf of a client or for other legitimate business purposes).


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

Non-public information regarding the Firm including but not limited to trading intentions, business plans and strategies, technology, business processes, customer relationships, and financial results Whenever dealing with confidential information personnel should:

 

  •  

Assume client or Firm information is confidential unless evidence exists to the contrary

 

  •  

Only use it for the purposes for which it was gathered

 

  •  

Not make disclosure to anyone outside of the Firm unless authorized to do so and only share information internally on a need-to-know basis

 

  •  

Not disclose information related to a former employer to anyone within the Firm

Nothing in this Policy prohibits you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. You do not need the prior authorization of the Firm to make any such reports or disclosures and you are not required to notify the Firm that you have made such reports or disclosures.

Personnel should stay informed and comply with Firm policies dealing with data access, information security, encryption standards, and other initiatives designed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of information.

Please refer also to the Firm’s Privacy Policies under Regulation S-P and S-AM.

Books and Records

All personnel are required to keep accurate and truthful books and records which is critical for our business operations, compliance with legal requirements and the preparation of the Firm’s financial statements. In this pursuit, personnel should:

 

  •  

Recognize their role and personal responsibility for the integrity of records, reports and information that they prepare or control

 

  •  

Comply with internal accounting and recordkeeping policies. Falsification of any books, records or accounts is prohibited

 

  •  

Provide complete and accurate information in connection with any regulatory filings or inquiries

 

  •  

Follow all record retention and destruction policies of the Firm


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Computers and Communications

All personnel are to use the Firm’s computer and communications systems (“Systems”) solely for business purposes. Unauthorized access to, use of, interception or distribution of the Firm’s Systems is prohibited. Such conduct may also be a violation of law.

However, the Firm realizes that some personal use of these Systems is inevitable. Any personal use should be kept to a minimum. Excessive or inappropriate use of such Systems for personal use (e.g. time spent or content) as determined by the Firm in its sole discretion may be grounds for sanctions or termination.

 

  •  

Any personal use must be lawful and not violate any Firm policy. As an example, an email communication or, accessing an internet site, with inappropriate content or material would violate Firm policy and is prohibited.

 

  •  

Personal use of the Firm’s Systems must not impose any incremental cost to the Firm, interfere with normal business operations, or otherwise adversely affect the interests of the Firm or an employee’s work.

 

  •  

Employee’s use of the Firm’s Systems, for either business or personal use, should have no expectation of privacy.

Insider Trading

All personnel are prohibited from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, while in possession of material, nonpublic information about issuers and are also prohibited from communicating material, nonpublic information about issuers to others (other than for legitimate legal or business purposes such as informing the Chief Compliance Officer that they, or the firm, is in possession of such information).

Please refer to the Firm’s Insider Trading Policy for more detail.

Political Contributions

All personnel are required to obtain preclearance approval for any direct or indirect political contributions or payments to an Official or Political Action Committee (PAC) in order to evaluate and monitor any potential or ongoing impact to the firm. Additional restrictions and prohibitions apply to employees identified as Covered Associates involving monetary limitations and the coordination / solicitation of other individuals to make political contributions.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Please refer to the Firm’s policy regarding Political Contributions by Certain Investment Advisers (Pay-to-Play) for more detail.

The Firm expects all personnel to comply with the spirit of the Code, as well as the applicable specific rules contained in the Code. You must promptly report any violations (not just of personal trading but of the overall requirements of this Code) to the Chief Compliance Officer.

The Firm treats violations of this Code (including violations of the spirit of the Code) very seriously. If you violate either the letter or the spirit of this Code, the Firm might impose penalties or fines, cut your compensation, demote you, require disgorgement of trading gains, suspend or terminate your employment, or any combination of the foregoing.

Improper trading activity can constitute a violation of this Code. But you can also violate this Code by failing to file required reports, or by making inaccurate or misleading reports or statements concerning trading activity or securities accounts. Your conduct can violate this Code, even if no clients are harmed by your conduct.

If you have any doubt or uncertainty about what this Code requires or permits, you should ask the Chief Compliance Officer. Don’t just guess at the answer. Ignorance or lack of understanding is no excuse for a violation.

 

B.

Compliance with the Federal Securities Laws

More generally, Firm personnel (including members of the Firm’s boards) are required to comply with applicable federal securities laws at all times. Examples of applicable federal securities laws include:

 

  •  

the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the SEC rules thereunder;

 

  •  

the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the SEC rules thereunder;


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the SEC rules thereunder;

 

  •  

title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (privacy and security of client non-public information); and

 

  •  

the Bank Secrecy Act, as it applies to mutual funds and investment advisers, and the SEC and Department of the Treasury rules thereunder.

All firm personnel are reminded that under these laws, all oral and written statements, including those made to clients, prospective clients, or their representatives must be professional, accurate, balanced, and not misleading in any way.

 

C.

Gifts to or from Brokers, Clients or Others—This Applies to All Access Persons

No personnel may accept or receive on their own behalf or on behalf of the Firm any gift or other accommodations from a vendor, broker, securities salesman, client or prospective client (a “business contact”) that might create a conflict of interest or interfere with the impartial discharge of such personnel’s responsibilities to the Firm or its clients or place the recipient or the Firm in a difficult or embarrassing position. This prohibition applies equally to gifts to members of the Family/Household of firm personnel.

No personnel may give on their own behalf or on behalf of the Firm any gift or other accommodation to a business contact that may be construed as an improper attempt to influence the recipient.

In no event should gifts to or from any one business contact have a value that exceeds the annual limitation on the dollar value of gifts (currently $200).

These policies are not intended to prohibit normal business entertainment (e.g. dinner, sporting event tickets, etc. all of a reasonable value). Any questions as to whether a particular gift or entertainment activity constitutes normal business entertainment should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Please refer to the Firm’s Gift & Entertainment policy for a more detailed discussion and quarterly reporting requirements.

 

D.

Outside Business Activities for Another Organization / Company—This Applies to All Personnel, Except Members of the Firm’s Board Who Are Not Employees of the Firm

To avoid conflicts of interest, insider information and other compliance and business issues, the Firm requires all its employees who are involved with an Outside Organization / Company (e.g. employee, consultant, officer, member of the board, investment committee, etc.) of any for-profit, not-for-profit or other entity to disclose and obtain written approval of the Firm to do so. Approval must be obtained through the Chief Compliance Officer, and will ordinarily require consideration by the CEO or the Board of the Firm. The Firm can deny approval for any reason. This prohibition does not apply to service as an officer or board member of any parent or subsidiary of the Firm, nor does it apply to members of the Firm’s board who are not employees of the Firm.

PART II—Applies to Access Persons

 

A.

Reporting Requirements—These Apply to All Access Persons

NOTE: One of the most complicated parts of complying with this Code is understanding what holdings, transactions and accounts you must report and what accounts are subject to trading restrictions. For example, accounts of certain members of your family and household are covered, as are certain categories of trust accounts, certain investment pools in which you might participate, and certain accounts that others may be managing for you. To be sure you understand what holdings, transactions and accounts are covered, it is essential that you carefully review the definitions of Covered Security, Reportable Funds, Family/Household and Beneficial Ownership in the “Definitions” section at the end of this Code.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

ALSO: You must file the reports described below, even if you have no holdings, transactions or accounts to list in the reports. Absent extenuating circumstances, only those involved with the internal review of personal transactions (i.e., the Chief Compliance Officer, those assisting the Chief Compliance Officer and the CEO) will have access to submitted reports. The reports are also required to be made available for certain other purposes, such as SEC inspections.

1.    Initial Holdings Reports. No later than ten (10) days after you become an Access Person, you must file with the Chief Compliance Officer a Holdings Report within the Firm’s automated compliance system.

This report requires you to list all Covered Securities in which you (or members of your Family/Household) have Beneficial Ownership. It also requires you to list all brokers, dealers and banks where you maintain an account in which any securities (not just Covered Securities) are held for the direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your Family/Household on the date you became an Access Person. The information contained in the report must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date you became an Access Person.

You will also be required to confirm that you have read and understand this Code, that you understand that it applies to you and members of your Family/Household and that you understand that you are an Access Person under the Code.

2.    Quarterly Transaction Reports. No later than thirty (30) days after the end of March, June, September and December each year, you must file with the Chief Compliance Officer a Quarterly Transactions Report within the Firm’s automated compliance system.

This report requires you to list all transactions during the most recent calendar quarter in Covered Securities, in which transactions you (or a member of your Family/Household) had Beneficial Ownership. It also requires you to list all brokers, dealers, investment managers and banks where you or a member of your Family/Household established, or closed an account in which any securities (not just Covered Securities) were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your Family/Household.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

3.    Annual Holdings Reports. By January 31st of each year, you must file with the Chief Compliance Officer an Annual Holdings Report within the Firm’s automated compliance system.

This report requires you to list all Covered Securities in which you (or a member of your Family/Household) had Beneficial Ownership as of December 31st of the prior year. It also requires you to list all brokers, dealers and banks where you or a member of your Family/Household maintained an account in which any securities (not just Covered Securities) were held for the direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your Family/Household on December 31 of the prior year.

You will be required to confirm that you have read and understand this Code, that you understand that it applies to you and members of your Family/Household and that you understand that you are an Access Person under the Code.

4.    Duplicate Confirmations and Periodic Statements. If you or any member of your Family/Household has a securities account that holds or will hold Covered Securities with any broker, dealer, investment manager or bank, you or your Family/Household member will need to coordinate with the compliance department for the broker, dealer, investment manager or bank to provide a datafeed of the account and its activity into the Firm’s automated compliance system. Should an electronic feed not be available, you must direct that broker, dealer, investment manager or bank to send, directly to the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer, contemporaneous duplicate copies of all transaction confirmation statements and all account statements relating to that account.

5. Outside Business Activities Pre-Approval and Annual Certification. By January 31st of each year, you must file with the Chief Compliance Officer an Outside Business Activity Annual Affirmation within the Firm’s automated compliance system.

The Affirmation requires that you list all entities (for-profit, not-for-profit or other) with which you are involved (e.g. employee, consultant, officer, member of board, investment committee, etc.) as of the previous year-end with an indication as to whether the entity is publicly traded or private and whether it maintains investments.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

The Outside Business Activity electronic form is also to be used in requesting pre-approval to serve as an Officer or member of the Board of Directors for any entity prior to accepting such a position.

 

B.

Transaction Restrictions—These Apply to All Access Persons.

1.    Preclearance. You and members of your Family/Household are prohibited from engaging in any transaction in a Covered Security for any account in which you or a member of your Family/Household has any Beneficial Ownership, unless you obtain, in advance of the transaction, preclearance for that transaction through the automated compliance system.

Once obtained, preclearance is valid only for the day on which it is granted and the following one (1) business day. The Chief Compliance Officer may revoke a preclearance any time after it is granted and before you execute the transaction. The Chief Compliance Officer may deny or revoke preclearance for any reason. In no event will preclearance be granted for any Covered Security if, to the knowledge of the Chief Compliance Officer, the Firm has purchased or sold that same security or a closely related security that day OR the Firm has a buy or sell order pending for that same security or a closely related security (such as an option relating to that security, or a related convertible or exchangeable security).

a.) Limit Orders

Limit Orders will be granted pre-clearance authorization to be placed for a period of ten (10) business days as long as the security is NOT HELD within one of the firm’s strategies and will not potentially violate short-term trading restrictions.

 

  •  

Any change you wish to make to an approved limit order (e.g. limit price) will require a new pre-clearance authorization prior to execution. Unapproved changes to a limit order which are executed will be a violation of the Code and subject to fines and/or sanctions


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

Upon such time as the firm may begin to trade and hold a previously approved outstanding limit order security within one of the firm’s strategies you will be notified to cancel the limit order. Any desire to trade the security, after a notification to cancel a limit order is given to you, will require a new pre-clearance form and associated authorization. Execution of the original limit order for which notification to cancel has been given will be a violation of the Code and subject to fines and/or sanctions.

b.) Preclearance Exceptions

The preclearance requirements do not apply to the following categories of transactions:

i.    Shares of registered open-end investment companies (mutual funds only, see ETFs at iv) (including Reportable Funds).

 

  •  

However, Reportable Funds are reportable under this code in connection with Initial, Quarterly and Annual disclosures.

ii.    Transactions in securities of collective investment vehicles (other than a Fund/ETF sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson) for which the Firm serves as the investment adviser (for example, the purchase or redemption by you of an interest in a Firm-managed hedge fund would not be subject to pre-clearance).

iii.    Transactions in Covered Securities by Firm-sponsored collective investment vehicles for which the Firm serves as investment adviser as to which you may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership (for example, the purchase or sale by a Firm-managed hedge fund of a Covered Security would not be subject to pre-clearance, even though the portfolio manager of the hedge fund could be deemed to have a Beneficial Ownership of such Covered Security).


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

iv.    Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs); other than those ETFs in which the firm trades, or advises/sub-advises. Please see “Appendix A” (attached) for a list of Exchange Traded Funds for which pre-clearance IS required.

v.    Transactions that occur by operation of law or under any other circumstance in which neither the Access Person nor any member of his or her Family/Household exercises any discretion to buy or sell or makes recommendations to a person who exercises such discretion.

vi.    Transactions effected through an unaffiliated managed account are excluded only if the Access Person (or member of his or her Family/Household, as applicable) has not initiated the investment transaction, has not been consulted regarding any specific investment recommendations or decisions, and is not otherwise participating in the account’s investment process.

vii.    Purchases of Covered Securities pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.

viii.    Purchases pursuant to the exercise of rights issued pro rata to all holders of the class of Covered Securities held by the Access Person (or Family/Household member) and received by the Access Person (or Family/Household member) from the issuer.

ix.    Transactions in futures and options contracts on interest rate instruments or indexes, and options on such contracts.

c.)    The following are NOT Covered Securities, and so are also not subject to the preclearance requirements:

 

  •  

direct obligations of the U.S. Government;

 

  •  

bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit;


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt obligations (including repurchase agreements);

 

  •  

shares issued by money market funds and shares of registered open-end investment companies that are not Reportable Funds.

 

  2.

Initial Public Offerings and Private Placements.

Neither you nor any member of your Family/Household may acquire any Beneficial Ownership in any Covered Security in an initial public offering. In addition, neither you nor any member of your Family/Household may acquire Beneficial Ownership in any Covered Security in a private placement, except with the specific, advance approval of the Chief Compliance Officer, which the Chief Compliance Officer may deny for any reason.

 

  3.

Prohibition on Short-Term Trading in Funds/ETFs Advised/Sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson

Neither you nor any member of your Family/Household may purchase and sell, or sell and purchase, shares of any fund advised or sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson within any period of thirty (30) calendar days for a profit. This prohibition applies to shares of funds advised / sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson held in retirement or 401(k) plan accounts, as well as in other accounts in which you or a member of your Family/Household has Beneficial Ownership. Note that an exchange of shares (i.e. into another retirement plan option) counts as a sale of shares for purposes of this prohibition.

 

  a.)

This prohibition does not apply to the following categories of transactions:

i.    A fund sub-advised by an affiliate and on the Reportable Funds list.

ii.    Transactions under automatic investment or withdrawal plans, including automatic 401(k) plan investments, and transactions under a “fund sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson’s” dividend reinvestment plan.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

A.) For example, if you have established an automatic    investment plan under which regular monthly investments are automatically made in a fund sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson, that investment will not be considered to begin or end a thirty (30) day holding period.

iii.    Transactions that occur by operation of law or under any other circumstance in which neither you nor any member of your Family/Household exercises any discretion to buy or sell or makes recommendations to a person who exercises such discretion.

 

  b.)

In applying the prohibition on short-term trading in funds advised/sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson, the Firm may take account of all purchase and sale transactions in the Vaughan Nelson advised/sub-advised fund, even if the transactions were made in different accounts. For example, a purchase of shares of a fund advised/sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson in a brokerage account, followed within thirty (30) days by an exchange out of the same fund advised/sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson in your 401(k) account, will be treated as a violation.

In applying the thirty (30) day holding period, the most recent purchase (or sale) will be measured against the sale (or purchase) in question. (That is, a last-in, first-out analysis will apply.) A violation will be deemed to have occurred even if the number of shares or the dollar value of the second trade was different from the number of shares or dollar value of the first trade.

 

  4.

Prohibition on Short-Term Trading of Covered Securities Other Than Funds/ETFs Advised/Sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson.

Neither you nor any member of your Family/Household may purchase and sell, or sell and purchase, a Covered Security (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security) within any period of sixty (60) calendar days for a profit. If any such transactions occur, the Firm will require any profits from the transactions to be disgorged for donation by the Firm to charity.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  a.)

This prohibition on short-term trading does not apply to:

i.    Transactions in securities of collective investment vehicles for which the Firm serves as an investment adviser, other than funds advised/sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson. Note that Section 3 above contains separate prohibitions on short-term trading in funds advised/sub-advised by Vaughan Nelson.

ii.    Transactions in Covered Securities by Firm-sponsored collective investment vehicles for which the Firm serves as investment adviser as to which you may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership (for example, the purchase or sale by a Firm-managed hedge fund of a Covered Security would not be subject to this prohibition, even though the portfolio manager of the hedge fund could be deemed to have a Beneficial Ownership of such Covered Security).

iii.    Transactions that occur by operation of law or under any other circumstance in which neither you nor any member of your Family/Household exercises any discretion to buy or sell or makes recommendations to a person who exercises such discretion.

iv.    Purchases of Covered Securities pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.

v.    Purchases pursuant to the exercise of rights issued pro rata to all holders of the class of Covered Securities and received by you (or Family/Household member) from the issuer.

vi.    Transactions in common or preferred stocks of a class that is publicly-traded, has an average daily trading volume greater than 1 million shares (as indicated by a reputable source) and is issued by a company with a stock market capitalization of at least 5 billion U.S. dollars (or the equivalent in foreign currency)


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

vii.    Transactions in Exchange Traded Funds which are considered Covered Securities.

viii.    Transactions effected through an unaffiliated managed account where the Access Person (or member of his or her Family/Household, as the case may be) has not initiated the investment transaction, has not been consulted regarding specific investment recommendations or decisions, and is not otherwise participating in the investment process.

ix.    Transactions in municipal bonds, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and agency bonds (e.g. Fannie Mae’s). (Reminder: Governments bonds are not considered Covered Securities).

 

  5.

Seven (7) Day Blackout Period—This Applies to All Access Persons.    No Access Person (including any member of the Family/Household of such Access Person) may purchase or sell any Covered Security within the three (3) business days immediately before or after a business day on which any client account managed by the Firm purchases or sells that Covered Security (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security), unless the Access Person had no actual knowledge that the Covered Security (or any closely related security) was being considered for purchase or sale for any client account. If any such transactions occur, the Firm will generally require any profits from the transactions to be disgorged for donation by the Firm to charity.

Note that the total blackout period is seven (7) business days (the day of the client trade, plus three (3) business days before and three (3) business days after).

a. ) Hardship Exception: to the extent an individual desires to purchase, or sell a security currently owned by that individual, and is only precluded from purchasing or selling the security due to an ongoing blackout period, the individual may request a ‘hardship exception’ from the Chief Compliance Officer. Based upon all facts and circumstances surrounding the hardship, the Chief


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Compliance Officer may, in his/her sole discretion, formulate an objective plan to facilitate the individual’s transaction in a manner which will not benefit from or impact transactions undertaken on behalf of the firm’s clients.

b.) Backside Blackout Period: The Firm will review situations where a personal trade has been approved (including a review of the frontside blackout period) and transacted and then the same Covered Security (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security) subsequently transacted by the Firm for client accounts during the backside blackout period. To the extent the Firm’s transactions during the backside blackout period consisted of ‘re-balancing’ or ‘flow’ trades, no violation will have been deemed to occur.

c.) It sometimes happens that an Access Person who is responsible for making investment recommendations or decisions for client accounts (such as a portfolio manager or analyst) determines—within the three (3) business days after the day he or she (or a member of his or her Family/Household) has purchased or sold for his or her own account a Covered Security that was not, to the Access Person’s knowledge, then under consideration for purchase by any client account—that it would be desirable for client accounts as to which the Access Person is responsible for making investment recommendations or decisions to purchase or sell the same Covered Security (or a closely related security). In this situation, the Access Person MUST put the clients’ interests first, and promptly make the investment recommendation or decision in the clients’ interest, rather than delaying the recommendation or decision for clients until after the third day following the day of the transaction for the Access Person’s (or Family/Household member’s) own account to avoid conflict with the blackout provisions of this Code. The Firm recognizes that this situation may occur entirely in good faith, and will not require disgorgement of profits in such instances if it appears that the Access Person acted in good faith and in the best interests of the Firm’s clients.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  d.)

The blackout requirements do not apply to the following categories of transactions:

i.    Transactions in futures and options contracts on interest rate instruments or indexes, and options on such contracts.

ii.    Transactions that occur by operation of law or under any other circumstance in which neither the Access Person nor any member of his or her Family/Household exercises any discretion to buy or sell or makes recommendations to a person who exercises such discretion.

iii.    Transactions effected through an unaffiliated managed account are excluded only if the Access Person (or member of his or her Family/Household, as applicable) has not initiated the investment transaction, has not been consulted regarding any specific investment recommendations or decisions, and is not otherwise participating in the account’s investment process.

iv.    Purchases of Covered Securities pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.

v.    Purchases pursuant to the exercise of rights issued pro rata to all holders of the class of Covered Securities held by the Access Person (or Family/Household member) and received by the Access Person (or Family/Household member) from the issuer.

vi.    Transactions in securities of collective investment vehicles for which the Firm serves as the investment adviser.

vii.    Transactions in Covered Securities by Firm-sponsored collective investment vehicles for which the Firm serves as investment adviser as to which the Investment Person may be deemed to have Beneficial Ownership

viii.    Transactions in common or preferred stocks of a class that is publicly-traded, has an average daily trading


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

volume greater than 1 million shares (as indicated by a reliable source) AND is issued by a company with a stock market capitalization of at least 5 billion U.S. dollars (or the equivalent in foreign currency). Day of trade blackout is still applicable.

ix.    Transactions in Exchange Traded Funds which are considered Covered Securities. Day of trade blackout is still applicable.

x.    Reportable Funds (other than ETFs advised/subadvised by the Firm).


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Definitions

These terms have special meanings in this Code of Ethics:

Access Person

Beneficial Ownership

Chief Compliance Officer

Covered Security

Family/Household

Non-Access Director

Reportable Fund

The special meanings of these terms as used in this Code of Ethics are explained below. Some of these terms (such as “beneficial ownership”) are sometimes used in other contexts, not related to Codes of Ethics, where they have different meanings. For example, “beneficial ownership” has a different meaning in this Code of Ethics than it does in the SEC’s rules for proxy statement disclosure of corporate directors’ and officers’ stockholdings, or in determining whether an investor has to file 13D or 13G reports with the SEC.

IMPORTANT: If you have any doubt or question about whether an investment, account or person is covered by any of these definitions, ask the Chief Compliance Officer. Don’t just guess at the answer.

Access Person includes:

 

  •  

Every member of the board of the Firm or of the Firm’s general partner, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, Inc., other than Non-Access Directors

 

  •  

Every employee of the Firm

 

  •  

Every employee of the Firm (or of any company that directly or indirectly has a 25% or greater interest in the Firm) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a Covered Security for any client account, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to purchases and sales.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Beneficial ownership means any opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in the profit from any transaction in securities. It also includes transactions over which you exercise investment discretion (other than for a client of the Firm), even if you don’t share in the profits.

Beneficial Ownership is a very broad concept. Some examples of forms of Beneficial Ownership include:

 

  •  

Securities held in a person’s own name, or that are held for the person’s benefit in nominee, custodial or “street name” accounts.

 

  •  

Securities owned by or for a partnership in which the person is a general partner (whether the ownership is under the name of that partner, another partner or the partnership or through a nominee, custodial or “street name” account).

 

  •  

Securities that are being managed for a person’s benefit on a discretionary basis by an investment adviser, broker, bank, trust company or other manager, unless the securities are held in a “blind trust” or similar arrangement under which the person is prohibited by contract from communicating with the manager of the account and the manager is prohibited from disclosing to the person what investments are held in the account. (Just putting securities into a discretionary account is not enough to remove them from a person’s Beneficial Ownership. This is because, unless the arrangement is a “blind trust,” the owner of the account can still communicate with the manager about the account and potentially influence the manager’s investment decisions.)

 

  •  

Securities in a person’s individual retirement account.

 

  •  

Securities in a person’s account in a 401(k) or similar retirement plan, even if the person has chosen to give someone else investment discretion over the account.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

Securities owned by a trust of which the person is either a trustee or a beneficiary.

 

  •  

Securities owned by a corporation, partnership or other entity that the person controls (whether the ownership is under the name of that person, under the name of the entity or through a nominee, custodial or “street name” account).

This is not a complete list of the forms of ownership that could constitute Beneficial Ownership for purposes of this Code. You should ask the Chief Compliance Officer if you have any questions or doubts at all about whether you or a member of your Family/Household would be considered to have Beneficial Ownership in any particular situation.

Chief Compliance Officer means Richard Faig, or another person that he or she designates to perform the functions of Chief Compliance Officer when he or she is not available. For purposes of reviewing the Chief Compliance Officer’s own transactions and reports under this Code, the functions of the Chief Compliance Officer are performed by the individual designated to perform such functions by the Chief Compliance Officer.

Covered Security means anything that is considered a “security” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, except:

 

  •  

Direct obligations of the U.S. Government. (Note: This includes only securities supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as U.S. Treasury bonds, and does not include securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or government-sponsored enterprises that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. )

 

  •  

Bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements.

 

  •  

Shares of money market funds


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), (other than those ETFs in which the firm trades). Please see “Appendix A” (attached) for a list of Exchange Traded Funds which ARE considered Covered Securities.

 

  •  

Shares of open-end investment companies that are registered under the Investment Company Act (mutual funds) other than Reportable Funds. Please refer to the definition of and current listing of Reportable Funds.

This is a very broad definition of security. It includes most kinds of investment instruments, including things that you might not ordinarily think of as “securities,” such as:

 

  •  

options on securities, on indexes and on currencies.

 

  •  

investments in all kinds of limited partnerships.

 

  •  

investments in foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds.

 

  •  

investments in private investment funds, hedge funds (e.g., a fund managed by the Firm) and investment clubs.

If you have any question or doubt about whether an investment is considered a security or a Covered Security under this Code, ask the Chief Compliance Officer.

Members of your Family/Household include:

 

  •  

Your spouse or domestic partner (unless they do not live in the same household as you and you do not contribute in any way to their support).

 

  •  

Your children under the age of 18.

 

  •  

Your children who are 18 or older (unless they do not live in the same household as you and you do not meaningfully contribute in any way to their support).


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

  •  

Any of these people who live in your household: your stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including adoptive relationships.

Comment—There are a number of reasons why this Code covers transactions in which members of your Family/Household have Beneficial Ownership. First, the SEC regards any benefit to a person that you help support financially as indirectly benefiting you, because it could reduce the amount that you might otherwise need to contribute to that person’s support. Second, members of your household could, in some circumstances, learn of information regarding the Firm’s trading or recommendations for client accounts, and must not be allowed to benefit from that information.

Non-Access Director means any person who is a director of Vaughan Nelson Trust Company or of the corporate general partner of Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, L.P. but who is not an officer or employee of the Firm or of such corporate general partner and who meets all of the following conditions:

 

  •  

He or she, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, does not make, participate in or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a registered investment company, and whose functions do not relate to the making of recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales;

 

  •  

He or she does not have access to nonpublic information regarding any Firm clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund; and

 

  •  

He or she is not involved in making securities recommendations to Firm clients, and does not have access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.

Reportable Fund means any investment companies (other than money market funds) that are registered under the Investment Company Act for which the Firm serves as an investment adviser/sub-adviser, or whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Firm, is controlled


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

by the Firm, or is under common control with the Firm. A Reportable Fund includes registered investment companies that are advised/sub-advised by the Firm or any of the firm’s affiliates. See most current listing of Reportable Funds maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer.

Comment Regarding Reportable Funds

Reportable Funds are mutual funds/ETFs for which the Firm or one of its affiliated companies serves as an investment adviser, sub-adviser or principal underwriter. Reportable Funds are included within the definition of Covered Securities. For a firm like ours that is part of a large organization where there are a number of firms under common control that advise, sub-advise or distribute mutual funds/ETFs, the universe of Reportable Funds is large.


Exhibit (o)(6)

 

Appendix A

Personal Trading – Revised 09/9/20

 

  A.

List of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in which Vaughan Nelson Invests (preclearance is required):

IWN, I-Shares Russell 2000 Value

IWM, I-Shares Russell 2000 Index

IVV, I-Shares S&P 500 Index Fund

IWD, I-Shares Russell 1000 Value

IWV, I-Shares Russell 3000 Index

IWS, I-Shares Russell Midcap Value

IWB, I-Shares Russell 1000

IWR, I-Shares Russell Midcap

IYH, I-Shares U.S. Healthcare

SUB, I-Shares Short-Term National AMT-Free Muni Bond

MUB, I-Shares S&P National AMT-Free Muni Bond

AAXJ, I-Shares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan

ILF, I-Shares S&P Latin America 40

AGG, I-Shares Core Total US Bond Market ETF

EWY, I-Shares MSCI South Korea ETF

INDA, I-Shares MSCI India

OEF, I-Shares S&P 100 ETF

VYM, Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

MGC, Vanguard Mega Cap 300

VO,    Vanguard Mid-Cap

VWO, Vanguard FTSE Emerging Market

BSV, Vanguard Short-Term Bond

VCSH, Vanguard Short-Term Corporate Bond

VGSH, Vanguard Short-Term Government Bond

BIV, Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond

VCIT, Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond

ISTB, I-Shares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF

SHM, SPDR Nuveen Capital Short Term Muni Bond

MUNI, PIMCO Intermediate Muni Bond Strategy

AMLP, Alerian MLP ETF

 

  B.

List of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) for which Vaughan Nelson is the Advisor/Sub-advisor (subject to preclearance, blackout, and Fund/ETF 30-day S/T trading restriction):

VNSE, Vaughan Nelson Select Equity

VNMC, Vaughan Nelson Mid Cap



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