EX-99.P(22) 27 d299331dex99p22.htm CODE OF ETHICS FOR METROPOLITAN WEST ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC Code of Ethics for Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC

Exhibit P(22)

 

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    For

     Internal            Use         Only   

December

        12,            2016   

 


Table of Contents

 

General Principles

    1   

Personal Investment Transactions

    2   

Overview

    2   

Covered Transactions/Covered Accounts

    2   

Pre-clearance of Covered Transactions

    3   

Pre-clearance Process

    3   

Prohibited Transactions

    3   

Exempt Securities

    8   

Exemptive Relief

    12   

Reporting

    13   

Personal Investment Reporting

    13   

Reporting on Opening, Changing or Closing a Covered Account

    13   

Required Certifications

    14   

Policy Statement on Insider Trading

    16   

What You Should Do If You Have Questions About Inside Information?

    16   

TCW Policy on Insider Trading

    17   

Trading Prohibition

    17   

Communication Prohibition

    18   

What is Material Information?

    18   

What is Non-Public Information?

    19   

Examples of How TCW Personnel Could Obtain Inside Information And What You Should Do In These Cases

    19   

Board of Directors Seats or Observation Rights

    20   

Deal-Specific Information

    20   

Participation in Rapid Fire Capital Infusions

    21   

Overview

    21   

What Should You Do?

    22   

What Are The Ramifications For Participating In A Rapid Fire Capital Infusion?

    22   

Creditors’ Committees

    22   

Information about TCW Products

    23   

Contacts with Public Companies

    24   

 

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Expert Networks

    24   

What Is The Effect Of Receiving Inside Information?

    25   

Does TCW Monitor Trading Activities?

    25   

Penalties and Enforcement by SEC and Private Litigants

    26   

Ethical Wall Procedures

    26   

Identification of the Walled-In Individual or Group

    26   

Isolation of Information

    27   

Restrictions on Communications

    27   

Restrictions on Access to Information

    28   

Trading Activities by Persons within the Wall

    28   

Termination of Ethical Wall Procedures

    28   

Maintenance of Restricted List

    29   

Exemptions

    29   

Gifts & Entertainment: Anti-Corruption Policy

    31   

Gifts

    31   

Entertainment or Similar Expenditures

    32   

Gifts, Entertainment, Payments & Preferential Treatment

    32   

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

    38   

Statement of Purpose

    39   

Scope

    39   

Prohibited Conduct

    39   

Health or Safety Exception

    40   

Third Party Representatives

    41   

Red Flag Reporting

    42   

Mandatory Reporting

    43   

Books and Records

    44   

Outside Business Activities

    45   

General

    45   

Obtaining Approval/Reporting

    45   

Political Activities & Contributions

    47   

Introduction

    47   

General Rules

    47   

Fundraising and Soliciting Political Contributions

    47   

Rules Governing Firm Contributions and Activities

    48   

 

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Federal Elections

    48   

Contributions to State and Local Candidates and Committees

    48   

Political Activities on Firm Premises and Using Firm Resources

    49   

Federal, State, and Local Elections

    49   

Rules for Individuals

    50   

Responsibility for Personal Contribution Limits

    50   

Pre-Approval of all Political Contributions and Volunteer Activity

    50   

New Hires, Transfers and Promotions to Covered Associate Position

    51   

Participation in Public Affairs

    51   

Other Employee Conduct

    52   

Personal Loans

    52   

Taking Advantage of a Business Opportunity That Rightfully Belongs To the Firm

    52   

Disclosure of a Direct or Indirect Interest in a Transaction

    52   

Corporate Property or Services

    53   

Use of TCW Stationery

    53   

Giving Advice to Clients

    53   

Confidentiality

    54   

Sanctions

    55   

Reporting Illegal or Suspicious Activity - “Whistleblower Policy”

    56   

Policy

    56   

Procedure

    56   

Glossary

    58   

 

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General Principles

The TCW Group, Inc. is the parent of several companies that provide investment advisory services. As used in this Code of Ethics or Code, the “Firm” or “TCW” refers to The TCW Group, Inc., TCW Advisors, and controlled affiliates.

This Code is based on the principle that the officers, directors and employees of the Firm owe a fiduciary duty to the Firm’s clients. In consideration of this you must:

 

    Protect the interests of the Firm’s clients before looking after your own.
    If you know that an investment team is considering a transaction in a security, don’t trade that security.
    Never use opportunities provided for the Firm’s clients by brokers or others for your personal benefit.
    Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest in conducting your personal investing.
    Never trade on the basis of client information, or otherwise use client information for personal benefit.
    Maintain the confidentiality of all client financial and other confidential information. Loose lips sink ships.
    Comply with all applicable securities laws and Firm policies, including this Code.
    Communicate with clients or prospective clients candidly.
    Exercise independent judgment when making investment decisions.
    Treat all clients fairly.

When in doubt, call the General Counsel, the Chief Compliance Officer, or any member of the Compliance or Legal Department before taking action. We are here to help. The reputation that TCW has built through decades of hard work can be destroyed by a single action. As an Access Person, you are responsible for safeguarding the reputation of TCW.

Violations of this Code constitute grounds for disciplinary actions, including immediate dismissal.

 

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Personal Investment Transactions

Overview

The first part of this policy restricts your personal investment activities to avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest with investment activities on behalf of clients of the Firm. The second part addresses reporting requirements for personal investing. You must conduct your personal investment activities in compliance with these rules.

Any questions about this policy should be addressed to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics at extension 0467 or ace@tcw.com.

All Securities trading by Access Persons and Covered Persons is monitored and reviewed. If patterns arise or it is determined that trading during the course of normal operations is of such a level as to interfere with the Person’s work performance or responsibilities, create any actual or apparent conflict of interest, negatively impact the operations of TCW or violate any Firm policy, limits may be imposed. The Person may be notified by his/her supervisor, or such other appropriate officer(s) that there is a trading issues, and that trading restrictions and/or other disciplinary action, as appropriate, may be implemented.

Every Covered Person should be familiar with the requirements of this policy. Contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics to send each Covered Person a copy of this policy or to have them attend a Code of Ethics orientation.

Covered Transactions/Covered Accounts

This policy covers investment activities (“Covered Transactions”) (i) by any Access Person or Covered Person, and (ii) in any account in which any Access Person has a “beneficial interest”. Any account through which a Covered Transaction is made is a “Covered Account.”

An Access Person has a “beneficial interest” in an account if that Access Person:

 

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has benefits substantially equivalent to owning the Securities or the account,

 

 

can obtain ownership of the Securities in the account within 60 days, or

 

 

can vote or dispose of the Securities in the account.

Examples include a relative’s brokerage account for which the Access Person can effect trades, or an estate for which the Access Person makes investment decisions as executor.

Violations of this policy by a Covered Person will be treated as violations by you.

Pre-clearance of Covered Transactions

Generally, all trading by Covered Persons requires pre-clearance. Exempt transactions and exempt securities are listed in this Code of Ethics.

Pre-clearance Process

Outside Fiduciary Accounts require special procedures. Contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

For marketable securities and Private Placement pre-clearance, log on to StarCompliance and file the required form at http://tcw.starcompliance.com.

Pre-clearance expires at 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (4:00 p.m. New York time) on the next business day after approval has been received. Generally, you must either obtain a new pre-clearance or cancel any unexecuted portion of the transaction that is not completed before your pre-clearance expires.

Prohibited Transactions

The following activities are prohibited and pre-clearance will generally not be available.

 

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Prohibited

Transaction

 

  

Exceptions/Limitations

 

  

Consequences/Comments

 

     
Transacting in a Security that the Firm is trading for its clients    Exception: Permitted once the Firm’s trading is completed or cancelled   

Portfolio managers may accumulate a position in a particular security over a period of time. During such accumulation period, permission to trade in such a security will generally not be granted.

 

     

Transacting in a security that the Access Person knows is under consideration for trading by the Firm for its clients

 

       
     

Uncovered short sale

 

       
     

Writing an uncovered option

 

       
     
Acquiring any Security in an IPO   

Exception: Permitted if the Security is an Exempt Security. See chart below.

 

    
     

Acquiring an interest in a 3rd party registered investment company advised or sub-advised by the Firm

 

       

See Prohibited Third-Party Mutual Fund List under Forms on myTCW.

 

Additional Restrictions for Certain Investment Personnel

 

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In addition to the foregoing prohibited transactions, the following are prohibited for the Investment Personnel indicated below.

 

     

Prohibited Transaction

 

 

Applies to

 

  

Consequences/Comments

 

     
Profiting from the purchase and sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) Securities within 60 calendar days by any of the following Access Persons described under “Applies to” who provide services for registered investment companies  

●    Portfolio Managers

 

●    Securities Analysts and

Researchers

 

●    Securities Traders who provide

information or advice to a

portfolio manager

 

●    Members of Investment

Control

  

Transactions will be matched using a LIFO system.

 

All profits of prohibited trades are subject to disgorgement

 

Exceptions:

 

●    Exempt Securities

 

●    ETFs

 

Note however, that Exempt Securities and ETFs must still be submitted through StarCompliance for pre-approval.

 

 

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Purchasing or selling a Security in  the 5 business days BEFORE that Security is bought or sold on behalf of a Firm client, in any

 

●    Covered Account, or

 

●    Outside Fiduciary Account

 

●    Prohibited for portfolio

managers and any other investment professional in their

product group, including traders,

Researchers or Analysts, for the

client account in which

the Security is transacted.

 

●    Members of Investment Control

 

●    Members of Investment Operations.

 

  

●    All prohibited transactions

will generally be reversed;

and

 

●    all profits are subject to

disgorgement.

     

Purchasing a Security in the 5 business days after that Security is sold on behalf of a Firm client, or selling a Security in the 5 business days AFTER that Security is purchased on behalf of a Firm client, in any

 

●    Covered Account, or

 

●    Outside Fiduciary Account

 

●    Prohibited for portfolio

managers and any other investment professional in their

product group, including traders,

Researchers or Analysts, for the

client account in which the

security is transacted.

 

●    Members of Investment Control.

 

●    Members of Investment Operations

 

  

●    All prohibited transactions

will generally be reversed;

and

 

●    all profits are subject to

disgorgement.

 

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Purchasing or selling any Security  in the 5 business days AFTER a TCW-advised or sub-advised registered investment company buys or sells the Security, in any

 

●    Covered Account, or

 

●    Outside Fiduciary Account

 

●    Prohibited for a portfolio

manager and any other

investment professional in their

product group, including traders, 

Researchers or Analysts, managing funds for the

registered investment company

 

●    Members of Investment Control

 

●    Members of Investment

Operations

 

  

●    All prohibited transactions

will generally be reversed; and

 

●    all profits are subject to

disgorgement.

     

Purchasing or selling any Security in a manner inconsistent with any recommendation made by that research analyst less than 30 days prior to the proposed purchase or sale

 

 

●    Prohibited for any Analyst or

Researcher

  

●    All prohibited transactions

must be reversed; and

 

●    all profits are subject to

disgorgement.

 

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Recommending any Security for purchase by the Firm, including writing a research report advocating for the purchase of a Security , where such individual also holds such Security in a Covered Account.  

●    Prohibited for any portfolio

manager, Researcher or Analyst, 

unless they have held such

Security for at least three

months prior to the

recommendation or drafting of

the research report.

 

  

●    All prohibited transactions

must be reversed; and

 

●    all profits are subject to

disgorgement.

Exempt Securities

Pre-clearance is generally not required for Exempt Securities. The following table identifies Exempt Securities and summarizes any pre-clearance and reporting requirements that apply.

 

 

Types of Exempt

Securities

  

 

Pre-

clearance
Required?

 

  

 

Reporting
Required?

 

 

Limitations/Comments

       

U.S. Government Securities (including  agency obligations)

 

  

No

  

No

   
       

Investment-grade rated Securities issued by  any State, Commonwealth or territory of the  United States, or any political subdivision or  taxing authority thereof

 

  

No

  

Yes

   
       

Bank certificates of deposit or time deposits

 

  

No

  

No

   

 

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Bankers’ Acceptances.

 

  

No

  

No

   
       
Investment grade debt instruments with a term of 13 months or less, including commercial paper, fixed-rate notes, repurchase agreements, and municipal bonds.   

No

  

Yes

 

Ask the appropriate product attorney in the Legal Department for clarification if any questions.

 

       

Shares in money market mutual funds or a fund that appears on the exempt list.

 

  

No

  

No

   
       
Shares in open-end investment companies not advised or sub-advised by the Firm.   

No

  

No

 

See Prohibited Third-Party Mutual Fund List under Forms on myTCW.

 

       

Shares of unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in mutual funds not  advised by the Firm.

 

  

No

  

No

   
       

Stock index futures, futures on U.S. Government Securities, Eurodollar futures contracts, and non-financial commodities

 

  

No

  

Yes

   
       

Municipal bonds traded in the market

 

  

No

  

Yes

 

No

 

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Trades in Non-Discretionary Accounts which you, your spouse, your domestic partner, or your significant other established.    No   

Opening of the account must be reported, with evidence that it is non-discretionary. No reporting of trades required.

 

   
       

Securities purchased or sold through an Auto-Trade

 

   No    Yes    
       

Security purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by the issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent that such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights were so acquired.

 

   No    Yes    
       
Interests in Firm-sponsored limited partnerships or other Firm -sponsored private placements.    No    Yes  

Firm already must approve in order to invest, which serves as pre-clearance.

 

       
Securities acquired in connection with the exercise of an option.   

No, unless cash is received in connection with exercise of the option

 

   Yes, securities received must be reported.    

 

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Ownership Interests in Clipper Holding, LP

 

   No    No    
       
Rule 10b5-1 Plans   

Prior approval required to enter plan. Transactions pursuant to an approved plan will not require pre-clearance.

 

   Yes    
       
Direct Purchase Plans   

Prior approval required to enter plan. Transactions pursuant to an approved plan will not require pre-clearance.

 

   Yes    
       

Interests in Firm- sponsored Private Placements that are

 

●    Estate planning transfers

 

●    Court-ordered transfers

 

   No    No    
       
MetWest or TCW Fund in a Firm Account    No    No  

Compliance with frequent trading rules required. Monitored by the Firm.

 

 

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MetWest or TCW Fund in a non-Firm  Account  

No

 

Yes

 

Compliance with frequent trading rules required.

 

Securities where the Firm acts as an adviser  or distributor for the investment, offered in:

 

●    A hedge fund;

●    Private Placement; or

●    Other Limited Offerings

 

 

Yes (if a limited   offering)

 

Yes

   

Exemptive Relief

To seek approval for a Code of Ethics exemption, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics will require a written statement indicating the basis for the requested approval, and coordinate obtaining the approval of the Approving Officers. The Approving Officers have no obligation to grant any requested approval or exemption.

The Approving Officers also may, under appropriate circumstances, grant exemption from Access Person status to any person.

 

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Reporting

Personal Investment Reporting

TCW receives automated feeds from many major brokers (“Linked Brokers”). If your broker is not a Linked Broker, you must ensure that TCW receives duplicate broker statements. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics can inform you if your broker is a Linked Broker, and set up your account for automated feed. If your broker is not a Linked Broker, the Administrator of the Code of Ethics can assist you with a release letter (“407 letter”) to allow TCW to receive duplicate statements. Corporate actions such as mergers, purchases and sales, spin-offs, stock splits, stock-on-stock dividends and like activities must also be reported unless made through an account with a Linked Broker. In addition, Access Persons must timely file all reports for all transactions as provided in the tables below. Transactions that must be reported include opening, closing or changing Covered Accounts.

Reporting on Opening, Changing or Closing a Covered Account

Brokerage Accounts: You must use the StarCompliance, http://tcw.starcompliance.com, system to enter information about each Covered Account:

 

Activity    Comments    Exceptions

•    Upon becoming an Access Person

 

•    Upon opening a new Covered Account while you are an Access Person

       

You are not required to report or enter information for:

 

•    Outside Fiduciary Accounts

 

•    Accounts that can only hold third party mutual funds

 

 

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•  Upon closing, or making any change to a Covered Account while you are an Access Person

 

  

Update StarCompliance

 

  

N/A

 

Separate Accounts: You must obtain pre-clearance from your group head and the Approving Officers to open a personal separately managed account at the Firm.

Required Certifications

Reports are filed online at http://tcw.starcompliance.com.

If you will not be able to file a report on time, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics prior to the filing due date.

 

Certification    When Due   

Additional

Requirements

Initial Holdings Report   

Within 10 days after becoming an Access Person

 

  

Include all securities except Exempt Securities

 

Include all Covered Accounts. Holdings must be current no earlier than 45 days before you became an Access Person

 

Quarterly Certificate of Compliance   

By each January 10, April 10, July 10 and October 10

 

  

Must be filed even if there were no transactions during the period.

 

 

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Annual Holdings Report    By January 31 of each year   

Same as Initial report, except that holdings must be current as of December 31 of the prior year.

 

Annual Certificate of Compliance

 

  

By January 31 of each year

 

    

Report on Outside Activities (Includes, among other activities, Directorships, Officerships, Creditor Committees, Board Observation Rights and Employment)

 

   4th quarter of each year     

 

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Policy Statement on Insider Trading

Members of the Firm occasionally come into possession of material, non-public information or “inside information”. Various laws, court decisions, and general ethical standards impose duties with respect to the use of this inside information.

The SEC rules provide that any purchase or sale of a security while “having awareness” of inside information is illegal regardless of whether the information was a motivating factor in making a trade.

Courts may attribute one employee’s knowledge of inside information to other employees that trade in the affected security, even if no actual communication of this knowledge occurred. Thus, by buying or selling a particular Security in the normal course of business, Firm personnel other than those with actual knowledge of inside information could inadvertently subject the Firm to liability.

The risks in this area can be significantly reduced through the use of a combination of trading restrictions and information barriers designed to confine material non-public information to a given individual, group or department (see defined term “Ethical Walls”).

See the Reference Table below if you have any questions on this Policy or who to consult in certain situations.

What You Should Do If You Have Questions About Inside Information?

 

 

    Topic

 

  

 

You Should Contact:

 

    If you have a question about:

 

●    The Insider Trading Policy in general

 

●    Whether information is “material” or “non-public”

 

●    If you have a question about whether you have received inside information on a Firm commingled fund (e.g. partnerships, trusts,

  

The product attorney, General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer.

 

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mutual funds)

 

●    Whether you have received material non-public

information about a public company

 

●    Obtaining deal-specific information (pre-clearance

is required)

 

●    Sitting on a Creditors’ Committee (preapproval is

required)

 

●    Need to have an Ethical Wall established

 

●    Terminating an Ethical Wall

 

●    Section 13/16 issues

 

●    Who is “within” or “outside” an Ethical Wall

 

    

●    If you wish to take a Board of Directors seat, serve as an alternate on a Board or sit on a Creditors Committee (Pre-approval is required)

 

  

Administrator of the Code of Ethics

In the event of inadvertent or non-intentional disclosure of mutual non-public information

 

  

Product attorney or General Counsel who will notify the Chief Compliance Officer because the Firm may be required to make prompt disclosure.

 

TCW Policy on Insider Trading

Trading Prohibition

 

   

No Access Person of the Firm, either for themselves or on behalf of clients or others, may buy or sell a security (i.e., stock, bonds, convertibles, options, warrants or derivatives tied to a company’s securities) while in possession of material, non-public information about the company (except in limited circumstances discussed below).

 

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This applies in the case of both publicly traded and private companies.

   

This means that you may not buy or sell such securities for yourself or anyone, including your spouse, domestic partner, relative, friend, or client and you may not recommend that anyone else buy or sell a security of a company on the basis of inside information regarding that company.

If you believe you have received oral or written material, non-public information, you should not discuss the information with anyone except the product attorney in the Legal Department, the General Counsel, or the Chief Compliance Officer who will determine whether the information is of a nature requiring restrictions on use and dissemination and when any restrictions should be lifted.

Communication Prohibition

No Access Person may communicate material, non-public information to others who have no official need to know. This is known as “tipping,” which also is a violation of the insider trading laws, even if you as the “tipper” did not personally benefit. Therefore, you should not discuss such information acquired on the job with your spouse, domestic partner or with friends, relatives, clients, or anyone else inside or outside of the Firm except on a need-to-know basis relative to your duties at the Firm.

Remember that TCW Mutual Funds are publicly traded entities and you may be privy to material non-public information regarding those entities. Communicating such information in violation of the Firm’s policies is illegal.

 

 

  The prohibition on sharing material, non-public information extends to affiliates such as the Carlyle entities.

 

What is Material Information?

Information (whether positive or negative) is material:

   

When a reasonable investor would consider it important in making an investment decision or

   

When it could reasonably be expected to have an effect on the price of a company’s securities.

 

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Some examples of Material Information are:

 

   

Earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, liquidity problems, dividend changes, defaults,

   

Projections, major capital investment plans,

   

Significant labor disputes,

   

Significant merger, tender offers, secondary offerings, rights offerings, spin-off, joint venture, stock buy backs, stock splits or acquisition proposals or agreements,

   

New product releases, price changes, schedule changes,

   

Significant accounting changes, credit rating changes, write-offs or charges,

   

Major technological discoveries, breakthroughs or failures,

   

Major contract awards or cancellations, significant regulatory developments (e.g. FDA approvals),

   

Governmental investigations, major litigation or disposition of litigation, or

   

Extraordinary management developments or changes.

Because no clear or “bright line” definition of what is material exists, assessments sometimes require a fact-specific inquiry. If you have questions about whether information is material, direct the questions to your product attorney, the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer.

What is Non-Public Information?

Non-public information is information that:

 

   

Has not been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace, such as a press release or publication in the Wall Street Journal or other generally circulated publication; or

 

   

Has not become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other governmental agency, Bloomberg, or release by Standard & Poor’s or Reuters.

Examples of How TCW Personnel Could Obtain Inside Information And What You Should Do In These Cases

Examples of how a person could come into possession of inside information include:

 

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Board of Directors Seats or Observation Rights

 

   

Most public companies have restrictions on trading by Board members except during trading window periods.

   

Anyone who wishes to serve on a Board of Directors or as a Board Observer must seek pre-approval and complete the Outside Business Activity Form that is posted on myTCW and submit it to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics who will coordinate the approval process.

   

If approval is granted, the Administrator of the Code of Ethics will notify the Legal Department so that the appropriate Ethical Wall and/or restricted securities listing can be made.

Portfolio Managers:

   

Sitting on Boards of public companies in connection with an equity or fixed income position that they manage; or

   

Having the intent to control or work with others to attempt to influence or control a company.

Should be mindful of:

   

SEC filing obligations under Section 16 of the Exchange Act

   

“Short swing profits” restrictions and penalties related to purchases and sales of shares held in client accounts within a 6-month period.

The product attorney should be consulted in these situations, and outside counsel should be involved as necessary.

Deal-Specific Information

Employees may receive inside information for legitimate purposes such as:

   

In the context of a direct investment, secondary transaction or participation in a transaction for a client account

   

In the context of forming a confidential relationship

   

Receiving “private” information through on-line services such as Intralinks.

This “deal-specific information” may be used by the department to which it was given for the purpose for which it was given. This type of situation typically arises in:

 

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mezzanine financings,

   

loan participations, bank debt financings,

   

venture capital financing,

   

purchases of distressed securities,

   

oil and gas investments, and

   

purchases of substantial blocks of stock from insiders.

It should be assumed that inside information is transmitted whenever:

   

A confidentiality agreement is entered into;

   

An oral agreement is made or an expectation exists that you will maintain the information as confidential; or

   

There is a pattern or practice of sharing confidences so that the recipient knows or reasonably should know that the provider expects the information to be kept confidential, such pattern or practice is sufficient to form a confidential relationship.

There is a presumed duty of trust and confidence when a person receives material non-public information from his or her spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

Remember that even if the transaction for which the deal-specific information is received involves securities that are not publicly traded, the issuer may have other classes of traded securities, and the receipt of inside information can affect the ability of other product groups at the Firm to trade in those securities.

If you are to receive any deal-specific information or material, non-public information on a company (whether domestic or foreign), contact the product attorney in the Legal Department for your area, who then will implement the appropriate Ethical Wall and trading procedures.

Participation in Rapid Fire Capital Infusions

Overview

From time to time, public companies may seek rapid-fire capital infusions of capital from institutional investors. In the past, these have involved investment banks contacting potential investors, often over the weekends, on a pre-announcement basis.

 

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What Should You Do?

If you work with marketable security strategies and you receive a call to participate in an offering before it is publicly announced, please contact the Legal Department, General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer. Do not ask the name of the company that is the subject of the financing or agree to any confidentiality or standstill agreements. Otherwise, you may restrict trading in your and other portfolios and the Firm. Your email should include the contact information for the person who contacted you.

What Are The Ramifications For Participating In A Rapid Fire Capital Infusion?

Historically, the Firm’s marketable securities strategies have not received material non-public information and have relied solely on public information. Some of the ramifications of your participating in a rapid fire capital infusion are:

 

   

Your accounts will be restricted for the company in question as soon as you learn about the name of the company, even if you decide not to participate. There is no ability to preview the names because just knowing about the potential transaction is in itself material non-public information.

 

   

A restriction in a name could last for a period of time and that period cannot be predicted in advance. In many cases, it may be a fairly short period (a week or so).

 

   

You will need to be available or designate someone in your portfolio management group to be fully available at night and possibly over the weekend to consider the transaction(s).

If your group decides to participate in the offering, the Legal Department will work with your group to implement appropriate Ethical Wall procedures with the goal of ensuring that others at the Firm who do not have the information will not be frozen in their trading securities of the issuer. The shares of the company at issue will be restricted in accounts managed by your group and possibly others at the Firm until after the terms of the financing (or other material non-public information) are publicly announced.

Creditors’ Committees

 

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Members of the Firm may be asked to participate on a Creditors’ Committee which is given access to inside information. Since this could affect the Firm’s ability to trade in securities in the company, before agreeing to sit on any Creditors’ Committee, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics who will obtain any necessary approvals and notify the Legal Department so that the appropriate Ethical Wall can be established and/or restricted securities listings can be made.

Information about TCW Products

Employees could come into possession of inside information about the Firm’s limited partnerships, trusts, and mutual funds that is not generally known to their investors or the public. The following could be considered inside information:

 

   

Plans with respect to dividends, closing down a fund or changes in portfolio management personnel

 

   

Buying or selling securities in a Firm product with knowledge of an imminent change in dividends or

 

   

A large-scale buying or selling program or a sudden shift in allocation that was not generally known

Disclosing holdings of the TCW Mutual Funds on a selective basis could also be viewed as an improper disclosure of non-public information and should not be done. The Firm currently discloses holdings of the TCW Mutual Funds to the general public and investors through tcw.com on a monthly basis. This disclosure may occur on or prior to the 15th calendar day following the end of that month (or, if the 15th calendar day is not a business day, the next business day thereafter). Disclosure of these funds’ holdings at other times, where a general disclosure has not yet been made through tcw.com, requires special confidentiality procedures and must be pre-cleared with the product attorney (See the Marketing and Communications Policy for further information concerning portfolio holdings disclosure).

In the event of inadvertent or unintentional disclosure of material non-public information, the person making the disclosure should immediately contact the product attorney or General Counsel. The Legal Department should notify the Administrator of the Code of Ethics of this type of inside information so that appropriate restrictions can be put in place.

 

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Contacts with Public Companies

Contacts with public companies are an important part of the Firm’s research efforts coupled with publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise when an employee becomes aware of material, non-public information through a company contact. This could happen, for example, if a company’s Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results, or if an investor-relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, the Firm must make a judgment regarding its further trading conduct.

If an issue arises in this area, a research analyst’s notes could become subject to scrutiny. Research analyst’s notes have become increasingly the target of plaintiffs’ attorneys in securities class actions.

The SEC has declared publicly that they will take strict action against what they see as “selective disclosures” by corporate insiders to securities analysts, even when the corporate insider was getting no personal benefit and was trying to correct market misinformation. Analysts and portfolio managers who have private discussions with management of a company should be clear about whether they desire to obtain inside information and become restricted or not receive such information.

If an analyst or portfolio manager receives what he or she believes is inside information and if you feel you received it in violation of a corporate insider’s fiduciary duty or for his or her personal benefit, you should not trade and should discuss the situation with your product attorney in the Legal Department, the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer.

Expert Networks

The Firm may, from time to time, execute agreements with companies that provide access to a group of professionals, specialized information or research services (“Expert Networks”). In such circumstances, Expert Networks are engaged to provide authorized TCW employees with information that may be helpful in TCW understanding an industry, legislative initiatives, and many other important topical areas. However, TCW is mindful of the fact that Expert Networks present significant legal, compliance and regulatory risks concerning the receipt and transmission of

 

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materially non-public information. Given this inherent risk, TCW requires that the compliance policies of each Expert Network are reviewed and approved by our Compliance Department prior to entering into an agreement for services. Furthermore, the Firm requires that each employee who wishes to participate in an Expert Network read and confirm their understanding of the Firm Expert Network Guidelines, as well as complete an Insider Trading training module to ensure that they understand the Firm policies regarding material non-public information and insider trading.

What Is The Effect Of Receiving Inside Information?

Any person actually receiving inside information is subject to the trading and communication prohibitions discussed above. However, restrictions may extend to other persons and departments within the company. In the event of receipt of inside information by an employee, the Firm generally will:

Establish an Ethical Wall around the individual or a select group or department, and/or place a “firm wide restriction” on securities in the affected company that would bar any purchases or sales of the securities by any department or person within the Firm, whether for a client or personal account unless there is specific approval from the Compliance or Legal Departments.

In connection with the Ethical Wall protocol, those persons falling within the Ethical Wall would be subject to the trading prohibition and, except for need-to-know communications to others within the Ethical Wall, the communication prohibition discussed above. The breadth of the Ethical Wall and the persons included within it will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In these circumstances, the Ethical Wall procedures are designed to “isolate” the inside information and restrict access to it to an individual or select group to allow the remainder of the Firm not to be affected by it.

In any case where an Ethical Wall is imposed, the Ethical Wall procedures discussed below must be strictly observed. Each Group Head is responsible for ensuring that members of his or her group abide by these Ethical Wall procedures in every instance.

Does TCW Monitor Trading Activities?

Yes, the Compliance Department monitors trading activities through one or more of the following:

 

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Conducts reviews of trading in public securities listed on the Restricted Securities List.

 

 

Surveys client account transactions that may violate laws against insider trading and, when necessary, investigates such trades

 

 

Conducts monitoring of the Ethical Walls.

 

 

Reviews personal securities trading to identify insider trading, other violations of the law or violations of the Firm’s policies.

 

 

Obtains securities holding and transaction reports as required by SEC rules and regulations.

Penalties and Enforcement by SEC and Private Litigants

Insider trading violations subject both the Firm and the individuals involved to severe civil and criminal penalties and could result in damaging the reputation of the Firm. Violations constitute grounds for disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal.

The SEC pursues all cases of insider trading regardless of size and parties involved. Penalties for violations are severe for both the individual and possibly his or her employer. The regulators, the market and the Firm view violations seriously and there can be significant fines, jail time and lawsuits.

Ethical Wall Procedures

The SEC has long recognized that procedures designed to isolate inside information to specific individuals or groups can be a legitimate means of curtailing attribution of knowledge of such inside information to an entire company. These types of procedures are known as Ethical Wall procedures. In those situations where the Firm believes inside information can be isolated, the following Ethical Wall procedures would apply. These Ethical Wall procedures are designed to “quarantine” or “isolate” the individuals or select group of persons with the inside information within the Ethical Wall.

Identification of the Walled-In Individual or Group

The persons subject to the Ethical Wall will be identified by name or group designation. If the Ethical Wall procedures are applicable

 

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simply because of someone serving on a Board of Directors of a public company in a personal capacity, the Ethical Wall likely will apply exclusively to that individual, although in certain circumstances expanding the wall may be appropriate. When the information is received as a result of being on a Creditors’ Committee, serving on a Board in a capacity related to the Firm’s investment activities, or receiving deal-specific information, the walled-in group generally will refer to the group associated with the deal and, in some cases, related groups or groups that are highly interactive with that group. Determination of the breadth of the Ethical Wall is fact-specific and must be made by the product attorney, the General Counsel, or the Chief Compliance Officer. Therefore, as noted above, advising them if you come into possession of material, non-public information is important. If you are in a group where you expect to continuously receive material non-public information as part of its strategy, a global Ethical Wall may be required to be imposed on the department.

Isolation of Information

Fundamental to the concept of an Ethical Wall is that the inside information be effectively quarantined to the walled-in group. The two basic procedures that must be followed to accomplish this are as follows: restrictions on communications and restrictions on access to information.

Restrictions on Communications

Communications regarding the inside information of the subject company should only be held with persons within the walled-in group on a need-to-know basis or with the General Counsel, the product attorney in the Legal Department or Chief Compliance Officer. Communications should be discreet and should not be held in the halls, in the lunchroom or on cellular phones. In some cases using code names for the subject company as a precautionary measure may be appropriate.

If persons outside of the group are aware of your access to information and ask you about the target company, they should be told simply that you are not at liberty to discuss it. On occasion, discussing the matter with someone at the Firm outside of the group may be desirable. However, no such communications should be held without first receiving the prior clearance of the General Counsel, the product attorney, or the Chief Compliance Officer. In such

 

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case, the person outside of the group and possibly his or her entire department, thereby will be designated as “inside the wall” and will be subject to all Ethical Wall restrictions in this policy.

Restrictions on Access to Information

The files, computer files and offices where confidential information is physically stored generally should be made inaccessible to persons not within the walled-in group.

Trading Activities by Persons within the Wall

Persons within the Ethical Wall are prohibited from buying or selling securities in the subject company, whether on behalf of the Firm or clients or in personal transactions except:

 

 

Where the affected persons have received deal-specific information, the persons are permitted to use the information to consummate the deal for which deal-specific information was given (Note that if the transaction is a secondary trade (vs. a direct company issuance), the product attorney should be consulted to determine any disclosure obligations to the counterparty, and

 

 

In connection with a client directed liquidation of an account in full provided that no confidential information has been shared with the client. The liquidating portfolio manager should confirm to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics in connection with such liquidation that no confidential information was shared with the client.

Termination of Ethical Wall Procedures

When the information that is the subject of the Ethical Wall has been publicly disseminated, a confidentiality agreement expires and information is no longer being provided or if the information has become stale, the person who contacted the Legal or Compliance Department to have the Ethical Wall established must notify the Legal Department as to whether the Ethical Wall can be terminated. This is particularly true if the information was received in an isolated circumstance such as an inadvertent disclosure to an analyst or receipt of deal-specific information.

 

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Persons who by reason of an ongoing relationship or position with the company are exposed more frequently to the receipt of such information (e.g., being a member of the Board of Directors or on a Creditors’ Committee) would be subject ordinarily to the Ethical Wall procedures on a continuing basis and may be permitted to trade only during certain “window periods” when the company permits such “access” persons to trade.

Certain Operational Procedures

The following are certain operational procedures that will be followed to ensure communication of insider trading policies to Firm employees and enforcement thereof by the Firm.

Maintenance of Restricted List

The Restricted Securities List is updated as needed by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics, who distributes it as necessary. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics also updates an annotated copy of the list and maintains the history of each item that has been deleted. This annotated Restricted Securities List is available to the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer, as well as any additional persons, which either of them may approve.

 

The Restricted Securities List restricts issuers (i.e., companies) and not just specific securities issued by the issuer. The list of ticker symbols on the Restricted Securities List should not be considered the complete list – the key is that you are restricted as to the company or a derivative that is tied to the company. This

is of particular importance to the strategies which may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges.

The Restricted Securities List must be checked before each trade. If an order is not completed on one day, then the open order should be checked against the Restricted Securities List every day it is open beyond the approved period that was given (e.g., the waiver you received was for a specific period, such as one day).

Exemptions

Once an issuer is placed on the Restricted Securities List, any purchase or sale specified on the list (whether a personal trade or

 

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on behalf of a client account) must be cleared with the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

 

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Gifts & Entertainment: Anti-Corruption Policy

Access Persons may provide reasonable Gifts and Entertainment for the bona fide purpose of promoting, demonstrating, or explaining Firm services, including fostering strong client relationships.

Where possible, or as required in this Policy, you should notify your supervisor or group or department head before, or after, providing or accepting any Gifts or Entertainment, even if no other approval is required. As discussed below, Access Persons may also be required to obtain approval when giving or receiving certain Gifts and Entertainment. Unless otherwise specified below, if approvals are required, you must submit your request through StarCompliance for approval by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics. Access Persons must obtain prior written approval from the Administrator of the Code of Ethics where required. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics shall elevate the request in the event of high risk or higher value gifts, or as otherwise necessary or appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in light of the impromptu nature of some Entertainment, approval for Access Persons providing entertainment may on occasion be after the fact. After the fact approval shall not be deemed a violation of this Policy where (1) approval prior to such impromptu Entertainment was not feasible, and (2) the provision of such Entertainment or the value of such Entertainment does not violate applicable U.S. or local laws. However, to the extent feasible, any required approvals should be obtained before accepting or giving Gifts or Entertainment. It is the Access Person’s responsibility to seek prior approval from the Administrator of the Code of Ethics for Gifts and Entertainment which can be reasonably anticipated in advance of travel, events, meetings, conferences, or other similar circumstances where Gifts or Entertainment may be given or received. Repeated reliance on the impromptu nature of giving or receiving Gifts or Entertainment may be considered a violation of this Policy and may result in disciplinary action.

Gifts

A “Gift” is anything of value given or received without paying its reasonable fair value (e.g. merchandise, cash, gift cards, favors, credit, special discounts on goods or services, free services, loans of goods or money, tickets to sports or entertainment events, trips and hotel expenses where Access Persons are not present as attendees). Entertainment (as defined below) is not a Gift.

 

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A Gift must only be provided as a courtesy or token of regard or esteem (“Token Gift”).

   

Any Token Gifts should be appropriate under the circumstances, not be excessive in value (generally, not more than $100) and involve no element of concealment.

   

Gifts of cash or cash equivalents are prohibited.

You may not give or accept a Gift if you know, or have reason to know, that it is not permitted under the applicable laws.

Entertainment or Similar Expenditures

“Entertainment” generally means the attendance by you and your hosts or guests at a meal, sporting event, theater production, or comparable event and also might include travel to, or accommodation expenses at, a conference or an out-of-town event.

 

   

Business Entertainment (including meals, sporting events, theater productions, or comparable events) may only be provided if (i) a legitimate business purpose exists for such entertainment and (ii) such entertainment is reasonable and not excessive (e.g., 3 days of golf for a 1-day seminar is excessive and not reasonable).

 

   

You may never pay or accept payment of Entertainment or similar expenditures if they are not commensurate with local custom or practice or if you know or have reason to know that they are not permitted under the applicable laws.

Access Persons are required to follow the approval process set forth below, and in this Policy, to obtain the requisite approvals, if any, before or after giving or receiving Gifts or Entertainment.

Gifts, Entertainment, Payments & Preferential Treatment

Gifts or Entertainment may create an actual or apparent conflict of interest, which could affect (or appear to affect) the recipients’ independent business judgment. Therefore, the Policy establishes reasonable limits and procedures relating to giving and receiving Gifts and Entertainment.

If approval is required, Access Persons should request approval through StarCompliance, and wait for a decision before taking any

 

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action. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics shall review the submission with your supervisor or department and the Approving Officers, as appropriate. Registered Persons may be required to log gifts & entertainment given or received in StarCompliance. Refer to the table below which describes the Gifts & Entertainment for which a log may be required. If you have any doubt about whether a Gift or Entertainment requires approval, you should err on the side of caution and seek approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in light of the impromptu nature of some Entertainment, approval for Access Persons providing entertainment may on occasion be after the fact. After the fact approval shall not be deemed a violation of this Policy where (1) approval prior to such impromptu Entertainment was not feasible, and (2) the provision of such Entertainment or the value of such Entertainment does not violate applicable U.S. or local laws. However, to the extent feasible, any required approvals should be obtained before accepting or giving Gifts or Entertainment. It is the Access Person’s responsibility to seek prior approval from the Administrator of the Code of Ethics for Gifts and Entertainment which can be reasonably anticipated in advance of travel, events, meetings, conferences, or other similar circumstances where Gifts or Entertainment may be given or received. Repeated reliance on the impromptu nature of giving or receiving Gifts or Entertainment may be considered a violation of this Policy and may result in disciplinary action.

Gifts Provided By the Firm/Access Persons

 

 

Type of Gift To Be Given

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

 

Cash Gifts (including gift cards)

 

      

 

Prohibited

 

 

Token Gifts (e.g. bottles of wine, fruit baskets, books) under $100 (unless given to a Foreign Official or Domestic Official)

 

      

 

No Approval Required

 

Gifts in excess of $100 that seem appropriate under the circumstances

 

      

 

Pre-Approval Required

 

Personal Charitable Gifts given

 

      

 

Pre-Approval Required

 

 

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where the recipient has a known business relationship with or a connection to a client or potential client of the Firm

 

        

 

Gifts to Foreign Officials or Domestic Officials (regardless of value)

 

      

 

Pre-Approval Required

 

Charitable Gifts given on behalf of the Firm

      

 

Pre-Approval Required. The Charitable Contribution request form must be completed before making the Gift.

 

 

Gifts by TCW Funds Distributors LLC (formerly, TCW Brokerage Services), a limited-purpose broker-dealer (“TFD”) Registered Persons aggregating less than $100 per year

      

 

No Approval Required, But Each Individual Must Maintain Their Own Log On StarCompliance Showing:

 

Name of recipient (s)

 

Date of Gift (s)

 

Value of Gift s)

 

A log is not required to record gifts of de minimis value (e.g. pens, notepads or modest desk ornaments) or promotional items of nominal value that display the firm’s logo (e.g. umbrellas, tote bags or shirts) that are substantially below the $100 limit. However, all other gifts MUST be logged. If you are in doubt if something meets the “de minimis” standard, then the gift should be logged.

 

 

Gifts by TFD Registered Persons aggregating more than $100 per year that do not relate to the business of the recipient’s employer. Examples of gifts not relating to the business of the

      

Pre-Approval Required, And Must Maintain Log Showing:

 

Name of recipient (s)

 

Date of Gift (s)

 

 

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recipient’s employer include personal gifts (not paid for by TCW) where there is a pre-existing personal or family relationship between you and the recipient.

 

      

Value of Gift (s)

 

 

Gifts by TFD Registered Persons aggregating more than $100 per year that do relate to the business of the recipient’s employer

 

      

 

Prohibited

 

Gifts to Unions or Union Officers

      

 

Pre-Approval Required. The Request Form for Approval for Gift/Entertainment must be completed before making the gift. In addition, an LM-10 Information Report is required to be completed, approved by an officer and submitted to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics and to the Legal Department for each occurrence.

 

Entertainment and Hospitality Provided by the Firm/Access Persons

 

 

Amount

 

  

 

Approval Required

 

 

$250 or less per person and $2,500 or less in aggregate per event

 

  

 

No Approval Required

 

 

Greater than $250 per person or $2,500 or more in aggregate per event

 

  

 

Pre-Approval Required

 

 

Attendance and participation at industry sponsored events (for example,  purchasing a table at an industry conference)

 

  

 

No Approval Required

 

 

If provided to a Foreign Official or Domestic Official (regardless of value)

 

  

 

Pre-Approval Required

 

 

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Note that for public pension plans, and in some cases other clients, Gifts or Entertainment may have to be disclosed by the Firm in response to client questionnaires and may reflect unfavorably on the Firm in obtaining business. Receipt of Gifts may even lead to disqualification. Therefore, discretion and restraint is advised.

Gifts and Entertainment Received by Firm Personnel

You should not accept Gifts that are of excessive value (generally, $100 or more) or inappropriate under the circumstances. Access Persons are required to report any gift that they receive worth more than $100 to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

If a Gift has a value over $100 and is not approved as being otherwise appropriate, you should (i) reject the Gift, (ii) give the Gift to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics who will return it to the person giving the Gift (you may include a cover note), or (iii) if returning the Gift could affect friendly relations between a third party and the Firm, give it to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics, which will donate it to charity.

If the host of an event is personally present at the event, the event will be considered Entertainment; otherwise, it will be considered a Gift. You should not accept any invitation for Entertainment that is excessive or inappropriate under the circumstances. There may be some circumstances where it is difficult to reject an invitation or provision of hospitality or Entertainment. Where rejecting such an invitation or provision of hospitality could affect friendly relations between a third party and the Firm, use your best judgment and promptly report the entertainment or hospitality to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics shall review such situation with your supervisor or department head and the Approving Officers, as appropriate. No absolute rules exist, so good judgment must be exercised, considering the context, circumstances, and frequency of the Entertainment or hospitality. For example, approval might be required for an out-of-town sporting event, but not for a business conference in the same venue.

 

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In light of the nature of Gift-giving and the impromptu nature of some Entertainment, approval for Access Persons accepting such items may often be after the fact. However, to the extent feasible, any required approvals should be obtained before accepting Gifts or Entertainment. Where prior approval is not possible with respect to impromptu Gifts or Entertainment, the Access Persons receiving such Gift or Entertainment must seek approval as soon as is reasonably practicable. If such Gift or Entertainment received is impermissible under U.S. or local laws, then the Administrator for the Code of Ethics may require the Access Persons to return the Gifts or reimburse such Entertainment received.

 

 

Type of Gift/Entertainment Received

 

      

 

Approval required

 

 

Cash Gifts

 

      

 

Prohibited

 

 

Solicitation by Access Persons of Gifts from clients, suppliers, brokers, business partners, or potential business partners

 

      

 

Prohibited

 

 

Appropriate Gifts with value of $100 or less*

 

      

 

No Approval Required

 

 

Tickets(s) to attend an industry conference or seminar paid by a vendor or other third party (note that payment of airfare, accommodations, meals and other expenses paid by such vendor or third party would still require approval, unless exempted per the Speaker Exemption below)

 

      

 

No Approval Required

 

Gifts believed to have a value in excess of $100, that seem appropriate under the circumstances*

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

 

Gifts given to a wide group of recipients (e.g. closing dinner

      

 

No Approval Required

 

 

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Gifts, holiday Gifts)*

 

        

 

Gifts received from the same donor more than twice in a calendar year*

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

 

Entertainment on a personal basis, involving a small group of people, more than twice in one calendar year

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

 

Entertainment over $250 per event*

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

 

Out-of-town accommodations and airfare for business conference or other industry event paid by sponsor as speaker expenses, or on the same basis as other attendees (the “Speaker Exemption”)

 

      

 

No Approval Required

 

 

Other out-of-town travel expenses, other than on a business trip or industry conference that is customary and usual for business purposes

 

      

 

Approval Required

 

*For Investment Personnel only:

   

All Gifts and Entertainment, of any value, received from broker/dealers must be reported in StarCompliance.

   

All Gifts received from broker/dealers with a value in excess of $100/person are prohibited and should be returned to the broker/dealer or turned over to Compliance for appropriate disposition.

   

If an Investment Personnel is granted approval to accept entertainment with a value in excess of $250 per event from a broker/dealer, that person must personally pay the amount in excess of $250 and must maintain records indicating such payment.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

 

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The FCPA permits small payments to low-level Foreign Officials (typically in countries with pervasive corruption) to expedite or secure the performance of non-discretionary government action (e.g., processing governmental papers, providing police protection, and providing mail service) under limited circumstances (“Facilitating Payments”). Nevertheless, because such payments may be illegal under the local law of the foreign country involved and/or other applicable anti-corruption laws and rules, such as the Bribery Act, this Policy prohibits Firm Personnel from making such payments, regardless of whether such payments would be permissible under the FCPA.

Statement of Purpose

TCW (the “Firm”) is committed to complying with all applicable anti-corruption laws and rules, including, but not limited to, the U.S Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), the U.S. Travel Act (the “Travel Act”), the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010 (the “Bribery Act”) and any laws enacted pursuant to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (the “OECD Convention”). The purpose of this Anti-Corruption Policy (the “Policy”) is to ensure compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws and rules.

Of course, no policy can anticipate every possible situation that might arise. As such, Firm Personnel (defined below) are encouraged to discuss any questions that they may have relating to the Policy with their supervisor, Firm contact or the Legal or Compliance Departments. When in doubt, Firm Personnel should seek guidance.

Scope

This Policy is mandatory and applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Firm and any persons engaged to act on behalf of the Firm, including agents, representatives, temporary agency personnel, consultants, and contract-based personnel, wherever located (collectively referred to as “Firm Personnel”). Violations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and referral to regulatory and criminal authorities.

Prohibited Conduct

 

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Firm Personnel shall not, directly or indirectly, make, offer, or authorize any gift, payment or other inducement for the benefit of any person, including a Foreign Official or Domestic Official, with the intent that the recipient misuse his/her position to aid the Firm in obtaining, retaining, or directing business.

“Foreign Official” includes government officials, political party leaders, candidates for public office, employees of state-owned enterprises (such as state-owned banks or pension plans), employees of public international organizations (such as the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund), and close relatives or agents of any of the foregoing. Because U.S. regulators have a very broad view of what constitutes a “Foreign Official,” Firm Personnel should err on the side of caution by treating counter-parties as Foreign Officials when in doubt.

“Domestic Official” means any officer or employee of any government entity, department, agency, or instrumentality (federal, state, or local) in the U.S., candidates for public office, and close relatives or agents of any of the foregoing.

For purposes of this Policy, Foreign Official and Domestic Official also includes individuals who have actual influence in the award of business and any person or entity hired to review or accept bids for a government entity.

All payments, whether large or small, are prohibited if they are, in substance, bribes or kickbacks, including, cash payments, gifts, and the provision of hospitality and entertainment expenses. Personal funds (your own or a third party’s) must not be used to accomplish what is otherwise prohibited by this Policy.

Firm Personnel are also prohibited from requesting, agreeing to accept, or accepting Gifts from any third party in exchange for or as a reward for improper or unapproved performance of their job responsibilities.

Health or Safety Exception

Facilitating Payments are permitted in rare circumstances when the health or safety of Firm Personnel (or anyone else) is at risk. If a payment is made pursuant to this limited exception, Firm Personnel must report the payment and circumstances to the Legal Department as soon as possible after the health or safety of the

 

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individual(s) is no longer at risk. The payment must also be accurately recorded in the Firm’s books and records.

Third Party Representatives

Under the FCPA and other anti-bribery laws, the Firm may be held responsible for the misconduct of its agents, representatives, business partners, consultants, contractors or any other third party engaged to act on the Firm’s behalf (collectively “Third Party Representatives”). As such, prior to entering into an agreement with any Third Party Representative regarding business outside the United States, the Firm shall perform anti-corruption related due diligence and obtain from the Third Party Representative appropriate assurances of compliance in accordance with this Policy. The Legal Department is required to approve all engagements with Third Party Representatives. Any anti-corruption compliance issue that comes to the attention of any Firm Personnel must be reported to the General Counsel and addressed before proceeding with the relevant transaction or doing business with or through a Third Party Representative.

Firm Personnel should be alert to the activities of any Third Party Representative with whom they interact and promptly report any suspicious activity to the Legal Department. Firm Personnel should be especially alert to Third Party Representatives who are located in or interact with individuals in countries with high levels of corruption (the United States Department of Justice and Transparency International maintain internet-accessible lists of countries where corruption is a concern). Firm Personnel must consult with the Legal Department whenever encountering a situation involving any anti-corruption issue, including a Red Flag, or any other similar situation.

It is important for Firm Personnel to identify and report anti-corruption compliance issues in the ordinary course of business. To this end, the following shall apply to all Firm Personnel:

 

  a.

Familiarize yourself with the examples of Red Flags listed in this Policy; Attend anti-corruption training as applicable so you can identify the types of situations that may raise Red Flags or other compliance concerns that are not enumerated in this Policy;

 

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  b.

Be vigilant in detecting Red Flags; it is prohibited to “consciously avoid” or “close your eyes” to a violation or to a Red Flag;

  c.

Look out for Red Flags both before and during a relationship with any transaction partner; and

  d.

If you have information concerning a potential Red Flag, contact the General Counsel immediately.

No Firm Personnel who in good faith provides information regarding a possible Red Flag will suffer any retaliation or adverse employment decision as a consequence of such report.

The existence of a Red Flag does not necessarily mean that a violation has occurred or will occur. However, once a Red Flag arises, Firm Personnel must report the Red Flag to the Legal Department who will oversee a reasonable inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Red Flag. Upon request, other Firm Personnel will cooperate with and assist in the review of the Red Flag. The extent of this inquiry will depend on the facts of the particular situation and the degree of risk involved.

Red Flag Reporting

Firm Personnel are required to promptly report to the General Counsel any situations that raise anti-corruption compliance Red Flags. All Firm Personnel are expected to be alert to any Red Flags or other situations that may indicate any compliance issues. The existence of a Red Flag requires additional diligence to address potential problems before a transaction may go forward. Red Flags include (but are not limited to):

 

   

A request for reimbursement of extraordinary, poorly documented, or last minute expenses;

   

A request for payment in cash, to a numbered account, or to an account in the name of someone other than the appropriate counterparty;

   

A request for payment in a country other than the one in which the transaction is taking place or counterparty is located, especially if it is a country with limited banking transparency;

   

An unreasonable request (taking into consideration the circumstances of the request, including the size of payment and the timing of the request) for payment in advance or prior

 

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to an award of a contract, license, concession, or other business;

   

A refusal by a party to certify that it will comply with the requirements and prohibitions of this Policy, applicable anti-corruption laws and rules;

   

A refusal, if asked, to disclose owners, partners, or principals;

   

Use of shell or holding companies that obscure an entity’s ownership without credible explanation;

   

As measured by local customs or standards, or under circumstances particular to the party’s environment, the party’s business seems understaffed, ill equipped, or inconveniently located to undertake its proposed relationship with the Firm;

   

The party, under the circumstances, appears to have insufficient know-how or experience to provide the services the Firm needs; and

   

In the case of engaging a Third Party Representative, the potential Third Party Representative:

 

has an employee or a family member of an employee in a government position, particularly if the family member is or could be in a position to direct business to the Firm;

 

is insolvent or has significant financial difficulties that would reasonably be expected to impact its dealings with the Firm;

 

displays ignorance of or indifference to local laws and regulations;

 

is unable to provide appropriate business references;

 

lacks transparency in expenses and accounting records;

 

is the subject of credible rumors or media reports of inappropriate payments; or

 

requests payment that is disproportionate to the services provided.

Mandatory Reporting

Firm Personnel and Third Party Representatives are required to promptly report to the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer any instance in which they believe that they, or any other Firm Personnel or Third Party Representative may have violated this Policy. All suspected violations of this Policy, including minor violations, should be reported. For example, a failure to obtain pre-approval before giving Gifts in excess of $100 should be

 

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reported. In addition, Firm Personnel and Third Party Representatives must alert the General Counsel or Chief Compliance Officer if anyone solicits improper Gifts, payments or other inducements from them, including any request made by a Foreign Official or Domestic Official for a payment that would be prohibited under this Policy or any other actions taken to induce such a payment.

Firm Personnel may also report suspected violations of this Policy as specified in the Firm’s Whistleblower Policy.

Books and Records

The Firm is required to maintain books and records that accurately reflect the Firm’s transactions, use of Firm assets, and other similar information. The Firm is also required to maintain the internal accounting controls necessary to maintain proper control over the Firm’s actions. The Firm should not create any undisclosed or unrecorded accounts for any purpose. False or artificial entries are not to be made in the books and records of the Firm for any reason.

 

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Outside Business Activities

General

The Firm discourages employees from holding outside employment, including consulting. In addition, an employee may not engage in outside employment that:

   

interferes, competes, or conflicts with the interests of the Firm or gives an appearance of a conflict of interest.

 

Employment in the securities brokerage industry is prohibited.

 

Employees must abstain from negotiating, approving, or voting on any transaction between the Firm and any outside organization with which they are affiliated, except in the ordinary course of providing services for the Firm and on a fully disclosed basis.

   

encroaches on normal working time or otherwise impairs performance,

   

implies Firm sponsorship or support of an outside organization, or

   

adversely reflects directly or indirectly on the Firm.

A conflict of interest may arise if an employee is engaged in an outside business activity (“OBA”) or receives any compensation for outside services that may be inconsistent with the Firm’s business interests. Examples of OBAs may include, but are not limited to, the following:

   

Outside employment

   

Serving as an officer or on the Board of any non-affiliated company or institution

   

Accepting appointment as a fiduciary, including executor, trustee, guardian, conservator or general partner

   

Honorariums, public speaking appearances or instruction courses at educational institutions

   

Serving as an officer or on the Board of any non-investment related organizations that are exclusively charitable, fraternal, religious, civic and are recognized as tax exempt

Obtaining Approval/Reporting

All employees are required to obtain pre-approval before engaging in any OBA by completing the Outside Business Activity Form and

 

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sending the completed form to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics will then coordinate the approval and reporting process.

In addition, all employees are required to complete the initial Outside Business Activity Form upon their hire, provide an updated form to Compliance upon material changes to the activity or role involved, file a new Outside Business Activity Form prior to the commencement of any new Outside Business Activity, and complete the Report on Outside Business Activity annually.

 

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Political Activities & Contributions

Introduction

In the U.S., both federal and state laws impose restrictions on certain kinds of political contributions and activities. These laws apply not only to U.S. citizens, but also to foreign nationals and both U.S. and foreign corporations and other institutions. Accordingly, the Firm has adopted policies and procedures concerning political contributions and activities regarding federal, state, and local candidates, officials and political parties.

This policy applies to the Firm and all employees, and in some cases to affiliates, consultants, placement agents and solicitors working for the Firm. Failure to comply with these rules could result in civil or criminal penalties for the Firm and the individuals involved or loss of business for the Firm.

These policies are intended to comply with these laws and regulations and to avoid any appearance of impropriety. These policies are not intended to otherwise interfere with an individual’s right to participate in the political process. If you have any questions about political contributions or activities, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

General Rules

All persons are prohibited from making or soliciting political contributions where the purpose is to assist the Firm in obtaining or retaining business.

No employee shall apply pressure, direct or implied, on any other employee that infringes upon an individual’s right to decide whether, to whom, in what capacity, or in what amount or extent, to engage in political activities.

All persons are prohibited from doing indirectly or through another person anything prohibited by these policies and procedures or to avoid a required review for approval.

Fundraising and Soliciting Political Contributions

 

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Firm officers, directors or other personnel may not make political solicitations under the auspices of the Firm, unless authorized in writing by the General Counsel who will maintain a copy. Use of Firm letterhead is prohibited.

Any solicitation or invitations to fundraisers by a Firm officer, director or other personnel on behalf of candidates, party committees or political committees must:

 

   

originate from the individual’s home address,

   

make clear that the solicitation is not sponsored by the Firm, and

   

make clear that the contribution is voluntary on the part of the person being solicited.

Rules Governing Firm Contributions and Activities

Federal Elections

The Firm is prohibited from:

 

   

making or facilitating contributions to federal candidates from corporate treasury funds,

   

making or facilitating contributions or donations to federal political party committees and making donations to state and local political party committees if the committees use the funds for federal election activities,

   

using, or allowing the use of, corporate facilities, resources, or employees for federal political activities other than for making corporate communications to its officers, directors, stockholders, and their families, and

   

making partisan communications to its “rank and file” employees or to the public at large.

Contributions to State and Local Candidates and Committees

The limitations on corporate political contributions and activities vary significantly from state to state. All Firm employees must obtain pre-clearance from the General Counsel prior to:

 

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using the Firm’s funds for any political contributions to state or local candidates, or

   

making any political contribution in the Firm’s name.

Political Activities on Firm Premises and Using Firm Resources

Federal, State, and Local Elections

All employees are prohibited from:

 

   

Using Firm resources for political activities, including the use of photocopier paper for political flyers, or Firm-provided refreshments at a political event, and

   

directing subordinates to participate in federal, state, and/or local fundraising or other political activities, except where those subordinates have voluntarily agreed to participate in such activities. Any employee considering the use of the services of a subordinate employee (whether or not in the same reporting line) for political activities must inform the subordinate that his or her participation is strictly voluntary and that he or she may decline to participate without the risk of retaliation or any adverse job action.

Federal law and Firm policy allow an individual to engage in limited personal, volunteer political activities on company premises on behalf of a federal candidate if:

 

   

the individual obtains approval before the activities occur. Contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics to request approval.

   

the political activities are isolated and incidental (they may not exceed 1 hour per week or 4 hours per month),

   

the activities do not prevent the individual from completing normal work or interfere with the Firm’s normal activity,

   

the activities do not raise the overhead of the Firm (for example, result in phone charges, postage or delivery charges, use of Firm materials), and

   

the activities do not involve services performed by other employees (including secretaries, assistants, or other

 

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subordinates) unless the other employees voluntarily engage in the political activities.

TCW follows the above policy for activities related to state and local elections.

Rules for Individuals

Responsibility for Personal Contribution Limits

Federal law and the laws of many states and localities establish contribution limits for individuals. Each employee is responsible for knowing and remaining within those limits.

Pre-Approval of all Political Contributions and Volunteer Activity

Each TCW employee, and their spouse, domestic partner and relative or significant other sharing the same house, must obtain pre-approval from the Administrator of the Code of Ethics before:

 

   

making or soliciting any Contribution to a current holder or candidate for a state, local or federal elected office, or a campaign committee, political party committee, proposition, referendum, initiative, other political committee or organization (example: Republican or Democratic Governors Association) or inaugural committee. A Contribution includes anything of value given or paid to:

 

 

influence any election for federal, state or local office;

 

pay any debt incurred in connection with such election; or

 

pay any transition or inaugural expenses incurred by the successful candidate for state or local office.

 

   

volunteering their services to a political campaign, political party committee, proposition, referendum, initiative, political action committee (“PAC”) or political organization.

 

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Access Persons are required to affirm after the end of each calendar quarter that they have reported all political contributions and volunteer services they, and each of their spouse, domestic partner and relative or significant other sharing the same house, have provided during the quarter.

New Hires, Transfers and Promotions to Covered Associate Position

New hires, transfers and promotions to positions may not be made without the prior review of their political contributions and activities by Compliance. Human Resources will gather information on any new hire or on any employee being transferred or promoted. The information shall include information about the political contributions or activities of the new hire or employee’s spouses, domestic partners and relatives or significant others sharing the same house. Compliance can exempt individuals or categories of employees from this review.

Participation in Public Affairs

The Firm encourages its employees to be involved in public affairs and political processes. Normally, participation in public affairs takes place outside of regular business hours. If participation in public affairs requires corporate time, or you wish to accept an appointive office, or you want to run for elective office, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics in order to request approval.

You must campaign on your own time. You may not use Firm property or services without proper reimbursement to the Firm.

Employees participating in political activities do so as individuals and not as representatives of the Firm. You may not:

 

   

use either the Firm’s name or its address in material you mail or fundraising, and

   

identify the Firm in any advertisements or literature, except as necessary biographical information.

 

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Other Employee Conduct

Personal Loans

You may not borrow from clients or from Firm vendors or service providers, except those who engage in lending in the usual course of their business and then only on terms offered to others in similar circumstances, without special treatment. This prohibition does not preclude borrowing from individuals related to you by blood or marriage.

Taking Advantage of a Business Opportunity That Rightfully Belongs To the Firm

Employees must not take for their own advantage a business opportunity that rightfully belongs to the Firm. Whenever the Firm has been actively soliciting a business opportunity, or the opportunity has been offered to it, or the Firm’s funds, facilities, or personnel have been used in pursuing the opportunity, that opportunity rightfully belongs to the Firm and not to employees who may be in a position to divert the opportunity for their own benefits.

Examples of improperly taking advantage of a corporate opportunity include:

 

   

selling information to which an employee has access because of his/her position,

 

   

acquiring any property interest or right when the Firm is known to be interested in the property in question,

 

   

receiving a commission or fee on a transaction that would otherwise accrue to the Firm, and

 

   

diverting business or personnel from the Firm.

Disclosure of a Direct or Indirect Interest in a Transaction

If you or any family member have any interest in a transaction (whether on behalf of a client or the Firm), that interest must be disclosed, in writing, to the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer to allow assessment of potential conflicts of interest.

 

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You do not need to report any interest that is otherwise reported in accordance with the Personal Investment Transactions Policy.

Example of an interest that should be disclosed: conducting TCW business with a vendor or service provider who is related to you or for which your parent, spouse, or child is an officer should be disclosed.

Corporate Property or Services

You may not purchase or acquire corporate property or use of the services of other employees for personal purposes. For example, you may not use inside counsel for personal legal advice absent approval from the General Counsel or use of outside counsel for that advice at the Firm’s expense.

Use of TCW Stationery

You may not use corporate stationery for personal correspondence or other non-job-related purposes.

Giving Advice to Clients

The Firm cannot practice law or provide legal advice.

 

   

Avoid statements that might be interpreted as legal advice; and

   

Avoid giving clients advice on tax matters, the preparation of tax returns, or investment decisions, except as appropriate in the performance of a fiduciary or advisory responsibility, or as otherwise required in the ordinary course of your duties.

 

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Confidentiality

All information relating to past, current, and prospective clients is confidential and is not to be discussed with anyone outside the organization under any circumstance. All employees and on-site long term temporary employees and consultants will be required to sign and adhere to a Confidentiality Agreement. You should report violations of the Confidentiality Agreement to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

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Sanctions

The Firm may impose such sanctions it deems appropriate upon discovering a violation of this Code, including, but not limited to, an oral or written reprimand, supplemental training, a reversal of a transaction and disgorgement of profits, demotion, and suspension or termination of employment.

 

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Reporting Illegal or Suspicious Activity – “Whistleblower Policy”

Policy

The Firm is committed to compliance with the law and its policies in all of its operations. The Firm’s employees can provide early identification of significant issues that arise with compliance with policies and the law. The Firm’s policy is to create an environment in which its employees can report these issues in good faith without fear of reprisal.

The Firm requires that all employees report activity that is illegal or does not comply with the Firm’s policies and procedures (“Compliance Issues”), including this Code. Reports about Compliance Issues will be held confidentially by the Firm except in limited circumstances. The Firm expects the exercise of the Whistleblower Policy to be used responsibly. If an employee believes that a policy is not being followed because it is being overlooked, one first step could be to bring the issue to the attention of the party charged with the operation of the policy. If, however, you believe that a policy is not being followed and feel uncomfortable bringing it to the attention of the person involved, you may follow the other procedures set forth in this policy.

Procedure

In some cases, an employee should be able to resolve issues or concerns with their manager or, if appropriate, other management senior to their manager. However, this may fail or the employee may have legitimate reasons to choose not to notify management. In such cases, the Firm has established a system for employees to report Compliance Issues.

An employee who has a good faith belief that a Compliance Issue may occur or is occurring is required to come forward and report under this policy. “Good faith” means that the employee believes that they are disclosing information that is truthful, but it does not require that a reported concern is correct.

The report should be made to the General Counsel and may be made via the whistleblower line at (213) 244-0055. The whistleblower line is only directly accessible by the General Counsel. Reports may also be made directly to the General Counsel, in person or in

 

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writing (including email). Reports may also be made anonymously via the whistleblower line or the whistleblower drop box located in the dining room on the 21st floor of the Los Angeles office and in the Town Hall pantry in the New York office; however, the Firm encourages employees to identify themselves when making a report to facilitate follow-up communication. When making a report, employees should state in as much detail as possible the facts that raised a concern.

The Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel will consult about the investigation as required. Depending on the nature of the matters covered by the report, an investigation may be conducted by an officer or manager, the Chief Compliance Officer, the General Counsel or an external party.

The Firm understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality of the reporting employee. The identity of the employee making the report will be kept confidential, except to the extent that disclosure may be required by law, a governmental agency, or self-regulatory organization, or as an essential part of completing the investigation. The employee making the report will be advised if confidentiality cannot be maintained. To the extent practicable, employees will be kept apprised of the Firm’s response to their reports.

The Chief Compliance Officer will follow up to assure that the investigation is completed, that any Compliance Issue is addressed, and that no acts of retribution or retaliation occur against the person reporting violations or cooperating in an investigation in good faith.

Each quarter (or more frequently as necessary), the General Counsel will provide TCW’s Board of Directors with an update regarding the status of each report received under this policy during the preceding quarter. Employees may also contact the California Office of the Attorney General’s whistleblower hotline at (800) 952-5225. The Attorney General refers calls received on its whistleblower hotline to an appropriate governmental authority for review and possible investigation

Submitting a report that is known to be false is a violation of this Reporting of Illegal or Suspicious Activity Policy.

 

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Glossary

A

Access Person(s) – Includes all of the Firm’s directors, officers, and employees, except those who (i) do not devote substantially all working time to the activities of the Firm, and (ii) do not have access to information about the day-to-day investment activities of the Firm. A consultant, temporary employee, or other person may be considered an Access Person depending on various factors, including length of service, nature of duties, and access to Firm information.

Account – A separate account and/or a commingled fund (e.g., limited partnership, trust, mutual fund, REIT, and CBO/CDO/CLO).

Administrator of the Code of Ethics – Shall be a member of the Compliance Department, as designated by the Chief Compliance Officer.

Approving Officers – One of the Chief Operating Officer or the Head of Investment Operations Technology in addition to one of the General Counsel or the Chief Compliance Officer.

B

Beneficial Interest – an interest of an Access Person in a security or account of another person under which they (i) can obtain benefits substantially equivalent to owning the security, (ii) can obtain ownership of the security immediately or within 60 days, or (iii) can vote or dispose of the security.

C

CBO – Collateralized bond obligation.

CDO – Collateralized debt obligation. A security backed by a pool of bonds, loans, and other assets.

Chief Compliance Officer – The Chief Compliance Officer of TCW. For purposes of this policy, the term Chief Compliance

 

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Officer shall include persons authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer to handle certain matters under this Code of Ethics policy.

CLO – Collateralized loan obligation.

Code of Ethics or Code – This Code of Ethics.

Compliance Issue – activity that is illegal or does not comply with the Firm’s formal written policies and procedures

Contribution – includes anything of value given or paid to (i) influence any election for federal, state or local office, (ii) pay any debt incurred in connection with such election, or (iii) pay transition or inaugural expenses incurred by the successful candidate for state or local office.

Covered AccountAccount of an Access Person or Covered Person.

Covered Person – Spouse, minor child, relative or significant other sharing a house with an Access Person, or any other person, when the Access Person has a “beneficial interest” in the person’s accounts or securities.

Covered Transaction – A transaction in a Covered Account.

D

Direct Purchase Plan – An investment service that allows individuals to purchase a security directly from a company or through a transfer agent. Not all companies offer Direct Purchase Plans and the plans often have restrictions on when an individual can purchase.

E

Entertainment – Generally means the attendance by you and your guests at a meal, sporting event, theater production, or comparable event where the expenses are paid by a business relation who invited you, and also might include payment of travel to, or accommodation expenses at, a conference or an out-of-town event.

 

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ETF – Exchange Traded Fund. A fund that tracks an index but can be traded like a stock.

Ethical Walls or Informational Barriers – The conscientious use of a combination of trading restrictions and information barriers designed to confine material non-public information to a given individual, group, or department.

Exchange Act – Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exempt Securities – Those Securities described in the subsection Exempt Securities in the Personal Investment Transactions Policy.

F

Firm or TCW – The TCW Group of companies.

Firm Personnel – All directors, officers and employees of the Firm and any persons engaged to act on behalf of the Firm, including agents, representatives, temporary agency personnel, consultants, and contract-based personnel, wherever located.

Foreign Official – Includes (i) government officials, (ii) political party leaders, (iii) candidates for office, (iv) employees of state-owned enterprises (such as state-owned banks or pension plans), and (v) relatives or agents of a Foreign Official if a payment is made to such relative or agent of a Foreign Official with the knowledge or intent that it ultimately would benefit the Foreign Official.

G

General Counsel – The General Counsel of TCW. For purposes of this policy, the term General Counsel shall include persons authorized by the General Counsel to handle certain matters under this Code of Ethics policy.

Gift – Anything of value received without paying its reasonable fair value (e.g., favors, credit, special discounts on goods or services, free services, loans of goods or money, tickets to sports or entertainment events, trips and hotel expenses). If something falls within the definition of Entertainment, it does not fall within the category of Gifts.

 

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I

IPO – Initial public offering. An offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Inside information – Material, non-public information.

Investment Personnel – Includes (i) any portfolio manager or securities analyst or securities trader who provides information or advice to a portfolio manager or who helps execute a portfolio manager’s decision, and (ii) a member of the Investment Control Department.

L

Limited Offering – An offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Sections 4(2) or 4(6), or pursuant to Rules 504, 505, or 506 or under the Securities Act. Note that a CBO or CDO is considered a Limited Offering or Private Placement.

Linked Broker – A broker that provides account information by automatic feed to StarCompliance.

LM-10 Information Report – Report required for reporting gifts or entertainment to labor unions or union officials.

M

Material Information – Information that a reasonable investor would consider important in making an investment decision. Generally, this is information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to have an effect on the price of a company’s securities.

MetWest – Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC, a U.S. – registered investment advisor and direct subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc.

 

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MetWest Mutual Funds – Metropolitan West Funds, each of its series, and any other proprietary, registered, open-end investment companies (mutual funds) advised by MetWest.

N

Non-Discretionary Accounts – Accounts for which the individual does not directly or indirectly make or influence the investment decisions.

O

Outside Fiduciary Accounts – Certain fiduciary accounts outside of the Firm for which an individual has received the Firm’s approval to act as fiduciary and that the Firm has determined qualify to be treated as Outside Fiduciary Accounts under this Code of Ethics.

P

Private Placements – An offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Sections 4(2) or 4(6), or pursuant to Rules 504, 505, or 506 or under the Securities Act. Note that a CBO or CDO is considered a Limited Offering or Private Placement.

R

REIT – Real estate investment trust.

Registered Person(s) – Any person having a securities license (e.g., Series 6, 7, 24, etc.) with TFD.

Restricted Securities List – A list of the securities for which the Firm is generally limited firm-wide from engaging in transactions.

Rule 10b5-1 Plan – A rule established by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) that allows insiders of publicly traded corporations to set up a trading plan for selling stocks they own. Rule 10b5-1 allows major holders to sell a predetermined number of shares at a predetermined time.

 

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S

SEC – Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities – Includes any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, shares of mutual funds, and other investment companies (including money market funds and their equivalents), options, warrants, financial commodities, a derivative linked to a specific security or other derivative products and interests in privately placed offerings and limited partnerships, including hedge funds.

Securities Act – Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

T

TAMCO – TCW Asset Management Company LLC, a U.S.-registered investment advisor and direct subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc.

TCW or Firm – The TCW Group of companies.

TCW Advisor – Includes TAMCO, TIMCO, MetWest and any other U.S. federally registered advisors directly or indirectly controlled by The TCW Group, Inc.

TCW Alternative Funds or TAF – TCW Alternative Funds, including each of its series.

TCW Funds – TCW Funds, Inc., each of its series, and any other proprietary, registered, open-end investment companies (mutual funds) advised by TIMCO

TCW Mutual Funds – Collectively, the TCW Funds, MetWest Mutual Funds, TCW Alternative Funds and TSI and any other registered investment company advised by TIMCO, MetWest or any other affiliate, unless otherwise indicated.

TFD or TCW Funds Distributors LLC – A limited-purpose broker-dealer (formerly, TCW Brokerage Services).

 

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TIMCO – TCW Investment Management Company LLC, a U.S.-registered investment advisor and direct subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc.

TSI – TCW Strategic Income Fund, Inc., a registered, closed-end investment company advised by TIMCO.

 

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