0001752724-23-021404.txt : 20230210 0001752724-23-021404.hdr.sgml : 20230210 20230210151521 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001752724-23-021404 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CEN PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20221130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20230210 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20230210 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20230210 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000102426 IRS NUMBER: 132729672 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CEN SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-02328 FILM NUMBER: 23611339 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1700 BROADWAY STREET 2: SUITE 1230 CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80290 BUSINESS PHONE: 7209170764 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1700 BROADWAY STREET 2: SUITE 1230 CITY: DENVER STATE: CO ZIP: 80290 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20020731 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: USLIFE INCOME FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 N-CEN 1 primary_doc.xml X0404 N-CEN LIVE 0000102426 XXXXXXXX 811-02328 true N-2 SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. 811-02328 0000102426 5493000XG0EMNJQ1SM17 1700 Broadway, Suite 1230 Denver 80290 US-CO US (877)561-7914 Paralel Technologies LLC 1700 Broadway, Suite 1230 Denver 80290 3032264150 All applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Fund by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession and custody of the Fund, c/o Paralel Technologies LLC. N N N N-2 Y Nicole Murphey N/A Y Steven K. Norgaard N/A N Dr. Dean L. Jacobson N/A N Joel W. Looney 003128830 Y Richard I. Barr N/A N Chris Moore N/A 1700 Broadway, Suite 1230 Denver 80290 XXXXXX N N N N N N Cohen & Company 925 N/A N N N N N N SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. 5493000XG0EMNJQ1SM17 N N/A Y N N N N/A N/A N/A Rule 18f-4(c)(4) (17CFR 270.18f-4(c)(4)) Rule 18f-4 (17 CFR 270.18f-4) Rule 23c-1 (17 CFR 270.23c-1) Rule 15a-4 (17 CFR 270.15a-4) Rule 32a-4 (17 CFR 270.32a-4) N N N N Paralel Advisors LLC 801-122468 000315804 5493000Y2SW5VHHE7G86 N Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC 801-70202 000148479 N/A Y N Computershare 85-11340 N/A N N N ICE Data Pricing & Reference Data, LLC. 5493000NQ9LYLDBCTL34 N N State Street Bank and Trust N/A N N Bank - section 17(f)(1) (15 U.S.C. 80a-17(f)(1)) BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES, FR N/A FR N Y Foreign custodian - rule 17f-5 (17 CFR 270.17f-5) N Computershare N/A N N N Paralel Technologies LLC N/A N N N BTIG, LLC 8-65473 000122225 549300GTG9PL6WO3EC51 77089 PERSHING LLC 8-17574 000007560 ZI8Q1A8EI8LQFJNM0D94 2100 79189 PERSHING LLC 8-17574 000007560 ZI8Q1A8EI8LQFJNM0D94 119331771 NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC 8-26740 000013041 549300JRHF1MHHWUAW04 42466668 161798439 N 1516678514.00000000 Common stock None N N Common stock N N N 1.01 1.58 13.31000000 15.88000000 false false true false false false false false true false false ADVISORY CONTRACTS 2 fp0082205-1a_g1biii.htm

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

This Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this 24th day of February 2022, by and between Paralel Advisors LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser"), and Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Fund").

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as a closed-end, management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement has received the requisite approval (as required under the 1940 Act) of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Fund and the majority of the Fund's stockholders, and the Adviser is willing to furnish certain investment advisory services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

 

1           Appointment of the Adviser. The Fund desires to employ its capital by investing and reinvesting in investments of the kind and in accordance with the limitations specified in its Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as may be amended from time to time (the "Articles"), and in accordance with the stated investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as from time to time are in effect pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information or the direction of the Board (the "Investment Policies"), and in the manner and to the extent as may from time to time be approved by the Board. The Fund desires to employ and hereby appoints the Adviser to act as investment adviser to the Fund with full discretion to invest and reinvest the Fund's assets in accordance with the Articles and the Investment Policies, subject to the Board's general supervision and direction. The Adviser accepts the appointment and agrees to furnish the services described herein for the compensation set forth below.

 

2.          Delivery of Fund Documents. The Fund has furnished the Adviser with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of each of the following:

 

a.Articles;

 

b.By-laws (the "By-Laws");

 

c.Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund selecting Paralel Advisors, LLC as Adviser to the Fund and approving the form of this Agreement; and

 

d.the Fund's most recently filed Registration Statement on Form N-2, including its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (the "Registration Statement").

 

The Fund will furnish the Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.

 

3.            Services provided by the Adviser. Subject to the general supervision and direction of the Board, the Adviser will: (a) manage the Fund's assets and continuously invest and reinvest the Fund's assets on a fully discretionary basis; (b) furnish a continual investment program for the Fund in accordance with the Fund's Investment Policies; (c) make investment decisions for the Fund; (d) provide the Fund with investment research and statistical data, advice and supervision, data processing and clerical services; (e) provide the Fund with access to certain office facilities, which may be the Adviser's own offices; (f) determine what securities shall be purchased for the Fund, and what securities shall be held or sold by the Fund; (g) determine what portion of the Fund's assets shall be held uninvested; (h) review asset allocations and investment policies with the Board every quarter; (i) advise and assist the officers of the Fund in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the decisions of the Board and its committees with respect to the foregoing matters and the conduct of the business of the Fund; and (i) otherwise manage the Fund's business affairs.

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In addition, the Adviser will furnish the Fund with whatever statistical information the Fund may reasonably request with respect to the securities or other assets that the Fund may hold or contemplate purchasing. Further, the Adviser will keep the Fund informed of developments materially affecting the Fund, and will, on its own initiative, furnish the Fund from time to time with whatever information the Adviser believes is appropriate for this purpose.

 

The Adviser may provide the services described above and noted elsewhere in this Agreement, either directly or by appointing suitable sub-advisers (each a "Sub-Adviser" and collectively, the "Sub- Advisers"). The Adviser's responsibilities under Section 7 (brokerage selection), Section 9 (books and records), Section 10(b) (valuation and significant events) and Section 11 (voting) with respect to a Sub- Adviser's Sub-Account (defined below) may be fulfilled by that Sub-Adviser, as determined appropriate by the Adviser, in consultation with the Fund. The appointment of Sub-Advisers shall be subject to approval by the Board and, to the extent required by the 1940 Act or any other law or regulation, approval of the shareholders of the Fund. Further, Sub-Advisers shall serve as such only pursuant to a written agreement that complies in all respects with, and has been approved in accordance with, applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. With respect to any and all Sub-Advisers, the Adviser will (a) advise the Board which Sub-Advisers the Adviser believes are best suited to serve as such with respect to the assets of the Fund to be allocated to separate sub- accounts ("Sub-Accounts") of such Sub-Adviser; (b) monitor and evaluate the investment performance of each Sub-Adviser's Sub-Account; (c) allocate and reallocate the portion of the Fund's assets to be managed by each Sub-Adviser in its Sub-Account; (d) recommend terminations or additions of Sub-Advisers when deemed appropriate by the Adviser; (e) coordinate and monitor the investment activities of the Sub-Advisers relative to the Sub-Accounts to ensure compliance with the Fund's Investment Policies and applicable laws, including the 1940 Act and Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; (f) implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the Sub-Advisers comply with the Fund's Investment Policies and with any other policies, restrictions, guidelines or limitations of the Fund or the Adviser relative to the Sub- Adviser's management of the Sub-Account; and (g) provide reports and information to the Fund regarding the Sub-Advisers and their performance as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Fund, Sub-Advisers will be compensated from the Adviser's fee hereunder and will not receive a separate fee from the Fund.

 

The Adviser is also responsible for making recommendations to the Board regarding, and monitoring (for purposes of 1940 Act compliance, general market conditions and otherwise), the Fund's use of bank borrowings (other than reverse repurchase agreements) or other similar term loans and the Fund's issuance of preferred shares (or other "senior securities" in the form of debt or stock pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act) if any (which may be completed through the employ of a suitable Sub-Adviser). Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, should a Sub-Adviser choose to utilize reverse repurchase agreement obligations, derivative instruments or other instruments or trading practices that, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff, may cause senior securities concerns, the Fund acknowledges that the monitoring of the use of such instruments or trading practices for compliance with the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, is the responsibility of the Sub-Adviser and not the Adviser.

 

The Adviser will also provide ongoing secondary market and shareholder support to the Fund by the provision of: a toll-free phone line with registered representatives; as determined appropriate by the Adviser, create presentations and other marketing material for the Fund; and create website architecture, design, layout and provide maintenance to such site.

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In all of its activities hereunder, the Adviser and its directors, officers and employees shall act in strict conformity with the Investment Policies, the Articles and By-laws, the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), and any and all other applicable laws, rules or regulations.

 

4.        Allocation of Charges and Expenses. The Adviser will make available, without expense to the Fund, the services of such of its officers, directors and employees as may be duly elected as officers or directors of the Fund, subject to the individual consent of such persons to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred in performing its services under this Agreement, including compensation of and office space for directors, officers and employees of the Adviser connected with management of the Fund and compensation of Sub-Advisers (except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Fund). The Adviser will not be required to pay any investment advisory related expenses of the Fund other than those specifically allocated to it in this paragraph. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Fund will be required to pay brokerage and other expenses of executing the Fund's portfolio transactions; taxes or governmental fees; interest charges and other costs of borrowing funds; litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business.

 

5.       Compensation of the Adviser. In consideration for the services to be performed under this Agreement, the Adviser shall receive from the Fund a management fee, calculated on a monthly basis at the annual rate of 0.90% of the Fund's first $2 billion in average Managed Assets during the month and 0.80% of the Fund's average Managed Assets over $2 billion. "Managed Assets" means the total assets of the Fund, including assets attributable to leverage, minus liabilities (other than debt representing leverage and any preferred stock that may be outstanding). For this purpose, asset values will be the same as those that the Fund uses to calculate its daily net asset value pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act. If the Adviser provides services to the Fund under this Agreement for a period of less than a full calendar month, the Advisory Fee will be proportionately reduced to reflect only the number of days during the month the Fund was under the Adviser's management. Compensation of Sub-Advisers shall be paid from the amounts paid to the Adviser hereunder, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Fund.

 

6.        Services to Other Accounts. The Fund understands that the Adviser acts as investment adviser to other managed accounts. Whenever the Fund and one or more other accounts advised by the Adviser are prepared to purchase or sell the same security or other assets, available purchase or sale opportunities will be allocated among the Adviser's advisory accounts in accordance with the written policies of the Adviser and in a manner believed by the Adviser to be fair and equitable to each entity under the specific circumstances and consistent with Adviser's fiduciary duties. The Fund recognizes that in some cases this procedure may affect adversely the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position purchased or sold by the Fund. In addition, the Fund understands that the persons employed by the Adviser to provide service to the Fund in connection with the performance of the Adviser's duties under this Agreement will not devote their full time to that service. Moreover, nothing contained in this Agreement will be deemed to limit or restrict the right of the Adviser or any "affiliated person" of the Adviser to engage in and devote time and attention to other businesses or to render services of whatever kind or nature to other persons or entities, including serving as investment adviser to, or employee, officer, director or trustee of, other investment companies.

 

7.        Brokerage and Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest. In connection with purchases or sales of securities and other assets for the account of the Fund, neither the Adviser nor any of its directors, trustees, officers, employees or other "affiliated person" (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission or other compensation with respect to such purchases or sales. The Adviser shall arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities or other assets for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Adviser. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, the Adviser will use its best efforts to seek for the Fund the most favorable execution and net price available and will consider all factors the Adviser deems relevant in making such decisions including, but not limited to, price (including any applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm involved and the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities.

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Subject to the foregoing, the Adviser may, on behalf of the Fund, pay brokerage commissions to a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Adviser in excess of the amount another broker would have charged for effecting the transaction, provided (i) the Adviser determines in good faith that the amount is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker in terms of the particular transaction or in terms of the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and the accounts as to which the Adviser exercises investment discretion, (ii) such payment is made in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any other applicable laws and regulations, and (iii) in the opinion of the Adviser, the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term. It is recognized that the services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Adviser in connection with the Adviser's services to other clients in addition to the Fund.

 

8.        Standard of Care; Limitation of Liability. The Adviser will exercise its best judgment in rendering the services described herein. The Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by the Adviser of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and amount set forth in Section 36(6)(3) of the 1940 Act).

 

9.        Books and Records. The Adviser will maintain all books and records required to be maintained pursuant to the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions made by it on behalf of the Fund including, without limitation, the books and records required by Rule 3la- 1 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser will also preserve all such books and records for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser further agrees that all books and records maintained hereunder shall be made available to the Fund at any time upon reasonable request, including facsimile, as soon as practicable. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Adviser, at its expense, shall promptly upon demand, return to the Fund any and all such records in a format reasonably requested by the Fund. The Adviser shall not be required to maintain books and records that are required to be maintained by the Fund's administrator (other than those that the Adviser is nevertheless required to maintain pursuant to applicable laws and regulations).

 

10.       Reports, Information and Valuation. (a) The Adviser will furnish to the Fund, from time to time and as the Fund may request, reports and other data or information on portfolio transactions and reports and other data or information on investments held in the portfolio or regarding the Sub-Advisers, all in such detail and in such frequency as may be reasonably requested from time to time. The Adviser will also provide the Fund, on a regular basis, with economic and investment analysis and reports or other investment services normally available to institutional or other clients of the Adviser. The Adviser will make available its officers and employees to discuss with the Board the investments of the Fund and the Sub-Advisers' performance, quarterly, or upon due notice, at a time requested by the Board. The Adviser further agrees that it will not change the Fund's investment strategies, as set forth in the Investment Policies, without the Fund's approval, or change portfolio managers or portfolio management team members, or other key personnel, without providing prompt notice to the Fund.

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(b) On an ongoing basis, the Adviser shall monitor market developments for significant events occurring after the close of the primary markets for particular portfolio investments that may materially affect their value, and shall promptly notify the Fund of any such event that comes to the Adviser's attention. In addition, the Adviser will respond promptly to a request from the Fund for information needed to assist the Fund in the valuation of any portfolio investment, and to provide to the Fund such information as is in the Adviser's possession regarding the same.

 

(c) The Adviser shall also cooperate with and promptly respond to the Fund's legal counsel, any counsel to the Fund's directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as that term is defined under the 1940 Act) and the Fund's independent public accounting firm including, but not limited to, requests for information or action related to the services described in Paragraphs 3, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 herein.

 

11.        Voting. The Adviser will, unless and until otherwise directed by the Fund, exercise all investor rights with respect to assets held by the Fund, including but not limited to voting proxies pursuant to its proxy voting policies and procedures. If requested by the Fund, the Adviser will report to the Fund regarding such voting in a format reasonably requested by the Fund. The Adviser represents that it has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the Adviser votes proxies in the best interest of the Fund in compliance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act. The Adviser shall promptly provide notice and copies of any material changes to its policies procedures or other guidelines for voting proxies to the Fund. Upon request, the Adviser shall provide the Fund with a complete and current copy of its policies, procedures and other guidelines or a description of the same for the purpose of disclosing such information as required by applicable law.

 

The Adviser will promptly inform and forward to the Fund any and all information received by Adviser relating to any class action or other litigation, any bankruptcy matters, or any other legal proceedings involving the Fund's portfolio investments.

 

12.        Compliance Matters. The Adviser shall promptly provide the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"), upon request, copies of its policies and procedures for compliance by the Adviser and the Fund with the Federal Securities Laws as defined in Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act and promptly provide the CCO with copies of any material changes to those policies and procedures. The Adviser shall cooperate with the CCO as to facilitate the CCO's performance of his/her responsibilities under Rule 38a-1 to. review, evaluate and report to the Board on the operation of the Adviser's compliance policies and procedures and shall promptly report to the CCO any "Material Compliance Matter" as defined by Rule 38a-1(e)(2). At least annually, the Adviser shall provide a certification to the CCO to the effect that the Adviser has in place and has implemented policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance by the Fund and the Adviser with the Federal Securities Laws.

 

13.        Representations and Certifications. The Fund makes the following representations to the Adviser:

 

(i)   the Fund is a Maryland corporation duly registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act;

 

(ii)   the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement are within the Fund's powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Board, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Fund for the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement;

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(iii) the execution, delive1y and performance by the Fund of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, the Declaration, or any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Fund; and

 

(iv) this Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Fund, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

The Adviser makes the following representations to the Fund:

 

(a)           The Adviser (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, (ii) is not prohibited by the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act or other law, regulation or order from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) has met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement is in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) has the full power and authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, and (v) will promptly notify the Fund of the occurrence of any pending or existing event or circumstance that would disqualify Adviser or its directors, officers or employees from serving as investment adviser, director or officer of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the 1940 Act or otherwise.

 

(b)           The Adviser will discharge its duties under this Agreement in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and any and all other applicable laws.

 

(c)           The execution, delive1y and performance by the Adviser of this Agreement are within the Adviser’s powers and have been duly authorized, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Adviser for the execution, delive1y and pe1fonnance by the Adviser of this Agreement.

 

(d)           The execution, delivery and performance by the Adviser of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) the Adviser’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or (iii) any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Adviser.

 

(e)           This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Adviser, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(f)           The Form ADV of the Adviser, to be provided to the Fund in connection with the execution of this Agreement, is a true and complete copy of the form as currently in effect.

 

(g)           The Adviser’s Code of Ethics, as provided to the Fund in connection with the approval of this Agreement, has been duly adopted by the Adviser and meets the requirements of Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act.

 

(h)           The Adviser agrees to maintain an appropriate level of errors and omissions or professional liability insurance coverage.

 

(i)            The Adviser has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation by the Adviser and its supervised persons of the Federal Securities Laws (as defined under the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act). 

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(j)            There is no material fact provided by the Adviser respecting or relating to the Adviser that is contained in the Registration Statement that is untrue or inaccurate in any material respect. The Adviser will notify the Fund promptly of any material fact that the Adviser previously provided respecting or relating to the Adviser that is contained in the Registration Statement that becomes untrue or inaccurate in any material respect.

 

All representations and warranties made pursuant to this section shall survive for the duration of this Agreement, and each party hereto, upon becoming aware that any of its representations and warranties are no longer true in a material respect, shall promptly notify the other party.

 

Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar year during that this Agreement is in effect, and as otherwise requested by the Fund, the Adviser shall certify to the Fund that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 17j-l under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act during the previous year and that there has been no material violation of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics or, if such a violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Upon the Fund’s written request, the Adviser shall permit the Fund to examine the reports required to be provided to the Adviser under Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1, and all other records relative to the Adviser’s Code of Ethics.

 

14.       Duration, Termination and Interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in force for an initial term of two years. The Agreement shall continue thereafter only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board and by a majority of the members of the Board who are not interested persons of the Adviser or the Fund, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The requirement that continuance of this Agreement be specifically approved at least annually shall be construed in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. This Agreement may, on sixty (60) days written notice to the Adviser, be terminated at any time without’ the payment of any penalty, by the Board, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement also may be terminated by the Adviser on no less than sixty (60) days written notice to the Fund.

 

This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Adviser agrees to provide the Fund with reasonable written notice of any event(s), transaction(s) or circumstance(s), that could result in an assignment of the Agreement. In interpreting the provisions of this Agreement, the definitions contained in Section 2(a) of the 1940 Act (particularly the definitions of “interested person”, “assignment” and “majority of the outstanding voting securities”), as from time to time amended or interpreted by the SEC or its staff, shall be applied, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the SEC by any rule, regulation or order. Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the 1940 Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the 1940 Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the 1940 Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

15.       Amendment of this Agreement. A provision of this Agreement may be amended, changed, waived, discharged or removed only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment, change, waiver, discharge or removal is sought. An amendment to this Agreement shall not be effective until approved by the Board, including a majority of the directors who are not interested persons of the Adviser or of the Fund, in accordance with the 1940 Act. To the extent legal counsel to the Fund concludes that shareholder approval of a particular amendment to this Agreement is required under the 1940 Act, such amendment will not be effective until the required shareholder approval has been obtained.

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 16.       Notice. Any notice, advice or report to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered or mailed (or, delivered by electronic mail, with such notice being deemed provided when receipt is acknowledged, which shall not be withheld by the receiving party):

 

To the Adviser at:

 

Paralel Advisors LLC

1700 Broadway, Suite 1230

Denver, Colorado 80290

Notice Email: legalnotice@paralel.com

 

To the Fund at:

 

Boulder Growth & Income Fund

2121 E. Crawford Place

Salina, Kansas 67401

Attn: Chairman

Email:

lee.legleiter@boulderfunds.net;

jlooney@boulderfunds.net

 

17.       Entire Agreement; Governing Law; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the patties, shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the patties hereto and shall be governed by Delaware law in a manner not in conflict with the provisions of the 1940 Act. To the extent that the laws of the State of Delaware conflict with applicable provision of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. There are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

 

18.       Confidentiality. Any information about a patty hereto that such party, supplies to the other patty to this Agreement, which is not otherwise in the public domain or previously known to the receiving patty, shall be regarded as confidential and held in the strictest confidence. Similarly, any information about a party hereto that is generated or recorded by the other patty hereto pursuant to this Agreement, which is not otherwise in the public domain, also shall be regarded as confidential and held in the strictest confidence (such information, together with the information referenced in the previous sentence, collectively, “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to: the books and records referenced in Section 9 hereof, and any other data, records or other information in any form regarding the securities or other assets held or to be acquired by the Fund, the transactions in securities or other assets effected or to be effected on behalf of the Fund, or financial information or any other information relating to a patty to this Agreement.

 

No party may use Confidential Information about the other patty, except solely: (i) for the legitimate business purposes of the Fund for which the Confidential Information was provided, generated or recorded; or (ii) as specifically agreed to in writing by the other party to which the Confidential Information pertains. No party may disclose to others Confidential Information about the other patty, except solely: (i) as may be required by applicable law or compelled by judicial or regulatory authority having competent jurisdiction over the patty; or (ii) as specifically agreed to in writing by the other party to which the Confidential Information pertains. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may disclose Confidential Information regarding the Adviser to a third party for the legitimate business purposes of the Fund for which the Confidential Information was provided, generated or recorded.

 

Further, no party may trade in any securities issued by another patty while in possession of material non- public information about that party or such securities. Lastly, the Adviser may not consult with any other investment advisers of the Fund about transactions in securities or other assets of the Fund, except for purposes of complying with and otherwise fulfilling the obligations under this Agreement, or complying with the 1940 Act or SEC rules or regulations applicable to the Fund.

8

 

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Adviser from lawfully giving other persons investment advice about, or lawfully trading on their behalf in, the shares issued by the Fund or securities or other assets held or to be acquired by the Fund.

 

19.       Use of Name. The Fund consents to the Adviser’s use of the Fund’s name and/or logo in Adviser marketing materials, materials indicating that the Fund is a client of the Adviser, or any other materials or filings reflecting the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund. The Fund may utilize the name of the Adviser, to indicate its engagement as the Fund’s investment adviser, as required for applicable rules and regulations, or as otherwise approved by the Adviser.

 

20.       Miscellaneous. Neither the holders of shares of the Fund nor the officers or directors of the Fund in their capacities as such shall be personally liable hereunder. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. The preceding sentence, and Sections 8, 9, 14 (regarding interpretation), 16, 17, 18 and 20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

[Signature Page Follows]

9

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.,

A Maryland corporation

 

By: /s/ Joel Looney  
Name: Joel Looney  
Title: President  

  

PARALEL ADVISORS LLC, 

A Delaware limited liability company

 

By: /s/ Jeremy May  
Name: Jeremy May  
Title: Chief Executive Officer  
GRAPHIC 3 fp0081981_01.jpg begin 644 fp0081981_01.jpg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fp0081981_g1aiii.htm

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of 

SRH Total Return Fund, Inc.

 

In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements of SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. (formerly known as Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.) (the “Fund”) as of and for the year ended November 30, 2022, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), we considered the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting, including controls over safeguarding securities, as a basis for designing our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements and to comply with the requirements of Form N-CEN, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

The management of the Fund is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. In fulfilling this responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of controls. A fund’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A fund’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the fund; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the fund are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the fund; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of a fund’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

A deficiency in internal control over financial reporting exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Fund’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Our consideration of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph and would not necessarily disclose all deficiencies in internal control that might be material weaknesses under standards established by the PCAOB. However, we noted no deficiencies in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting and its operation, including controls over safeguarding securities, that we consider to be a material weakness as defined above as of November 30, 2022.

 

This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and the Board of Directors of the Fund and the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD. 

Cleveland, Ohio 

January 25, 2023

 

ADVISORY CONTRACTS 5 fp0082205-1b_g1biii.htm

BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

This AGREEMENT, dated as of February 24, 2022, by and between Paralel Advisors LLC (the "Investment Adviser"), a Delaware limited liability company having its principal place of business at 1700 Broadway, Suite 1230, Denver, Colorado 80290, and Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC, an Alaska limited liability company (the "Sub-Adviser"), having its principal place of business at 2121 E. Crawford Place, Salina, KS 67401.

 

WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act");

 

WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of [DATE] with the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a closed-end, diversified management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Company Act");

 

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act;

 

WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser desires to retain Sub-Adviser to render portfolio management and other services to the Fund in the manner and on the terms hereinafter set forth;

 

WHEREAS, the Investment Adviser has the authority under the Investment Advisory Agreement, with the consent of the Fund, to select investment sub-advisers for the Fund; and

 

WHEREAS, the Sub-Adviser is willing to furnish such services to the Investment Adviser with respect to the Fund.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser agree as follows:

 

1.APPOINTMENT OF THE SUB-ADVISER

 

Investment Adviser hereby appoints Sub-Adviser to act as a sub-adviser to the Fund, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

2.ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT

 

Sub-Adviser hereby accepts appointment as a sub-adviser to the Fund and agrees to render the services herein set forth, for the compensation herein provided.

 

The Fund's assets will be maintained in the custody of a custodian (who shall be identified by Investment Adviser in writing). Sub-Adviser will not have custody of any securities, cash or other assets of the Fund and will not be liable for any loss resulting from any act or omission of the custodian other t han acts or omissions solely arising in reasonable reliance on instructions of Sub-Adviser. The custodian will be responsible for the custody, receipt and delivery of securities and other assets of the Fund, and, other than as specified herein, Sub-Adviser shall have no authority, responsibility or obligation with respect to the custody, receipt or delivery of securities or other assets of the Fund. Investment Adviser shall be responsible for all custodial arrangements, including the payment of all fees and charges to the custodian.

 

3.SERVICES TO BE RENDERED BY THE SUB-ADVISER

 

A.     As sub-adviser to the Fund, Sub-Adviser will provide overall portfolio management services to the Fund through the coordination of the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund and determination of the composition of the assets of the Fund.

 

 

The Sub-Adviser (and its directors, managers, officers and employees) shall perform all services under this Agreement on a discretionary basis, subject to the general direction, supervision and control of the Investment Adviser and the Fund's Board of Directors, and in strict conformity with: (i) the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act and any and all other applicable laws; (ii) the Fund's Articles of Amendment and Restatement and bylaws; (iii) any and all investment guidelines, instructions and directions provided by the Investment Adviser or the Fund; (iv) the Fund's compliance policies, procedures and guidelines; and (v) the investment objectives, policies and restrictions set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information contained in the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and the Investment Company Act, as currently in effect and as supplemented and/or amended from time to time (respectively, the "Prospectus", the "Statement of Additional Information", and the "Registration Statement"), as each may be modified from time to time (the documents described in (ii) through (v) above, the "Fund Documents"). Prior to the commencement of the Sub-Adviser's services hereunder, the Investment Adviser shall provide Sub-Adviser with current copies of the Fund Documents (or make aware of the electronic availability and website location of such Fund Documents). Investment Adviser undertakes to provide Sub-Adviser with copies or other written notice of any amendments, modifications or supplements to the Fund Documents, and Sub-Adviser will not need to comply until a copy or notice has been provided to Sub-Adviser. Fund Documents that are posted to the Fund’s website shall be deemed as notice to Sub-Adviser.

 

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, should Sub-Adviser choose to utilize reverse repurchase agreement obligations, derivative instruments or other instruments or trading practices that, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or its staff, may cause senior securities concerns, the Investment Adviser acknowledges that the monitoring of the use of such instruments or trading practices for compliance with the Investment Company Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, including as may be required for the Fund under Rule 18f-4 of the Investment Company Act is the responsibility of the Sub-Adviser and not the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser, and not the Sub-Adviser, is responsible for making recommendations to the Fund regarding and monitoring (for purposes of Investment Company Act compliance, general market conditions and otherwise) the Fund's use of bank borrowings (other than reverse repurchase agreements) or other similar term loans and the Fund's issuance of preferred shares (or other "senior securities" in the form of debt or stock pursuant to Section 18 of the Investment Company Act), if any.

 

The Sub-Adviser shall fully cooperate with the Fund's and the Investment Adviser's Chief Compliance Officers, the Fund's legal counsel, any counsel to the Fund's directors who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as that term is defined under the Investment Company Act) and the Fund's independent public accounting firm.

 

B.      All directions, orders or instructions for the purchase or sale of securities or instruments will be transmitted from the Sub-Adviser to the Investment Adviser for execution of such order using the brokers or other parties as selected by the Investment Adviser. The transmission of such orders from the Sub-Adviser to the Investment Adviser will be made using such security protocols and in the manner prescribed by the Investment Adviser. The Sub-Adviser retains all responsibility for such trades and for such recommendations or directions made.

 

C.     The Sub-Adviser will furnish to the Investment Adviser and the Fund, from time to time and as the Investment Adviser may request, reports and other data or information on portfolio transactions and reports and other data or information on the Fund's assets, all in such detail and in such frequency as may be reasonably requested from time to time. The Sub-Adviser will also provide the Investment Adviser and the Fund, upon the Investment Adviser's or the Fund's request, with economic and investment analysis and reports or other investment services normally available to institutional or other clients of the Sub- Adviser. The Sub-Adviser will make available its officers and employees to meet with the Investment Adviser and the Fund's Board of Directors to review the investments of the Fund, on a quarterly, or upon due notice, at a time requested by the Investment Adviser or the Fund's Board of Directors.

 

 

D.     Investment Adviser understands and agrees that Sub-Adviser performs investment management services for various clients and may take action with respect to any of its other clients which may differ from action taken or from the timing or nature of action taken by Sub-Adviser for the Fund. Sub-Adviser's authority hereunder shall not be impaired because of the fact that it may effect transactions with respect to securities for its own account or for the accounts of others which it manages which are identical or similar to securities to which it may direct transactions for the Fund at the same or similar times.

 

E.      The Sub-Adviser also will promptly furnish and make available to the Fund such information concerning the Sub-Adviser and its services hereunder as the Investment Adviser or the Fund may request in the preparation of the Fund's or the Investment Adviser's regulatory filings, reports and other documents or in the fulfillment of its other compliance obligations. The Sub-Adviser will review draft filings, reports and other documents provided to it, and provide comments/corrections to the same on a timely basis. In addition, the Sub-Adviser will provide on a timely basis such certifications or sub-certifications as the Investment Adviser or the Fund may reasonably request in order to support and facilitate certifications required to be provided by the Investment Adviser or the Fund (or their officers) from time to time.

 

F.       The Sub-Adviser shall promptly provide the Investment Adviser's and the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"), upon request, copies of its policies and procedures for compliance by the Sub-Adviser and the Fund with the Federal Securities Laws as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act and promptly provide the CCO with copies of any material changes to those policies and procedures. The Sub-Adviser shall fully cooperate with the CCO as to facilitate the CCO's performance of his/her responsibilities under Rule 38a-1 to review, evaluate and report to the Fund's Board of Directors on the operation of the Sub-Adviser's compliance policies and procedures and shall promptly report to the CCO any "Material Compliance Matter" as defined by Rule 38a-1(e)(2). At least annually, the Sub-Adviser shall provide a certification to the CCO to the effect that the Sub-Adviser has in place and has implemented policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance by the Fund and the Sub-Adviser with the Federal Securities Laws.

 

G.      The Sub-Adviser will maintain all books and records relating to investment decisions, trade orders and similar undertakings of the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement required to be maintained pursuant to the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to transactions made by it on behalf of the Fund including, without limitation, the books and records required by Rule 31a-l under the Investment Company Act, and shall timely furnish to the Adviser all information relating to the Sub-Adviser's services hereunder needed by the Adviser to keep such other books and records of the Fund required by Rule 31a-1 under the Investment Company Act. The Sub-Adviser will also preserve all such books and records for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the Investment Company Act. The Sub-Adviser further agrees that all books and records maintained hereunder shall be made available to the Investment Adviser and the Fund at any time upon request, including facsimile, without delay, during any business day. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser, at its expense, shall promptly upon demand, return to the Investment Adviser and/or the Fund any and all such records. The Sub-Adviser shall not be required to maintain books and records that are required to be maintained by the Fund's administrator other than as required of it by applicable laws and regulations. Sub-Adviser shall file with the SEC all forms pursuant to the 1934 Act with respect to its duties as are set forth herein.

 

H.     The Investment Adviser will exercise all investor rights with respect to the Fund's assets, including voting proxies in accordance with the Investment Adviser's then-current proxy voting policies and procedures. Investment Adviser will provide the Sub-Adviser with an opportunity to review the proxy votes prior to such vote being made, at which point the Sub-Adviser may direct the Investment Adviser to change the Fund's vote on any particular proxy matter relating to the Fund's portfolio securities, or otherwise provide advice or recommendations on such proxy votes as Investment Adviser might request from time to time. The Sub-Adviser represents that it has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that, to the extent Sub-Adviser is responsible for voting proxies, it votes such proxies in the best interest of its clients in compliance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act. The Sub-Adviser shall promptly provide notice and copies of any material changes to its policies procedures or other guidelines for voting proxies to the Fund and the Investment Adviser. Upon request, the Sub-Adviser shall provide the Investment Adviser and the Fund with a complete and current copy of its policies, procedures and other guidelines or a description of the same for the purpose of disclosing such information in the Fund's prospectus or as otherwise required by applicable law.

 

 

I.    The Sub-Adviser will promptly inform and forward to the Investment Adviser any and all information received by Sub-Adviser relating to any class action or other litigation, any bankruptcy matters, or any other legal proceedings involving the Fund's portfolio investments.

 

4.VALUATION

 

On an ongoing basis, the Sub-Adviser shall monitor market developments for significant events occurring after the close of the primary markets for Fund assets that may materially affect their value and shall promptly notify the Investment Adviser of any such event that comes to the Sub-Adviser's attention. In addition, the Sub-Adviser will respond promptly to any request from the Investment Adviser or the Fund for information needed to assist the Fund in the valuation of any Fund asset, and to provide to the Investment Adviser or the Fund such information as is in the Sub-Adviser's possession regarding the same.

 

5.COMPENSATION OF SUB-ADVISER

 

Investment Adviser will pay Sub-Adviser as compensation for providing services in accordance with this Agreement those fees as set forth in Appendix A hereto. Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser agree that all fees shall become due and owing to Sub-Adviser promptly after the termination of Sub-Adviser’s investment advisory services with respect to the Fund and that the amount of such fees shall be calculated by treating the termination date of this Agreement as the next fee computation date. In addition, Investment Adviser shall be responsible for all extraordinary expenses incurred by Sub-Adviser in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, including, but not limited to, expenses incurred with respect to proxy voting execution, advice and reporting. The Sub-Adviser acknowledges and agrees that the Fund has no responsibility or liability for paying any fees to Sub-Adviser (or reimbursing Sub-Adviser for any costs or expenses) under this Agreement, and that all fees owed to Sub-Adviser hereunder shall be payable by the Investment Adviser.

 

6.LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

A.       Except as may otherwise be provided by the Investment Company Act or any other federal securities law, neither Sub-Adviser nor any of its officers, affiliates, employees or consultants (its "Affiliates") shall be liable for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) incurred or suffered by Investment Adviser or the Fund as a result of any error of judgment or for any action or inaction of the Sub-Adviser or its Affiliates, except where arising from Sub-Adviser’s or its Affiliates’ willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence.

 

B.       Except as may otherwise be provided by the Investment Company Act or any other federal securities law, Sub-Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless Investment Adviser, its officers, employees, consultants, all affiliated persons thereof (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act) and all controlling persons (as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act) (collectively, "Adviser Indemnitees") against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other related expenses) to which any of the Adviser Indemnitees incur, at common law or otherwise, arising from Sub-Adviser’s willful misconduct, fraud, reckless disregard or gross negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty of the Sub-Adviser; provided however, Sub-Adviser shall not indemnify or hold harmless the Adviser Indemnitees for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other related expenses) due directly to (i) any breach by the Investment Adviser of an Adviser representation or warranty made herein, (ii) any willful misconduct, fraud, reckless disregard or gross negligence of, or breach of fiduciary duty by the Investment Adviser in the performance of any of its duties or obligations hereunder, or (ii) any action or inaction of Sub-Adviser where liability is excluded under Paragraph 6.A. herein.

 

 

C.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary contained herein, Sub-Adviser shall not be responsible or liable for its failure to perform under this Agreement or for any losses to Investment Adviser or the Fund resulting from any event beyond the reasonable control of Sub-Adviser or its agents, including but not limited to nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, seizure, or similar action by any governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, levies or other charges affecting the Fund's property; or the breakdown, failure or malfunction of any utilities or telecommunications systems; or any order or regulation of any banking or securities industry including changes in market rules and market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions; or acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or acts of God, or any other similar event. Sub-Adviser shall at all times while this Agreement is in effect have adopted and instituted commercially reasonable business continuity and disaster recovery policies and procedures.

 

7.REPRESENTATIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Investment Adviser represents, warrants and agrees that:

 

A.   Investment Adviser has been duly authorized by the Directors of the Fund to delegate to Sub-Adviser the provision of investment services to the Fund as contemplated hereby.

 

B.   Investment Adviser (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, (ii) is not prohibited by the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act or other law, regulation or order from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) has met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement is in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) has the full power and authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, and (v) will promptly notify the Sub-Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify Investment Adviser from serving as investment manager of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Investment Company Act or otherwise.

 

C.  Investment Adviser acknowledges receipt of Sub-Adviser's Form ADV.

 

D.   Investment Adviser shall provide (or cause the Fund's custodian to provide) timely information to Sub-Adviser regarding such matters as the composition of Fund assets, cash requirements and cash available for investment by the Fund, and all other information as may be reasonably necessary for Sub-Adviser to perform its duties hereunder.

 

E.   The Investment Adviser will discharge its duties under this Agreement in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and any and all other applicable laws.

 

F.   The execution, delivery and performance by the Investment Adviser of this Agreement are within the Investment Adviser's powers and have been duly authorized, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Investment Adviser for the execution, delivery and performance by the Investment Adviser of this Agreement.

 

G.   The execution, delivery and performance by the Investment Adviser of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) the Investment Adviser's certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or (iii) any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Investment Adviser.

 

H.   This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Investment Adviser, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

 

8.REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SUB-ADVISER

 

Sub-Adviser represents, warrants and agrees as follows:

 

A.   Sub-Adviser (i) is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and will continue to be so registered for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, (ii) is not prohibited by the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act or other law, regulation or order from performing the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) has met and will seek to continue to meet for so long as this Agreement remains in effect, any other applicable federal or state requirements, or the applicable requirements of any regulatory or industry self-regulatory agency necessary to be met in order to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) has the full power and authority to enter into and perform the services contemplated by this Agreement, and (v) will promptly notify the Investment Adviser of the occurrence of any event that would disqualify Sub-Adviser from serving as an investment adviser of an investment company pursuant to Section 9(a) of the Investment Company Act or otherwise.

 

B.   Sub-Adviser has duly adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and will provide Investment Adviser with a copy of such code of ethics, together with evidence of its adoption. Within forty-five days of the end of the last calendar quarter of each year that this Agreement is in effect, and as otherwise requested, the Sub-Adviser shall certify to the Investment Adviser that the Sub-Adviser has complied with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 during the previous year and that there has been no material violation of the Sub-Adviser's code of ethics or, if such a material violation has occurred, that appropriate action was taken in response to such violation. Upon the written request of the Investment Adviser, Sub-Adviser will furnish to Adviser, such records as may be reasonably required.by Rule 17j-1(c)(1) and Rule 204A-1(b) and all other records relevant to the Sub-Adviser's code of ethics.

 

C.   Sub-Adviser has adopted and implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation by the Sub-Adviser and its supervised persons of the Federal Securities Laws as defined under the Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act.

 

D.   Sub-Adviser agrees to maintain an appropriate level of errors and omissions or professional liability insurance coverage.

 

E.   The Form ADV of the Sub-Adviser, as provided to the Investment Adviser and the Fund in connection with the approval of this Agreement, is a true and complete copy of the form as currently in effect.

 

F.    There is no material fact respecting or relating to the Sub-Adviser that is contained in the Registration Statement that is untrue or inaccurate in any material respect. Sub-Adviser will notify the Investment Adviser and the Fund promptly of any material fact respecting or relating to Sub-Adviser that is not contained in the Registration Statement or of any statement contained therein respecting or relating to Sub-Adviser that becomes untrue or inaccurate in any material respect.

 

G.   There is no pending, or to the best of its knowledge, threatened or contemplated action, suit or proceeding before or by any court, governmental, administrative or self-regulatory body or arbitration panel to which Sub-Adviser or any of its "affiliated persons" is a party, or to which any of the assets of the Sub-Advises is subject, which reasonably might be expected to (i) result in any material adverse change in the Sub-Adviser's condition (financial or otherwise), business or prospects; (ii) affect adversely in any material respect any of the Sub-Adviser's assets; (iii) materially impair the Sub-Adviser's ability to discharge its obligations under this Agreement. The Sub-Adviser has not received any notice of an investigation by the SEC or any state regarding the Federal Securities Laws (as defined under the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act).

 

H.   The Sub-Adviser will discharge its duties under this Agreement in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the Advisers Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, and any and all other applicable laws.

 

 

I.   The execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement are within the Sub-Adviser's powers and have been duly authorized, and no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of the Sub-Adviser for the execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement.

 

J.   The execution, delivery and performance by the Sub-Adviser of this Agreement do not contravene or constitute a default under (i) any provision of applicable law, rule or regulation, (ii) the Sub-Adviser's certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or (iii) any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Sub-Adviser.

 

K.  This Agreement is a valid and binding agreement of the Sub-Adviser, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

9.NON-EXCLUSIVITY

 

The services of Sub-Adviser to the Investment Adviser and the Fund are not to be deemed to be exclusive, and Sub-Adviser shall be free to render investment advisory or other services to others and to engage in other activities. It is understood and agreed that the directors, managers, officers, and employees of Sub-Adviser are not prohibited from engaging in any other business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from serving as partners, officers, directors or employees of any other firm or corporation.

 

10.SUPPLEMENTAL ARRANGEMENTS

 

Subject to Sections 13 and 20 hereof, and the requirements of applicable law, Sub-Adviser may from time to time employ or associate itself with any person or firm it believes to be particularly suited to assist it in providing the services to be performed by the Sub-Adviser hereunder, provided that no such person shall perform any services with respect to the Fund that would constitute an assignment or require a written advisory agreement pursuant to the Investment Company Act. Any compensation payable to such persons shall be the sole responsibility of Sub-Adviser, and neither Investment Adviser nor the Fund shall have any obligations with respect thereto or otherwise arising under the Agreement. Sub-Adviser will make available information regarding any changes to the Fund’s portfolio managers as may be requested by the Fund and/or Investment Adviser prior to or, if not possible, immediately following such change.

 

11.DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two years from the date hereof, subject thereafter to being continued in force and effect from year to year if specifically approved each year by either (i) the Board of Directors of the Fund, or (ii) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. In addition to the foregoing, each renewal of this Agreement must be approved by the vote of a majority of the Fund's Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Prior to voting on the renewal of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Fund, and the Investment Adviser, may request and evaluate, and the Sub-Adviser shall furnish, such information as may reasonably be necessary to enable the Fund's Board of Directors and the Investment Adviser, to evaluate the terms of this Agreement.

 

This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by a vote of the majority of the Fund's Directors, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or the Investment Adviser, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to Sub-Adviser. In addition, this Agreement may be terminated by Sub-Adviser upon sixty (60) days written notice to the Investment Adviser. This Agreement will automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Investment Adviser and the Fund is assigned (as defined in the Investment Company Act) or terminates for any other reason. To the extent permitted by applicable law, this Agreement will also terminate upon written notice to the other party that the other party is in material breach of this Agreement, unless the other party in material breach of this Agreement cures such breach to the reasonable satisfaction of the party alleging the breach within thirty (30) days after written notice.

 

 

12.AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT

 

A provision of this Agreement may be amended, changed, waived, discharged or removed only by an instrument in writing signed by both parties. In addition, any material amendment to this Agreement is not effective unless it is made in accordance with the Investment Company Act and the rules or regulations thereunder (including consideration of any exemptive relief granted by the SEC, whether such approval are required by Section 15 of the Investment Company Act as interpreted by the SEC or its staff, or if the SEC has granted an exemption from such approval requirement otherwise), though the (i) vote of a majority of the Directors who are not interested persons cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and, if necessary, (ii) is specifically approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund.

 

13.ASSIGNMENT

 

This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its "assignment" (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act). The Sub-Adviser agrees to provide the Investment Adviser and the Fund with immediate written advance notice of any event(s), transaction(s) or circumstance(s), whether actual, proposed or expected, that could result in an "assignment" of the Agreement. The Sub-Adviser shall promptly reimburse the Fund for any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Fund, or its officers, directors or employees, in connection with any actual, proposed or expected "assignment" of the Agreement (even if a proposed or expected "assignment" ultimately does not take place).

 

14.ENTIRE AGREEMENT

 

This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 

15.HEADINGS

 

The headings in the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

 

16.NOTICES

 

All notices required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered or mailed to the address listed below of each applicable party (i) in person, (ii) by registered or certified mail, (iii) delivery service, providing the sender with notice of receipt, or to such other address as specified in a notice duly given to the other parties; or (iv) electronic mail. Notice shall be deemed given on the date received if sent in accordance with this paragraph. Notices delivered through electronic communications shall be deemed received upon the sender's receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the "return receipt requested" function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement).

 

  For: Paralel Advisors LLC
  1700 Broadway, Suite 1230
 

Denver, Colorado 80290

Attn: General Counsel

  Notice Email: legalnotice@paralel.com;
     
  For: Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC
 

2121 E. Crawford Place

Salina, Kansas 67401

  Notice Emails: jlooney@boulderfunds.net; lee.legleiter@boulderfunds.net

 

 

17.SEVERABILITY AND SURVIVAL

 

Should any portion of this Agreement for any reason be held to be void in law or in equity, the Agreement shall be construed, insofar as is possible, as if such portion had never been contained herein. Sections 5 (regarding payment of any fees, post-termination), 6 (as it may relate to liability or indemnification duties relating to actions taken pursuant to this Agreement), 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, except as context requires.

 

18.GOVERNING LAW; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES

 

The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. To the extent that the laws of the State of Delaware, or any of the provisions in this Agreement, conflict with applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the latter shall control. There are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, except for the Fund.

 

19.INTERPRETATION

 

Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the Investment Company Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the Investment Company Act and to interpretations thereof, if any, by the United States courts or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the SEC validly issued pursuant to the Investment Company Act. Specifically, the terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities," "interested persons," "assignment," and "affiliated persons," as used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the Investment Company Act. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the Investment Company Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the SEC, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.

 

20.CONFIDENTIALITY

 

Each party shall treat as confidential all Confidential Information of the other (as that term is defined below) and use such information only in furtherance of the purposes of this Agreement. Each party shall limit access to the Confidential Information to its affiliates, employees, consultants, auditors and regulators who reasonably require access to such Confidential Information, and otherwise maintain policies and procedures designed to prevent disclosure of the Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall include all non-public business and financial information, methods, plans, techniques, processes, documents and trade secrets of a party or of the Fund. Confidential Information also includes, but is not limited to: the records maintained pursuant to this Agreement, and any other data, records or other information in any form regarding the securities or other assets held or to be acquired by the Fund, or the transactions in securities or other assets effected or to be effected on behalf of the Fund. Confidential Information shall not include anything that (i) is or lawfully becomes in the public domain, other than as a result of a breach of an obligation hereunder, (ii) is furnished to the applicable party by a third party having a lawful right to do so, or (iii) was known to the applicable party at the time of the disclosure.

 

No party may use Confidential Information about the other party or the Fund, except solely: (i) for the legitimate business purposes for which the Confidential Information was provided, generated or recorded; or (ii) as specifically agreed to in writing by the other party (or the Fund) to which the Confidential Information pertains. No party may disclose to others Confidential Information about the other party or the Fund, except solely: (i) as may be required by applicable law or compelled by judicial or regulatory authority having competent jurisdiction over the party; or (ii) as specifically agreed to in writing by the other party (or the Fund) to which the Confidential Information pertains. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investment Adviser may disclose Confidential Information regarding the Sub-Adviser to a third party for the legitimate business purposes of the Investment Adviser or the Fund for which the Confidential Information was provided, generated or recorded. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Sub-Adviser may provide a copy of this Agreement and a copy of the Registration Statement, both of which are publicly available on the SEC's website, to counterparties and futures commission merchants, swap clearinghouses or swap execution facilities, as required as part of such entity's due diligence. Sub-Adviser may also provide a copy of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Investment Adviser, which is publicly available on the SEC's website, for purposes of confirming that there are no provisions therein that may limit the use of derivatives.

 

 

Further, no party may trade in any securities issued by another party while in possession of material non-public information about that party or such securities. Lastly, the Sub-Adviser may not consult with any other investment advisers of the Fund about transactions in securities or other assets of the Fund, except for purposes of complying with and otherwise fulfilling the obligations under this Agreement or complying with the Investment Company Act.

 

21.USE OF NAMES.

 

During the term of this Agreement: (a) the Investment Advisor shall have permission to use the Sub-Advisor's name in the marketing of the Fund, and agrees to furnish the Sub-Advisor all prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to shareholders prepared for distribution to shareholders of the Fund or the public, which refer to the Sub-Advisor in any way; and (2) the Sub-Advisor shall have permission to use the Advisor's name in general marketing of the Sub-Advisor's services and client lists.

 

22.COUNTERPARTS

 

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which, taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first mentioned above.

 

Paralel Advisors LLC   Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC  
       
By: /s/ Jeremy May   By: /s/ Joel Looney  
Name: Jeremy May   Name: Joel Looney

 
Title: Chief Executive Officer   Title; President  

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

TO

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Investment Adviser shall pay to Sub-Adviser, monthly, a fee calculated in accordance with the basis point schedule set forth below, based on the Fund's average monthly Managed Assets. “Managed Assets” is defined as total assets of the Fund, including assets attributable to leverage, minus liabilities (other than debt representing leverage and any preferred stock that may be outstanding).

 

To calculate the monthly fee, the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund are multiplied by the applicable basis point rate shown in the table below for the asset range. The resultant dollar amount is then multiplied by a fraction, the numerator which is the number of days in the month and the denominator, which is the number of days in the year, to generate the monthly fee. If the Fund is in operation for less than a full month, the fee will be adjusted on a pro rata basis based on the number of days the Fund is in operation during such month.

 

Basis Point Rate

0.77% (seventy-seven basis points) on the first $2 billion of Managed Assets
0.68% (sixty-eight basis points) on Managed Assets over $2 billion

 

Payment to the Sub-Adviser shall be due from the Investment Adviser within thirty (30) days of month end.